The 34 Best TV Shows of 2024, According to Glamour Editors
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Looking for the best TV shows of 2024? From jaw-dropping dramas like Baby Reindeer on Netflix to laugh-out-loud comedies (we loved The Franchise on Max), this year has brought a wide variety of content to the small screen.
In fact, two reality dating television shows—Love Island USA and The Golden Bachelorette—made our list of best shows for the year. Peacok's Love Island USA finally outperformed its British cousin, Love Island UK thanks to diverse and dynamic casting. Similarly, ABC's The Golden Bachelorette finally offered viewers a cast of men that we could actually fall in love with—just as Joan did. With the next season of Love Is Blind coming out early next year, we expect to see more reality television on next year's list, too.
Scripted and unscripted, there was so much drama, drama, drama coming out of Hollywood this year. A few highlights? The aforementioned Baby Reindeer, Industry, The Perfect Couple, and The Penguin were a few favorites that stood out.
So if you need something new to watch before award season begins, look no further. Below are the best TV shows of 2024, according to Glamour staff.
Ed Miller/Netflix1/34Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
When I say that Baby Reindeer is one of the best things I watched this year, it's more that it's the kind of show that will stick with me probably forever (similar to I May Destroy You and Fleabag).
It centers around a struggling comedian/bartender who develops a relationship with a woman who's stalking him. The show does not shy away from deep discomfort, and though it has its moments of dark humor, most of it is painful to watch, with raw, riveting performances from the lead actors (Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, and Nava Mau). At its heart, it's a story about the complexities of trauma. It's not a feel-good series, but the subjects it brought up I felt were important ones worth exploring. —Malia Griggs, commerce editor
2/34The Penguin (Max)
Even though I’m more of a reality TV person, The Penguin on Max was the perfect fall drama series. Based on the DC comics, it follows the story of Sofia Falcone (daughter of Gotham City crime lord, Carmine Falcone) and her release from Arkham Asylum along with the aftermath of her father's death.
Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone is riveting, and she goes through so many transformations. Of course, we dive into Oswald Cobb's backstory, a.k.a. The Penguin (played by Colin Farrell), but it's really Sofia's show. Think of it as The Sopranos meets Succession: This mafia family needs a new leader, and there's so much backstabbing and unexpected twists. —Jenifer Calle, senior commerce editor
SAEED ADYANI/NETFLIX3/34Nobody Wants This (Netflix)
Nobody Wants This was the most-watched show on Netflix this fall for a reason. Between former teen stars Adam Brody and Kristen Bell and a rom-com worthy plot (a rabbi falls in love with a TMI podcasting queen), this show is catnip for millennials. Also, did I mention Adam Brody? —Sam Reed, senior trending news & entertainment editor
LARA SOLANKI/NETFLIX4/34The Lincoln Lawyer (Netflix)
I cannot stop talking about this show! I watched season two in two days. The cast is fantastic and has great chemistry and the story really draws you in. I love that there’s one overarching case per season, with smaller cases in each episode as well. Not sure how I’ll survive the wait for season four. —Samantha Gasmer, associate fashion editor
Copyright 2024, FX. All Rights Reserved.5/34Shogun (FX)
Shogun is one of the cleverest and most masterful pieces of television I’ve watched in years. A reimagining of the 1975 historical fiction book of the same name by James Clavell, about the last days of 17th century feudal Japan, this series isn’t just visually stunning (The landscapes! The costumes!), it’s a love story, an epic battle for control of an empire, and a lesson in the dangers of trying to impose on or erode cultures.
There wasn’t a dud moment in any of the episodes, whether it was an intimate love scene or a violent battle. Anna Sawai, Cosmo Jarvis, and Hiroyuki Sanada stood out and deserve all the awards. I loved that this remake, unlike the 1980s original series, significantly expanded the perspectives from which the original story is told—to include the Japanese warriors and their families, alongside that of English navigator Blackthorne (played by Jarvis)—and so much for the better. I didn’t want the series to end. Thank goodness it’s coming back for season two! —Natasha Pearlman, executive editor
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Copyright 2024, FX. All Rights Reserved.6/34English Teacher (FX)
English Teacher was easily this year’s funniest and most heartwarming new comedy series. By zero-ing in on a public high school in Austin, Texas, the series dug into some of the most polarizing political topics in refreshingly nuanced, yet increasingly unserious ways. (Trixie Mattel’s turn as the football team’s drag coach was a particular highlight).
