My 13 Favourite TV Shows of 2024
- By Bilal Hafeez
With the holiday period almost upon us, I thought I’d share my favourite TV shows. I’m sure you’ll find something you haven’t seen. And send me your recommendations too!
- Industry (HBO Max/Now TV)
Probably the best show on TV and a worthy binge after Succession ended. It’s based in the world of finance and packs amazing punch in each episode. So much of it is true to life. I would highly recommend. I liked it so much I’ve had the writers on my podcast show.
- Shogun (Hulu/FX/Disney+)
Cinematic and stunning masterpiece based in feudal Japan that follows the political intrigue on who will be Shogun. The show is mainly in Japanese, which only adds to atmosphere. One of the best shows of the year.
- The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu/Disney+)
I know, I know, a trashy reality show, but I loved it! It does what it says on the tin and follows Mormon wives. Unlike other reality shows, these wives are dealing with conservative values which adds some extra drama to the show. After you finish this try Secrets and Sisterhood: The Sozahdahs, which follows contemporary Muslim sisters in LA.
- English Teacher (Hulu/FX/Disney+)
It’s hard to find a fresh new comedy show and I tend to rely on the classics (The Office, Parks and Rec etc), but this show is awesome. Revolves around a teacher dealing with high school kids. Very funny.
- Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Amazon Prime Video)
TV version of the Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt movie of the same name but done differently and better. It’s still an action-comedy, but the couple dynamics are more real, and the actions and locations are awesome
- Black Doves (Netflix)
Loved this action/drama show. An older Kiera Knightley returns to the screen as a Black Dove (spy), but it’s Ben Whishaw who stands out as the conflicted ‘trigger man’. Also, a great duo of assassins appears later in the show, who are so so funny.
- Ludwig (BBC)
A small British show that follows a puzzle designer trying to solve his twin brother’s disappearance. Each episode is neat with a murder to solve and delivers nice laughs along the way.
- Physical 100 Season 2 (Netflix)
Love this reality competition that pits elite sports people against each other from gymnasts to body-builders. You’ll want to binge the show.
- The Day of the Jackal (Peacock/Now TV)
This action thriller grew on me. Unusually Eddie Redmayne is cast as the assassin and it’s a game of cat and mouse on whether the secret service can catch him.
- Fantasmas (HBO Max/Now TV)
This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I loved it. It’s a surreal comedy that makes fun of everyday situations. Very original.
- The Madness (Netflix)
Love the premise of this show – a black author discovers a dead body, which turns out to be the head of a white supremist organisation. The author then gets framed for the murder! Talk about bad luck.
- Sweetpea (Starz/Now TV)
Dark comedy that follows a girl that everyone ignores who then gets a taste for murder!
- The Gentlemen (Netflix)
Love this mix of aristocracy and drug dealing with witty Guy Ritchie style banter.