The Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2024: New And Returning Series
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What a relief it is to close the door on 2023, an annus horribilis for the entertainment industry (and the world).
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After the dual strikes effectively shut down most production from May through November, the doors have reopened again onto a landscape that’s been forever changed. The realities of the streaming bubble and the rifts between legacy media v. Silicon Valley companies were put into stark relief during the strikes, and whether some of the legacy studios survive next year intact is a very real question. (As we were finishing writing this introduction, as if to emphasize the point, the news broke of a possible merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global.)
In the practical terms for this 2024 TV preview, consumers should start seeing fewer shows as of next year: But whether people will even notice when there’s still just so much content is an open question — especially when the beginning of the year is stacked like never before.
That’s because one tangible result of the strikes is that shows that would have premiered in fall 2023 — such as HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” and FX’s “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans” — were pushed into the new year, and the result is an insane pile-up in January, as you will see below (and we’re not including everything, obviously).
Another by-product of the strikes is that network TV programs, most of which went into production as soon as the actors strike ended, will also be rolling out in the first quarter of the year, with shows like ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and NBC’s “One Chicago” lineup premiering in slots normally allocated for midseason replacements. What the effect of this shift will be on tried-and-true network shows is anyone’s guess.
While we’ve included 34 shows in this preview, the new methodology in the streaming age (even for non-streamers) is to continue to play hide-the-ball with premiere dates in order to preserve maximum flexibility. So the latest date that’s been announced at all is for the split third season of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” (May 16 and June 13). Beyond that, other than the Olympics in July, there’s just “summer” for Season 2 of “House of the Dragon” on HBO and “fall” for Disney+’s “Agatha: Darkhold Diaries” (the “WandaVision” spinoff revolving around Kathryn Hahn’s breakout villain).
The outlet with the most high-profile projects without dates is, naturally, Netflix, since the dominant streamer still has the greatest number of shows, period. Viewers can anticipate the final seasons of “Cobra Kai” and “Umbrella Academy,” along with Andrew Scott in “Ripley” (likely within the Emmys’ window of the spring). Eventually, among many other new and returning shows, Netflix’s audience will also see “Dead Boy Detectives,” Hayley Atwell as the title star of “Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” and David E. Kelley’s long-awaited adaptation of Tom Wolfe’s novel “A Man in Full,” starring Jeff Daniels and Diane Lane.
HBO and Max also have a number of highly anticipated undated shows, starting with the Robert Downey Jr. satire “The Sympathizer” (likely this spring, for Emmys purposes), to be followed later in the year by the huge IP plays of the Batman-offshoot “The Penguin” (with Colin Farrell!) and “Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel series to the blockbuster movie franchise — both of which are on Max. Returning for new seasons on Max will be Season 2 of “Tokyo Vice,” and the third seasons of both “Hacks” and “The Sex Lives of College Girls.”
We have a number of Apple TV+ shows on this list, but still to be slotted are “Dark Matter,” Blake Crouch’s adaptation of his own novel, led by Joel Edgerton, and “Lady in the Lake,” the Natalie Portman-starring limited series (based on Laura Lippman’s 2019 mystery) — among many others. And then there’s the small matter of the return of the Emmy-nominated “Severance” for Season 2, which despite reports to the contrary, we’ve heard is going to be excellent.
Netflix, Apple TV+ and HBO/Max aren’t alone in not frigging announcing dates for shows we’re excited to see: someday. The date for Hulu’s adaptation of Georgia Hunter’s bestselling novel “We Were the Lucky Ones” — starring Joey King and Logan Lerman — about a Jewish family during World War II, is TBA. That’s also the case for Hulu’s “Interior Chinatown,” Charles Yu’s adaptation of his own 2020 novel that used a screenplay structure to serve as a commentary on race and representation in popular culture. In addition to “Agatha,” Disney+, Hulu’s corporate sibling, will also feature Leslye Headland’s take on “Star Wars” in “The Acolyte,” and, with the animated “X-Men ‘97,” Marvel Studios will dip its toes into that franchise for the first time.
Those are just some of the undated shows from the dominant players. We’re also looking forward finally to seeing “Orphan Black: Echoes” on AMC, which will also have Season 2 of “Interview With the Vampire.” Speaking of second seasons, “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” should also return next year — and we hope it won’t run right up against “House of the Dragon” again this time, if only for its own sake. There’s also Showtime’s “Gentleman in Moscow,” starring Ewan McGregor. And speaking of star power, Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine play mother and son in the Starz acquisition of “Mary & George,” which we nominate as having the most batshit trailer of a period series in years. (Watch it here!)
