John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024
2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.
Television
‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ Seasons 7-8 (2000-02) are a joyful – if darker – return
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): The show returns from a four-year hiatus with a last go-around of the ensemble format and one of the series’ best episodes.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946), but is it a wonderful movie?
Christmas movie flashback: Frank Capra’s classic must be the most widely beloved movie about the business of real-estate loans. (Plus: A look at the film’s influence on “Buffy” Season 3.)
Hitchcock gets transported to space in ‘Lifepod’ (1993)
On a Hitchcock kick (Movie review): This TV movie makes good use of its strong cast with sharp themes, future tech and a whodunit.
‘Agatha Christie’s Poirot’ Season 6 (1994-95) adds Christmas cheer
Sleuthing Sunday (TV review): Which isn’t to say everyone is jolly in the Lee household for “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas,” but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’ Season 1 (1955-56) brings the macabre into living rooms
On a Hitchcock kick (TV review): As a holiday treat, we look at “Back for Christmas” and Hitchcock’s three other directorial efforts from “AHP’s” first season.
Teen TV looks to the past with ‘Cobra Kai,’ ‘Hysteria!,’ ‘Cruel Intentions’
First episode impressions (TV reviews): “Cobra Kai” remains inspired, while the other two series almost begrudgingly go through the motions.
Fall TV premieres continue with ‘Disclaimer,’ ‘Day of the Jackal,’ ‘Creep Tapes’
First episode impressions (TV reviews): Only the miniseries modernization of “Jackal” is worth following, and even for that, you’ll need patience.
‘Teacup’ extends the ubiquity of Puzzle Box shows
First episode impressions (TV review): This short (?) and stout series is the latest in a genre with decreasing thrills and surprises.
‘High Potential,’ ‘Brilliant Minds,’ ‘Penguin’ showcase diverse brains
First episode impressions (TV reviews): Good ole comfort TV is also on the docket this fall, with “Murder in a Small Town,” “Rescue: HI-Surf” and “Doctor Odyssey.”