Nerdist’s Best TV Shows of 2024

As a devoted lover of all things fantastical and a self-proclaimed binge-watching connoisseur, I have to say that the year 2024 has truly outdone itself when it comes to television. The shows listed above have not only captivated my imagination but also resonated deeply with my own experiences.

2020s have been an eventful, turbulent decade for us all, and as 2024 draws to a close, we acknowledge that we’re merely at the midpoint of what seems like one extended episode in a surreal reality television series. Although life remains hectic, fortunately, TV has stepped up its game to keep us entertained in the most delightful ways possible.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (Streaming on AMC+)

This Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne Grimes (Danai Gurira) series was a long-awaited reward for fans of The Walking Dead, particularly those who admire the relationship between Rick and Michonne (Richonne). For years, viewers wondered about Rick’s fate, and The Ones Who Live took us on an emotionally charged adventure. It followed a man who had almost lost hope of being reunited with his family, and a strong-willed woman who was hell-bent on finding hers. Every detail in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live was spot-on, including the intense dialogue exchanges between Richonne, as well as their more intimate scenes.

In the heart of a post-apocalyptic world, I found myself forming an unbreakable bond with another survivor – we became inseparable, battling through adversity and finding love amidst chaos. Other series might attempt to replicate that magical connection and thrilling journey, but none can touch the electric chemistry and gripping adventure that Richonne offers. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best TV shows I’ve ever seen in 2024.

The Boys Season 4 (Streaming on Prime Video)

Once more, “The Boys” demonstrates why it stands among the top-tier and strikingly relevant TV shows currently airing. This Prime Video production consistently excels at swift plot development, rich character depiction, intricate world construction, a liberal use of strong language, and graphic scenes. The delving into Butcher and Homelander’s minds, the growth and dynamic additions to The Seven such as the cunning Sister Sage and “God Bless America” Firecracker, and the ongoing struggles of the Boys in this universe’s volatile and rapidly changing sociopolitical landscape make for an engaging spectacle. With just one season remaining and spin-offs on the horizon, “The Boys” is poised to carve its name into TV legend as one of the greatest series ever produced.

Interview With The Vampire Season 2 (Streaming on AMC+)

In a more casual and readable manner: The first season of “Interview with the Vampire” had its ups and downs for many Anne Rice fans, including some here at TopMob. However, season two significantly improved on the first, as it covered the latter half of Rice’s novel. By shifting the action from New Orleans to post-WWII Europe, year two focused on Louis’ (Jacob Anderson) complex relationship with the ancient vampire Armand (Assad Zaman), while his undead daughter Claudia (Delainey Hayles) attempted to escape their tumultuous bond. New characters like Santiago and Madeleine added fresh dramatic elements, and the Parisian Théâtre des Vampires offered plenty of juicy melodrama. Sam Reid’s Lestat, who was mostly a figment of Louis’ imagination throughout the season, still managed to bring his witty charisma in full force. We’re eagerly anticipating season three.

X-Men ’97 Season 1 (Streaming on Disney+)

As a diehard fan, I initially thought that X-Men ’97 would simply be a fun trip down memory lane to the days of the Spice Girls and dial-up modems. But boy, was I wrong! Not only did it deliver on the nostalgia, but it also exceeded my expectations in every possible way.

Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 (Streaming on Prime Video)

We’re thrilled that this Batman show made it to our screens, managing to avoid the fate of destruction that has plagued numerous WBD projects. With talents like Bruce Timm, Matt Reeves, and J.J. Abrams at the helm, it would have been foolish to dismiss it. Fortunately, it’s proving to be fantastic. Batman: Caped Crusader takes daring risks for a series rooted in an 85-year-old comic book. The narrative unfolds in an idyllic 1940s setting, with Batman donning his original costume. The villains are fresh spins on classic characters, with the Penguin and Harley Quinn stirring up equal parts controversy and acclaim. We can’t get enough of it and eagerly anticipate more seasons to unveil what this new Riddler will look like.

The Penguin (Streaming on Max)

Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” is an outstanding live-action portrayal of everything that Gotham City embodies, nearly flawless in its execution. Surprisingly, we didn’t anticipate anything more than a casual “it was alright” from the HBO spinoff “The Penguin”. However, we were pleasantly mistaken! Unlike the film, the series delves deeper into Oz Cobblepot’s past, emotions, and mercilessness, making him oddly endearing to viewers. Colin Farrell undeniably shines under layers of makeup prosthetics, but the show also offers an exceptional portrayal of Sofia Falcone, played by Cristin Milioti, who turns out to be a far more typical “Batman villain” than even the man in the title. It’s a close call, but for many at TopMob, particularly our Senior Editor Kyle Anderson, this ranks as their top choice.

Agatha All Along (Streaming on Disney+)

Who’s been causing all the chaos? Without a doubt, that isn’t Agatha All Along. The Disney+ spinoff featuring WandaVision’s bothersome neighbor has proven to be one of the finest shows in the Marvel Cinematic Universe yet. With an exceptional cast, witty scripting, a commitment to episodic storytelling that made each episode feel like a special event, and some truly remarkable production, this series about magical witches was as enchanting as they come. It even pulled off unexpected deaths and significant plot twists without any of them feeling forced or contrived. Agatha All Along excelled in every aspect, including creating an original song that was so good it could fit seamlessly into any genre. Whether The Witches’ Road refers to the actual location or the song, it was a place we yearned to explore whenever we got the chance.

