The best Netflix TV shows of 2024

From fresh hits to beloved classics, 2024 was a standout year for Netflix. Baby Reindeer triumphed at the Emmys, while Andrew Scott and Ripley delivered an exceptional Patricia Highsmith adaptation. KAOS dazzled as a Greek myth-inspired masterpiece—only to fall victim to the cancellation gods. Among returning series, Arcane Season 2 secured its place as the year’s top fantasy show, and Heartstopper Season 3 matured with breathtaking brilliance.

And that’s just the beginning! If you’re searching for the perfect binge to end the year, explore our picks for the best Netflix shows of 2024.

Dead Boy Detectives

Based on the comic book series by Neil Gaiman and Matt Wagner, Dead Boy Detectives follows a straightforward yet intriguing premise: two teenage ghosts solving crimes.

Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) make an unconventional duo: Edwin is a prep school student from 1918, while Charles is a punk from 1989. Together, they team up with their psychic friend Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) and their uniquely troubled neighbor Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura) to solve mysteries the living can't. Following a Buffy the Vampire Slayer-style monster-of-the-week format, the series also weaves in a larger story. The duo faces off against Death (played by The Sandman's Kirby Howell-Baptiste), outsmarts the mischievous Cat King (Lukas Gage), battles a sinister witch named Esther Finch (Jenn Lyon), and navigates their own tangled teenage emotions. With its mix of gallows humor, supernatural chaos, and teen drama, this delightfully eerie show is a must-watch—though fans should brace for frustration, as the slow-burn romance at its heart is cut short by the show's cancellation after just one season.

How to watch: Dead Boy Detectives is now streaming on Netflix.

Bridgerton, Season 3

First, we swooned over Daphne and the Duke. Then came Kate and Anthony, followed by Queen Charlotte and George III. Now, in Season 3, Shondaland’s adored adaptation of Julia Quinn’s romance novels turns to Penelope and Colin—a love story years in the making. Penelope has harbored feelings for Colin since Season 1, but it took a globe-trotting journey for Colin Bridgerton to return home with a fresh perspective and finally see the amazing woman right in front of him. By the end of part one, he left fans swooning with a steamy carriage scene that revealed the depth of his affection.

‘Bridgerton’ Season 3 has the internet upset for all the wrong reasons

Part two thrusts these lovers into each other’s arms amid new drama, and we’re here for every second—because Nicola Coughlan is nothing short of royalty. Sure, there are other storylines this season—some sizzling, some oddly dull, and one about a vegetarian who truly deserved better. Is it the weakest installment of the franchise so far? Indubitably. But Coughlan’s elegance, impeccable comedic timing, and undeniable charm make Bridgerton Season 3 a must-watch despite its flaws.

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

After M. Night Shyamalan’s disastrous 2010 live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender felt like a firebending punch to the gut, fans approached Netflix’s reboot of the beloved Nickelodeon series with understandable skepticism. The results from showrunner Albert Kim? A mixed bag. As Belen Edwards aptly noted in her Season 1 review, "Avatar: The Last Airbender alternates between high highs and low lows, driven by adaptation choices that range from fresh and exciting to dull and bewildering."

While this live-action take seemed geared toward longtime fans, it frustratingly stripped away some of the complexity that made the original characters so compelling. (Let Katara show her edge again!) Still, it managed to offer intriguing reinterpretations of canon, electrifying action sequences, and creatively reimagined monsters. And let’s not forget Ian Ousley as Sokka—a pitch-perfect blend of charm, awkward humor, and jawline supremacy, especially in his flirty exchanges with Suki.

Looking ahead to Season 2, there’s hope for a course correction. To truly capture the essence of Toph (Miya Cech) and Azula (Elizabeth Yu), the show needs to lean into their fierce, unapologetic mean streaks—that fiery defiance is what makes them unforgettable. Let’s hope they get their moment to shine.

How to watch: Avatar: The Last Airbender is now streaming on Netflix.

Eric

Missing the Sherlock era, when Benedict Cumberbatch brooded his way through perplexing mysteries? Then Eric might be your next obsession.

Created by Abi Morgan, this miniseries stars Cumberbatch as Vincent, a cantankerous puppeteer in 1980s New York. On stage, he’s all warmth and charm; at home, he’s cold and distant with his wife (Gaby Hoffmann) and son Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe). But when Edgar vanishes on his way to school, Vincent embarks on a desperate search—guided by an imaginary monster named Eric.

Blending family drama with crime procedural twists and a touch of Sesame Street whimsy, Eric intertwines the lives of cops, criminals, suspects, and a guilt-ridden father at its heart. If you’re in the mood for a gripping, twisty tale, add this one to your binge list.

How to watch: Eric is now streaming on Netflix.  