Now, let us turn our attention to those shows who’ve done us the courtesy of announcing their dates! They’re in chronological order — and we wish you all a happy New Year, with much excellent watching in your futures.
The Brothers Sun
Jan. 4, Netflix
Michelle Yeoh leads this action drama, portraying a savvy woman who left the dangerous, criminal world in Taiwan behind to build a new life for her son in Los Angeles. All of that changes when her oldest son, a hardened criminal, returns to California to protect his family after his father, a crime boss, is killed by an assassin. The eight-episode series is created by Byron Wu and Brad Falchuk.
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li, Highdee Kuan, Joon Lee.
Grimsburg
Jan. 7, Fox
Jon Hamm stars and executive produces this animated series following detective Marvin Flute who returns to the town of Grimsburg, “where everyone has a secret,” to prove he’s made it to his ex-wife, unstable son and fellow detectives.
Cast: Jon Hamm, Erinn Hayes, Rachel Dratch, Alan Tudyk, Kevin Michael Richardson and Greg Chun
Echo
Jan. 10, Disney+
Based around Maya Lopez (Alaqua Cox), who made her debut in 2021’s “Hawkeye,” the five-episode series is the first Marvel production that will drop all of its episodes at once. It’s also the first to have a TV-MA rating, and to be led by a deaf, Native American character. In the series, Maya returns home to face her family and legacy while being pursued by Vincent D’Onofrio’s Wilson Fisk (a character introduced in “Daredevil”).
Cast: Alaqua Cox, Chaske Spencer, Graham Greene, Tantoo Cardinal, Devery Jacobs, Zahn McClarnon, Cody Lightning, Vincent D’Onofrio
Ted
Jan. 11, Peacock
In this prequel to the 2012 “Ted” film, creator and lead voice actor Seth MacFarlane is back, this time in 1993, as he’s living at home in Massachusetts with his best friend John, John’s parents and cousin. In a surprise to no one, Ted’s moment of fame has passed, and he’s not the best influence on his buddies.
Cast: Seth MacFarlane, Max Burkholder, Alanna Ubach, Scott Grimes, Giorgia Whigham
Criminal Record
Jan. 12, Apple TV+
The eight-episode crime thriller, set in contemporary London, follows two detectives — a young woman at the beginning of her career and a well-connected man protecting his legacy — brought together over an old murder case.
Cast: Peter Capaldi, Cush Jumbo, Charlie Creed-Miles, Dionne Brown, Shaun Dooley, Stephen Campbell-Moore, Zoë Wanamaker, Rasaq Kukoyi, Maisie Ayres, Aysha Kala, Cathy Tyson, Tom Moutchi
The Traitors (Season 2)
Jan. 12, Peacock
After a huge first season, “The Traitors” is back for a second round — this time with a cast of all demi-celebrities, having eliminated having regular people among the group. Filmed in Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the new cast includes “The Challenge” stars Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio, Trishelle Cannatella and C.T. Tamburello; “Big Brother” legends Dan Gheesling and Janelle Pierzina; “Survivor” vets Parvati Shallow and Sandra Diaz-Twine and Bravo breakouts Tamra Judge, Shereé Whitfield, Larsa Pippen.
The first three episodes drop Jan. 12, followed by weekly releases on Thursdays thereafter. Alan Cumming serves as host.
True Detective: Night Country
Jan. 14, HBO
The fourth installment of “True Detective” is here, this time set in Ennis, Alaska. Led by Jodie Foster and Kali Reis as Liz Danvers and Evangeline Navarro, the six-episode drama follows the detectives’ search for the missing eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station. To do so, they must “dig into the haunted truths that lie buried under the eternal ice.”
Cast: Jodie Foster, Kali Reis, Finn Bennett, Fiona Shaw, Christopher Eccleston, Isabella Star LaBlanc, John Hawkes
Death and Other Details
Jan. 16, Hulu
A murder mystery set on a lavish Mediterranean ocean liner, “Death and Other Details” centers on Imogene Scott (Violett Beane), who becomes the prime suspect — among every other pampered guest and exhausted crew member. She must partner with a man she hates, the world’s greatest detective, to prove her innocence.
