Dalton Cooper’s Top 10 TV Shows of 2024

by

Summary

  • Arcane is a top TV show of 2024 with complex characters and action-packed sequences.
  • Ted, Solar Opposites, and Curb Your Enthusiasm are the best comedy recommendations.
  • The Penguin and X-Men ’97 are must-watch shows for comic book fans.

As a seasoned TV enthusiast with decades of binge-watching under my belt, I must say that the year 2024 has truly been a golden era for television! The array of shows on offer catered to every taste and preference, from heart-wrenching dramas to gut-busting comedies, and everything in between.

One show that particularly stood out to me was Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer.” Now, I’ve seen my fair share of tearjerkers, but this one had me reaching for the tissues more times than I care to admit! The emotional rollercoaster it took me on left me exhausted, yet deeply moved. It’s a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a good cry (and a bit of holiday cheer).

Another show that caught my attention was “The Penguin” on Max. Now, I’ve always had a soft spot for Batman and his colorful rogues gallery, so when I heard about this series, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. And boy, was I not disappointed! Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the titular Penguin was nothing short of phenomenal, and Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone gave us a performance that will go down in history. If you’re a fan of the Caped Crusader, you won’t want to miss this one!

Of course, no list of top shows would be complete without mentioning “The Circle” on Netflix. This reality show has become my guilty pleasure, and I must admit that I’ve wasted more hours than I care to count watching it. The drama, the intrigue, the backstabbing – it’s like a train wreck you just can’t look away from! If you’re in need of some mindless entertainment, “The Circle” is your ticket.

Now, let me tell you about a show that may have slipped under your radar: “X-Men ’97” on Disney+. As a child of the 90s, I grew up with the original X-Men animated series, and “X-Men ’97” has managed to capture the magic of that show while bringing it into the modern era. The action is thrilling, the characters are complex, and the dialogue is sharp and witty – it’s a must-watch for any comic book fan!

Lastly, I cannot end this list without mentioning “Arcane” on Netflix. This animated masterpiece has quickly become one of my all-time favorite shows. The animation is stunning, the characters are complex and relatable, and the storytelling is top-notch. If you haven’t yet given it a try, I highly recommend you do – just be prepared to be hooked!

And now, for a little humor to lighten the mood: They say that laughter is the best medicine, but if that were true, I would have been cured long ago with all the hours I’ve spent binge-watching these shows!

Most of my spare time is occupied by video gaming, yet I also devote a significant amount to television viewing. Last year in 2024 alone, I managed to watch an impressive 86 seasons worth! Some shows didn’t live up to expectations, but many truly shone as exceptional examples of the medium. Whether they were aired on conventional TV or cable, or streamed online, they left a lasting impression on me.

Here are the top ten TV series that I most enjoyed in 2024. I didn’t include shows that haven’t completed a full season, such as the entertaining Creature Commandos, which is currently airing on Max, but they may make it to next year’s list if they finish their season.

My 10 Favorite TV Shows of 2024

10. Baby Reindeer (Mini-Series)

9. The Circle (Seasons 6 & 7)

8. Ted (Season 1)

7. Solar Opposites (Season 5)

6. The Penguin (Season 1)

5. X-Men ’97 (Season 1)

4. Shogun (Season 1)

3. Fallout (Season 1)

2. Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 12)

1. Arcane (Season 2)

If you’re seeking a fresh comedy series to indulge in, let me suggest three outstanding options: “Ted”, “Solar Opposites”, and “Curb Your Enthusiasm”. I was genuinely surprised by how much I appreciated “Ted”, despite my mixed feelings about Seth MacFarlane. It ranks among the funniest shows I watched throughout the year, and it’s a go-to for me when I need a chuckle. In terms of adult animated sitcoms, “Solar Opposites” is, in my opinion, second only to “American Dad”. As for “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, there simply isn’t anything comparable. The latest season offered more than its fair share of side-splitting laughter and jaw-dropping moments, all thanks to the unmatched genius of Larry David. I must also commend “Only Murders in the Building” for its continued entertainment value, although it didn’t quite crack my top 10 list this time around.

As someone who has spent countless hours indulging in various reality TV shows over the years, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about the inclusion of Netflix’s show, “The Circle,” in my binge-watching rotation. However, after giving it a chance, I found myself utterly captivated by its unique premise and addictive gameplay.

Now, I’m not one to easily fall for reality TV’s usual antics, but the sheer fun factor that “The Circle” brings to the table is something I haven’t experienced in a long time. The show is brimming with shocking moments and nail-biting cliffhangers that kept me glued to my screen, making it one of my all-time favorite shows to binge-watch.

In 2024, the fans of “The Circle” were blessed with not just one but two seasons following a year-long hiatus, and I have to say that Season 7 might just be the best yet. With its innovative social experiment and engaging cast, it’s no wonder that this show has managed to reel me in hook, line, and sinker. If you haven’t given “The Circle” a chance yet, I highly recommend giving it a try – you won’t regret it!

For those seeking a more substantial viewing experience, I highly recommend giving a try to the emotionally draining “Baby Reindeer” on Netflix, the comic book crime drama “The Penguin” on Max, or Hulu’s outstanding “Shogun”. Similar to my initial thoughts about “Ted”, I didn’t anticipate enjoying “The Penguin” as much as I did, but it surpassed all expectations. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of the main character, the Penguin, has rightfully earned him numerous nominations, but Cristin Milioti’s performance as Sofia Falcone is one of the year’s standout acts as well. “The Penguin” will leave you yearning for more of the Matt Reeves “Batman” universe, making the delay of “The Batman 2” to 2027 all the more agonizing.

As a longtime comic book enthusiast and fan of animated series, I wholeheartedly recommend “X-Men ’97” to anyone looking for a new show to watch after finishing “The Penguin.” Growing up in the 90s, I fondly remember watching the original “X-Men” animated series and was eager to see how the revamped version would compare. To my delight, “X-Men ’97” not only met but surpassed the high standards set by its predecessor, offering an exhilarating debut season filled with tension, suspense, and unforgettable moments.

However, a few episodes fell short of the mark for me, which prevents it from being my absolute favorite. Nonetheless, I can confidently say that some of the best television episodes this year can be found in “X-Men ’97.” If you’re a fan of action-packed storytelling, engaging characters, and comic book adaptations done right, don’t miss out on this fantastic reboot.

Among these ten series, each has its unique charm, but if I were to single out just one for recommendation, it would be none other than Netflix’s “Arcane.” This animation gem stands out as a captivating spectacle, boasting intricate characters, dialogue that sparkles with brilliance, and pulse-pounding action sequences. What sets “Arcane” apart is the exceptional acting talent on display, making it not only one of the top shows in 2024, but also a personal favorite among all time TV series for me.

2025 promises to be another sensational year for television viewing, with exciting developments in store. The second season of “The Last of Us” is imminent, the final episodes of “Stranger Things” are on the horizon, and Vince Gilligan’s new series on Apple TV+ is anticipated to make its debut. It remains to be seen if the upcoming shows can surpass the stellar offerings of 2024, but I’m eagerly looking forward to witnessing the outcome.

Read More

2024-12-30 23:27