Summary
It’s been another great year for TV shows with gripping new limited series, returning seasons of old favorites, and fresh original stories making their way to screens around the globe.
TV shows are released on all sorts of platforms nowadays, but primetime viewing on network and cable channels still delivers the goods. Game Rant has already rounded up some of thebest series on different streaming servicesthis year. So, instead, this list is dedicated toall the shows that were not just released on streaming and instead were produced for network or cable channelslikeHBO, ABC, and FX.
Shogun
Shōgunwas an exceptional series out of 2024. A big-budget modern adaptation of James Clavell’s classic novel of historical Japanese fiction was undoubtedly a risk for FX, but it’s one that paid off afterShōgunearned a record number of Emmys at the 2024 ceremony. The critical acclaim was well-deserved as the series established itself as a respectful and authentic portrayal of Japanese culture during a pivotal period in history.Shōgundelivered a riveting story with enough high-stakes and character-driven drama to rival that ofGame of Thrones. The performances were exceptional, particularly those ofHiroyuki Sanada (Lord Toranaga)and Anna Sawai (Lady Mariko), and the dialogue being presented largely in Japanese was a milestone for a series of this scale in Hollywood.
The Penguin
With Matt Reeves’The Batmanproviding audiences with another gripping take on the Caped Crusader in 2022 andThe Batman: Part 2only getting further away,The Penguinserved as a nice stopgap between installments and is one that threatens to outshine its source. Colin Farrell stars in the series as Oz Cobb, aka the Penguin (a character he played in the 2022 film), who takes his chance to seize power in Gotham after the fall of Carmine Falcone.
Farrell’s performance, plus that of Cristin Milioti as Sofia Gigante and Rhenzy Feliz as Victor Aguila, are standouts from the year and were elevated thanks toThe Penguin’sexcellent writing and tone. The series was a surprising reminder that the heroes don’t always have the most interesting story, and the HBO series managed to bring Oz’s journey to life in a riveting manner.The Penguinbrought a taste of premium HBO qualityto superhero series and managed to serve as not just an excellent spin-off fromThe Batmanbut an outstanding TV series in its own right.
Superman and Lois - Season 4
The CW’sArrowverseofficially came to an end in 2024 with the conclusion ofSuperman & Lois. The TV-friendly take on one of DC’s most famed superheroes followed Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) in his era of being a father and husband, focusing on the Man of Steel’s split focus as a family man and world savior. Season 4 was an effective finale for the series and saw Superman face his greatest threats yet, including his iconic foe Doomsday. Despite skewing toward a younger audience,Superman & Loisfelt different from other Arrowverse shows in its cinematography and themes. That continued to thetragic end ofSuperman & LoisSeason 4, but it still managed to be a touching send-off for the superhero TV universe.
The Bear - Season 3
The Bearhas quickly become a favoriteseries of viewers all around the globe. The series’ frantic insight into the high-stakes restaurant world paired with its deep character drama and eclectic humor have made it a repeat winner at awards shows and a beloved series by audiences.
Season 3 of the FX show saw Carmy and his restaurant staff deal with the ramifications of the friends-and-family night at their new spot The Bear, plus attempt to launch it as a Michelin-star-worthy establishment. Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss-Bachrach remained standouts as Sydney and Richie, plus Jamie Lee-Curtis returned in Season 3 as Carmy’s mother for another standout episode. Season 3 ofThe Bearalso wasn’t afraid to play with style and introduced even more standout episodes that rival that of “Fishes” and “Spoons”.