Through the lens of an out and not-always-proud gay millennial, creator and star Brian Jordan Alvarez forces his audience to empathize with every character—from our idealistic, somewhat narcissistic protagonist and his gun-toting, problematic colleagues to their chronically online students—while highlighting one key truth: No amount of progressive politics can save you from the universal experience of being annoying. —Emily Tannenbaum, contributing editor
monica lek7/34Fantasmas (Max)
Oh, Julio Torres, you freaky little genius. Every piece of Torres' oeuvre is overflowing with offbeat creativity that only an Aquarius could achieve, but Fantasmas might be his strongest work yet. Set in a hyper-corporate vision of NYC, the surrealist six-episode odyssey follows Julio as he tries to find his lost earring with the help of performance artist turned manager, Vanesja, and his robot assistant, Bibo.
The series is chock-full of iconic cameos, like Alexa Demie and Ziwe as sadistic insurance reps, Bowen Yang as a disgruntled North Pole elf, and Emma Stone as "real" housewife questioning her reality. — Anastasia Sanger, senior manager, creative development
Gilles Mingasson8/34The Golden Bachelorette (ABC)
Joan Vassos’ season of The Golden Bachelorette didn’t bring in the same stellar ratings as Gerry Turner’s inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor, and that’s a shame. (His quick wedding and subsequent split with Theresa, plus overall fatigue with the Bachelor franchise following Jenn Tran’s disastrous finale didn’t help.)
Joan’s season was just as fun, refreshing, and must-see as Gerry’s. If you want something that’s heart-warming and funny for the holidays, I can’t recommend The Golden Bachelorette enough. Plus, there’s Charles L.—he’s as good, pure, and amazing as they come. —Jessica Radloff, senior west coast editor
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SEACIA PAVAO/NETFLIX9/34The Perfect Couple (Netflix)
Full disclaimer, I watched The Perfect Couple for Ishaan Khatter. (I’m a huge fan of his work, and he doesn’t disappoint in this one.) The show, based on Elin Hilderbrand’s novel of the same name, centers around a high-society Nantucket wedding that takes a dark turn when the bride is found murdered. As secrets unravel, the guest list becomes a list of suspects, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
The cast is excellent, with Darby Camp shining as the mysterious bridesmaid, and the tension-filled atmosphere is beautifully complemented by the stunning Nantucket backdrop. If you’re into suspenseful dramas with a mix of romance and intrigue, this one’s definitely worth a binge. —Loneeja Talukdar, senior analyst, Glamour Americas
10/34Hacks (Max)
Hacks season three picks up where Deborah and Ava left off: Ava, a millennial writer and caricature of woke, and Deborah, a legendary comic with an impressive resume but some jokes aging better than others. Intertwined in a comedy mentorship, these two push, bug, and torture each other while continuously making each other laugh and grow. The show is as tender and heartwarming as it is whip-smart. Watch out for scene-stealing duo Paul W. Downs and Meghan Stalter. —Channing Smith, junior designer
Simon Ridgway11/34Industry (Max)
One of my biggest delights of the year has been telling everyone I know to drop everything and watch Industry, the sexy, soapy, incredibly stressful show filling the gap Succession left behind.
