Introduction:
The year 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting one for television enthusiasts, with a range of captivating new series across various genres. From high-stakes espionage thrillers to heartwarming comedies, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re into action-packed dramas or character-driven stories, the TV landscape is brimming with fresh, must-watch content. As always, staying updated on the best shows can be tricky, but platforms like Alara Entertainment offer an excellent guide to what’s worth your time. In this article, we’ve rounded up the Top 10 Must-Watch TV Series of 2024, showcasing the most exciting releases this year.
The 10 Must-Watch TV Series of 2024
From thrilling action series featuring Keira Knightley to Ted Danson’s latest comedic masterpiece and a gripping Japanese period drama, here are the best TV series of 2024 you should be streaming now.
1. Industry
Season three of Industry raised the stakes in the cutthroat world of high finance. Tackling critical issues like sexual harassment and climate change, the morally complex characters faced new challenges that pushed them to their breaking points.
Marisa Abela and Harry Lawtey delivered remarkable performances as Yasmin and Robert. Yasmin grappled with guilt over her father’s passing, leaving her to confront her privileged but fractured life. Meanwhile, Robert’s struggles deepened, as he drifted further into failure at Pierpoint, their shared investment bank.
A standout addition to the cast was Kit Harington, playing a cunning aristocrat and founder of a green startup. His character stirred up drama, unsettling both Yasmin and Robert.
The season’s climax brought shocking twists (spoiler alert!), including the collapse of Pierpoint and fractured relationships among the key players. While it felt like a fitting series finale, fans can rejoice knowing a new season is in development. This bold reset demonstrates the show’s fearless approach to storytelling, proving why Industry remains a powerhouse in TV entertainment.
Where to Watch:
Available on Max in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
2. A Man on the Inside
Among the standout TV series of 2024, A Man on the Inside offers a unique blend of humor, heart, and profound exploration of aging. Created by Michael Schur (The Good Place), this gentle yet deeply impactful sitcom reunites Schur with the ever-charismatic Ted Danson.
Danson stars as a retired architect grappling with the loss of his wife and a life that seems to lack purpose. However, everything changes when he’s recruited by a private investigator to infiltrate a retirement home as a mole to investigate a jewelry theft. What unfolds is a story that masterfully balances light-hearted comedy with poignant moments, shedding light on the realities of aging.
Michael Schur’s genius lies in seamlessly weaving the sweetness of a sitcom with an honest portrayal of the struggles faced in old age loneliness, memory loss, and the pain of losing loved ones. Despite these heavier themes, the show avoids bleakness. Instead, it brims with vitality, thanks to the dynamic residents of the retirement home.
Veteran actors Sally Struthers, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and John Getz deliver lively performances, reminding viewers that stories centered on senior talent can be just as engaging as youth-driven narratives. In a media landscape obsessed with youth, A Man on the Inside proves there’s a genuine demand for showcasing the lives and experiences of older generations.
Where to Watch:
Available internationally on Netflix.
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3. Black Doves
When it comes to spy dramas, few rival the sophistication and intensity of Black Doves. This action-packed thriller features captivating performances by Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, whose chemistry elevates an already gripping story.
The plot centers around Helen (Knightley), the wife of the British Minister of Defence, who has spent a decade secretly spying on her husband for a mercenary group known as the Black Doves. The stakes soar when Helen’s lover is murdered, prompting her former colleague Sam (Whishaw) to step in as her protector. While the storyline takes some liberties with realism, it remains utterly engrossing, blending espionage with deeply personal struggles.
The series dives into the haunting pasts of its characters, forging a heartfelt bond between Helen and Sam while keeping the audience on edge with relentless intrigue. Around every corner lies danger, as assassins lurk and loyalties are tested. Sarah Lancashire brings a chilling menace to the role of their ruthless Black Doves handler, adding layers of tension and complexity.
Despite Helen and Sam’s morally questionable allegiance to the highest bidder, the show manages to make their struggles deeply human. Sam’s fractured relationship with his ex-partner Michael offers a poignant contrast to the high-stakes espionage, emphasizing themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
True to the spirit of classic spy tales, Black Doves goes beyond suspense. It explores love, loyalty, the price of deception, and the intricate web of global politics.
Where to Watch:
Available globally on Netflix.
