This yr has already gifted us some fairly nice TV reveals, however what about nice episodes? I am speaking concerning the form of episode that makes you snicker nonstop, or arise and cheer, or drive you to such factors of emotional devastation you may’t consider the rest.
You will discover episodes that accomplish all this stuff and extra on our record of the most effective episodes of 2024. Whether or not you like drama or comedy, narrative reveals or actuality TV, we are able to guarantee you that the next 13 episodes are absolute bangers. Who is aware of — possibly you may discover some new and fantastic present to take a look at!
So with out additional ado, listed here are the 13 greatest episodes of 2024 to date, and the place to look at them.
13. Recreation Changer, Season 6, episode 7, “Beat the Buzzer”
Becca Scott, Rekha Shankar, and Erika Ishii in “Game Changer.”
Credit score: Dropout
The enjoyment of Dropout’s sport present Recreation Changer comes from its sheer versatility. Every episode, contestants do not know the principles of the sport till they begin enjoying. The result’s pleasant chaos.
Nowhere is that chaos extra obvious on Recreation Changer Season 6 than in “Beat the Buzzer,” an episode which removes a key element of any quiz present: the buzzer itself. Gamers Rekha Shankar, Becca Scott, and Erika Ishii should compete in a collection of mini-games with a purpose to achieve entry to the various buzzers hidden round Dropout HQ. They’re going to destroy muffins, make a witch’s brew, plead with strangers on the street, and extra, all within the hopes of getting some candy, candy factors. Endlessly ingenious, and fewer aggressive than it’s candy and collaborative, “Beat the Buzzer” can have you smiling nonstop from begin to end. — Belen Edwards, Leisure Reporter
Learn how to watch: Recreation Changer is now streaming on Dropout.
12. 3 Physique Downside, Season 1, episode 5, “Judgment Day”
Credit score: Courtesy of Netflix
Netflix’s 3 Physique Downside has quite a lot of spectacles, from winking stars to the various ranges of a way-too-real VR sport. Nevertheless it’s episode 5 that takes the cake, or a slice of it not less than, because of a very horrifying sequence.
Aboard Judgment Day, the repurposed tanker HQ of oil magnate Mike Evans (Jonathan Pryce) and his Earth-Trisolaris Group (ETO), a thousand folks — together with kids — await the arrival of the aliens often known as the San-Ti. Downside is, they’ve simply gone chilly on Evans after a bedtime story. Within the climax of the episode, the ship sails by by the Panama Canal, the place a deadly lure awaits. Auggie Salazar’s (Eiza González) super-thin nanotechnology is deployed by Strategic Intelligence Company head Thomas Wade (Liam Cunningham) in opposition to the ship, successfully functioning as a large-scale egg slicer by its bow. Taken straight from Cixin Liu’s e book, it is some of the horrifying scenes you may see on TV this yr. The repercussions will ship the characters into an ethical spiral, particularly Auggie, whose complete science profession has been became a bloodbath. However on this episode, we additionally discover out precisely what the San-Ti’s intentions are, because the incoming aliens declare the human race to be “bugs,” scaring the shit out of everybody with their sophon sentient supercomputer, and revealing worldwide surveillance. It is loads. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor
Learn how to watch: 3 Physique Downside is now streaming on Netflix.
11. One Day, Season 1, episode 13, “Episode 13”
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in “One Day.”
Credit score: Ludovic Robert / Netflix
There are few episodes that can ship you thru an emotional upheaval as intense as One Day‘s penultimate chapter, set over a number of years of our beloved protagonist’s lives. Lastly collectively after a long time of what we’ll put right down to unhealthy timing, Emma (Ambika Mod) and Dexter (Leo Woodall) have an entire future forward of them, aspect by aspect. We accompany this besotted pair by their marriage ceremony plans, a brand new enterprise, attempting for a child, and establishing household bonds with Dex’s daughter. It is on a regular basis life in all its romantic mundanity, from brushing tooth collectively to arguing over the information, and it is all we have needed for these two for the earlier 12 episodes. Nevertheless, a tragic flip means a merciless finish, and a voice be aware holds extra energy than Em and Dex can presumably know on the time. The shell shock of this episode of One Day will stick with you thru the finale and lengthy after you’ve got watched. Name the folks you like, proper now. — S.C.
Learn how to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix.