The Law According to Lidia Poët, Season 2

If you’re drawn to tales of passion and murder, The Law According to Lidia Poët should be on your radar. This Netflix import is the perfect fix for anyone missing the charm of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. Like the Australian classic, this Italian period drama centers on a tenacious heroine who constantly outsmarts the sexist men around her. By day, she cracks homicide cases; by night, she shares stolen moments with a dashing lover.

Set in late 19th-century Turin, the series stars the captivating Matilda De Angelis as Lidia Poët, a trailblazing lawyer in a time when women in the profession were nearly unheard of. Lidia doesn’t just rely on wit and instinct; she pioneers forensic techniques like fingerprint analysis and lie detector tests to defend her clients—all while challenging the rigid gender norms of her era.

But don’t let the period setting fool you into expecting something tame. Lidia curses like a sailor, the murders are grisly, and by the second episode, the show unapologetically delivers full-frontal male nudity. With its mix of saucy, sinister fun and fierce social commentary, Lidia Poët is a fresh and fiery addition to your watchlist. (And if subtitles aren’t your thing, the English dub is delightfully entertaining.)

How to watch: The Law According to Lidia Poët Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

The Brothers Sun

Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh takes center stage in The Brothers Sun, a thrilling mix of family drama, crime, and comedy about two very different siblings. Charles (Justin Chien) is a deadly assassin tied to his family's Taiwanese crime syndicate, while Bruce (Sam Song Li) is a carefree improv enthusiast who’s clueless about the family’s darker dealings.When an attack on their father forces these estranged brothers to reunite, they must team up—alongside their formidable mother, Eileen (Yeoh)—to take down their enemies. With intense fight sequences, heartfelt reflections on immigrant experiences, and an unexpected obsession with churros, The Brothers Sun delivers action, emotion, and humor in equal measure.Unfortunately, despite its strengths, Netflix pulled the plug after just one season—a loss for fans of this dynamic, action-packed series.

How to watch: The Brothers Sun is now streaming on Netflix.

The Diplomat, Season 2

If you can’t handle the heat of high-stakes diplomacy, The Diplomat is not for you. Debora Cahn’s (The West Wing, Homeland) addictive political thriller picks up the tense fallout from Season 1, with the stakes higher than ever as characters’ fates hang in the balance after a deadly attack.

Keri Russell delivers another electric performance as Kate Wyler, the U.S. ambassador to the UK, as she digs deep into a web of government conspiracy, all while carefully maneuvering through a political minefield to unmask the real villain. The show’s sharp ensemble cast, including Ali Ahn, Ato Essandoh, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, and Rory Kinnear, is in top form, devouring every bit of the brilliantly written script. And when Allison Janney joins the fray as the U.S. vice president? It’s pure, dramatic gold.

How to watch: The Diplomat Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

Penelope

From Mark Duplass and Mel Eslyn, the minds behind the underrated sci-fi dramedy Biosphere, comes a coming-of-age series that stands apart from anything you've seen before. Penelope follows the eponymous teen (Megan Stott of Little Fires Everywhere) as she makes the bold decision to go off-grid. Leaving behind her family, SAT prep, and the internet, she ventures into the forest in search of herself.

While this could easily be the setup for a horror movie or a true crime documentary, Eslyn and Duplass instead offer a reflective meditation on what it might mean to seek solitude. Over the course of eight episodes, each under 30 minutes, Penelope embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she learns to build a fire, purify water, protect her food from bears, and form connections with both humans and animals in the vast wilderness. Conversations with strangers explore themes of faith, identity, and philosophy, with Penelope embracing the unfolding of deep thoughts and emotions. However, be warned: while some episodes feel like a peaceful daydream of communion with nature, later episodes confront the dangers of both the wilderness and the life Penelope left behind.

How to watch: Penelope is now streaming on Netflix.

No Good Deed

Emmy-winning creator and showrunner Liz Feldman, who previously dazzled us with the darkly comedic Dead to Me, returns with No Good Deed, another gripping Los Angeles-based series that expertly blends crime and comedy.

Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow star as a married couple looking to sell their stunning Los Feliz home. The curious (and often intrusive) potential buyers are brought to life by a standout ensemble cast, including Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, Abbi Jacobson, Poppy Liu, Kate Moennig, Teyonah Parris, and O-T Fagbenle. Amidst the rivalry between buyers and the family drama, secrets lurk in the background, with plenty of socially awkward moments to keep things interesting. Funny, addictive, and perfectly cast, *No Good Deed* is an easy addition to your watchlist.

How to watch: No Good Deed premieres Dec. 12 on Netflix.

Nobody Wants This

Netflix's Nobody Wants This filled the rom-com void just in time for cuffing season, offering a refreshing take on the genre. The series follows an unlikely couple: Noah (Adam Brody), a "hot rabbi," and Joanne (Kristen Bell), an agnostic sex and dating podcaster. Breaking away from typical rom-com conventions, Noah is the rare unproblematic and supportive partner that often seems absent from rom-coms. In one standout moment, he reassures a spiraling Joanne with, "I'm on your side. I can handle you."

