Top TV Shows of 2024 So Far: Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, Big Boys

On New Year’s Day, 2024, ITV kicked off the year with a bang by debuting a drama filled with cardigan-clad characters discussing IT problems. Few could have guessed that “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” would become one of the most influential shows in television history. This four-part drama, starring Toby Jones as Alan Bates, sheds light on one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British legal history. The show’s resonance even influenced UK Parliament to overturn wrongful convictions against subpostmasters accused of theft and fraud. This drama exemplifies how TV can bring pressing issues to the forefront of public and political discourse.

Shortly after, another crowd-puller, “The Traitors,” returned, setting the stage for an intriguing game of deception in a Scottish castle. With Claudia Winkleman at the helm, the second series kept eight million viewers glued to their screens. In her glowing review, Jessie Thompson noted, “The show must be a living panic attack to participate in, but it’s so, so much fun to watch.”

“Julia” also made a comeback with its second season. Sarah Lancashire reprised her role as famed TV chef Julia Child, bringing life to the biopic once more. Critics like Nick Hilton lauded Lancashire’s seamless embodiment of the culinary icon, catching nuances previously captured by Meryl Streep in the 2009 film “Julie & Julia.”

The much-anticipated fourth series of “True Detective,” scripted by Issa López, saw Jodie Foster lead an engrossing, dark mystery set in the chilling landscapes of Alaska. Critics praised it as the finest series since its inaugural season, describing it as a profound exploration of faith, violence, and psychological decline.

“Big Boys” returned with its second season, continuing Jack Rooke’s heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and sexuality. Nick Hilton had previously celebrated the show as a “sweet, sensitive misfit comedy,” and the latest episodes didn’t disappoint.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks concluded their trio of WWII epics with “Masters of the Air.” This visually stunning series follows the journey of the pilots in the 100th Bomb Group, resonating deeply with its blend of spectacular visuals and emotional depth.

In a thrilling twist, “Mr and Mrs Smith” was rebooted with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine taking the lead. This modern, hipster take on the cult classic was lauded as one of the sexiest shows on TV today, balancing between intense action and mundane activities seamlessly.

David Nicholls’ emotionally charged romance “One Day” captivated audiences again with its latest adaptation. The performances of Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall brought Em and Dex’s love story to life with a fresh perspective and an evocative soundtrack, earning widespread acclaim.

The nuanced anti-romcom “Alice & Jack” explored the complexities of love and soulmates, featuring powerful performances by Domhnall Gleeson and Andrea Riseborough. Despite mixed reviews about the on-screen chemistry, its intriguing narrative deserved attention.

“Breathtaking,” a poignant adaptation of Dr. Rachel Clarke’s memoir, captured the profound challenges faced by healthcare workers during the Covid pandemic. Joanne Froggatt delivered a compelling portrayal of a consultant struggling amidst the crisis, resonating deeply with viewers.

“Shōgun,” a Disney epic filled with palpable tension and vivid storytelling, drew inevitable comparisons to “Game of Thrones.” The story of John Blackthorne, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, invited viewers into a captivating world set in 17th-century Japan.

“Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV,” an exposé on Nickelodeon’s disturbing culture, stunned the television industry by revealing systemic issues of abuse and harassment, stirring global conversations about industry practices.

Marking the anniversary of Paul O’Grady’s death, “The Life and Death of Lily Savage” shed light on his iconic drag alter ego with an emotionally potent documentary, featuring heartfelt tributes from industry peers.

“Feud: Capote vs The Swans,” from Ryan Murphy, transported viewers into a high-society scandal featuring an all-star cast. The show vividly chronicled Truman Capote’s fall from social grace, offering a “beguiling” narrative as described by critics.

Despite controversy, “Baby Reindeer” stood out for its raw portrayal of stalking and abuse, scripted by Richard Gadd. The story, however, saw its impact somewhat overshadowed by a subsequent legal uproar involving real-life counterparts.

Although not yet available to UK viewers, the third season of “Hacks,” starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, was celebrated for its humorous and glitzy portrayal of the struggles within the comedy industry.

Jeremy Clarkson’s “Clarkson’s Farm” continued to engage audiences with its mix of humor and heartfelt moments. The surprising emotional storyline involving the loss of new piglets on Diddly Squat farm left many viewers in tears, while the show’s success has paved the way for Clarkson’s new venture as a pub landlord.

“Inside No 9” concluded its ninth season with a tribute to its impressive guest star lineup and its carefully crafted narratives, leaving fans wanting more of its unique blend of comedic horror.

While “House of the Dragon” may not have replicated the success of “Game of Thrones,” its second season still garnered praise for its solid performances and lush production values, maintaining its position as a significant TV drama.

“Spent,” a comedy inspired by Michelle de Swarte’s life, humorously depicted the financial and personal challenges faced by a former international catwalk model. As the protagonist Mia navigates life back in south London, viewers are drawn into her chaotic journey.

Danny Dyer also returned to the small screen with “Mr Bigstuff,” a suburbia-set comedy about brotherhood and masculinity. His portrayal of a quintessentially tough character provided plenty of entertainment and showcased Dyer’s comedic talent.

Source: Various sources