Cast: Violett Beane, Mandy Patinkin, Lauren Patten, Rahul Kohli, Angela Zhou, Hugo Diego Garcia, Pardis Saremi, Linda Emond
The Way Home (Season 2)
Jan. 21, Hallmark Channel
The family drama with a mysterious time travel twist returns with its sophomore season, picking up with the cliffhanger that ended Season 1. After reuniting with her mother (Andie MacDowell), Kat (Chyler Leigh) claims that she knows where her missing brother is and vows to bring him home, while her 16-year-old daughter’s discovery could help: she can travel between the past and present via a pond on the family’s land.
Cast: Andie MacDowell, Chyler Leigh, Evan Williams, Sadie Laflamme-Snow, Alex Hook, Al Mukadam, Jefferson Brown, David Webster, Siddarth Sharma
The Bachelor (Season 28)
Jan. 22, ABC
Joey Graziadei is ready to find love! After getting his heart broken during Charity Lawson’s season of “The Bachelorette,” Joey will take his turn as the lead on the hit dating show in what has been dubbed as “the most emotional season” ever in the franchise. Plus, the trailer teases a never-before-seen ending. Jesse Palmer will once again host.
Griselda
Jan. 25, Netflix
Inspired by the life of cartel creator Griselda Blanco, the dramatic limited series focuses on Blanco (Sofia Vergara, also executive producing) in Miami in the 1970s-80s, as she uses her charm to navigate business and family, earning the nickname of “The Godmother.”
Cast: Sofia Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Christian Tappan, Martín Rodríguez, Juliana Aidén Martinez, Vanessa Ferlito, Carolina Giraldo
Expats
Jan. 26, Amazon Prime Video
Lulu Wang’s limited series, set to premiere with two episodes before a weekly release, is based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s best-selling novel “The Expatriates.” Set in 2014 Hong Kong, “Expats” intersects the lives of three American women, while exploring “what happens when the line between victimhood and culpability becomes blurred.”
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo, Brian Tee, Jack Huston
Masters of the Air
Jan. 26, Apple TV+
Executive produced by the “Band of Brothers” team of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this nine-episode World War II drama is based on Donald L. Miller’s book of the same name, following the men of the 100th Bomb Group who helped to destroy Hiltler’s Nazi Germany and grappled with the frigid, dangerous conditions of combat at 25,000 feet in the air.
Cast: Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, Nate Mann, Rafferty Law, Barry Keoghan, Josiah Cross, Branden Cook, Ncuti Gatwa
Vanderpump Rules (Season 11)
Jan. 30, Bravo
It’s safe to say that viewers are pretty anxious and excited to see Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules” after #Scandavol blew up at the last finale and reunion. While Ariana Madix ventures into a new, long-distance relationship while still living with Tom Sandavol, no one knows who they can really trust after the affair. Meanwhile, Lala Kent explores fertility options and finds a connection with Tom Schwartz.
Cast: Lisa Vanderpump, Ariana Madix, James Kennedy, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Ally Lewber and Brock Davies
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Jan. 31, FX
After seven years, the second installment of “Feud” has arrived, this time based on Laurence Leamer’s book “Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song.” Ryan Murphy’s anthology tells the story of Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) and the elite New York women, whom he nicknamed “the swans,” who surround him. After becoming a mainstay in their lives, he betrays their trust, and exposes their darkest secrets in the book “Answered Prayers,” which got Capote banished from high society.
Cast: Tom Hollander, Naomi Watts, Diane Lane, Chloë Sevigny, Calista Flockhart, Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, Treat Williams, Joe Mantello, Russell Tovey
Genius: MLK/X
Feb. 1, NatGeo
For the first time, the anthology series will focus on two geniuses: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., tracking how each of their philosophies helped America through the Civil Rights Movement. Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Television produce, along with Kristen Zolner, Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood. Raphael Jackson Jr. and Damione Macedon are showrunners and executive producers.
Cast: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Aaron Pierre, Weruche Opia, Jayme Lawson, Ron Cephas Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Amazon Prime Video, Feb. 2
A new take on the 2005 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie film, this version features two strangers who land jobs at a spy agency and must work together as a husband-and-wife duo. Each week, they take on a new mission — and navigate a new relationship that resembles the real thing when they start catching feelings.