What makes this show even more refreshing is that the characters are a bit older than usual rom-com leads. Both Brody and Bell are 44, and their characters navigate dating after 35. With more people marrying later in life and dating in your late 30s becoming the norm, it's surprising how often rom-coms focus on twentysomething characters. As a 36-year-old single, I found this show relatable and refreshing. Here's hoping for Season 2!

How to watch: Nobody Wants This is now streaming on Netflix.

3 Body Problem

Sometimes you crave a light comedy, and other times, you’re ready to dive into world-altering existential dread. If it's the latter you're after, 3 Body Problem delivers in spades. Based on Cixin Liu’s sci-fi trilogy, this epic series is brought to life by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, alongside The Terror’s Alexander Woo. The show follows an alien race, the San-Ti, who, having been forced to abandon their home planet, are several centuries away from reaching their new one: Earth.

What makes 3 Body Problem so compelling is its exploration of massive cosmic questions while grounding the story in the very human reactions to the possibility of extinction. And be warned: some moments, especially from episode 5, will stick with you long after the credits roll.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

The Decameron

This Netflix series doesn't feel like it was crafted to satisfy an algorithm—it feels like Mad Libs in the best way. Based on Giovanni Boccaccio's 14th-century collection The Decameron, it’s a dark comedy exploring sex, lies, class conflict, and the Plague. And with a cast that includes familiar faces from Girls, Derry Girls, Veep, and Sex Education, it’s as delightfully unpredictable as you’d hope.

A delightfully absurd soap opera set in a lavish Italian villa during the Black Death, The Decameron plunges viewers into the outrageous antics of the wealthy, the devious schemes of their servants, and all the hypocritical lust you could ever ask for in a limited series. This binge-worthy show has it all: Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Zosia Mamet as hilarious and fierce frenemies, wild plot twists, Amar Chadha-Patel as a sexy, frequently shirtless love interest, shocking trysts, and Tony Hale bringing his signature humor—and surprising hotness—as a fed-up butler who’s done with rich people nonsense. Come for the star-studded cast, stay for the delicious schadenfreude!

How to watch: The Decameron is now streaming on Netflix.

Heartstopper, Season 3

This year, Heartstopper matured quickly. While keeping the show's trademark sweetness, the third season of Alice Oseman's graphic novel adaptation took a deeper dive into the challenges of growing up—hormones running wild, university decisions looming, and the Paris crew facing their first sexual experiences. The season also explored themes of identity and mental health more profoundly, with Joe Locke delivering a standout performance as Charlie navigates the struggles of anorexia—handled with remarkable compassion and nuance. Meanwhile, Kit Connor beautifully portrays the relatable helplessness of supporting a loved one through difficult times.

How to watch: Heartstopper Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

Supacell

A breath of fresh air in the modern superhero genre, Supacell quickly became one of the most anticipated British shows on Netflix this year. Fans had been eagerly awaiting the series from showrunner, creator, and director Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), and it delivered an outstanding first season. Set in South London, the show follows five strangers—Michael (Tosin Cole), Sabrina (Nadine Mills), Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa), Rodney (Calvin Demba), and Tazer (Josh Tedeku)—who suddenly gain superpowers while navigating their own personal struggles. With standout performances, impressive special effects, and a gripping central mystery, Supacell takes a realistic, stereotype-defying approach to the superhero genre, offering a unique and exciting perspective.

How to watch: Supacell is now streaming on Netflix.

KAOS

Pour one out for Kaos—Netflix's cancellation of this brilliant show is a major loss. Created by The End of the F**ing World* writer Charlie Covell, this cleverly nerdy, delightfully soapy take on Greek mythology was one of the best series of the year, only to be cut short after just one season. Directed by Georgi Banks-Davies and Runyararo Mapfumo, Kaosoffered a dark, modern spin on the ancient myths, set against the backdrop of contemporary Crete. With a standout, flamboyant cast, meticulous production design, and an impressively smart blend of classic tales, Kaos was primed for multiple seasons of divine chaos. Unfortunately, it’s all over for now.

How to watch: Kaos is now streaming on Netflix.

A Man on the Inside

A Man on the Inside brings The Good Place creator Mike Schur back together with star Ted Danson, and unsurprisingly, this comedy is just as capable of making you laugh and tugging at your heartstrings as their first collaboration.

