As we delve deeper into the digital era, the television landscape continues to flourish, offering a wide array of captivating content. Each year, creators are pushing the boundaries of storytelling, crafting narratives that are not only thought-provoking and entertaining but also resonate deeply with audiences.
As we enter 2024, the industry is gearing up to launch a series of promising new shows that are set to captivate viewers across the globe. From intense dramas to groundbreaking comedies, here’s a glimpse into the best shows to watch right now—the upcoming TV highlights of 2024 that you won’t want to miss.
After the holiday festivities wind down, returning to our regular schedules presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in fresh and exciting television. What better way to relax after a busy day at work or school than by diving into a new and intriguing series?
Even streaming giants are navigating through their own challenges; for instance, Netflix’s “Stranger Things” is expected to conclude in 2025 after experiencing several delays. Similarly, the second season of “Wednesday” is set to begin production in spring 2024 and may face its own uncertainties. Despite these challenges, the array of new shows to watch ensures that the entertainment landscape will continue to be a source of relaxation and enjoyment in the New Year.
New Shows to Watch Right Now
Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale,
In the enchanting town of Sanctuary, where witchcraft is not merely a legend but a palpable reality, witches live openly and are esteemed members of society. Here, Elaine Cassidy embodies Sarah Fenn, the town’s resident witch and a trusted figure often sought after when traditional remedies prove insufficient.
This mystical setting is the backdrop for one of the new shows to watch this season. However, the idyllic life in Sanctuary is disrupted when a local teen rugby star, Dan Whitehall, suffers a mysterious and untimely death, sending shockwaves throughout the community.
What at first seems like an unfortunate accident soon spirals into a web of suspicion and fear, particularly directed towards Sarah and her teenage daughter, Harper, portrayed by Hazel Doupe. This chilling development adds layers of intrigue and suspense, making this one of the most anticipated new shows to stream. As secrets begin to surface, the town of Sanctuary finds itself wrestling with darker truths hidden beneath its serene facade.
Criminal Record
A British crime series presents a classic yet captivating premise, introducing viewers to Peter Capaldi’s masterful portrayal of Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, alongside Cush Jumbo, renowned for her role in “The Good Fight,” as the rookie Detective Sergeant June Lenker.
The plot thickens in “Criminal Record” as a murder investigation draws Hegarty back to an old case, threatening to shake the very foundations of justice. This intriguing development ensures that “Criminal Record” is one of the good shows to stream this season.
For those eager to dive into the action, the pilot and the first two episodes are available to stream on the same day, offering an immediate deep dive into the suspense. New episodes will continue to be released weekly, culminating on February 21.
True Detective: Night Country, Season 4
This latest installment of the criminal drama introduces a fresh cast and an all-new setting. The narrative shifts to the stark and remote landscapes of Alaska, where Jodie Foster and Kali Reis take on the lead roles.
In this season, Jodie Foster portrays Liz, a detective delving into the mysterious disappearance of six men from a remote research facility. “True Detective: Night Country” breaks away from the series’ usual framework, featuring an original and compelling storyline set against the dramatic backdrop of Alaska’s unforgiving wilderness.
For those looking for the best new series to watch, “True Detective: Night Country” offers a unique blend of suspense, mystery, and scenic visuals, making it a standout addition to the genre and a must-see this year.
Echo
Set to premiere on January 10 on Disney+, “Echo” brings Cox’s character, Maya, back into the spotlight after her compelling appearance in “Hawkeye.” This season, she embarks on an exhilarating new journey!
In Oklahoma, Maya delves into her Indigenous heritage, striving to connect with the deeper meanings of family and community. However, her path is complicated by the reappearances of Charlie Cox as Daredevil and Vincent D’Onofrio as Kingpin, suggesting her pursuit of peace may encounter significant obstacles.
“Echo” stands out among the top TV shows right now, offering a unique blend of action and cultural exploration. For those looking to dive into the best current TV offerings, “Echo” is a must-watch on Disney+.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Get ready for a whirlwind of humor, mystery, and spy action as Donald Glover and Maya Erskine team up in the Prime Video adaptation of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” This series has quickly become one of the popular TV shows right now, captivating audiences with its unique blend of espionage and comedy.
