Best TV Episodes of 2024

This list might not carry the same weight as our annual best-of compilation—after all, it’s impossible for anyone to watch every single TV episode released in a year—but it’s certainly the most enjoyable list to compile. In my experience, when you spend a year watching countless series you may never write about, you come to realize that brilliance can emerge anywhere. Sometimes it’s in the places you expect, and other times, it’s hidden in an obscure documentary or an overlooked streaming gem.https://wordpress.com/

As a critic, I always end the year with a handful of these unexpected treasures, and it’s a joy to share them with you now. Enjoy, and feel free to add your own discoveries. – JAMES PONIEWOZIK

‘Baby Reindeer’
Episode 4

Created by and starring Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer” left a strong impression this year with its raw and unflinching portrayal of stalking, sexual assault, shame, and ambition. Episode 4 is among the most gripping and unsettling hours of TV I’ve ever witnessed, as Gadd’s character, Donny, is manipulated, drugged, and ultimately victimized by a man he once admired—a figure who promised to advance his career. The series avoids any simplistic moral conclusions, diving deep into the complex layers of victimhood and abuse. (Streaming on Netflix.) – MARGARET LYONS

‘The Bear’
Season 3, Episode 6: ‘Napkins’
While this season of “The Bear” felt more impressive visually than narratively, “Napkins” brought back the energy and raw emotion of the earlier seasons. The episode tracks Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) through a humbling job hunt and a moment of catharsis at the restaurant, which was still just an Italian beef sandwich spot at the time. A beautiful tribute to the restorative power of both work and food, “Napkins” offered a satisfying contrast to the season’s more abstract moments. (Streaming on Hulu.) – PONIEWOZIK

‘Blue Lights’
Season 1, Episode 5: ‘The Q Word’
“Blue Lights” has quickly become one of the best new police procedurals, breathing new life into the genre. One young officer consistently refuses assignments, revealing her surprising entitlement and, even more unusually for this type of show, her cowardice. In this taut episode, she faces a difficult decision in the field, leading to a profoundly shattering moment. (Streaming on BritBox.) – MIKE HALE

‘Bob’s Burgers’
Season 15, Episode 4: ‘For Whom the Doll Toes’

I include an episode of “Bob’s Burgers” on this list each year, partly because it’s my favorite show, but also because it’s one of the last great episodic series. Unlike serialized shows, where episodes are designed to blend into larger story arcs, episodic series like this must deliver a complete experience every single week. In this episode, Louise Belcher crafts a murder mystery involving dolls to atone for a mistake she made with her brother. The episode encapsulates the show’s blend of sweetness and melancholy. (Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.) – HALE

‘Chimp Crazy’
Episode 2: ‘Gone Ape’
This documentary series follows Tonka, a chimp who starred in movies before being taken in by Tonia Haddix, an enthusiast involved in the exotic animal trade. “Gone Ape” presents Tonka’s bizarre saga alongside other chimps who, after being raised by humans, turned violent, often fatally so. The episode culminates in a jaw-dropping revelation: after claiming Tonka died, Haddix is shown secretly keeping him locked in a basement. The shocking twist is both expected and unexpected at the same time. (Streaming on Max.) – LYONS

‘Constellation’
Season 1, Episode 7: ‘Through the Looking Glass’
“Constellation” blends science fiction and dark fairy tales, guided by the spirit of “Alice in Wonderland.” This episode sees the two narrative strands converge, revealing their secrets as young girls literally pass through looking glasses. The result is a magical moment that captures the wonder of both modern science and fantasy. (Streaming on Apple TV+.) – HALE

‘The Curse’
Season 1, Episode 10: ‘Green Queen’
If you predicted this finale, I won’t believe you. One of the most perplexing and intriguing experiments of 2023 ended in early 2024 with a surreal and literal conclusion: Asher Siegel (Nathan Fielder), part of a husband-and-wife reality-TV team, is sent hurtling to his death in space after his gravitational field is reversed. Is it magical realism? Religious allegory? Or a pretentious cop-out? Whatever you call it, the haunting and unforgettable ending made an impact like few other shows this year. (Streaming on Paramount+.) – PONIEWOZIK