Inspired by the 2020 documentary The Mole Agent, A Man on the Inside follows retired professor Charles (Ted Danson) as he teams up with private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) on a mission to go undercover at a retirement home and recover stolen jewelry. Naturally, the mission leads to plenty of mishaps, with Charles struggling to use spy equipment and fitting in with the home's tight-knit community. But as the story unfolds, Charles begins to connect with the residents, and the heart of A Man on the Inside emerges: its poignant exploration of aging. The first season delves into themes of distant family, dementia, and the loss of friends, with Schur and the show's exceptional cast — including Stephanie Beatriz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Sally Struthers — handling these difficult topics with care and depth. With its mix of sweetness, sensitivity, and clever humor, A Man on the Inside is yet another success for Schur and Danson.

How to watch: A Man on the Inside premieres Nov. 21 on Netflix.

 One Day

In February, Netflix's One Day had us shedding tears in a way only the best TV can. This ambitious, romantic, and fresh adaptation of David Nicholls' novel gave the story more space to unfold than Lone Scherfig's 2011 film. Following the decades-long, complicated friendship of students Emma and Dex (with captivating, nuanced performances by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall), One Day transforms into a cinematic exploration of love that takes its time, while also delving into the dynamics of privilege in relationships. Just mentioning the series is enough to inspire dreamy gazes and a hand over the heart.

How to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix.

Girls5eva, Season 3

If you're craving a pop culture-savvy sitcom to fill the void left by 30 Rock and The Other Two, look no further than Girls5eva. After being canceled by Peacock following two fantastic seasons, the show found new life on Netflix with a stellar third season, where our beloved girl group hits the road for a tour. Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps are at their best, delivering rapid-fire jokes and unforgettable songs. “Sweet’N Low Daddy,” “Returnity,” and “Tap Into Your (Fort) Worth”? Absolute bangers! So, Netflix, please give us more Girls5eva. As the girls would say, three seasons is just three short.

How to watch: Girls5eva Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

Boy Swallows Universe

A dark yet genuinely funny tale of suburban crime with a touch of magical realism, the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton's Boy Swallows Universe is one of 2024's hidden gems — much like its young lead, 13-year-old Eli Bell (brilliantly portrayed by Felix Cameron). Set in the '80s working-class Brisbane suburb of Darra, the series follows Eli as he tackles school bullies, a turbulent family life, and gritty criminals alongside his imaginative brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley). It's an emotional, unsettling, and hilarious coming-of-age story that dives deep into addiction, crime, and the complexities of youth, all set to a killer Aussie soundtrack.

How to watch: Boy Swallows Universe is now streaming on Netflix.

Arcane, Season 2

While 2024 brought back major fantasy series like House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, it’s Arcane Season 2 that claims the fantasy crown this year.

Netflix's League of Legends-based series returns us to the divided cities of Piltover and Zaun, where estranged sisters Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (voiced by Ella Purnell) find themselves at the heart of the conflict. The result is a raw exploration of how war pushes individuals to their breaking points and how even the best intentions can lead to catastrophic consequences. But Season 2 goes even further, embracing bold and bizarre storytelling without sacrificing its emotional depth. One of the season’s most moving arcs is the resurrection of Vander (JB Blanc) as the monstrous hybrid Warwick, which presents Jinx and Vi with a chance to mend their fractured family. Meanwhile, Viktor (voiced by Harry Lloyd) and his Hextech commune delve into transhumanism, offering a vision that is both hopeful and unsettling. All these intricate layers are brought to life with stunning animation by Fortiche Productions, making Arcane one of the most visually striking and ambitious series of the year.

How to watch: Arcane Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix.

Riple

Andrew Scott captivated TV audiences as the theatrically sinister Moriarty in Sherlock and the irresistibly charismatic Priest in Fleabag. But in Ripley, he steps into an entirely different role.

Adapted from Patricia Highsmith's iconic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, this drama miniseries from Steven Zaillian draws viewers into the captivating world of Thomas Ripley, an American social climber who morphs into a con artist and killer. When offered a free trip to Italy to retrieve the expatriate heir of an industrialist, Ripley discovers a world of privilege, art, and boundless opportunity—anchored in wealth and status. But to claim a piece of it for himself, he'll need to get his hands dirty. While you may be familiar with the story (or the Matt Damon film), the series' slow-burn pacing lets audiences fully immerse themselves in Highsmith's intricate web of jealousy, deception, and murder. The result is a show that feels like a secret escape—mesmerizing, unexpected, and sure to linger in your thoughts long after it's over.

Baby Reindeer

For better or worse, Baby Reindeer is a show that lingers: sometimes funny, sometimes tense, but ultimately emotionally devastating. Based on creator Richard Gadd's own experience with stalking, the series follows a comedian (played by Gadd himself) as he juggles career setbacks with his job at a London pub—until a woman named Martha (a brilliant and unsettling Jessica Gunning) enters his life and becomes dangerously obsessed with him. "This isn’t the kind of show with a clear resolution," I wrote in my review for Mashable. "It’s messy, thought-provoking, and—like an unforgettable dream—you’ll find yourself returning to it long after the credits roll."

How to watch: Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.