The Best New TV Shows to Watch Right Now (2024 Guide)
Why 2024 is the Golden Year for New TV Shows
With streaming platforms continuing to develop at breakneck speed and traditional networks rising to the challenge with compelling content, 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for TV in recent memory. From high-concept sci-fi dramas to pulse-pounding thrillers and heartfelt comedies, this year’s slate of new TV shows offers something for every viewer.
Whether you’re a binge-watcher, a casual viewer, or someone looking to discover the next big streaming hit, our curated guide to the best new TV shows helps you navigate the ever-expanding TV landscape.
Top Streaming Platforms Bring Their A-Game
Netflix: Innovation and Star Power Combine
Netflix continues its reign as a streaming juggernaut in 2024, launching several highly anticipated originals.
- “The Night Agent: Season 2”: After a gripping first season based on the Matthew Quirk novel, the new installment dives deeper into government conspiracies, with new international stakes and returning character arcs that fans love.
- “Griselda”: Sofia Vergara wows audiences with her dramatic turn as Griselda Blanco, the notorious Colombian drug lord. This crime drama is a stylish, intense ride that’s earning rave reviews.
- “Three-Body Problem”: From the acclaimed creators of “Game of Thrones,” this adaptation of the bestselling sci-fi book by Liu Cixin is already being hailed as a genre-defining series.
Disney+: More Than Just Marvel and Star Wars
Disney+ keeps its momentum going, not just with superheroes and Jedi but also with compelling original dramas and reboots of classic franchises.
- “Echo”: Spinning off from the “Hawkeye” series, this Marvel series explores deeper cultural themes while delivering exceptional action sequences.
- “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”: The beloved YA saga gets a faithful and visually stunning adaptation, capturing both new fans and longtime readers alike.
Amazon Prime Video: Bold and Unconventional
Amazon doesn’t hold back this year, offering bold concepts and high-budget productions that aim to shake up traditional storytelling.
- “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”: Donald Glover and Maya Erskine reimagine the action-comedy classic, blending espionage with domestic satire in a way that feels fresh and relevant.
- “Fallout”: The massive gaming franchise leaps to the small screen with post-apocalyptic flair. Rich world-building and dark humor make it a standout in the genre.
Network Television’s Unexpected Comeback
NBC and CBS Reclaim Audience Attention
As streaming fatigue sets in for some viewers, major networks like NBC and CBS return to the forefront with creatively structured shows that blend classic formulas with modern twists.
- “Elsbeth” (CBS): From “The Good Wife” universe, “Elsbeth” follows an idiosyncratic detective who solves cases with quirky charm. The procedural format feels fresh again.
- “Extended Family” (NBC): A heartfelt comedy that tackles modern family life after divorce. The ensemble cast shines with lighthearted yet meaningful storytelling.
ABC Blends Humor and Social Commentary
ABC has long balanced comedy with social narratives, and 2024 builds on that tradition with shows that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- “High Potential”: Based on the French series “HPI,” a brilliant crime-solving single mom takes center stage in this dramedy that mixes humor, intellect, and heart.
HBO and Apple TV+: Prestige Drama Continues
HBO Max – The King of High-Brow TV
HBO Max delivers yet again with series that push narrative boundaries while attracting Hollywood talent at the top of their game.
- “The Regime”: Featuring Kate Winslet, this political satire explores the crumbling infrastructure of a fictional European country. It’s wickedly sharp and eerily timely.
- “The Sympathizer”: Directed by Park Chan-wook and starring Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles, this Vietnam War spy thriller is visually sumptuous and intellectually complex.
Apple TV+: Smart, Sleek, and Sophisticated
Apple TV+ cements its spot in TV excellence by focusing on quality over quantity. Each new series is a culturally rich and cinematic experience.
- “Masters of the Air”: From Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this follow-up to “Band of Brothers” tells the harrowing story of America’s WWII bomber pilots. Immersive and emotionally powerful.
- “Criminal Record”: A tense UK crime drama starring Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo. The show touches on systemic issues while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Genres Worth Watching in 2024
Sci-Fi Thrives
We’re witnessing a golden era of science fiction television. Shows like “Three-Body Problem,” “Fallout,” and “Constellation” dive into big philosophical themes while offering dazzling visuals, capturing both genre fans and general audiences.
Crime and Mystery Remain Immensely Popular
Detectives, secret agents, and courtroom dramas never go out of style. With series like “Elsbeth,” “Criminal Record,” and “The Sympathizer,” 2024 is a banquet for lovers of twisty plotlines and moral ambiguity.
Comedy Evolves With Heart
Modern comedies in 2024 often come with deeper emotional cores. Shows like “Extended Family” and “Shrinking” from last year set a tone that continues with new entries that blend laughs with life lessons.
How to Choose What to Watch
With so many shows competing for attention, curating your watchlist can be a challenge. Here are a few tips:
- Prioritize by genre: Stick with what you know you love, whether it’s crime drama, sci-fi, or comedy.
- Follow creators you trust: If you loved “Game of Thrones,” “Three-Body Problem” could be your next obsession.
- Sample pilots: Watch the first episode before committing. 2024’s storytelling is often quick to hook.
- Listen to the buzz: Social media can often clue you in to breakout hits.
Conclusion: A Year of Unmissable Television
The television landscape in 2024 is bursting with innovation, diverse voices, and gripping storytelling. From splashy big-budget productions to intimate character-driven dramas, new TV shows this year are redefining what it means to be a fan of television. Streamers, networks, and critics all agree—there’s never been a better time to tune in.
So grab your remote, make your watchlist, and dive into the golden age of television that 2024 is delivering right to your screen.
