Our favourite TV shows of 2024, from Disclaimer to Dandadan

Anime, documentaries and limited series were part of some of our favourite programming

Another fantastic year of television is coming to an end. From Our Oceans, a compelling documentary exploring the dangers of the global climate crisis, to One Day, the TV adaptation of the beloved novel of the same name, this year delivered a variety of unique and captivating shows.

Returning favourites, such as the sixth season of The Rookie and the second seasons of House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power kept us hooked. Limited series also made their mark, including the thrilling Disclaimer, starring Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, and the intriguing Thai mystery Don't Come Home. There were also must-discussed Netflix hits Baby Reindeer and romantic comedy Nobody Wants This sparking conversations on and offline.

So, whether because of impressive cinematography, masterful storytelling or outstanding acting, here’s a look at some of The National's favourite TV shows of 2024.

Our Oceans (Netflix)

Over five glorious episodes, Our Oceans explores the wonders of our watery world, as well as the creatures that live beneath the waves and the animals that depend on them. Narrated by former US president Barack Obama, each episode follows the multi-year path of the great ocean currents as they travel west from the Pacific through the Indian to the Atlantic, Arctic, and Antarctic.

What elevates this documentary is the spectacular visuals, making it possibly the most beautiful thing you will watch this year. Obama’s calming voiceover makes him a natural in this role, although poles apart from Sir David Attenborough, who created the genre over decades.

Schooling sharks, pods of orcas mounting daring raids on seal colonies, cute clown fish cleaning their anemone homes – they have been seen before, albeit never like this. The series does, however, claim some world-firsts, and they are never less than jaw-dropping. Importantly, while revelling in the bountiful delights and spectacular biodiversity of our planet’s oceans, Our Oceans never forget the jeopardy all these creatures face in the global climate crisis.

Nic Ridley, assistant editor-in-chief

Shrinking (Apple TV+)

I have watched both seasons of Shrinking this year, but it is the second outing of the Jason Segel show – which premiered in October – that I will be waxing lyrical about. The series, created by and starring Segel, is funny, heart-wrenching, outlandish and relatable – a bundle of contradictions and, it seems, the ingredients for great television.

Segel stars as Jimmy, a grief-stricken therapist, who is mourning the death of his wife and navigating life as a single father to teenager Alice (Lukita Maxwell). I know that doesn’t sound funny, but it’s impossible for the comedy actor to feature in a scene without evoking at least one laugh – even if that is among tears.

In season two, Jimmy is handling his grief a little better, but the direct approach he takes to therapy (dubbed “Jimmying” in the show) continues with mixed results. The show stars Harrison Ford and Jessica Williams as fellow therapists, Paul and Gaby, and Christa Miller as Jimmy’s neighbour Liz. Brett Goldstein, of Ted Lasso fame, co-writes the show and features in the second season as Louis, the drunk driver responsible for killing Jimmy’s wife. The characters are so believable and human that it’s impossible not to root for them, even when you can see it’s a situation set up to fail.

Farah Andrews, head of features

Disclaimer (Apple TV+)

As a fan of Alfonso Cuaron’s work, from Y tu mama tambien (2001) to Gravity (2013) and Roma (2018), I was looking forward to his first stab at long-form storytelling. Throw in Blanchett, Leslie Manville and Kevin Kline to the mix and you have Disclaimer – a must-watch psychological thriller that is gripping from the start and one that will leave you in shock by the end.

Blanchett plays Catherine, an award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker who, one day, receives a book by an anonymous author that claims in its disclaimer that all events in it are true. Catherine soon identifies herself in the book, a retelling of a tragic incident she had wanted to forget, and her life begins to unravel.

A commentary about perceptions and prejudices as well as subjectivity and truth, Disclaimer is a wild ride, with a twisty ending that will leave you thinking long after the final seventh episode has ended.

David Tusing, assistant features editor

One Day (Netflix)

One Day is proof of several things: TV adaptions trump film adaptations of beloved books, first impressions can be wrong and we're all in need of a good cry now and then. Not a unique take but I loved David Nicholl's 2009 novel yet felt lukewarm about the 2011 film adaptation.

So, when the 14-episode series launched on Netflix, I wasn't gripped by the first episode as Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod took on the roles of Dexter and Emma, respectively. After initially switching off 10 minutes in, cancelled evening plans meant I saw the first episode though, which rolled onto the second, third and so on. Years after reading the book, I fell in love with the story and characters all over again, despite knowing tears and tragedy were on the way.

Unlike the film, the series was able to tease out the lives of the two protagonists told in a split narrative like in the novel. Viewers check in with Emma and Dexter on the same day each year after they initially met at university in 1988, with their lives intertwining, and drifting in and out of romance and friendship.