The Smiths enjoy a life of luxury and travel, but there’s a twist: they pose as married software engineers while secretly working as spies for a mysterious agency. This fresh take on the 2005 movie comes from the creative minds of Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix is embracing the challenge of producing a live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series, despite previous adaptation missteps, such as the widely criticized feature film by M. Night Shyamalan. Inspired by the success of the “One Piece” adaptation, the streaming giant is hopeful that it can effectively bring beloved characters and the mystical world of bending to both long-time fans and newcomers.
This new venture is poised to become one of the best series right now on Netflix, aiming to capture the essence of the original animated series while expanding its universe to a broader audience. By blending rich storytelling with impressive visuals, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” seeks to engage a diverse range of viewers, making it a potentially unmissable offering for fantasy and adventure enthusiasts.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
“The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” which picks up with Rick and Michonne after the dramatic finale of the original series, is set to premiere on AMC on February 25. This six-episode miniseries is generating significant anticipation as it focuses on two of the most iconic characters from “The Walking Dead.” As one of the best shows to watch right now, this continuation offers fans a chance to dive back into the gripping world of survival, loyalty, and the undead, promising intense drama and deep character exploration.
Death and Other Details
Set to premiere on Hulu on January 16, 2024, “Death and Other Details” unfolds on a lavish Mediterranean cruise that turns sinister with a murder mystery. Mandy Patinkin stars as Rufus Cotesworth, the world’s foremost detective, with Violett Beane playing Imogene Scott, who finds herself at the center of the investigation as the prime suspect. As one of the popular shows right now, this series blends intrigue and luxury in a setting that captivates and entertains, making it a must-watch for fans of sophisticated thrillers.
Orphan Black: Echoes
The new streaming series “Orphan Black: Echoes” is set to revive the “Orphan Black” universe on AMC, featuring Krysten Ritter as Lucy, a woman grappling with amnesia about her identity. This exciting comeback, launching six years after the original series concluded, is poised to delve into the intricate mysteries of genetics and personal identity, attracting both longtime fans and new viewers.
Daredevil: Born Again
“Daredevil: Born Again” is poised for a significant creative overhaul, making it one of the new TV series to watch on Disney+. Part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the series is currently on the hunt for new writers to bring a fresh dynamic, while Chris Ord and Matt Corman will continue their roles as executive producers. Increased speculation around a Mayor Fisk storyline follows recent set photos, enhancing anticipation. Charlie Cox, reprising his role, is eager to draw in a new generation of fans with this exciting reboot.
Fallout
Prime Video is set to captivate audiences with the unique retro-futuristic world of “Fallout,” making it one of the best series to watch right now. This series will immerse viewers in the rich narrative and distinctive aesthetic of the beloved game series, set in a world rebounding from a nuclear disaster. It uniquely combines iconic ’50s style with a post-apocalyptic backdrop, offering a visually stunning and deeply engaging viewing experience.
3 Body Problem
“The Three-Body Problem,” adapted from Liu Cixin’s renowned “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” trilogy, is poised to make its debut on Netflix on March 21. This series is already being counted among the best shows out right now, thanks to the involvement of “Game of Thrones” creators D.B. Weiss and David Benioff. They promise an exciting and substantial new contribution to the science fiction genre, blending complex narratives and innovative storytelling that are expected to captivate audiences with their ambitious scope and profound themes.
Agatha All Along
“Agatha All Along,” streaming now on Disney+, viewers might think they’ve stumbled into the wrong show. Instead of the powerful witch Agatha Harkness from “WandaVision,” Kathryn Hahn plays Agnes, a rebellious police detective in a small town, with Aubrey Plaza as her condescending FBI foil. The series, a spin-off by “WandaVision” showrunner Jac Schaefer, playfully teases with unexpectedly broad performances by Hahn and Plaza.
However, this shift is a clever nod to Agatha’s new reality, as she is trapped in a suburban nightmare by Wanda, forced to navigate the clichés of 20th-century family sitcoms. “Agatha All Along” promises a fresh journey with its blend of detective-drama and witty cultural references, making it one of the good new series to watch for its delightful and literate twists on familiar tropes.