10. The Traitors UK Season 2, episode 12, “Episode 12”
Credit score: BBC / Studio Lambert
The whole lot of The Traitors Season 2 was TV at its most binge-watchable, however the finale took issues to dizzy new heights of rigidity. A actuality TV sport present with a money prize, The Traitors sees members of the general public divided into “traitors” and “faithfuls” whereas finishing up missions in a Scottish citadel; the faithfuls need to try to banish all of the traitors, whereas the traitors should “murder” (the sport present variety, not the precise variety) all of the faithfuls with out getting caught. Your entire present is nice, however what made the finale stand out was the elite ranges of treachery displayed by Harry Clark, a contestant who’d been a traitor from the very starting however who’d handle to persuade everyone else that he was trustworthy by and thru. The brutal ranges of suspense and the appears to be like on everybody’s faces after they understand the reality is tv at its best. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
Learn how to watch: The Traitors UK is now streaming on Peacock.
9. Bluey, Season 3, episode 49, “The Sign”
Credit score: Ludo Studio
In an countless desert of insipid TV reveals geared toward youngsters, Bluey has proved an oasis for grown-ups. Spirited, foolish, and emotionally clever, the present’s customary seven-minute episodes are a pleasure for audiences of all ages. However present creator Joe Brumm leveled up with the super-sized 28-minute episode “The Sign.”
It wasn’t simply that this very particular episode was 4 instances so long as standard eps, or that it provided a giant marriage ceremony and a collection of teachable moments for pups and large canines alike. “The Sign” additionally centered on a heart-wrenching storyline concerning the Heeler household getting ready to transfer away from their residence, an area that followers knew each nook and cranny of, for components unknown. As Bluey and her little sister Bingo should study to say goodbye, watchers younger and previous wept over the loss. However there have been tears of pleasure as properly as a result of — past a third-act twist that prompted cheers throughout social media — Brummer additionally laced in Easter eggs that exposed optimistic information for a string of beloved supporting characters. Extremely, it is a cartoon present a couple of playful pet that has supplied the largest — but briefest — emotional curler coaster journey of 2024. —Kristy Puchko, Leisure Editor
Learn how to watch: Bluey is now streaming on Disney+.
8. Physician Who, Season 14, episode 6, “Rogue”
Jonathan Groff and Ncuti Gatwa in “Doctor Who.”
Credit score: Disney+
Physician Who bested Bridgerton with regards to queer romance with this Regency-era episode, and we’re nonetheless swooning.
Mashable High Tales
The Physician (Ncuti Gatwa) and his bestie Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) journey again to 1813 in Tub, England, simply to absorb the interval attraction of balls and courting. However when a murderous alien shapeshifter is found of their midst, the Physician should group up with a brand new ally named Rogue (a dashing Jonathan Groff), to save lots of the day. Whovians had been thrilled with the intersection of monster-of-the-week enjoyable and Bridgerton drama. However what made this episode the most effective of a stable season from returning showrunner Russell T Davies is the scorching romance between the Physician and Rogue. Their enemies-to-lovers arc was swift and satisfying, that includes biting banter, tense misunderstandings, a flashy proposal, a kiss, and a not-so-simple request: “Come find me.”
The collection will whir on, however our hearts — and the Physician’s — is not going to quickly neglect this debonair misplaced love. —Okay.P.
Learn how to watch: Physician Who is now streaming on Disney+.
7. Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Season 1, episode 5, “Do You Want Kids?”
Donald Glover, Ron Perlman, and Maya Erskine in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”
Credit score: David Lee / Prime Video
Each episode of Mr. & Mrs. Smith examines a side of romantic relationships by the lens of a spy mission, and whereas the present as an entire is a blast, nowhere is it extra enjoyable than in its fifth episode, “Do You Want Kids?”
Right here, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) have to guard a reluctant asset named Toby (Ron Perlman) as he comes below assault from rival spies. Between chase scenes and shootouts by Lake Como, Toby basically grow to be the Smiths’ little one, whining about taking drugs and fussing round within the backseat. In the meantime, the Smiths — the portrait of frazzled parenthood — consider their very own relationship. Hilarious and action-packed, “Do You Want Kids?” is one hell of a journey, made all the higher by the visible gag of two folks having to child Ron Perlman, of all folks. — B.E.
Learn how to watch: Mr. & Mrs. Smith is now streaming on Prime Video.