4. Colin from Accounts
For the second year running, the Australian rom-com Colin from Accounts has secured its spot among the year’s standout TV series. If anything, it has only improved, transitioning seamlessly from the “will they, won’t they?” tension of the first season to exploring the complexities of Ashley and Gordon’s now-established relationship.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Sydney, this show finds its charm in its relatable, heartfelt examination of modern relationships. From awkward run-ins with in-laws to navigating insecurities and feelings of rejection, every scenario feels authentic yet subtly exaggerated for comedic impact.
The series owes much of its magic to Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall, a real-life couple whose chemistry lends both warmth and realism to Ashley and Gordon. Surrounding them is a stellar supporting cast, including Helen Thomson as Ashley’s hilariously self-absorbed, anti-#MeToo activist mother and Genevieve Hegney as Gordon’s business partner, grappling with a mid-life crisis.
And, of course, there’s Colin, the titular border terrier on wheels. Portrayed by Zak and Buster Feddersen, Colin acts as the show’s silent yet perceptive observer, bringing an extra layer of charm to an already delightful series.
Where to Watch:
Available on Peacock in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
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5. Say Nothing
Say Nothing, inspired by Patrick Radden Keefe’s groundbreaking 2018 book, is a bold and unflinching drama that ventures into the turbulent world of 1970s Northern Ireland. The show delivers a fictionalized yet gripping portrayal of high-ranking IRA members as they grapple with their choices, justifying acts of terror and violence as tools for political change.
At the heart of the series is the complex story of Dolours Price. Alongside her sister Marian, Dolours was convicted for her role in a London car bombing, a pivotal moment woven into the show’s narrative. However, the series doesn’t shy away from controversy. It depicts Dolours’ involvement in the abduction and murder of Jean McConville, a mother of ten, which Marian Price vehemently denies—leading her to announce legal action against Disney+.
The performances are exceptional. Lola Petticrew vividly captures the fervor and idealism of a young Dolours, while Maxine Peake shines as the older, reflective Dolours, wrestling with regret and questioning the impact of her actions. The result is a tense, thought-provoking drama that explores personal and political turmoil with remarkable depth.
Where to Watch:
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
6. Slow Horses
Apple TV+ may invest heavily in star-studded productions, but it’s Slow Horses, the understated British espionage comedy-drama, that truly showcases the platform’s strength. Based on Mick Herron’s acclaimed novels, the series follows a ragtag group of MI5 misfits banished to Slough House, where their careers seem destined for mediocrity—until danger comes knocking.
Now in its fourth season, the show continues to masterfully blend dry British wit with heart-pounding action. The ensemble cast remains its greatest asset, led by Gary Oldman as the scruffy yet brilliant Jackson Lamb and Jack Lowden as the determined River Cartwright. This season also introduces standout newcomers like Ruth Bradley as the no-nonsense MI5 security agent Emma Flyte and Hugo Weaving, who delivers a chilling performance as the menacing Frank Harkness.
Slow Horses excels as an ensemble piece, with every character adding depth to the story. In a landscape where many shows struggle to secure longevity, this series defies the odds, already renewed for fifth and sixth seasons. Its underdog charm and razor-sharp storytelling continue to win over audiences and cement its place as a standout in the streaming world.
Where to Watch:
Available on Apple TV+ internationally.
For fans of intelligent espionage with a side of dark humor, Slow Horses is the ultimate binge-worthy series of 2024.
7. Top TV Series of 2024: Rivals
Surprising even its own skeptics, Rivals has emerged as one of the most entertaining series of the year. Based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, this adaptation delivers a dazzling dose of 1980s glamour, intrigue, and excess, set in the fictional Rutshire countryside. While it’s neither groundbreaking nor artistically ambitious, the show shines as a delicious escape from reality.
The strength of Rivals lies in its unabashed embrace of over-the-top characters and drama. David Tennant steals the show as a sleazy television network owner, Aidan Turner embodies the disillusioned star presenter, and Alex Hassell perfectly channels a Thatcher-era Sports Minister with a penchant for nude tennis and amorous escapades. The narrative brims with juicy secrets, clandestine affairs, shifting loyalties, and a healthy dose of scandal—all set against a backdrop of opulent country estates.