Hayley Kadrou, deputy features editor

The Rookie, season six (Netflix)

This year, the sixth season of the comedy-drama The Rookie premiered, with a seventh season on the horizon. The series follows John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), a man in his forties, who, after getting caught up in a bank robbery and going through a divorce, decides to turn his life around by becoming a police officer – making him the oldest rookie in the LAPD.

The show strikes a perfect balance between hilarious and heartfelt, with its standout feature being the chemistry between the characters and the sharp writing. Interestingly, it’s inspired by the story of a real-life officer who joined the LAPD in his forties.

Hala Nasar, graduate

Ripley (Netflix)

Every shot of Ripley on Netflix is a work of art. Director Steven Zaillian and cinematographer Robert Elswit worked on all eight episodes – an uncommon arrangement for television – and their interpretation of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr Ripley carries the unmistakable mark of an auteur filmmaker. Everything on screen is immaculate, from the noir lighting to the odd-angled shots of beautiful Italian locales. It creates a sense of dread and foreboding throughout.

Some scenes can be languorous, but never without reason. A particular episode centres on Ripley’s struggles with a rowing boat that leaves you as exhausted as the protagonist. It manages to be slow-paced and riveting in equal measure.

Andrew Scott’s titular Ripley is smarmy and reptilian, perfect for the role of the man who sheds his skin to take on another man’s life. I have a particular soft spot for Maurizio Lombardi as Inspector Pietro Ravini. You could argue this isn’t really television (although what is television in 2024?), but rather a cinematic vision extended over eight hours. Whatever it is, it is beautiful and the best thing on my screen this year.

Nasri Atallah, Luxury editor

House of the Dragon, season two (OSN+)

House of the Dragon is a prequel to Game of Thrones, set 200 years before the original series, and follows the rise and fall of House Targaryen. The story explores the bitter civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

The second season continues as family members vie for the Iron Throne, leading to treachery, power struggles and the eventual decline of the dragonlords. Watching the show makes me feel like I am covered in a warm blanket as I escape reality for an hour, which is something we could all use once in a while.

Dana Alomar, technology reporter

Dandadan (Netflix)

The premise of Dandadan is not entirely new. It’s a sci-fi, comedy, romance and drama anime about two teenagers fighting ghosts and aliens using supernatural powers. However, among the heaps of new shows being released this year, this one stands out thanks to the quality of animation, character development and the storyline itself, which makes it one of this year’s best, at least in the realm of anime.

My wife and I watched it often with a mix of tears rolling down our faces, goofy smiles or pure buzz from the fighting scenes. We both even sigh at the same time when an episode ends. Fun fact – if you are a fan of One Piece, you’d be happy to know that Mayumi Tanaka, the woman behind Luffy’s voice, is the same voice actor behind Dandadan's Turbo Granny.

Adel Ibrahim, social media journalist

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

Even though it’s only 10 episodes, I watched the Netflix series all in one night. Kirsten Bell stars as Joanne, a woman who hosts a successful podcast with her sister about relationships. Picky and down on her life she meets Adam Brody's character Noah, a rabbi who has just broken up with his long-term girlfriend at a party and the two hit it off despite their different backgrounds. The show is funny, uplifting and had some great character building. It also features some early 2000s nostalgia with the two leads.

Stephen Mcilkenny, sub-editor

The Penguin (OSN+)

I watched The Penguin mainly because I love Colin Farrell and was fascinated to see him in character. I have always been a Batman fan but this was a spin-off of what I considered the worst reinvention of him, so it was not on my radar until I realised Farrell was in it. I was completely gripped by the series. It was like the old Gotham Batman and I was so engrossed in the story that I was heartbroken when I reached the finale, even searching the internet to see if there will be a season two (which remains to be seen). Give it a go, if only to marvel at an unrecognisable Farrell.

Sandee O'Regan, UK office manager

IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (Netflix)

This Netflix original recreates the events of the eight-day hijack of the Indian Airlines flight IC 814, which was flying from Kathmandu to New Delhi in December 1999. The series is based on Devi Sharan and Srinjoy Chowdhury’s Flight into Fear, which chronicles the longest hijack in Indian aviation history.

With stellar performances by Vijay Verma, Manoj Pahwa, Patralekhaa and Arvind Swamy, the gripping drama keeps you on edge – whether or not you are familiar with the turn of events. Expect to experience a gamut of emotions from terror and grief to relief through the six episodes. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series has a stellar star cast that includes stalwarts of the Indian film industry such as Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapur.

Aarti Jhurani, sub-editor

Baby Reindeer, Netflix

I'm not the most prominent TV watcher. But when I tune in, it's for a punchy, headline-making limited series. So when I kept hearing about the Baby Reindeer in April, I knew I had to give it a watch. Aside from being concise with just seven episodes, the story quickly proved to be weekend binge-worthy.