To reveal any of the plot would be ruining the fun; characters and plots zag where you expect them to zig, especially in the audacious third season. Selling your soul for a seat at the table has never looked better (or worse). – Jake Smith, commerce editor
Christopher Rafael/Netflix12/34The Gentlemen (Netflix)
Theo James as Eddie Halstead was the perfect casting for this TV show remake of the 2019 film, The Gentlemen. Both directed by Guy Ritchie, The Gentlemen—the TV series, in this instance—follows Halstead, an aristocrat who finds himself operating a marijuana empire in his family’s backyard. His partner in crime, Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) was the right addition of dark humor and strong feminism to make the audience fall in love with her. And of course, I can’t forget Eddie’s brother, Freddy Halstead (Daniel Ings), whose antics are the highlight in every scene that he’s in. The comedy in The Gentlemen tickles my funny bone in a way that is hard to find. – Monique Wilson, editorial assistant
13/34Chimp Crazy (Max)
Having grown up in Missouri, I was not surprised to learn it was the setting for a new docuseries from Tiger King genius Eric Goode. However, I was not prepared for all the emotions it would bring out of me. Heartbreak, laughter, surprise, anger, love, frustration—all feelings you might experience while watching the story of Tonia Haddix, a woman whose (often misguided) love for a chimpanzee leads her into a battle with PETA and the feds. —Anna Moeslein, deputy editor
Josh Stringer14/34Tell Me Lies (Hulu)
Tell Me Lies isn’t just a show—it’s a masterclass in the chaos we call "love" in our twenties. Disguised as a college-set psychological drama with a murder mystery and endless plot twists, it cuts deeper, exposing the intoxicating mess of toxic relationships: the gaslighting, the narcissism, the emotional damage we convince ourselves is love.
Set in the early 2000s but painfully relevant today, it holds a mirror to modern dating culture, where red flags are ignored, self-worth is bartered, and desire blurs into desperation. It’s unsettling, brutally accurate, and impossible to look away from—because somewhere in the discomfort, we see ourselves. Binge it before closing out 2024. –Ruhama Wolle, special projects editor
Courtesy of Netflix15/34The Empress (Netflix)
The second season of the Emmy award-winning historical drama follows Empress Elisabeth of Austria as she navigates motherhood and ruling an empire on the brink of collapse. The show is anchored by Devrim Lingnau's compelling lead performance as Elisabeth, a headstrong young woman whose bleeding-heart politics finds her at frequent odds with her husband, Franz Josef (Philip Froissant), and his mother, Archduchess Sophie (Melika Foroutan).
Star-crossed lovers by way of the crown, Elisabeth and Franz's deep love and friendship is tested by war and tragedy. Despite what history says, viewers can't help but root for the imperial couple, which is a true testament to Lingnau and Froissant's chemistry. Fans of period dramas like The Crown and Bridgerton will be immediately hooked. —Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor
Robert Viglasky16/34Rivals (Hulu)
If you spent more than ten minutes in my company this year, I 100 percent asked you, “Have you watched Rivals yet?” Stunningly sexy, it sizzles from the first scene. Based on the Jilly Cooper rompfest of a novel from the 80s, it has a soundtrack worthy of the era. A high-stakes rollercoaster, with compelling and sultry characters, it is all about power, ambition, and lust. Rivals was my TV obsession of 2024, and it should be yours too. —Samantha Barry, global editorial director
17/34Ren Faire (Max)
If you miss the over-the-top theatricality and drama of Tiger King, this three-part documentary miniseries is for you. The series follows George Coulam, the eccentric octogenarian founder of the country's largest renaissance festival, as he decides who will take the reins as he looks to retire. Not only is it beautifully filmed and edited, the story itself contains Game of Thrones levels of political intrigue. — A.S.
18/34Somebody Somewhere (Netflix)
Big-hearted and quietly radical, Somebody Somewhere is the kind of show that might have gotten one season and then lost to the churn of streaming. But by some miracle, it made it to three—and creator-star Bridget Everett used every minute of its last turn to prove the beauty and worth in life’s smallest moments. This is not a show of big reveals or melodrama; it’s an ode to friendship and found community. In 2024, that felt more important than ever. —J.S.
CBS screenshot19/34Young Sheldon (CBS)
After seven seasons, the hit CBS single-cam comedy signed off in May, and I still miss it. The two-part series finale was so perfect, who could blame me for wanting more of the brilliant ensemble of Annie Potts, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Raegan Revord, Montana Jordan, and Iain Armitage?
While it was unrealistic to expect the same Young Sheldon had it continued (George Sr. died, Sheldon went off to CalTech), at least we get to see these characters pop in on Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. And thanks to Netflix, new viewers are finally seeing just how smart and endearing YS is. —J.R.