Jilly Cooper once said her goal with the novel was “to cheer people up,” and this TV adaptation couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. With its unapologetic indulgence in drama and decadence, the series provides pure, unfiltered escapism.
Where to Watch:
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
For viewers seeking a whirlwind of fun and frivolity, Rivals is the perfect guilty pleasure of 2024.
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8. The Day of the Jackal
This modern reimagining of Frederick Forsyth’s iconic 1971 novel The Day of the Jackal is a sleek, thrilling 10-part series that delivers blockbuster-quality drama. With Eddie Redmayne leading the charge as the enigmatic hitman, this adaptation blends high-octane action with gripping character depth, making it a standout show of the year.
Redmayne captivates as The Jackal, showcasing his ability to shift seamlessly from a seemingly tender family man to a ruthless assassin. His character’s cryptic nature is matched by the compelling performance of Lashana Lynch as Bianca, the relentless agent pursuing him. Bianca’s morally ambiguous decisions add layers of intrigue, making her a character as flawed and fascinating as The Jackal himself more morally complex than even James Bond at his darkest.
Ronan Bennett, known for Top Boy, injects a Bond esque flair into the series. From jazzy opening credits to impeccably filmed action sequences like a pulse pounding Munich car chase, the production radiates cinematic quality. Beyond the adrenaline, however, the show also excels in its quieter moments, particularly through Spanish actress Úrsula Corberó, who delivers a nuanced performance as The Jackal’s conflicted wife, navigating the cracks in their deceptive domestic life.
Where to Watch:
Available on Peacock in the US and NOW in the UK.
A perfect blend of action, espionage, and personal drama, The Day of the Jackal sets a new standard for spy thrillers in 2024.
9. The Diplomat
In its second season, this cleverly crafted series continued to excel in merging political drama with personal conflicts, throwing in clever plot twists that kept the audience on edge. Keri Russell’s portrayal of Kate Wyler, the US Ambassador to the UK, is as sharp as ever, making her seem like the most intelligent person in any room. However, the season unveils her miscalculations like underestimating the true scale of a bombing on a British warship, overestimating her own ambition, and misjudging her relationship with her husband, Hal (Rufus Sewell).
The political intrigue is subtle but intense, as Kate uncovers the involvement of US and UK players in the bombing. One of the series’ highlights are the tense exchanges between Kate and Hal as they discuss her potential rise to Vice President, a position offered by the White House. Allison Janney plays the current Vice President, Grace Penn, with a cold, unyielding demeanor, delivering some of the most powerful scenes in the show. A stunning plot twist sets the stage for season three, with the evolving political backdrop promising more surprises.
Available on Netflix internationally
10. Feud: Capote vs The Swans
Ryan Murphy’s TV empire, once a dominant force in the industry, has seen a decline in artistic quality recently, producing increasingly sensational and superficial shows such as the latest addition to his “Monsters” series, which focuses on the Menendez brothers.
However, earlier this year, Murphy proved he could still craft insightful, thought-provoking drama with Feud: Capote vs The Swans. The show delves into Truman Capote’s controversial relationships with his high-society female friends. The narrative centers on Capote’s fall from grace in the 1970s, triggered by the publication of an excerpt from his unfinished novel Unanswered Prayers, which contained scandalous, thinly veiled portrayals of his closest confidantes.
Tom Hollander delivers a tour de force performance as Capote, brilliantly embodying his voice, mannerisms, and the blend of sharp superiority with childlike vulnerability. The “Swans,” Capote’s glamorous friends, are equally captivating, portrayed by Naomi Watts, Chloe Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, and Diane Lane, each bringing a unique, often haughty, dimension to their roles. The series explores the decline of an “old money” world and finds emotional depth in its portrayal of morally flawed characters. This nuanced, novelistic drama captures both the glamour and the inevitable decay of its characters’ lives.
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK
Conclusion:
2024 promises to be a landmark year for TV, with a slate of series that offer diverse storytelling, unforgettable performances, and gripping narratives. From pulse-pounding thrillers to touching dramas, there’s no shortage of exciting content. For those looking to stay in the loop and discover the latest must-watch shows, Alara Entertainment is the place to visit for the best recommendations. So grab your popcorn, get comfy, and prepare for some binge-worthy TV experiences this year.
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