2024: Year In Review

Funnily enough, this won't be my final blog for 2024 but it's probably the most important one I'll do as this year edges to the end.

Doctor Who (BBC1/Disney+): I'm not gonna pretend it was the show at its best but Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson made for a great duo as the Doctor and Ruby Sunday and I'll never not want this show to succeed.

House Of The Dragon (HBO/SkyAtlantic): It did have difficult second album syndrome and it also delivered on some genuinely shocking moments to boot. Both things are true.

Black Doves (Netflix): Kiera Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire in a six part Christmas set spy series and some unapologetic gay storylines. Of course this made the list.

Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story (Netflix): I don't know if this show has fully made future stars out of Nicholas Chavez and Cooper Koch but there's no denying that both of them delivered here nonetheless.

Douglas Is Cancelled (ITV): Steven Moffat managed to deliver one of his best works with this four part drama, backed up by brilliant performances from Karen Gillan and Hugh Bonneville.

Lost Boys And Fairies (BBC1): This compelling three part series about a gay couple wanting to adopt was another surprise hit during the summer. 

Ripley (Netflix): Andrew Scott can do no wrong and this black and white miniseries cemented that even when he was taking over another man's life.

True Detective: Night Country (HBO/Sky Atlantic): Although it could be a bit hit and miss at times, the long awaited returning detective drama managed to give Jodie Foster plenty to do in such a cold and murderous environment.

Mary & George (Sky Showcase/Starz): Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine as a scheming mother and son duo? Tony Curran never stood a chance as King James.

Bridgerton (Netflix): The third season of the show really delivered with the Penelope and Colin love story. I was gripped with it. Oh and bisexual Benedict.

The Jetty (BBC1): Jenna Coleman's foray as a world weary detective got off to an intriguing start with this flashback heavy/socially relevant four part series. Expect seconds, given the ratings for this one.

Fallout (Amazon Prime): Video game adaptations really are the rage and this one gave star turning performances from both Ella Purnell and Walter Goggins respectively.

The Penguin (HBO/Sky Atlantic): Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti have earned their nominations with this sublime spin off series. Sofia Gigante, the icon you are. Oswald too, in his own way.

Baby Reindeer (Netflix): Star making performances from both Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning in this unforgettable miniseries, especially the penultimate episode.

Shogun (FX/Hulu/Disney+): Not the easiest show to watch but undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and gorgeously shot shows of the year. I'm wary about it returning though.

X-Men '97 (Disney+): Behind the scenes stuff to one side, I'm impressed this show worked as well as it did as a sequel to the popular 90s animated series.

Dexter: Original Sin (Showtime/Paramount+): For a prequel, it's not amazing but it's definitely worthy of expanding the franchise for the moment. Patrick Gibson certainly has made the character his own.

Sweetpea (Sky Showcase/Starz): Ella Purnell on even better form as the meek Rhiannon Lewis turned serial killer. It's always the quiet ones.

Agatha All Along (Disney+): If ever there was a Marvel show made for the gays, it was definitely this one with Kathryn Hahn on fine form as the mischievous title character.

Gavin & Stacey - The Finale (BBC1): Yup, that last episode ended a seventeen year love story on a beautiful note. Cracking. The love story being Smithy and Nessa of course.

Superman & Lois (CW/BBC1): The fourth and final season delivered brilliant for our main couple and for a relentlessly vindictive Lex Luthor. That last episode made me cry.

Big Mood (Channel 4): Both Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West were on fine form in this underrated but not exactly laughs a minute sitcom. 

The Boys (Amazon Prime): Season 4 got super political, Frenchie got a boyfriend while Homelander and Billy Butcher continued to cause mayhem in their wake.

Big Brother UK (ITV2): Though not as quite as gripping as the 2023 series, at least Ali won the damn thing. I didn't mind the celebrity version either.

Grotesquerie (FX/Hulu/Disney+): It might not be the most original thing Ryan Murphy has ever devised but it's slow burn quality and leading performance from Niecy Nash-Betts certainly helped.

The Bear (FX/Hulu/Disney+): I'm not gonna lie, I found to be the weakest season yet but episodes like Napkins and Ice Chips were among the best television this year.

Interview With The Vampire (AMC/BBC2): The second season of this show really delivered with the Louis/Armand relationship, Daniel's new fate, Claudia's demise and Lestat re-entering the fray.

Dead Boy Detectives (Netflix): Perhaps a bit too YA for its own good, I did enjoy this spin off for The Sandman. Unfortunately, it's cancellation didn't come as a surprise to me.

Only Murders In The Building (Hulu/Disney+): Season 4 had fun with it's movie theme as Charles, Oliver and Mabel resolved to get justice for Sazz.

Creature Commandos (Max): If you enjoyed The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker then this R-rated animated show should appeal too. The needle drops can be a tad intrusive but it's a decent appetizer for the DCU.

Big Boys (Channel 4): Series 2 of this heartfelt sitcom certainly strengthened the friendships between Jack, Danny and company while letting other characters have their moments too.

Doctor Odyssey (ABC/Disney+): A nautical night time soap had the potential and it's there but more can be done with besides the triangle between the three leads. Needs more gay.

Say Nothing (FX/Hulu/Disney+): Talked about it yesterday but this miniseries on the Troubles was rather good.

My Adventures With Superman (Max): The second season introduced Supergirl and set up Lex Luthor nicely. 

What If (Disney+): It ended, introduced Byrdie and had some interesting team ups and consequences for The Watcher.

Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans (FX/Hulu/Disney+): Sublime performances from Tom Hollander, Naomi Watts, Molly Ringwald and Demi Moore in this brilliant second season of the anthology show.

Honourable mentions also included other comic book shows like Kite-Man: Hell Yeah! and the noir themed Batman: Caped Crusader. Both 911 and 911: Lone Star had their moments while both American Horror Story and American Horror Stories were on the disappointing side of things. There was Kaos at Netflix but rather short-lived, like many of their shows this year as EastEnders dealt with the fallout of Sixmas while setting up the 40th anniversary storylines. Not to mention Chucky ending on a cliffhanger as did the second series of Wreck and the salacious soapy antics of Rivals to boot. I enjoyed the final series of Inside No. 9 and Mr Bates Vs. The Post Office. I also plan to catch up with Industry, seeing as HBO keep renewing it.

What the hell will 2025 bring?