Here’s what we loved to watch in 2024

It’s no secret, this year was a lot. From a contentious political season here and the rest of the world seemingly in upheaval, the need to escape into a great watch felt stronger, and more necessary. Thankfully, the streaming gods came through with shows and films to keep us entertained. Whether you’re into drama, comedy, sports or romance, this year had some bona fide hits. Check out some of our faves.

‘Reasonable Doubt’

Season 1 of the Hulu drama Reasonable Doubt left a lot to be desired because it just felt way too predictable at times. However, the show found its stride in Season 2, which is reminder not to give up on shows too quickly — and this is coming from someone who often starts a series and drops it by episode 3 if I’m not hooked. This latest season was much less predictable and much more thrilling, especially in how it portrayed the main character, Jax Stewart’s (played by Emayatzy Corinealdi), internal struggle between romantic love and career ambitions. Also as a fan of legal dramas, I was hooked by the cases Jax took on, which blurred moral compasses, adding intrigue and raising questions about right and wrong. The show has already been greenlit for Season 3 so, I look forward to seeing how the plot will continue to evolve.

‘Starting 5′

During a year filled with sports docuseries, Starting 5 on Netflix definitely takes the cake for me. The 10-episode show not only highlights some of the most entertaining personalities in the NBA (shout-out to Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards), but it also did an amazing job of exploring the home and personal lives of our favorite players. Starting 5 gives us viewers a real look into the challenges these superstars face off the hardwood. The series mixes humor, family, and quirky moments, which makes it a standout among sports docuseries.

‘How to Die Alone’

It’s about time Natasha Rothwell got her own show, How to Die Alone, and I am so here for it. The Hulu series, created by and starring Rothwell, strikes a perfect balance between humor and the timeless theme of reinvention. Rothwell’s sharp wit and charm take center stage, making her character both relatable and hilarious as she navigates the ups and downs of life. It’s refreshing to see a series that showcases Rothwell’s comedic talent and explores issues that lead to deeper, more personal growth. This show had me laughing and reflecting on life. Put this on when you have some time to plow through a few episodes.

‘The Vince Staples Show‘

I’m a huge fan of rapper Vince Staples’ music and the personality he brings to his interviews and social media accounts. When Netflix first announced The Vince Staples Show, I was a bit worried that the “Hollywood magic” — also known as production — might tamper with the authenticity of Staples’ dry, witty comedy. But thankfully, that wasn’t the case at all. The show was just as funny as it was compelling, and it quickly earned a few replays from me.

‘The Ultimatum: Marry Me or Move On’

The Ultimatum: Marry Me or Move On is another show that is so good yet so cringey that it’s tough to turn away. Dating and marriage reality shows are one of my favorite “girls night” or “I had a long day” shows to binge, and Season 3 of The Ultimatum checks all of those boxes. Grab your favorite snack, a bottle of wine, and join me on my sofa to psychoanalyze the personalities and dynamics of all the couples who signed up for this social experiment.

‘The Penguin’

No notes, 10/10 for this show. The Penguin on HBO does an incredible job staying true to the gritty essence of Gotham City, making you feel like you’re in the middle of it all in every episode. From the haunting score to the stunning cinematography, to Colin Farrell’s absolutely insane transformation into Oswald Cobblepot, aka the Penguin, this series deserves every award I predict it will receive. On top of that, it really expands Gotham’s lore in a way that’s immersive for any Batman lover (both casual and superfans). As someone who loves the DC Comics universe, I enjoyed the unique point of view this show offers — and it truly feels like a gift to the fans.

‘Abbott Elementary’

At this point, I think it’s safe to call Abbott Elementary a classic. Season after season, Quinta Brunson’s award-winning comedy continues to tackle timely topics with humor that feels authentic. In Season 4 in particular, I’ve loved watching principal Ava Coleman (played by Janelle James) grow inside and outside the classroom. The show does a fantastic job of balancing her bold personality with moments that give us more insight into why she is the way she is. It’s a great reminder that, despite all her shenanigans, Ava puts the children first.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith

What can I say? The Prime Video series Mr. & Mrs. Smith was just as thrilling as it was visually stunning. While the internet seemed divided when it was released (but then again, when is the internet not split?), I think the criticism it received missed the mark. From breathtaking cinematography to the fascinating missions (and powerhouse performances from Donald Glover and Maya Erskine), Mr. & Mrs. Smith had its fair share of witty moments. Even though some may not consider it a typical “binge” watch due to its length and content, I do wish we had gotten one or two more episodes to really round things out. It felt like the show was just getting started when it ended, and I would’ve loved to see a bit more exploration beyond the Smiths’ relationship woes.

‘Baby Reindeer‘

Trigger warning: This show explores themes of stalking and male sexual trauma.

To be clear, the Netflix series Baby Reindeer was absolutely bizarre, yet I couldn’t look away — just like Donny Dunn, the main character, couldn’t look away from Martha. Based on the personal experience of its creator, Richard Gadd, the show strikes a fascinating balance between dark humor and absolute drama. The seven-episode series is raw and deeply personal, while still managing to present a comprehensive narrative that keeps you pressing “I’m Still Watching” on Netflix. The portrayal of trauma and its effects is both chilling and thought-provoking, making Baby Reindeer a unique show to add to your binging rotation.

‘Chasing Flavor’

Chasing Flavor was such a breath of fresh air. In it, chef and former model Carla Hall takes viewers on a journey to uncover the origins of some of our favorite foods. From her adventures in Washington, Jamaica, Ghana and beyond, Hall explores the fascinating history behind classic dishes such as chicken pot pie and shrimp and grits. It was really cool to learn about the unexpected origins of these dishes. Each episode on HBO left me with a full mind and an empty stomach — it’s definitely a show worth watching or having on in the background of your holiday get-togethers.

‘They Cloned Tyrone‘

There was a lot of anticipation around They Cloned Tyrone when it premiered in June 2023, largely because one of its stars, Jamie Foxx was missing due to an undisclosed health emergency a couple months before in April. Thankfully, Foxx is doing well and the film, which I didn’t see until this year, lived up to the hype for several reasons — Foxx, Teyonah Parris, John Boyega and the rest of the cast delivered standout performances, and the film masterfully blends sci-fi, comedy, and mystery, a combination that’s notoriously difficult to pull off on screen. With its funky, 1970s-inspired aesthetic, the film manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering sharp critiques of systemic oppression.

‘She Taught Love’

She Taught Love, an Andscape Studios release, is a heartfelt exploration of the transformative power of love. Thoughtfully written by seasoned actor Darrell Britt-Gibson, who also stars with Arsema Thomas, She Taught Love shines with its soundtrack and color grading, evoking the charm of a timeless 1990s love story. So grab your bestie or your partner and get into this beautiful film.