Echo (Streaming on Disney+)

Absolutely, “Agatha All Along” turned out to be the unexpected Marvel TV sensation that captivated viewers this year. However, Marvel kicked off its 2024 TV lineup powerfully with “Echo,” a gripping series focusing on Maya Lopez, a character who is Deaf, has a prosthetic leg, was once a member of the Tracksuit Mafia, and harbors deep resentment. “Echo” delved into the nuances of her life history, encompassing her Choctaw heritage and the intricate dynamics of her relationship with Wilson Fisk. It also delivered the high-octane action one would anticipate from the MCU. Following her quest to uncover the full extent of her powers and forging connections with her ancestors and family was a deeply emotional journey.

House of the Dragon Season 2 (Streaming on Max)

House of the Dragon’s second season might not initially appear on the list of top TV series for 2024 due to George R.R. Martin’s reservations. However, despite mixed opinions about its sophomore episode, the series continues to captivate with elements that make Westeros so intriguing. The visual spectacle and quality found in this world are unmatched on television, and it remains as impressive as ever. Moreover, no other show boasts as many dragons, and these fire-breathing creatures left a significant impact throughout the year. One notable moment was an epic dragon battle high above the Seven Kingdoms that was truly spectacular. House of the Dragon‘s second season wasn’t flawless, but it kept viewers coming back for more each week.

Fallout Season 1 (Streaming on Prime Video)

Creating the Fallout series was a daunting task, involving a delicate balancing act between multiple, at times conflicting, tones. The game also had to accommodate player choices, incorporate real and fictional history, and delve into an intricate tapestry of lore. Moreover, the series faced the challenge of meeting the lofty expectations set by its dedicated fanbase. Few games could have handled such a demanding task, but Fallout not only met the challenge, it exceeded it, providing a truly satisfying experience.

From the corny but slightly sinister world of the vault dwellers to the hardened but hilarious domain of surface folk to the vicious but not totally devoid of feeling sphere of the Brotherhood of Steel, every note Fallout tried to strike, it hit perfectly. Its story felt tight, enhanced but not distracted by the many Easter eggs and intense world-building it aimed to deliver. The brilliant Ella Purnell is the perfect beating heart for Fallout. She truly captured Lucy’s good heart, rose-colored glasses, and slow, painful transformation into a person actually living in reality. Flanking Purnell, Aaron Moten and Walton Goggins also brought their A-game, creating a trio worth cheering for. In the end, regardless of which storyline an episode focused on, every episode of Fallout delivered something heartfelt, human, and resonant. And that, partners, is worth a big thumbs up from us.

Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 1 (Streaming on Netflix)

One way to rephrase the given text in a natural and easy-to-read manner could be: This year, another popular adaptation for us was Netflix’s live-action version of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Adapting animation into live-action can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to series like this one that are so fantastical. How does one maintain the essence of such a production and transition it into something more grounded in reality? It’s no easy task, and it doesn’t help that Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s animated series is widely regarded as one of the greatest ever made. What could any adaptation possibly bring to the table given its high acclaim?

Ultimately, what Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender series granted fans was simply more – more moments with cherished characters, more room for intricate storytelling, more chances to explore complex relationships, and more vitality to the show we deeply care about. It captured the essence of Avatar: The Last Airbender and its narrative of friendship, resilience, and affection. However, it delved even deeper into its themes of conflict, uprising, and repentance. Innovative concepts introduced in the series, like Zuko’s soldiers being those he saved at a high personal cost, are certain to resonate with fans for years to come. For us, the series not only did the extraordinary but also improved upon the already remarkable bond between Zuko and his Uncle Iroh. Occasionally, an adaptation is most effective when it isn’t simply set apart from its origin, but rather, gracefully expands it.

The Rings of Power Season 2 (Streaming on Prime Video)

In 2022, The Rings of Power was one of our top shows, and we eagerly anticipated its return in 2024. Although season two ventured into a more somber realm, there were still echoes of the original’s optimism, adding depth to an equally captivating viewing experience. Notably, this season stood out for some remarkable performances, particularly by Charlie Vickers as Sauron/Annatar and Charles Edwards as Celebrimbor. Their performances were so compelling that they truly elevated the series, making “award-worthy” a fitting description.

In an alternate narrative this year, the intricate dance between Galadriel, portrayed by Morfydd Clark, and Adar, now brought to life by Sam Hazeldine, captivated audiences as they grappled with their contrasts and resemblances in breathtaking sequences that could easily have expanded into eight additional episodes. The second season of The Rings of Power showcased an extraordinary, multi-episode battle, a siege brimming with compelling character moments that could match any cinematic spectacle on the silver screen. Among this year’s television offerings, The Rings of Power stood out as one of the finest and we eagerly anticipate season three.

Arcane Season 2 (Streaming on Netflix)

The first season of Arcane was an intricately animated version of the extremely popular video game, showcasing careful planning, emotional depth, and grand style. The narrative about sisters, star-crossed lovers, and people fighting against their impending doom in a city on the brink of civil war, struck a deep chord and broke all preconceived notions about the “video game curse.

Three years after its debut, “Arcane”‘s second season justifies the anticipation and boasts an impressive $250 million budget. In today’s scarcely rewarding landscape for storytellers, “Arcane” concludes its journey remarkably well with outstanding portrayals by Hailee Steinfeld (as Vi), Ella Purnell (as Jinx), and Katie Leung (as Caitlyn). Additionally, it features some of the most grandiose and visually stunning animated sequences of the year. This production serves as a prime example of what can be achieved when storytellers are granted the freedom, resources, and artistic liberty to transform a game about powerful combatants in a virtual arena into a deeply moving tale exploring economic inequality, intergenerational pain, and the destructive pursuit of vengeance at any cost.

2024-12-03 18:03