Bruce Miller
2024 got us to embrace the idea of six-and-done-episode series.
With plenty of examples (Apple practically owns the concept), it was a time to celebrate an end to bloated network runs and cheer 10 really good episodes of something like "Hacks" or "Baby Reindeer."
2024 also brought more big names to the screen and gave Netflix a fighting chance to land several strong contenders in the Oscar race.
Putting those films out of the running (sorry, "Emilia Perez"), the year's best series, specials and "events" stacked up like this:
1. BABY REINDEER - Adhering to the "write what you know" theory, creator Richard Gadd opened a vein and told a compelling (and frightening) story about a comic and the woman who became his stalker. Just when you thought that story was closing, he introduced another and made this the most surprising and complete series of the year.
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2. SHOGUN - Reaching back to the 1980s might not seem like a good idea (unless you're plotting a "Back to the Future" reboot), but producers found a way to make the James Clavell miniseries even more lavish and meaningful. While we might not agree with the idea to continue it for a second (third or fourth) year, it was a standout. Star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada deserves much of the credit. He had a dream to redo "Shogun" and was able to see it through.
3. ENGLISH TEACHER -- Brian Jordan Alvarez has always been a good supporting actor but putting him in the lead and letting him craft his own take on education today was another brilliant move by FX. The comedy touched on areas "Abbott Elementary" can't and gave Jenn Lyon an opportunity to make a huge impression as a demanding mother who thinks a double Sprite and steak nuggets can change a student's grade. Best Guest Performance in a Comedy Emmy, please.
4. THE PENGUIN - Yup, there's life in supporting characters (thank you, "Joker") that television managed to recognize. Covered in more makeup than Demi Moore in "The Substance," Colin Farrell brought The Penguin to life in his own origins story and gave Christin Milioti a dandy dramatic turn. There's lots of life in this concept (and an open door for a good Catwoman adventure).
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5. LANDMAN - Tyler Sheridan may have tired of Kevin Costner and his "Yellowstone" antics, but he put his heart and soul into this look at the oil industry in Texas. Finding his own "Upstairs/Downstairs" vibe, he gave Billy Bob Thornton one of the best roles of his career and Jon Hamm, Demi Moore and Ali Larter a way to sign on for a series without signing their lives away. Like "Giant," "Landman" made us question preconceived notions and gave us reason to rethink the "bigger is better" theory that thrives in Texas.
6. ALEX EDEMAN: JUST FOR US - Alex Edelman's Tony-winning standup routine pulled him into the Mike Birbiglia realm and let us ponder one of those situations few people encounter. In this case, it's attending a meeting of white nationalists without revealing he's Jewish. The wild ride covered a lot of bases and gave audiences a wide-ranging look at his life and the disconnects within it.
7. HACKS - The best (and most consistent) comedy on television, "Hacks" hit a stride this year that didn't make star Jean Smart look like she was stepping back. In the third season, she got to aim for new highs (a late-night talk show) and find a real sense of peace with her associate (the excellent Hannah Einbinder). This won the Emmy award and it's easy to see why. "Hacks" adhered to the rules of the game and came away a winner.
8. THE DAY OF THE JACKAL - Who knew Eddie Redmayne could play a cold-blooded assassin? In this adaptation of Frederick Forsyth's novel, he delivers an award-worthy performance as the target of a British intelligence officer (Lashana Lynch, who's also great). The game twisted all over Europe and gave audiences a fascinating look at a tried-and-true story.
9. THE BEAR - This was the year of discontent for television watchers. After embracing two seasons of absurdity, they called out the series and said it wasn't a comedy. Perhaps that's true, but it's still an outstanding piece of work, deserving of awards in countless categories. If it is a drama, put it in that category and let it dice the competition. Anywhere, it's a hit.
10. COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS -- Spouses Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall struck gold with a comedy that's always just one event away from tragedy. Their shared concern (the dog called Colin) shows we're softies at heart -- even if life wants us to harden up. American streaming services: Keep Australia in your radar.
ALSO WORTH CONSIDERING: "John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA"; "St. Denis Medical"; "Matlock": "Disclaimer"; "Somebody Somewhere" and "Tokyo Vice."
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Bruce Miller is editor of the Sioux City Journal.
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