20/34Smiling Friends (Adult Swim)
After a strong start with the first season, Smiling Friends returned in 2024 and solidified itself as the crown jewel of Adult Swim's current programming. From fan-made playable Gwimbly games to Allan's viral "What the f*ck?" TikTok audio, the series has become a verified cultural phenomenon (at least, in the sliver of internet that I live in).
The abrasive style of comedy might not be for everyone, but it's undeniably quotable and its ambitious use of mixed animation styles remains unmatched. –A.S.
MILES CRIST/NETFLIX21/34Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (Netflix)
Monsters gives a fresh, gripping take on the infamous Menendez brothers case. More than just a true-crime drama, it explores the complex layers of trauma, privilege, and family secrets that led to the brutal murders of their parents. While it doesn't shy away from the violence, the series focuses just as much on the emotional toll on Lyle and Erik, blurring the lines between victims and villains. With strong performances and a tense atmosphere, Monsters keeps you questioning the brothers' actions long after the final episode. –L.T.
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GIULIA PARMIGIANI/NETFLIX22/34Emily in Paris (Netflix)
Regardless of what Lucas Bravo has said about Gabriel, the new season of Emily in Paris—set in the French Alps, Rome, etc.—was quite possibly the most visually stunning and fun one yet. We got new love interests, heightened drama, jaw-dropping looks, and plenty of dreamlike vacation inspo.
Thank goodness the new season starts filming in the spring because life without new episodes of Emily in Paris is just not nearly as colorful and bold. —J.R.
Colin Hutton23/34The Franchise (Max)
Even one season in, I think it's fair to say The Franchise is a worthy successor to HBO's award-winning workplace comedies like Silicon Valley and Veep. Following the undervalued first assistant director on the set of a B-tier superhero movie, the satirical series will make you laugh, cringe, and wallow in existential dread. It's a biting criticism of what's become of superhero movies and the modern film industry at large. –A.S.
Chuck Zlotnick24/34Agatha All Along (Disney+)
I was always going to love this queer, campy musical series starring Katherine Han, Patti LuPone, and Aubrey Plaza, but I was unprepared for how much heart Marvel packed into their witchy romp. I really resonated with the way this coven of women fought to be there for each other despite the relatable pressure to compete against one another.
Just like WandaVision, this was a much-needed departure from the rest of Marvel’s male-driven, action-heavy repertoire, with Hahn delivering the same amount of fun—and even more vulnerability—that we loved in the Elizabeth Olsen-helmed series.– E.T.
Apple TV+25/34Land of Women (Apple TV+)
Once you get past the bland title, trust me when I say this Eva Longoria-led dramedy was one of the most refreshing new shows of the year, and my pick for show of the summer. This is Longoria's best role since Desperate Housewives, and she’s at her best when she gets to infuse comedy with drama, especially when she plays an exasperated, fish out of water like she does here.
Longoria takes on the role of Gala, a New Yorker living the high life until she discovers that her husband is wanted for some terrible business dealings and owes millions. Her on-screen daughter, Kate, played superbly by breakout talent Victoria Bazúa, only added to pathos of the series. Set in both New York and a gorgeous village in Spain, if you haven’t checked out this highly-entertaining series, do it now. And then send a message to Apple TV+ that a second season is needed. Pronto. — J.R.
Olly Courtney/Netflix26/34Supacell (Netflix)
There are so many special things about Supacell. Created by Rapman, a British rapper and producer, the show depicts the unique and underrepresented journey for people with sickle-cell disease. The show begins with a focus on Tosin (played by Michael Lasaki), who receives damaging news in the first episode. Throughout the next five episodes, the audience follows Tazer (Josh Tedeku); Sabrina (Nadine Mills); Rodney (Calvin Demba); and Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa) as they learn more about their abilities and the ultimate enemy.
I learned so much about the disease, specifically how it disproportionately effects Black communities—which was shown in the casting, as all of the main characters are Black Britians. –M.W.
27/34Say Nothing (FX)
I have been waiting for the screen adaptation of Say Nothing ever since Patrick Radden Keefe’s bestselling book hit the shelves in 2018. Based on what I think is the best book ever written about The Troubles in Northern Ireland, the series is a 2024 standout for prestige TV. With its masterful direction, sharp writing, brilliant performances and haunting cinematography, Say Nothing pulls you into its dark, complex world of Irish history in a way that’s as compelling as it is unforgettable.