‘Expats’
Episode 5: ‘Central’
While long episodes of heavy dramas often drag, the 100-minute “Central” stands out for its depth and beauty. Set in Hong Kong, this mini-series centers around the fallout from a boy’s disappearance but shifts its focus to the “helpers”—domestic workers, mostly from the Philippines. The episode is filled with emotional moments, particularly in scenes set in liminal spaces like thresholds and doorways, symbolizing lives in constant transition. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video.) – LYONS

‘The Lesson’
Season 1, Episode 1

In this Israeli drama, a classroom debate turns into a tense and heartbreaking confrontation over the rights of Arab Israelis. The teacher’s superficial liberalism collides with his students’ raw anger and intolerance, creating a charged atmosphere. The conflict between generations, ideologies, and national identities shapes the series from the very first episode. (Streaming on ChaiFlicks.) – HALE

‘Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office’
Episode 1
Based on a harrowing true story, this mini-series explores the injustice of false accusations and the importance of solidarity. The first episode delves deep into the Kafkaesque nightmare of sub-postmasters who face malfunctioning kiosks and criminal charges. It’s a sobering look at the human cost of bureaucracy, and the episode ends on a note of cathartic relief as a support group is formed, offering hope in a sea of despair. (Streaming on PBS Passport.) – LYONS

‘Penelope’
Season 1, Episode 2: ‘Two’

This understated story about a teen runaway surviving in the wilderness is at its strongest in its quietest moments. In this episode, Penelope uses her resourcefulness and patience to build a fire, all while a pulsing electronic score underscores the intensity of the scene. A modern take on the myth of Prometheus, Penelope’s struggle to survive is both poignant and mesmerizing. (Streaming on Netflix.) – PONIEWOZIK

‘Ren Faire’
Episode 2: ‘Make Big Choices’

This documentary series follows the succession crisis at the Texas Renaissance Festival, focusing on the eccentric founder, King George, and his devoted followers. In this episode, Jeff, the most loyal of his subordinates, reflects on the absurdity of the situation in a heartbreaking confession. The surreal conclusion, which involves a hallucinatory conversation with a humanoid dragon, is just one example of the series’ ability to blend fantasy with real human emotions. (Streaming on Max.) – LYONS

‘Sunny’
Season 1, Episode 9: ‘Who’s in the Box?’
Bias alert: If a story involves a robot, I’m probably going to prefer the machine over any human character. This quirky thriller, set in a near-future Japan, revolves around a robot suspected of committing a crime. The episode explores her (the series uses female pronouns) psyche as she faces guilt and confusion in a digital hallucination. It’s a fascinating exploration of the intersection of artificial intelligence and human creativity. (Streaming on Apple TV+.) – PONIEWOZIK

‘The Sympathizer’
Episode 4: ‘Give Us Some Good Lines’

In Park Chan-wook’s adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen’s novel, this episode stands out as a meta-commentary on how Hollywood exploits global tragedies. The Captain (Hoa Xuande), a North Vietnamese double agent, lands a job on a Vietnam War movie set, where the absurdity of the war is played out again in miniature. It’s a darkly comic yet poignant examination of how history is repackaged for entertainment. (Streaming on Max.) – PONIEWOZIK

‘3 Body Problem’
Season 1, Episode 5: ‘Judgment Day’
This slow-burn alien invasion saga is filled with scientific and ethical dilemmas, but the most chilling question it raises is how far you can go when facing an existential threat. In this episode, new nanotechnology is used to slaughter a ship full of alien sympathizers, including families with children. The juxtaposition of awe-inspiring visual effects with the horror of the massacre leaves viewers to grapple with their own emotional responses. (Streaming on Netflix.) – PONIEWOZIK