Shogun(2024)/ Hulu
We are almost halfway through this year and TV has already dropped some of the biggest bombs that are worthy of a mention. So these are the best 8 Tv series of 2024 so far that one definitely should give it a watch!
8. The Gentlemen
image: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
The new action-dramedy series released in March on Netflix, quickly gained attention and became one of the most popular TV shows of this year. It’s a spin-off of the movie ‘The Gentlemen(2019)’ which is considered one of Guy Ritchie’s finest works. The story revolves around the protagonist Eddie Horniman(Theo James) an aristocrat by birth and a brave soldier who is forced to return home after his father’s death in England, where he inherits the family estate and wealth, only to discover that his father’s sizeable estate is the centerpoint of a weed empire. Eddie soon gets sucked into the criminal underworld and the question stands how far will he succeed amidst all the violence, betrayal and debauchery.
7. Avatar: The Last Airbender
image: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender is a live adaptation of the popular animated tv series which follows the journey of ‘Ang’ the last airbender and his friends to master the four elements- water, air, earth and fire to defeat the imperialist ambitions of the ‘fire nation’ and restore peace. The cast did an amazing job portraying the characters and the visual effects are top notch, somewhat capturing the essence of the original masterpiece animated series. Netflix renewed the show for a second and third season.
6. Maamla Legal Hai
image: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Mamla Legal Hain is one of the best hindi courtroom drama series on Netflix right now. They have shown the on-ground realities of District Courts in a quite humorous and quirky way. Ravi Kishan is the obvious star of the show who goes from being a cocky lawyer at first to a quite likeable character mainly due to his antics and sarcastic comments. Some one-liners really cracked me up and it’s a decent enough series that you can watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon!
5. Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazar
image: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
The highly anticipated period drama series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali released in May this year. Set in the backdrop of British-India and amidst the raging fire of the Indian Independence movement, the reign of the scheming Mallikajaan(Manisha Koirala) who rules over an elite house of courtesans in Lahore, is threatened by a new rival. Like other works of SLB, Heeramandi too is a visual feast where every scene oozes opulence and grandeur. The music, production design, costume design, cinematography, and choreography has been impeccably crafted that will immerse the viewers in a world of beauty and intrigue. Although sometimes it gets very slow, the mesmerising performances by Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha and Richa Chadha will keep viewers hooked at the edge of their seats.
4. 3 Body Problem
image: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Sci-Fi show created by the makers of Game Of Thrones became the talk of the town upon its release. The story takes place across a fictional past, present and future wherein humanity encounters a dying alien civilization headed towards earth to colonise it. In such existential threatening scenarios, enters humanity’s brilliant minds, uniting to face cosmic repercussions and unravel the laws of nature. The story is based on ‘Liu Cixin’s epic sci-fi trilogy-The Remembrance of Earth’s Past’ characterised by the author’s attention to scientific details which is reflected on the show as well. The show was banned in China upon its release due to alleged negative portrayal.
3. Sapne Vs Everyone
image: TVF(The Viral Fever)
Where to Watch: Youtube
TvF’s recent release Sapne Vs Everyone packs a punch! With an IMDb rating of 9.4, Viewers are bound to get hooked from start to finish by the powerful storyline and mind-blowing performance by the cast. It narrates the story of two obsessive dreamers who are prepared to do anything to get what they want, even if it means sacrificing their morality and resorting to unfair means. It’s a must watch TvF show that hits right at the core and you can’t help but relate to the emotions and struggles of the characters.
TvF is on a spree of producing such extraordinary shows that’s nothing short of giving a rollercoaster of emotions.
2. Fallout
image: Amazon Prime Video
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Based on the popular Role-playing video game franchise by Bethesda Softworks, this live adaptation has become a massive hit and has been a game changer for prime video. The plot takes place in a post-apocalyptic America, which is now turned into a vast desolate wasteland after the nuclear bombs fell that completely decimated everything in the year 2077. A Select few people have been living in underground vaults to protect themselves from radiation, mutants, bandits and all kinds of horrible things above. The show is packed with style and substance that just somehow managed to bring that gritty and raw vibe of the Fallout universe into the small screens keeping viewers glued to their seats.
1. Shogūn
image: FX/Hulu
Where to Watch: Disney Hotstar, Hulu
Shogun is by far the best release of this year. Based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel, fictionalising incidents and personages of 17th century feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. The story begins with a shipwreck on the Japanese coast and the survivors who were actually British pirates were captured by the local feudal lord. The pivotal character John Hawthorne(Cosmo Jarvis), one of the survivors determined to survive and fight his way out, soon finds himself knee deep into feudal era japanese politics, and eventually under the shadow of the titular figure Lord Yoshii Toranaga(Hiroyuki Sanada), whose character is loosely based on the legendary Tokugawa Leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled Japan till 1868. The storytelling is par excellence and it immerses viewers from the first scene itself into a historically rich world. Also, the characters Mariko and Yabushige played by Anna Sawai and Tadanobu Asano deserves a standing ovation. Every frame is a work of art and the attention to detail that enhances the visual experience of the series is laudable. In conclusion ‘Shogun’ is a must-watch for anyone seeking a captivating and culturally enriching television experience.
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Need to binge watch to keep up
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