The series nominated in this category were determined based on a number of different factors: my fellow reviewers, the poll results and of course the most important factor; the readers of MySeries! All in all, this resulted in a list of ten nominees.
Below, in alphabetical order, are the top ten nominees of the best series from 2024 in the best drama series category;
Baby Reindeer
Baby Reindeer tells the true story about Donny Dunn who wants to break through as a comedian and has to deal with a stalker. The special thing about this series is that the protagonist Richard Gadd is actually the person on which the story/series is based. So he plays himself, which is very clever. It is quite intense how stalking has affected his life. Insane performances and you're completely into it. Sometimes you even get a nasty feeling when watching the series. Baby Reindeer has been very well received critically (winner of no fewer than six Emmys) and, in my opinion, a very deservedly nominated series in the drama category. This series is also nominated for best series in the mini/anthology series category.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Baby Reindeer.
De Joodse Raad
Normally I am not a fan of Dutch-language series, but I was recommended De Joodse Raad (The Jewish Council) more often, which I was very happy with after watching it. It was a very good but also intense series. It is about the true story of the Jewish Council that was created by the Germans to represent the interests of the Jewish community. In reality, the Jewish Council was used to contribute to the Holocaust. The series clearly shows the dilemma: helping the Germans, which results in many Jews dying, but also helping the Jews as much as possible wherever possible, or going against the Germans, which also causes many Jews to die. It must have been an incomprehensible and unimaginable dilemma and you clearly notice that everyone, according to their own reasoning, wanted to help the Jewish community as much as possible. Very strong acting performances and it remains inconceivable that these events really happened. Very moving! Also a very deservedly nominated series in the drama category that also won the Televizier-Ring Impact and received a Televizier-Ring nomination for the acting performance of Pierre Bokma.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about De Joodse Raad.
Heartstopper
The third season of Heartstopper is now in full swing. Heartstopper is about two boys in high school who get into a relationship with each other. Immediately after starting the series, Heartstopper was well received worldwide by both critics and viewers. Several fellow reviewers have recommended this series, but it is also clear that MySeries users are enthusiastic about this series. I haven't seen the series yet, but I will definitely put it on the list of series to watch.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Heartstopper.
Mr Bates vs the Post Office
I have not yet seen Mr Bates vs the Post Office myself, but this series also appears to be unanimously popular among fellow reviewers and MySeries users. In addition, the series is also well received by the critics. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is about the true story in which Alan Bates and other branch managers of post offices in England were wrongly accused of fraud and theft by the British postal service. It turns out to be one of the biggest scandals in recent British history. The series has caused such a stir that the British government even announced that it would adopt a law that could compensate the injured more quickly. In this context, an honorable mention for De Toeslagenaffaire, a Dutch series with a similar theme, which just missed the list of nominees. Mr Bates vs The Post Office is also nominated for best series in the mini/anthology series category.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Oogappels
Another series from Dutch soil and now the sixth season of Oogappels. Oogappels is about four different families and the daily struggles that come with them. Since these are situations that can occur in every family, you as a viewer can easily relate to them. The roles are played very convincingly and it is a series that you can completely immerse yourself in. It is clear that the series is popular. Not because of the nomination in this list, which is of course also an honor, but because of the reception from viewers and critics. Last year (2023) Oogappels won the Televizier ring and due to its popularity, a special New Year's Eve spin-off called Goudappels will also be launched on December 29, 2024. Another well-deserved nomination!
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Oogappels.
Outlander
This science fiction, history and action series, now in its seventh season, remains popular. In my opinion, Outlander (at least in the earlier seasons) contains some of the most horrifying scenes I have seen in a series. Nevertheless, a series that continues to arouse interest and responds nicely to historical events. The series is about a nurse who mysteriously travels back in time to 1743 where she becomes part of the Scottish rebellion. In subsequent seasons, links are made with other historical events. Very beautifully made series and has received several Emmy nominations over the years. There will be another season after this and then the series will come to its conclusion.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Outlander.
Ripley
Ripley is based on the book The Talented Mr. Ripley which was last made into a film in 1999 starring Matt Damon. Ripley is about a con man who is called in to persuade someone to return home to Italy. However, everything becomes more complex after the meeting with Ripley. From the moment Ripley appeared on Netflix, it was an instant success. The viewing figures were very good, but the series was also very positively received by the critics. This became even more evident at the Emmys as Ripley has received thirteen nominations of which she has subsequently won four.
Another series with strong acting performances and a deserved nominee in this category. This series is also nominated for best series in the mini/anthology series category.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Ripley.
Shōgun
Years ago I read the book Shōgun by James Clavell and it was clearly one of my favorites. The series does a very good job of interpreting the book. The political games, the Japanese traditions and the amazing landscapes, everything came across well. Captain John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is introduced at the beginning, but Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) clearly steals the show. Very beautifully made series with excellent acting. A real pleasure for the eyes. Clearly I'm not the only one who feels this way as the series has received unanimous praise. Shōgun has received no fewer than 25 Emmy nominations, of which she has won eighteen (a record). The series adapts the exact events of the book into a film. Yet a second (and possibly third) season has been announced, which is not surprising given the success of the series. In any case, a very deserved nominee for this category. This series has also been nominated for best series in the mini/anthology series category and best series 2024.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Shōgun.
The Diplomat (US)
The Diplomat (US) is about an American ambassador to the United Kingdom who tries to prevent/limit an international crisis. The series is now in its second season and a third season has been announced. The series has been well received internationally and has received multiple Golden Globe nominations as well as an Emmy nomination. Much of the praise goes to the acting performance of Keri Russel, the lead actress of The Diplomat (US). Like all other nominees, a very justified contender for the prize of best series in the drama category.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Diplomat.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
The second series in this list of nominees with the theme of the Second World War and again a film adaptation of a book with the same name. The series is about, as the title suggests, the Jewish prisoner who had the role of tattooing identification numbers on the prisoners in Auschwitz. Very moving story and, just like with The Jewish Council, it is unthinkable that these events took place. The events of the series have (probably) occurred in reality for the most part, as the basis lies in the memories of a real Holocaust survivor. The series has been generally well received and has received two Emmy nominations. This series has also been nominated for best series in the mini/anthology series category and best series 2024.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
As you have seen, it is a very diverse list of nominees. Of course, there are many series that could also have been included in this list of nominees. In my opinion, the current list is a good reflection of the preferences of my fellow reviewers, the results of the poll and of course the most important factor; the readers of MySeries!
All good series and I am very curious to see what your vote will be!
These were all ten nominees nominated by you, the readers, by the writers and myself. If you want to choose a different series, use your wildcard. Good luck voting.