What began as an Edinburgh Fringe performance by comedian Richard Gadd transformed into the show written and created by the Scottish comedian who plays a version of himself called Donny Dunn. Working at a bar, Donny takes sympathy on a lone woman (Jessica Gunning), offering a free drink and a light-hearted conversation. This ignites a toxic obsession, and the tale goes on to explore issues of stalking, abuse and more, with unexpected twists and tone shifts along the way.

Hayley Kadrou, deputy features editor

Don’t Come Home (Netflix)

For the past few years, I’ve enjoyed watching Asian shows, whether it’s a romantic Korean drama or wholesome Japanese reality television. I stumbled upon Don’t Come Home, a six-episode limited Thai series, without much expectation. The show follows Varee, a young woman who escapes an abusive marriage with her five-year-old daughter, Min. They seek refuge in Varee’s childhood home, but a supernatural entity seems to be lurking on the premises.

While the first episode leans heavily into horror, the series soon transitions into a thrilling mystery as it unfolds, making it difficult to stop watching as each episode ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. The ending might not be for everyone, but it lingered in my mind for days after I finished the last episode.

Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor

Rings of Power, season two (Prime Video)

The second season of Rings of Power provided a deeper dive into the origin story of Sauron, whose identity was revealed in a cliffhanger in season one. It also gave viewers the chance to see many of the other characters develop and feel more relatable while giving them depth.

For example, we followed Elendil, one of the show’s main characters, as he was willing to make sacrifices to protect the values he holds close. Just as compelling was the continuous growth of Galadriel, who in this season was able to start planning her final showdown with Sauron while delving into their complex relationship.

Aside from the narrative, the show’s pacing was well done and the visuals and score were incredible. Most of all, it’s really the performances of the entire cast that made the storylines and the world of Middle Earth feel tangible, expansive and immersive.

Maan Jalal, arts and culture reporter

Palm Royale (Apple TV+)

Palm Royale is a colourful, telenovela-esque display of late-1960s South Florida that captures all sides of a storied decade in what’s made out to be a socialite’s stronghold. Kristen Wiig shines as a people-pleasing, conniving neo-Southern Belle named Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons who tries to break into Palm Beach high society.

Meanwhile, Maxine's husband's rich aunt Norma, played by Carol Burnett is another highlight, as she can get laughs even though her character is mostly nonverbal. It’s a fun play on an old melodramatic trope that’s really brought to life with an amazing cast.

Yasmeen Altaji, assistant podcast producer

Black Doves (Netflix)

Admittedly, I went into Netflix’s new six-episode-long drama series with a slight bias given that I unapologetically love Keira Knightley. Thankfully, my bias proved justified and Black Doves turned out to be an intelligent, pacey drama in which the plot twists aren’t signalled miles ahead and the audience is trusted to understand them. Knightley plays Helen, who appears to be a supportive, polished mum of two, in many ways the archetypal politician’s wife.

Except this politician’s wife keeps a small arsenal hidden beneath her pants drawer and is soon being hunted by (and expertly dispatching!) assassins in pursuit of information about a dead Chinese ambassador and his missing daughter.

Gemma White, lifestyle contributor

Rivals (Disney+)

This drama about British television in the 1980s will have you dusting off your shoulder pads. Based on Jilly Cooper's brilliant book of the same name, the characters are well thought out and complex. Within minutes of the first episode, the masks drop in the quaint English countryside, as viewers are served a deliciously cruel reminder of the social battles between aristocrats and "new money".

This show has been described as a comedy, but it's more than just that. There is something for everyone (over the age of 18), and it is a stark reminder of the optimism and yuppy attitudes of the Thatcher era. Each storyline is intricately woven into the next, which keeps you pressing for the next episode.

Enas Refaei, assistant editor-in-chief

3 Body Problem (Netflix)

The showrunners behind Game of Thrones returned this year with an adaptation of the first novel in Liu Cixin’s three-part series Remembrance of Earth's Past. It is a complex sci-fi show about the futility and perseverance of humanity in the face of an impending alien invasion. Created by Netflix, the first season’s eight episodes are near perfect in how they accelerate the severity of the situation. The only negative being the huge cliff-hanger ending, which will only be resolved with the arrival of a second season, expected in 2026.

The series stars Liam Cunningham, Eiza Gonzalez and Benedict Wong, among others, with everyone performing well enough in service of the story. It should be said that I was frustrated by how long the wait is for the second season, but upon rewatching the first season, I could judge it for what it is, which is excellent sci-fi television.

Faisal Salah, gaming and social media writer