It is always challenging to select the best ten shows at the end of each year. 2024 has undoubtedly proven to be one of the best years for television in a long time. While some established IPs excelled this year, several popular titles from major studios failed to resonate with audiences as anticipated.
After extensive promotion of House of the Dragon Season 2 in the first half of 2024, the second season ultimately felt overstretched and somewhat tedious. Following a lacklustre finale, it was entirely understandable for fans to express their disappointment. Another major misstep was Dune: Prophecy, a show that overly relied on character development and slow-moving dialogue to advance the plot. However, without compelling personalities, it became difficult for viewers to engage with the stakes or connect with the characters.
Setting aside these disappointments, let’s focus on the top 10 foreign shows of 2024 that truly stood out and captivated audiences.
10. One Day (Netflix)
One Day turned out to be a surprisingly well-executed adaptation. Based on David Nicholls’ novel from 15 years ago, this 14-episode Netflix series significantly outshines the 2011 feature film directed by Lone Scherfig, which starred Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. The show provides a richer exploration of the novel’s themes, such as the fragility of life, the sorrow of loss, and the struggles of addiction. Ambika Mod (as Emma) and Leo Woodall (as Dexter) deliver exceptional performances, making this adaptation a standout success.
9. Fallout (Prime Video)
Fallout exemplifies how live-action video game adaptations should be made. With standout performances by Walton Goggins as Cooper Howard, aka The Ghoul, and Ella Purnell as the delightfully eccentric Lucy MacLean, this creation by Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet is a triumph. The series successfully immerses viewers in the infamous “Wasteland” from Bethesda’s video games. It’s bizarre, darkly humorous, filled with secrets to uncover, and rife with tough decisions. Yet, it all comes together brilliantly. The first season concludes on an exhilarating note, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
8. The Boys Season 4 (Prime Video)
Season 4 is arguably the boldest, darkest, wildest, and most divisive installment in Eric Kripke’s The Boys. While the political satire this season was heavy-handed at times, it delivered enough intrigue to keep viewers excited for the upcoming fifth season. One of the highlights was the exploration of Homelander’s traumatic past. Antony Starr’s performance was chilling as his character confronted these memories, only to respond in the most horrifying and inhumane ways imaginable. Meanwhile, Butcher (Karl Urban) finally embraces his inner Supe, knowing he has only months left to live. And Hughie (Jack Quaid) faces new dangers as his father, Hugh Sr. (Simon Pegg), becomes a threat after being injected with the V serum.
7. The Penguin (HBO/JioCinema)
When The Penguin was first announced by Warner Bros. and HBO, it didn’t generate much excitement. But this gem, helmed by showrunner Lauren LeFrance, has proven to be a masterpiece. Colin Farrell delivers a hard-hitting and haunting portrayal of one of Batman’s most infamous adversaries. Just when you start sympathizing with his character, Penguin turns the tables and reclaims his title as Gotham’s most cunning and ruthless SOB. However, Cristin Milioti steals the spotlight with her jaw-dropping portrayal of Sofia Falcone. No longer remembered simply as Ted Mosby’s girl in How I Met Your Mother, Milioti shines in this role, firmly establishing herself as a powerhouse performer.
6. Ripley (Netflix)
Writer and director Steve Zallian breathes new life into the protagonist and the overarching story in Netflix’s Ripley. Andrew Scott delivers a mesmerising performance, perfectly capturing Ripley’s sly, sneaky, and unpredictable personality. Additionally, few modern TV shows utilise black-and-white cinematography, but Ripley employs it with elegance and style, creating a truly immersive viewing experience.
5. Silo Season 2 (Apple TV+)
Silo Season 2 takes its time to build momentum but ultimately emerges as a compelling watch. Its slow-burn approach to dystopian sci-fi themes may not sit well with impatient viewers, but the payoff is well worth the wait by the time it reaches its gripping finale. Rebecca Ferguson shines with a stellar performance, and the sharp, emotionally resonant writing elevates the series. Apple TV+ continues its tradition of producing visually stunning and narratively rich shows that feel as grand as big-budget films. With its breathtaking visuals and mysterious plot, the show hooks viewers from the very first episode.
4. Pachinko Season 2 (Apple TV+)
This is another soulful gem from Apple TV+ that unfortunately flew under the radar of many publications, critics, and viewers this year. It is rare for a show to surpass its already near-perfect first season, but Soo Hugh’s Pachinko achieves just that. The series chronicles the story of a Korean family over four generations, beginning in 1915 and concluding in 1989. In 1931, Sunja, a member of the family, leaves Japanese-occupied Korea to start a new life in a Korean neighbourhood in Osaka, Japan. The show poignantly portrays the hardships faced by Korean immigrants in Japan and the systemic discrimination they endured, delivering a deeply moving narrative with historical significance.
3. Arcane Season 2 (Netflix)
From its very first episode, Arcane Season 2 established itself as a masterful continuation of the critically acclaimed first season. With its second (and sadly the final) season, Arcane cements its legacy as one of the most visually breathtaking animated shows ever, blending 2D and 3D animation seamlessly. The storytelling is complex, dark, and emotionally engaging, with the stakes and scale elevated significantly in this season. Despite the rollicking pace, the show masterfully delivers a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion. Season 2 delves deeper into Jinx’s (Ella Purnell) psyche, presenting a nuanced redemption arc that transcends simplistic notions of good versus evil, showcasing her multifaceted character with remarkable depth.
2. X-Men ’97 (Disney+)
For fans who grew up with the original 1992 X-Men animated classic, X-Men ’97 is a nostalgic triumph that exceeded all expectations. Drawing heavily from Fox’s original series, this follow-up deftly explores serious and dark themes while expanding the world of mutants and villains in remarkable ways. The finale, featuring appearances by other Marvel Comics superheroes, was the perfect icing on the cake for fans. Despite initial doubts about whether it could recapture the magic of the original, X-Men ’97 seamlessly continues the beloved story, reaffirming its place as a standout achievement in comic book adaptations.
1. Shogun (Hulu FX/Disney+)
Showrunners Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks deserve immense praise for bringing James Clavell’s best-selling novel to life in the most ambitious and expensive series ever produced by FX. While Shogun initially presents itself as a story dominated by men, it skillfully highlights the vital roles women play behind the scenes. Lady Toda Mariko (Anna Sawai) exemplifies this with her mesmerising translation work in the penultimate episode. Cosmo Jarvis delivers a nuanced performance as John Blackthorne, while Hiroyuki Sanada commands attention as the confident and magnetic warlord Yoshii Toranaga. This series, a collaborative effort between American and Japanese teams, stands as a testament to dedication and cultural authenticity, offering an immersive and meticulously crafted reimagining of Shogun.