When you're the world's biggest streaming company making so many new Netflix movies and shows, there are bound to be some mistakes, and there have already been a fair few this year, including the J-Lo-in-space AI thriller Atlaswhich has been inexplicably popular despite terrible reviews, including those of Zach Snyder. Rebel Moon Part 2which wasn't the epic sci-fi sequel we expected.
Suffice to say, there haven't been many new entries in our guide to the best Netflix movies, but when it comes to TV shows, Netflix has delivered winner after winner this year in virtually every genre – we've had romance novels swoon. coms, terrifying stories of obsession, outlandish fantasies, and some brain-melting sci-fi, all of which have earned a spot on our list of the best shows on Netflix.
As we reach the halfway point of 2024, the good news is that there is a lot more where that came from. Later this year, we'll see the final seasons of some of our favorite shows, as well as the debuts of some series we think are worth getting excited about. And we'll also see the return of the biggest show Netflix has ever produced, although we still don't know exactly when.
These are the shows we think have been among the biggest and best on Netflix this year, and the shows we think you'll be talking about for the rest of the year.
Netflix in 2024: What were the biggest shows this year?
If by “biggest” we mean “most talked about,” then Netflix’s biggest show of the year so far has been Baby ReindeerIt's the story of a suffocating, life-destroying obsession that starts out claiming to be a true story — and that's turned out to be a problem, because Netflix is being sued for defamation to the tune of $170 million by Fiona Harvey, on whom the show's key character, Martha, appears to have been based.
For many viewers, this year's must-see series have been the romantic ones: season 3 of Bridgerton It has been an absolute joy, while One day successfully adapted David Nicholl's best-selling novel into a 14-episode romantic comedy.
If you prefer darker shows, there is nothing darker than… Ripley. The neo-noir crime thriller, which arrived in April, is the story of a 1960s New Yorker dragged into a life of deception and murder. It received rave reviews (The Guardian called it “riveting”) and was watched by millions, although its 2.5 million views in the first week were low by Netflix standards.
The peculiar psychological thriller starring Benedict Cumberbatch Eric it fared much better, reaching the top of the Netflix charts in its first week.
It's also been a good year for fantasy fans. Neil Gaiman Dead Boy Detectives It's been a lot of fun with its story of ghostly investigations, and 3 Body problem is a largely effective adaptation of Liu Cixin's brain-melting science fiction books.
But for many viewers the standout sci-fi show of the year so far is the animated The reign of the scavengers, removed by Max and brought to Netflix last month. It's a rare thing these days, a show with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 100% ratings may be rare, but Netflix has another one for chicken nuggetthe truly bizarre show about a young girl who turns into – yes! – a chicken nugget.
Of course, it wouldn't be Netflix without some beloved shows that were cancelled. And so far this year, one of the saddest cancellations is The Sun Brothersstarring Michelle Yeoh in an action comedy. Despite rave reviews, Netflix pulled the plug after just one season, so that particular sun won't be shining again this year.
Netflix in 2024: What new Netflix shows are coming soon?
One of the most talked about shows of the coming months is likely to be the fourth and final season of The Umbrella Academywhich will be broadcast starting August 8, right after Cobra Kai season six, another hit show coming to an end this year. It will be broadcast starting July 18.
Emily in Paris returns for a fourth season in August, but it will be split into two parts: the first five episodes will be available starting August 15, but the second five will not air until September 12. Another returning favorite is stop the heartthe sensitive coming-of-age drama centered on teenagers Charlie and Nick. stop the heart The third season will be out in October.
Dramas won't be the only source of drama in the coming months. The British version of the dating reality show Love is blind will hit the airwaves in August with its very distinctive take on dating: contestants are placed in groups to isolate them from the outside world and meet their potential soulmates without knowing what they look like.
If a match is struck, the potential couple must get engaged before meeting in person and find out if love really is blind. The show will be hosted by former Big Brother contestant Emma Willis and her husband Matt, formerly of pop band Busted.
Netflix continues to invest in animation and one of the most anticipated new shows is Terminator: The Animated SeriesBased on the world of Schwarzenegger's films but telling a completely new story, the anime will air starting August 29. And Zack Snyder Twilight of the Godsan animated series based on Norse mythology, coming next September.
Some shows still don't have an air date other than 2024, such as the spy drama starring Kiera Knightley. Black Doveswhich could be as fun as Apple TV Plus. Slow horses. Knightley is joined by Happy Valley's Sarah Lancashire, Bond actor Ben Whishaw and Peaky Blinders'Andrew Koji in a story of secrets, betrayals and a vast global conspiracy. And that's all we know so far: there's not even a trailer yet, just a you-miss-it moment in the 2024 Netflix trailer.
And there's another great show that doesn't have an air date yet: Squid Game 2. Let's go out on a limb and suggest that some people might watch that one.