It is a masterclass in female storytelling, highlighting the strength, resilience, and moral complexities of the women caught in the heart of The Troubles. A must-watch. —S.B.
Copyright 2024, FX. All Rights Reserved.28/34What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
For six seasons, What We Do in the Shadows has been the only series guaranteed to leave me laughing. I love this found family of quirky, self-absorbed vampires—which consists of traditional vamps Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja, energy vampire Colin Robinson, and Nandor's familiar/Van Helsing descendant/baby vamp Guillermo—and I'm sad that it ends this year. —A.M.
Vince Valitutti/PEACOCK29/34Apples Never Fall (Peacock)
Based on the New York Times bestseller by Liane Moriarty (Big Little Lies, 9 Perfect Strangers), Apples Never Fall gave us a great mystery, a stellar cast (Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Jake Lacy, Alison Brie), and tennis-core. While the ending might have gotten wrapped up a little too nicely, it’s the kind of binge-watch that will make you glad you went on the ride. I'm still wondering how the hell Alison Brie didn’t nab her first Emmy nomination as eldest daughter, Amy. –J.R.
Natalie Seery30/34Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)
I want to be an honoree Garvey sister. Love, loyalty, dark humor—sign me up…even if it comes with lethal tendencies. The Bad Sisters are back for season two, with the spectacular addition of Fiona Shaw to an already astounding cast that includes Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, and Sarah Greene. It’s rare a show can make you laugh out loud while keeping you at the edge of your seat. Bad Sisters is the dark comedy gift that keeps on giving, and the family reunion we all needed in 2024. —S.B.
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The Valley (Bravo)
I'll admit I was skeptical about The Valley, Bravo's Vanderpump Rules spin-off starring alums Brittany Cartwright, Kristen Doute, Jax Taylor, and their circle of new-parent friends. Every day, I experience the drama and chaos of balancing little kids, a marriage, a career, and every other spinning plate that comes with adulthood firsthand. Why would I want to watch that on screen during my precious—and extremely rare—free time?
But I'm happy to have been proven wrong. Where Vanderpump Rules had veered too far into self-parody, which eventually led to its recent demise, The Valley stayed refreshingly raw and honest. I can't wait for season two. —A.M.
- Peacock/Getty Images32/34
Love Island USA (Peacock)
For the past few years, Love Island UK has had a chokehold over reality dating television series for Gen-Z (including me). But this year, Love Island USA made a big splash. By leaning into diverse casting and focusing on true compatibility between contestants, this season was finally able to compete—and arguably even outshine—its UK counterpart.
In the months following the finale, the beloved contestants—especially the self-coined PPG (Powerpuff Girls) Leah Kateb, JaNa Craig, and Serena Page—have been stacking brand deals left and right along with their long-term partners, whom they met on the show (Miguel Harichi, Kenny Rodriguez, and Kordell Beckham, respectively). Yes, it’s nearly 40 episodes, but it’s all worth it! —M.W.
National Geographic for Disney/Rachael Kinley33/34Queens (National Geographic)
National Geographic’s most important and necessary series, Queens, told two very striking and profound stories: the one in front of the camera, which followed six powerful sisterhoods within the animal kingdom, and the one that happened behind the scenes, with the first-ever women-led production team for a natural history series. The seven-episode series was filmed over four years in 12 countries and earned Angela Bassett an Emmy for best narrator. Watch and you’ll see why. —J.R.
PEACOCK34/34Anatomy of Lies (Peacock)
Wow, what a ride. As soon as I finished this three-part docuseries, I texted everyone with taste that I know and told them to immediately add this to their queue. The series unravels the deeply complicated web of lies told by Grey's Anatomy writer Elisabeth Finch, whose many falsehoods including faking cancer, deceiving her fiancé in about every way possible, accusing her brother of heinous acts, and so much more. A former colleague at one point calls her “a trauma vampire,” a beyond accurate term that's stayed with me ever since. —A.M.
