Am I addicted to television? Absolutely. Could I dominate a binge-watching competition? Without a doubt. With that in mind, selecting my favorite new series of 2024 proved to be quite a challenge. However, I decided to focus on entertainment value, binge-worthy appeal, and the shows I enthusiastically recommended to friends and family.

So, let’s dive in! Here are my top picks for new shows in 2024!

X-Men ‘97 (Disney+)

My top choice is the acclaimed Disney+ animated series, X-Men ’97. As a huge fan of the original series, I fell head over heels for Rogue and Gambit, and they’ve held a special place in my heart ever since. The original series was the catalyst that got me into comic books! So, when I heard the series was being revitalized, I had high expectations, and I can honestly say they were both crushed and exceeded. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, never knowing what twist would come next. I found myself deep in discussions about all the potential storylines, and I haven’t cried over a character’s loss like that since George on Grey’s Anatomy.

Matlock (Paramount+)

Paramount+’s reboot of Matlock has been my biggest surprise of the year! I tuned in for Kathy Bates, and I ended up captivated by her phenomenal performance and the jaw-dropping drama. Bates is delivering some of the finest work of her career in this series. As someone who usually multitasks with my phone, I find myself completely engrossed, putting my device aside to fully immerse myself in the show.

Nobody Wants This (Netflix)

In a world where the rom-com has become a joke and dubbed “cringe” by a younger generation, Netflix’s Nobody Wants This gives me hope that the genre isn’t dead. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody are stellar together with electric chemistry. The storyline is well done, taking the old-school rom-com and giving it a fantastic modern twist. I binged the entire series in one sitting. Then went to visit my bestie who I then rewatched again in one sitting. I haven’t giggled and kicked my feet while watching something like this in years! Season 2 cannot get here fast enough.

Agatha All Along (Disney+)

The character that wasn’t supposed to be more than a villain in WandaVision has taken Marvel fans by storm! Disney+’s Agatha All Along gave us the banger, “The Ballad of the Witches Road“, as well as a fantastic fleshing out of Agatha and fellow witches I hope to see again. The series starred the spectacular Kathryn Hahn, iconic Patti LuPone, SNL’s Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn (Orange is the New Black), Debra Jo Rupp (That 90s Show), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Rec), and Heartstopper‘s Joe Locke. Need I say more?

High Potential (Hulu)

I’m a sucker for a cop dramedy and Hulu’s High Potential gives viewers the trope of the random person who helps the police solve cases. The series stars Always Sunny’s Kaitlin Olson as a woman with a super high IQ and is overly observant. Out of all the similar series to come out, this is my favorite in a while. I live for her quippy smarts and the chemistry between her and Detective Karadec. I’m excited to see where this series goes.

The Golden Bachelorette (ABC)

I’ve never been a fan of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette; the whole concept seems pretty wild to me. But while I was on vacation, my friend, who’s a huge fan of the series, invited me to join her for a Golden Bachelorette night. I was completely captivated! This new version of the show feels so genuine. There’s no backstabbing or petty drama, and the bromance among the contestants is truly the star. They all genuinely support one another, and each of them has faced real-life challenges and carries hope. I’ve never seen anything so sweet.

Dexter: Original Sin (Paramount+ with Showtime)

Despite its disappointing final couple of seasons, Dexter remains one of my all-time favorite series. Michael C. Hall captivated audiences as the code-driven serial killer, drawing viewers in week after week until the terrible finale. Dexter: New Blood rekindled that magic, introducing his adult son, Harrison, into the mix. Now, with Dexter: Original Sin, fans are transported back to the series’ origins. The pilot episode revisits a pivotal story from the original series involving Dexter’s first kill: Nurse Mary, who fancied herself an “angel of death.” However, her fixation on Dexter’s father, Harry, leads to her becoming his inaugural victim, setting Dexter on the path we all recognize. The show boasts excellent casting and bizarre scenarios as we watch Dexter Morgan navigate his role with the Miami PD while grappling with his dark passenger.

Happy’s Place (Peacock)

I have a soft spot for sitcoms, but it’s a shame that so few manage to endure over time. I’m not quite sure why that is—maybe people just aren’t into heartwarming fun anymore. One standout, however, is Reba McEntire’s beloved show, Reba, which unfortunately fell victim to the merger of The WB and UPN. The series debuted on The WB, where it enjoyed a five-season run before concluding its sixth and final season on The CW in 2007.

Now, Reba is back! This time on NBC/Peacock with Happy’s Place. The new show reunites some familiar faces from Reba while introducing a fresh, chaotic storyline. We follow Bobby (Reba), who inherits her late father’s tavern, Happy’s Place, after his passing. To her surprise, she learns she has a co-owner—Isabella, a half-sister she never knew existed.

Doctor Odyssey (ABC)

The terrible show that almost circles back around to good. Dr. Odyssey is such a train wreck, yet I find myself unable to look away. I blame my love of Joshua Jackson. Set aboard a lavish cruise ship, the series follows a group of doctors navigating the mayhem that unfolds. The show has so much potential, but instead of getting viewers invested in characters and storylines we’re force to just accept what’s happening and hope characters are automatically likable – they are not. Still, I can’t help but keep watching this delightful disaster.

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