Cast: Donald Glover (also creator), Maya Erskine, Alexander Skarsgård, Eiza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, Úrsula Corberó, Paul Dano, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, Parker Posey, Wagner Moura
Curb Your Enthusiasm (Season 12)
Feb. 4, HBO
Although it seems as though every season of “Curb” could have been the last, the upcoming 12th season is officially it, according to Larry David himself. He even said so in a statement: “As ‘Curb’ comes to an end, I will now have the opportunity to finally shed this ‘Larry David’ persona and become the person God intended me to be – the thoughtful, kind, caring, considerate human being I was until I got derailed by portraying this malignant character. And so ‘Larry David,’ I bid you farewell. Your misanthropy will not be missed. And for those of you who would like to get in touch with me, you can reach me at Doctors Without Borders.”
Cast: Larry David, Tracey Ullman, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Cheryl Hines, J.B. Smoove, Richard Lewis, Ted Danson, Vince Vaughn
One Day
Feb. 8, Netflix
Nothing like the week before Valentine’s Day to drop a romantic drama spanning decades. This love story, based on David Nicholls’ beloved novel, is told over 14 30-minute episodes, following Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew who speak for the first time on July 15, 1988, the night of their graduation. They then go their separate ways — but each year on July 15 finds them moving together and apart, finding joy, then heartbreak.
Cast: Leo Woodall, Ambika Mod, Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Amber Grappy, Jonny Weldon, Eleanor Tomlinson, Joely Richardson, Toby Stephens
Tracker
Feb. 11, CBS
Landing in the post-Super Bowl slot is Justin Hartley’s first leading role following “This Is Us.” In “Tracker,” based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel “The Never Game,” Hartley plays survivalist Colter Shawn, who uses his “expert tracking skills to help both private citizens and law enforcement solve mysteries, while also helping to repair is fractured family.”
Cast: Justin Hartley, Mary McDonnell, Lee Tergesen, Oscar Chark, Eric Graise, Abby McEnany, Matthew Nelson-Mahood
Programming note: This is also the week that CBS will air kick off what would have been their fall lineup, with the returns of “The Neighborhood,” “Bob Hearts Abishola,” “NCIS,” “NCIS: Hawai’i,” “Young Sheldon,” “Ghosts,” “So Help Me Todd,” “S.W.A.T.,” “Fire Country,” “Blue Bloods” and the “FBI” franchise.
Love Is Blind (Season 6)
Feb. 14, Netflix
Nick and Vanessa Lachey return to host the sixth (!) season of “Love Is Blind,” following a new group of singles who are ready to find true love and done with the conventional approach. On the reality hit, they will choose to marry someone without ever meeting them. This season is set in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Netflix, Feb. 22
The live-action reimagining of the beloved Nickelodeon animated series is finally here, led by young Avatar Ang (Gordon Cormier), who must learn to master the four elements (Water, Earth, Fire, and Air) to restore balance to a world threatened by the terrifying Fire Nation.
Cast: Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, Dallas Liu, Ken Leung, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Daniel Dae Kim
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Feb. 25, AMC
Rick and Michonne are back together at last. In the latest “Walking Dead” spinoff, the characters are thrown into the changed world years after being devastatingly separated. Now, they must find themselves and each other again in a situation unlike ever before. As AMC asks, “Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive — or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?”
Cast: Danai Gurira, Andrew Lincoln, Pollyanna McIntosh, Terry O’Quinn, Matt Jeffers, Lesley-Ann Brandt
Shōgun
Feb. 27, FX
Long in the making, this limited series, an adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, is set in 1600 Japan, at the dawn of a civil war during which Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) is fighting for his life after the Council of Regents turn against him. When a mysterious ship arrives in a nearby fishing village, the ship’s pilot comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga. Very different from the blockbuster 1980 miniseries on NBC, this “Shōgun” revolves around the Japanese characters.
Cast: Tadanobu Asano, Hiroto Kanai, Takehiro Hira, Moeka Hoshi, Tokuma Nishioka, Shinnosuke Abe, Yuki Kura, Yuka Kouri, Fumi Nikaido
Elsbeth
Feb. 29, CBS
Coming from “The Good Wife” and “Good Fight” universe, “Elsbeth” puts Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni front and center, as an unconventional attorney and New York City, who uses her peculiar interests to help the NYPD catch criminals. In the vein of “Poker Face,” and before that, “Columbo,” “Elsbeth” uses the “howcatchem” approach to the show’s mysteries.
