Top TV programs of 2024: Must-see new shows to stream this year

February saw fan favorites wrapping up, with Curb Your Enthusiasm saying goodbye to Larry David and the late Richard Lewis in its final season. Netflix's hit crime drama The Tourist returned for a second installment. The streamer also debuted the romantic limited series One Day just in time for Valentine's Day. FX's epic Samurai adaptation Shogun finished out the month strong, becoming one of the highest rated shows of 2022 so far.

January kicked off with Masters of the Air, the long-awaited World War 2 companion series to Band of Brothers and The Pacific. True Detective made a powerful comeback with its mysterious fourth season Night Country, ramping up the supernatural elements. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine charmed audiences with their antics in the comedy Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Meanwhile, Michelle Yeoh and Sofia Vergara debuted as strong female leads in The Brothers Sun and Griselda respectively.

SHOGUN: LIMITED SERIES
Lavishly produced and jam-packed with historical authenticity, Shogun distinguishes itself as an ambitious adaptation that surpasses its source material. Critics hailed the series as visually stunning while commending its faithful representation of cultural traditions.

AMERICAN NIGHTMARE: SEASON 1
Provoking equally unsettling and compelling reactions, American Nightmare's unflinching portrayal of institutional prejudice exacerbating a monstrous crime situation earned both praise and criticism. Reviews hailed the series for its unsettling yet imperative retelling while also finding fault with its overwhelming darkness at times. Overall, critics agreed the limited series served as an important chronicle illuminating ongoing issues within the justice system.

THE TOURIST: SEASON 2
Picking up where the acclaimed first season left off, The Tourist Season 2 further progresses the unpredictable plot at a breakneck pace. Critics applauded Jamie Dornan and Danielle Macdonald for deepening their nuanced characters with sincere and vulnerable portrayals that keep viewers engrossed until the surprising conclusion. Overall, reviews praised the thriller's unrelenting suspense and another season of staying one step ahead of expectations.

TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY
Critics widely lauded Night Country as a bone-chillingly atmospheric entry in the True Detective anthology series. Led by terrific performances from Jodie Foster and Kali Reis, reviewers praised how the limited series explores familiar existential themes in new frozen settings. Most agreed the season successfully taps into unsettling atmosphere and tone through stellar acting and craftsmanship, proving True Detective remains compelling in exploring darkness within human nature.

ONE DAY: LIMITED SERIES
Critics overwhelmingly praised One Day for its poignant and nuanced portrait of the ebbs and flows of a relationship over many years. Reviews noted the limited series sweeps viewers along on an emotionally moving journey that's equally lighthearted and bittersweet. Anchored by excellent performances, One Day was lauded for its gorgeously rendered sense of romance that gradually evolves in step with the lives of its characters across decades.

MR. & MRS. SMITH: SEASON 1
Critics appreciated how the series updated the conceptual framework of the 2005 film into a witty relationship comedy with tightly-woven spy shenanigans. Reviews praised the blend of action and humor, crediting Donald Glover and Maya Erskine's infectious on-screen rapport and charismatic performances for keeping audiences engaged across twist-filled episodes. 

FEUD: CAPOTE VS. THE SWANS
While some reviews noted this Feud installment didn't contain as many juicy dramatized incidents as the iconic Joan Crawford vs Bette Davis season, critics still largely enjoyed Capote vs. the Swans. Praise centered on the sumptuous 1960s setting brought to life by lavish production design. Commenters also applauded the top-notch cast, including Tom Holland and Christine Baranski, who kept viewers immeresed in the interpersonal drama between the legendary writer and socialites. On the whole, critics agreed the miniseries proved another smartly crafted and absorbing entry for the anthology series.

MONSIEUR SPADE: SEASON 1
While reviews noted the series surrounding Clive Owen sometimes fell short of capturing the magic of the classic source material, critics were unanimous in their praise of Owen's lead performance. Comments lauded Owen for commanding the screen with his nuanced portrayal of the rugged private detective, depicting both charm and depth. Although the supporting storytelling was faulted at times for lacking the pulp atmosphere of yesteryear, reviewers agreed Owen's captivating turn as Sam Spade made for entertaining television nonetheless. His craggy on-screen presence proved a true highlight of the otherwise mixed spiritual successor.