The best TV-series to watch this summer

Half of 2024 has already passed, and the list of important tasks isn't getting any shorter! For example, there's the ever-growing list of cool TV shows to watch. With so many new releases, you might need a giant Excel spreadsheet to keep track of them all. Or, you could check out our selection of the best TV shows from the first half of 2024. All of them either premiered this year or got new seasons.

Based on IMDb ratings, we have compiled a list of top shows across different genres, ensuring there's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a couple of entertaining evenings or months of binge-watching. If your checklist is already overflowing with series, be prepared to add more, because these are unmissable!

X-Men '97

A true celebration for Marvel fans and classic animation lovers, X-Men '97 continues the story of the original animated series nearly three decades later! Finally, we get to see what happens to the mutants after the death of Professor X.

The show's presentation is particularly noteworthy. The new visual effects remarkably capture the spirit of the old cartoon, earning high praise from fans. The voice acting also delights, with characters sounding as they did in the original, but in better quality.

Shôgun

Based on the eponymous novel, this show immerses viewers in the civil war era of feudal Japan, promising one of the most vivid adventures of the year. The creators have done an excellent job with the setting and costumes, making the on-screen atmosphere so strong that it will make you want to visit Japan if you haven't already.

The plot ensures that the entire first season will keep even the most discerning viewers from getting bored.

The Boys

The eagerly awaited new season is out, bringing the popular show back into action. Surely, every superhero fan has wondered if those caped heroes might not be as virtuous as they seem. "The Boys" reveals what lies beneath the gloss and glamour: people with superpowers using their abilities for personal gain, often far from saving kittens.

The Bear

In 2024, the third season of the popular series "The Bear" was released. This project is a "chamber" drama about a chef trying to start a small business. It lacks grandiose scale but offers deep personal stories that are hard to turn away from. There's also room for humor in the plot, so you won't be wiping away tears constantly.

Mr Bates vs the Post Office

For 20 years, over 700 postal workers have fought against accusations of stealing money from the British postal service. At the center is one of the accused employees, Alan Bates — a small but indomitable man who fully captures the audience's attention.

The mini-series has delighted viewers. The story is concise and keeps you on the edge of your seat through all four episodes, with room for some good humor.

Fallout

Amazon's creation exploded with the force of an atomic bomb. Adaptations of video games always risk angering fans, but this time, it turned out almost perfectly. Both gamers and those unfamiliar with the games but who enjoy epic series with shootouts and dark humor were pleased with the result.

The atmosphere of the game franchise is stunningly conveyed. The designers and writers did an excellent job, so I eagerly await the continuation, which has already been announced. You can read more about the series on our website via the link.

House of the Dragon

Following the divisive finale of "Game of Thrones", "House of the Dragon" has become the new hope for fans, myself included. The story, set long before the original series, brings a lot of new elements while maintaining the mood of its predecessor.

In 2024, the second season was released, where the fate of House Targaryen takes even more thrilling turns!

Ripley

A dark mini-series spanning eight episodes, "Ripley" follows a con artist in the 1960s. The main character needs to get to Italy, retrieve someone, and bring them back to New York. The visual style immediately stands out as the show is entirely in black and white, which actually enhances the viewing experience by drawing you deeper into the story.

One Day

What is a dramatic comedy? To answer this, watch "One Day", but be prepared to laugh and cry intensely during each episode. The show tells the touching story of a couple who meet only one day a year for 20 years. In that short day, they catch up on how they've changed, what has happened in their lives, and their future plans.

The Gentlemen

Don't be surprised if this feels familiar. The series is set in the same universe as Guy Ritchie's 2019 film of the same name. The protagonist discovers that his father's estate is being used to produce illegal substances, sparking a series of chaotic events. Just like the feature film, viewers can expect sharp satire and loads of dark humor.

Tokyo Vice

This year marked the release of the second season of the crime drama "Tokyo Vice". If you love this genre, I highly recommend it. The plot is based on the memoirs of real-life journalist Jake Adelstein and is set in 1990s Tokyo. I advise having some calmatives ready.

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live

2024 marked the return of a legend. Remember when Rick Grimes was taken away in a helicopter? Millions of questions and no answers... until now. The frontman of "The Walking Dead" reunites with Michonne to tell the story in this latest spinoff.

Ted

Unlike the movie, the mini-series has received a lot of positive feedback from viewers. "Ted" is for those who just want to laugh without diving into a serious plot. The creators have brilliantly captured the spirit of the 90s, which audiences loved. The story revolves around a living teddy bear who lives with his teenage friend and his family.

Masters of the Air

Moving on to a project sure to delight history and war drama enthusiasts, this adaptation of the novel tells the story of the 100th Bomb Group of the US Air Forces' 101st division. Stories about B-17 "Flying Fortress" pilots are common in cinema, reminiscent of the excellent film "Memphis Belle". This gripping, dramatic story will show viewers the horrors of war and the heroism of the pilots who wrested victory from the enemy at the cost of their lives.

Dark Matter

Abduction is not the most pleasant experience you could face. However, for scientist Jason Dessen, it is only the beginning of a series of insane events. Something sends him into alternate versions of his life, and what Jason sees there horrifies him. The story becomes especially intriguing when the scientist witnesses the consequences of his decisions in the future.

Baby Reindeer

This terrifying and captivating series is based on real events from the life of lead actor Richard Gadd. The story demonstrates the lengths to which people will go for their dreams. It becomes particularly frightening when such an obsessive dream centers on a person. Sensitive viewers might find this series too intense, so proceed with caution.

3 Body Problem

For decades, humanity has been sending signals into space, hoping someone will hear. But what if someone responds? By igniting a fire in a dark forest, you attract predators — that's what this series, based on the eponymous novel, explores. It should be noted that this isn't an epic action or horror film. "3 Body Problem" is an incredible blend of mystery, drama, and science fiction. Critics have noted that the series conveys the story even better than the original novel, so sci-fi enthusiasts should definitely check it out.

Sugar

The disappearance of celebrities is always shrouded in mystery. In such cases, professional private detectives, like John Sugar, step in. This time, he must find Olivia Siegel, the daughter of a Hollywood producer. It's easy to guess that this will be the most convoluted case of his career.

American Nightmare

An unusual project from Netflix for true crime enthusiasts. Why unusual? Because it's a documentary mini-series based on the investigation of Denise Huskins' case. Sensitive viewers should be prepared, as some events can be deeply disturbing.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

The magnificent animated series has been attempted for adaptation before, but the attempt failed spectacularly. Despite the risks, Netflix decided to try again and succeeded. As a devoted fan of the original animated series, I can confidently say that I enjoyed Netflix's adaptation. Millions of fans around the world share my opinion. The creators have meticulously recreated the characters and settings, offering a fresh perspective on the franchise's events.

However, it's important to understand that this is not an exact copy. The story has become more mature and brutal, so the jokester Sokka has turned into a serious guy with a heavy burden of responsibility. There is a downside — the casting of some characters has been met with significant criticism.

Ready to dive into these new releases? I hope our list has helped you find the perfect way to spend a few evenings.

Main image: Ensiplay