News EditorAs we approach the end of 2024, several TV series have stood out for their unique storytelling, engaging performances, and captivating narratives. From intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, here is a curated list of the year’s greatest programmes to stream right now.
1. Industry (Season 3)
The third season of Industry takes viewers deeper into the cutthroat world of high finance, pushing its morally ambiguous characters to new extremes. Key themes explored include sexual abuse, climate change, and professional failure. Marisa Abela and Harry Lawtey deliver compelling performances as Yasmin and Robert, respectively, with Kit Harington’s introduction as a manipulative startup founder adding fresh complexity. The season culminates with the dramatic collapse of Pierpoint, leaving the future of its characters uncertain. The show remains a standout for its bold narrative choices and high-stakes intrigue.
Available on Max in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
2. A Man on the Inside
This gentle yet poignant sitcom from Michael Schur, creator of The Good Place, stars Ted Danson as a retired architect who becomes an undercover agent in a retirement home to investigate a jewellery theft. The series blends sitcom humor with a thoughtful exploration of aging, loneliness, and the gradual decline of physical and mental faculties. The stellar ensemble cast, including Sally Struthers and Stephen McKinley Henderson, provides warmth and depth to the story, making this a standout for both its humor and heart.
Available on Netflix internationally.
3. Black Doves
Black Doves is an electrifying spy thriller that stars Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. The show follows Helen, a woman spying on her own husband, the British Minister of Defence, for a mercenary group. After her lover is killed, her colleague Sam (Whishaw) steps in to protect her, and their relationship is tested as the stakes grow higher. The series explores themes of love, loyalty, and global politics, while the performances of Knightley and Whishaw bring emotional depth to this action-packed story.
Available on Netflix internationally.
4. Colin from Accounts
This Australian romantic comedy continues to shine in its second season. Following the “will-they-won’t-they” of its first season, Colin from Accounts now explores the ups and downs of Ashley and Gordon’s established relationship. The series excels in portraying real-life relationship dynamics, from family conflicts to sexual tension, with performances from real-life couple Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall adding authenticity and charm. The show’s humor, along with its heartwarming moments, makes it a relatable and engaging watch.
Available on Peacock in the US and BBC iPlayer in the UK.
5. Say Nothing
Based on Patrick Radden Keefe’s investigative book, Say Nothing delves into the minds of high-ranking IRA members in 1970s Northern Ireland. The series follows Dolours Price and her role in the violent conflict, focusing on her internal conflict as she grapples with the moral implications of her actions. The show blends intense drama with intimate character studies, with Lola Petticrew and Maxine Peake delivering powerful performances as Dolours at different points in her life.
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
6. Slow Horses (Season 4)
Slow Horses, Apple TV+’s espionage comedy-drama, continues to impress with its unique mix of dry humor and high-stakes action. Following a group of MI5 misfits, the series maintains its sharp writing and engaging character dynamics, particularly with the addition of new cast members like Ruth Bradley and Hugo Weaving. With Gary Oldman as the disheveled spy chief and Jack Lowden as the eager young agent, Slow Horses thrives as a brilliant ensemble piece. It has already been renewed for additional seasons, proving its continued relevance and quality.
Available on Apple TV+ internationally.
7. Rivals
Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, is a delightful escape into a world of excess, sex, and power among the elite of Rutshire. The series, set in the 1980s, features over-the-top characters, including David Tennant as a sleazy television mogul and Aidan Turner as a discontented presenter. The show is a gleeful exploration of scandal, affairs, and shifting alliances, with a cast that fully embraces the campy nature of the material, making it an entertaining and engaging watch.
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
8. The Day of the Jackal
This contemporary update of Frederick Forsyth’s classic novel about an assassin on the run is a masterclass in suspense and style. Eddie Redmayne plays the titular Jackal, a hitman with a complex personality, while Lashana Lynch portrays the determined agent on his trail. The series blends action with tense character-driven drama, and the high production values, including a Munich car chase, make it a visually stunning experience. The show’s slower, domestic moments add depth to the thriller genre.
Available on Peacock in the US and NOW in the UK.
9. The Diplomat (Season 2)
The second season of The Diplomat continues to blend political intrigue with personal drama. Keri Russell’s portrayal of Kate Wyler, a U.S. Ambassador to the UK, explores her struggle between ambition and personal relationships, particularly with her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell). The series tackles complex political situations, including the bombing of a British warship, while also delving into the dynamics between powerful political figures, particularly women in leadership roles.
Available on Netflix internationally.
10. Feud: Capote vs The Swans
Ryan Murphy’s Feud returns with a sharp exploration of Truman Capote’s fall from grace in the 1970s, after he betrays his high-society friends with the publication of his scandalous book Unanswered Prayers. Tom Hollander delivers a standout performance as Capote, capturing his biting wit and vulnerability, while Naomi Watts, Chloe Sevigny, and Diane Lane bring the Swans to life with nuance and depth. The series offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of old-money elites and Capote’s complex relationships with them.
Available on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK.
These ten series represent a diverse range of genres and themes, showcasing the creativity and innovation of television in 2024. Whether you’re in the mood for action, drama, or comedy, there’s something here for every type of viewer.
