I’m truthfully flabbergasted over what I’m about to jot down, however right here we go – three of my prime 5 TV exhibits this yr had been Prime Video originals. That’s proper, out of 40 sequence from the 2024 TV schedule that I watched, the vast majority of my prime decisions had been streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription.
Now, earlier than we dive into particulars with these 5 fantastic exhibits, I’ll let that my primary decide is obtainable with an Apple TV+ subscription and the ultimate slot went to the ABC staple. So, as you’ll be able to see, I unfold my TV time throughout the finest streaming companies and channels, making it form of wild that almost all of my prime 5 reside on Amazon Prime.
Nonetheless, I can’t deny how stacked their lineup was this yr. So, with out additional ado, listed here are my prime 5 exhibits of 2024 (three of that are a few of Prime Video’s finest sequence).
No. 5: Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Abbott Elementary has been a staple in my TV lineup because it began airing in 2021. I’ve been a Janine and Gregory shipper from the beginning. I like the fantastic chemistry the complete solid shares. Plus, the comedy harkens again to a few of the finest sitcoms and mockumentaries whereas nonetheless being its personal distinctive factor.
Whereas it has had its groove for the reason that begin, I feel Abbott actually discovered its stream in Season 3 (which aired throughout the first half of the yr) and Season 4 (which is presently airing).
Season 3 offered new challenges and dynamics as Janine went to work on the district. Now, with Season 4, we’re within the extra conventional swing of issues together with her again at Abbott. General, the evolution of her story in addition to the opposite characters immediately pertains to the expansion of the present, which I like to see.
On prime of that, this solid – Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter and William Stanford Davis – know their characters so effectively now, mesh seamlessly collectively, and work in an exquisite approach that creates the intelligent, hilarious chaos that’s Abbott Elementary.
No. 4: My Woman Jane (Amazon Prime)
Let me get this out of the best way first: the truth that My Woman Jane acquired axed after one season and landed on the 2024 listing of canceled TV exhibits is an abomination. It’s single-handedly one of the crucial inventive and humorous exhibits of the yr, and the girlies like me desperately wished extra.
The interval motion fantasy rom-com was a wildly fantastical and traditionally inaccurate model of Woman Jane Gray’s story, and it featured a sassy narrator, magic and a few of the finest banter I’ve seen all yr.
Notably, the performances from the present’s leads – Emily Bader as Jane and Edward Bluemel as her love curiosity Guildford Dudley – had been what made the present for me. Their chemistry bounced off the display screen, and I couldn’t cease swooning over both of them.
Including to all that, this present was extremely intelligent. Whereas the premise is admittedly foolish, the writing was whip-smart, and so they had been in a position to capitalize on all this by making a story that was self-aware but over-the-top and goofy but heartfelt. Truthfully, it was the right steadiness of the whole lot I like in a challenge, plus it was in contrast to anything on TV this yr.
So, Amazon Prime, I plead to you, please carry again My Woman Jane!
No. 3: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Energy (Amazon Prime)
I’m not exaggerating after I say, Rings of Energy Season 2 blew me away! After being a long-time reluctant Lord of the Rings fan, this set of episodes lastly turned me into a really enthusiastic one, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
After an exposition-heavy first season, Season 2 of this Lord of the Rings prequel acquired to dive into the nitty-gritty story of Sauron pulling off his evil plan to craft the rings. A real spotlight of those episodes was seeing Charlie Vickers play Sauron in disguise as Annatar towards Charles Edwards’ elven smith Celebrimbor, as a result of he introduced such a menacing but alluring high quality to the character and this legendary LOTR story.
We acquired a critically epic battle this season too that lasted three episodes and confirmed off the energy and energy of so many characters and the actors behind them – like Robert Aramayo’s Elrond and Sam Hazeldine’s Adar.
Truthfully, this season of Rings of Energy proved why Amazon is so invested in its dedication to this present, and now I’m impatiently ready for Season 3 of this Lord of the Rings sequence.
No. 2: Fallout (Amazon Prime)
Fallout was my greatest shock of the yr, as a result of I knew nothing about its supply materials beforehand. Nonetheless, I instantly felt like I used to be dwelling on this post-apocalyptic world the second I hit play on Episode 1.
Between Ella Purnell’s idealistic and harmless Lucy who’s shortly hardened by the skin world, Aaron Moten’s Maximus’ and his journey with the knights, and Walton Goggins’ Ghoul being a gunslinging outlaw and grieving father, we acquired a various trio of flawed heroes that painted an ideal image of Fallout’s world.
This present can be deeply detailed and immersive, making it so you’re feeling like you might be dwelling on this often terrifying and dilapidated world. Nonetheless, it’s additionally stunning and mystical, and 100% proves the facility of nice sensible results and CGI.
By the top of Season 1, I used to be so invested in Fallout, I wanted Season 2 instantly, as a result of the care, ardour and delight put into this Amazon present was infectious.
No. 1: Shrinking (Apple TV+)
Shrinking isn’t simply certainly one of Apple TV+’s finest exhibits, it’s my favourite present of the yr.
For context, Season 1 was an actual spotlight for me in 2023. Tt made me fall in love with Harrison Ford and his dry humor. It jogged my memory why I like Jason Segel. It was additionally additional affirmation that Invoice Lawrence and Brett Goldstein know how one can make an ideal heartfelt comedy. So, I used to be eagerly anticipating Season 2.
Fortunately, this sophomore season didn’t simply reside as much as its predecessor, it constructed on it too. Diving deeper into grief and forgiveness this yr, the present highlighted the facility of each whereas remaining depraved humorous.
Because of Shrinking’s unbelievable solid, these themes additionally didn’t simply apply to Jimmy’s (Segel) story. From Jessica Williams taking part in out Gaby’s relationship struggles to Michael Urie’s Brian determining if he’s able to be a dad to Christa Miller’s quest as Liz to seek out her goal, each story was relatable and baked with love and that means.
All-in-all, that made for an exquisite, hilarious and shifting season of tv that I’ll all the time be glad about.
Now, whereas this listing is bookended by two non-Amazon exhibits, the complete center is unique to that platform, and that feels vital. Every story was wholly distinctive, wildly entertaining and deeply immersive, and all three of those exhibits are nothing like the opposite, displaying the depth of programming that got here out this yr. (That is confirmed even additional by the truth that I didn’t even point out different nice Prime exhibits like The Boys and Mr. and Mrs. Smith).
So, when all is alleged and performed, I assume I have to say thanks to Amazon Prime for placing out such improbable programming this yr.