Cast: Carrie Preston, Wendell Pierce, Carra Patterson, Danny McCarthy
The Regime
March 3, HBO
In her post-“Mare of Easttown” HBO return, Kate Winslet portrays a chancellor in the satirical limited series filled with mystery, which tells the story of “one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel.” Most details are kept under wrap, but with writer/executive producer/showrunner Will Tracy — who just finished working on “Succession” and “The Menu,” it’s highly likely this will be one to watch.
Cast: Kate Winslet, Matthias Schoenaerts, Guillaume Gallienne, Andrea Riseborough, Martha Plimpton, Hugh Grant
Girls5Eva (Season 3)
March 14, Netflix
After a devastating cancellation from Peacock, Meredith Scardino and Tina Fey’s musical comedy is back for its third season, this time on Netflix. The one-hit-wonder girl group from the ’90s is plotting its comeback tour in the new season, without a tour manager or any venues locked in. This season will hone in on their life on the road, likely to be full of adventure.
Following its debut, the six-episode third season will be available exclusively on Netflix alongside the previously released first two seasons.
Cast: Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, Busy Philipps
9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy
March 14, ABC
Some of ABC’s fall lineup will premiere in March, thanks to the double strike. “9-1-1,” which aired its first six seasons on Fox, will officially make its ABC debut on March 14, followed by new episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Station 19.” For the latter, this will be the final season.
Manhunt
March 15, Apple TV+
Based on the bestseller “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer,” this true crime thriller tells the story of Edwin Stanton’s hunt for John Wilkes Booth, following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The first two episodes drop together, followed by weekly drops each Friday.
Cast: Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O’Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh, Hamish Linklater
Palm Royale
March 20, Apple TV+
Loosely based on Juliet McDaniel’s novel “Mr. and Mrs. American Pie,” the star-studded comedy is an underdog story about Maxine Simmons (Kristen Wiig), a woman trying to break into Palm Beach high society and prove she’s one of the “haves” while living the life of a have-not.
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Ricky Martin, Josh Lucas, Leslie Bibb, Amber Chardae Robinson, Mindy Cohn, Julia Duffy, Kaia Gerber, Laura Dern, Allison Janney, Bruce Dern, Carol Burnett
3 Body Problem
March 21, Netflix
Based on Cixin Liu’s best-selling book series “The Three Body Problem,” the sci-fi series comes from “Game of Thrones” executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with Alexander Woo, and stars “Game of Thrones” vet John Bradley. The story follows a group of five former colleagues and brilliant scientists who reunite to take on an outside force threatening humanity.
Cast: John Bradley, Eiza González, Benedict Wong, Jovan Adepo, Alex Sharp, Jess Hong, Zine Tseng, Saamer Usmani, Liam Cunningham, Rosalind Chao, Jonathan Pryce, Marlo Kelly, Sea Shimooka, Ben Schnetzer
Fallout
April 12, Amazon Prime Video
From “Westworld” creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, “Fallout” is based on the video game series, telling the story of have and have-nots set 200 years after the apocalypse. Los Angeles citizens live in underground shelters to avoid bandits, mutants and radiation after nuclear annihilation.
Cast: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Walton Goggins, Moisés Arias, Kyle MacLachlan, Sarita Choudhury, Michael Emerson, Leslie Uggams, Frances Turner, Dave Register, Zach Cherry, Johnny Pemberton, Rodrigo Luzzi, Annabel O’Hagan, Xelia Mendes-Jones
Bridgerton (Season 3)
May 16, Netflix
The #Polin romance begins in the third installment of Shonda Rhimes’ “Bridgerton.” With the season split into two four-episode parts (and the second rolling out on June 13), audiences will witness the romance between Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton) — even though it’ll begin with her having given up on her crush on him following his past comments. Of course, she wants to find a husband while still continuing her double life as Lady Whistledown. When Colin returns from his summer trip, he’s upset that Penelope isn’t showing him attention, and agrees to help her find her confidence to find a husband.
Cast: Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Claudia Jessie, Luke Thompson, Golda Rosheuvel, Adjoa Andoh, Ruth Gemmell, Lorraine Ashbourne, Hannah Dodd, Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, Harriet Cains, Bessie Carter, Jessica Madsen, Florence Hunt, Martins Imhangbe, Will Tilston, Polly Walker, Julie Andrews
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