With the ten series below I hope to give a good overview of what 2024 had to offer and how exceptionally high the level was. This list reflects not only the quality, but also the diversity of the offer. From compelling crime stories to epic fantasy, gripping dramas, futuristic science fiction, innovative anthologies and strong miniseries: almost all genres are represented.
Making the choices was anything but easy. Yet this top ten offers a nice cross-section of the impressive series that managed to touch, surprise and inspire us this year.
Below, in alphabetical order, the top ten nominees of the best series from 2024;
Fallout
Between you and me: at first I didn't like this dystopian science fiction series at all. The first few episodes mainly exceeded my irritation threshold. But slowly, as I watched further, the actors and their impressive performances started to convince me. Gradually I gained more and more appreciation for what Fallout actually wanted to say. To be honest, I'm still not a big fan. Still, I can see why this series is receiving so much praise, and I expect it will probably score highly. However, the competition this year is of an exceptionally high level, so nothing is certain. It can go either way: either Fallout ends up in the top 3, or it ends up somewhere in the top 10. Either way, we'll have to wait and see where the balance ends up.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Fallout.
Fargo
Fargo is back, and what a comeback! After the disappointing fourth season, the fifth season has surpassed everything. What a level, what a compelling story. This season brought everything Fargo is known for: a brilliant plot, the characteristic landscape, sharp dialogues, a top cast, and masterful camera work and direction. We can quickly forget the fourth season, because this fifth season was more than worth it. It is therefore completely logical that this strong anthology series deserves a place in the top 10 of the best series again this year.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Fargo.
Fool Me Once
Netflix has brought another Harlan Coben story to the screen with Fool Me Once, the umpteenth miniseries in their collaboration. Although the actors do an excellent job and the series has a recognizable Coben vibe, the story unfortunately feels too familiar, as if we have seen this before. It just lacks that surprising element to really impress. Yet the series appears to be popular, as it was often mentioned in the poll. That's why I couldn't avoid recording Fool Me Once. It will be interesting to see where he ends up on the list.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Fool Me Once.
House of the Dragon
And then the prequel to Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon. Anyone who follows my podcast or knows me a little knows that I am not particularly enthusiastic about this fantasy series. Yet there are many who think this series is fantastic and believe that it deserves a place of honor. Well, here she is: nominated for the 2024 list. It could be that House of the Dragon takes the number one position, although I personally think there are much better series this year. After all, the competition is unprecedentedly strong, and only the very best make it to the top 3. Will this series be part of that? I'll leave it open. One thing is certain: she will not get my vote.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about House of the Dragon.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power was characterized by a lack of tension and pace, but with the second season this fantasy series has clearly taken steps forward. In 2022, the series finished a respectable fourth place, and I suspect it won't finish much higher this year either. The level is not yet consistently strong enough to really dominate. But as always with elections: nothing is certain. Perhaps The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will manage to achieve a higher position this year.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
The Penguin
There are only three series on this list that I have yet to watch myself, and The Penguin is one of them. Many people have already told me that this series is absolutely worth it, so my watch list for 2025 is already filling up. The Penguin is a spin-off of Batman and focuses on Oswald Cobblepot, one of the dark superhero's greatest adversaries. Colin Farrell is virtually unrecognizable in the role of Cobblepot, who tries to become Gotham's top crime boss in this eight-part HBO miniseries. The series was well received and without a doubt deserves its place on this list.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Penguin.
Reacher
Reacher, a series without pretensions, but according to the voters in the monthly poll, this year's favorite. Alan Ritchson stars as the quiet but charismatic Jack Reacher in the second season of this Prime Video series. Entertaining, easy to follow, and with a protagonist who is also liked by many in terms of appearance - after all, the eye wants something, right? Don't expect any high-flown dialogue, but plenty of action and a sympathetic hero who doesn't consider himself a hero. Good news for fans: the third season is already in planning!
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Reacher.
Shōgun
For me, Shōgun is definitely number one this year. Breathlessly, I was on the edge of my seat watching this remake of James Clavell's masterpiece. I already loved the original series James Clavell's Shōgun, but this new version takes everything to the next level. The acting, costumes, sets and action scenes are all masterfully executed. My vote for this year is therefore easy to guess. But what about you? I understand that this series is not for everyone, but even if this is not exactly your genre, I dare say that when you watch it you will recognize: Shōgun is a masterpiece.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Shōgun.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the second series on this list that I haven't seen yet. After De Joodse Raad (The Jewish Council) I needed some time to catch my breath and decided to watch this Peacock series later. Fortunately, that doesn't matter, because the story is timeless and serves as a powerful warning for the future. The Barbra Streisand song is now on my playlist, and the series on my watch list. This series, set during the Second World War, is a compelling indictment of the atrocities of the Germans and a heartbreaking representation of the silent grief of the Jews. The story is told in a brutally honest and raw manner, which sometimes makes it difficult to watch, but all the more important to see.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
True Detective
The third and final series I have yet to watch is True Detective. The latest season, starring Jodie Foster, among others, is set in icy Alaska, where it does not get light for more than 60 days. That eternal darkness has a major impact on the residents and forms the perfect backdrop for a story that is described as supernatural, dark and exciting. Opinions about this fourth season are divided, but the series scored remarkably high in the poll. That makes her place on this list more than deserved. I'm very curious to see how this season compares to the previous, legendary episodes of True Detective.
Here you can read the reviews that were written aboutTrue Detective.
These were all ten nominees nominated by you, the readers, the writers and myself. If you want to choose a different series, use your wildcard. Good luck voting!