English Teacher
“English Teacher,” created by and starring the viral sensation Brian Jordan Alvarez, is a genuine sitcom set in a suburban Austin, Texas high school. Unlike many comedy series that take a season or two to hit their stride, this show exudes confidence from the outset. It cleverly mixes humorous character interactions with sharp commentary on the politicized landscape of public education. Hailed as the best new sitcom of the year, “English Teacher” is quickly becoming one of the trending TV shows for its ability to deliver genuine, laugh-out-loud moments, making it a must-watch for comedy enthusiasts.
La Maison
Caught in a racist rant that goes viral, Vincent Ledu (Lambert Wilson), the creative director of the Paris couture house LEDU, becomes embroiled in a scandal that soon escalates into an international incident. This controversy, fueled by a rival luxury giant employing Vincent’s brother Victor (Pierre Deladonchamps), signals Vincent’s inevitable departure. The ensuing power struggle within the family intensifies as Vincent’s nephew, Robinson (Antoine Reinartz), and eco-conscious designer Paloma (Zita Hanrot) vie for his position. This dramatic turn of events in the couture world makes “LEDU” a gripping series to stream for those intrigued by the high stakes of fashion and family dynamics.
Penelope
Created by indie luminaries Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn, “Penelope” stands out in the television landscape with its unique, immersive storytelling. Spanning eight episodes, the series offers a deeply impressionistic view of the natural world, capturing vibrant landscapes in patient, sound-rich scenes. Megan Stott delivers a standout performance as Penelope, a 16-year-old caught between everyday adolescence and an existential crisis, making her the centerpiece of this ambitious allegory. With its distinctive style and profound narrative, “Penelope” is a must-watch among TV shows to stream for viewers seeking a rich, cinematic experience.
Social Studies
Lauren Greenfield’s five-part documentary series featured as one of the best TV shows on television right now, offers a deep dive into the impact of social media on teenagers. Greenfield, known for her sociological lens in works like “The Queen of Versailles” and “Generation Wealth,” spent the 2021-22 post-lockdown school year exploring the lives of a diverse group of Los Angeles teens. The series reveals how social media shapes their realities, from a boy who profits from organizing high school parties to a working-class Latina dealing with the aftermath of a public breakup.
It also follows a queer teen navigating college tours while planning to come out to her conservative mother. By intertwining their physical realities with their digital interactions, Greenfield exposes the complex ways technology influences adolescence, highlighting issues like body image, social ostracism, and increased dependency on digital connections during the pandemic. “Social Studies” provides a revealing, albeit often sobering, look at modern teen life, making it a must-watch for its critical insights.
Have I Got News for You
Roy Wood Jr., a former Daily Show correspondent who left after being overlooked for the host position, has found a new home on CNN with his game show. This program, adapted from a British series, humorously quizzes teams led by comedians Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black about the absurdity of current news events. It’s quickly becoming one of the best TV shows to watch right now, offering a funny and sharp commentary on the news cycle.
How to Die Alone
Natasha Rothwell, known for her roles in “The White Lotus” and “Insecure,” creates and stars in one of the new TV shows to watch this season. The series centers on a reserved airport worker who, after a near-death experience, decides to embrace the adventurous life she’s always wanted but never dared to pursue. Candid and inspiring without being overly sentimental, this comedy offers a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling.
Nobody Wants This
While this interfaith romantic comedy may not always hit the mark, the charm of Kristen Bell and Adam Brody, who play an unlikely pair of soulmates, makes it hard not to get swept away. Their chemistry shines, elevating the series into one of the best current TV shows for those who love a good romantic storyline with endearing characters
Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos
What might initially seem like a simple bonus feature on a Blu-ray turns out to be an insightful two-part documentary exploring the history of a television classic. Set in a replica of the therapist’s office from “The Sopranos,” this series features a candid conversation between the show’s creator, David Chase, and documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney. This engaging and revealing discussion makes it one of the standout series currently on TV for fans of the iconic show.