6.True Detective: Evening Nation, Season 4, episode 5, “Part 5”
Finn Bennett in “True Detective: Night Country.”
Credit score: Michele Okay. Brief / HBO
Whereas earlier True Detective: Evening Nation episodes gave us loads of buzzworthy moments — all hail the corpsicle! — it is the present’s fifth episode that actually sticks in our minds. Right here, the various threads of the season start to converge, becoming a member of Evening Nation‘s oft-present ghosts and grief to the extra human evils our detectives are going through down. Tensions boil over on the Silver Sky mines, we uncover additional secrets and techniques from Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Navarro’s (Kali Reis) Wheeler investigation, and we lastly perceive Hank’s (John Hawkes) true involvement within the Annie Kowtok (Nivi Pedersen) chilly case. Your entire episode culminates in a brutal father-son conflict, full with a tooth-centric second I will always remember. Ennis, Alaska could already be drenched in everlasting night time, however this episode takes us far deeper into the darkness. — B.E.
Learn how to watch: True Detective: Evening Nation is now streaming on Max.
5. Expats, Season 1, episode 4, “Mainland”
Sarayu Blue in “Expats.”
Credit score: Jupiter Wong / Prime Video
Claustrophobia proves fruitful in “Mainland,” the fourth episode of Lulu Wang’s Hong Kong-set Expats. Our trio of leads every discover themselves walled-in right here in several methods, and the regularly growing stress reveals painful secrets and techniques.
Margaret (Nicole Kidman) and her husband Clarke (Brian Tee) wait in a morgue to determine a physique that could be that of their lacking son Gus. Every needs a unique final result: Clarke wants the physique to be Gus, within the hopes that the household can grieve and get closure on this nightmarish interval of their lives. Margaret wants it to not be, so she will be able to proceed looking out. Elsewhere, Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) reckons with the truth that she could be pregnant together with her affair accomplice David’s (Jack Huston) little one. However is she prepared for motherhood? The episode’s most affecting storyline belongs to Hilary (Sarayu Blue), whose personal mom (Sudha Bhuchar) bursts in for a go to, criticizing her each transfer. When the 2 discover themselves trapped in an elevator, Hilary bites again with a chilling childhood story of witnessing her father’s abuse of her mom. It is an unforgettable scene in an episode that forces us to sit down alongside our leads as they ponder the horrors of an unknowable future. — B.E.
Learn how to watch: Expats is now streaming on Prime Video.
4. Ripley, Season 1, episode 3, “III Sommerso”
Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn in “Ripley.”
Credit score: Lorenzo Sisti / Netflix
With putting black-and-white cinematography and a solid that was extra compelling than correct to the supply materials‘s descriptions, Steven Zaillian’s adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s delectably deranged novel The Proficient Mr. Ripley was as daring because it was slyly seductive.
The collection as an entire proves a showcase for main man Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers), who transforms from a timid social climber to a smooth killer. However episode three, when the eponymous anti-hero will get his arms soiled, is the most effective of the batch. Right here, Tom’s relationship with the carefree American inheritor Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) sours, so a day journey in Italy turns from mirthful to murderous. But the violence is not as disturbing because the aftermath, which delves into ASMR in a superb method. Tom, left to his personal gadgets, is surrounded by the sounds of masking up his crime. And we’re certain to him, a silent witness — or confederate — left to surprise if we’re rooting for him to be caught or get off scot-free. —Okay.P.
Learn how to watch: Ripley is now streaming on Netflix.
3. Interview with the Vampire, Season 2, episode 3, “No Pain”
Jacob Anderson, Assad Zaman, and Sam Reid in “Interview with the Vampire.”
Credit score: Larry Horricks / AMC
Certain, the second half of Interview with the Vampire Season 2 has followers of the collection — in addition to the supply textual content by Anne Rice — salivating for extra, extra, extra. Rightly so, as Rolin Jones’ daringly completely different adaptation has introduced contemporary blood to the poisonous romance between vampires Louis (Jacob Anderson) and Lestat (Sam Reid). However with “No Pain,” Jones teased some particulars that will come again to hang-out us as we watched these biting latter eps.
In “No Pain,” human journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian) meets a member of the Talamasca — a secret society that is getting its personal spinoff collection. This episode additionally touches on the heart-wrenching tragedy of Lestat’s misplaced Nicki. Not solely that, but it surely pulls particulars from The Vampire Armand, The Vampire Lestat, and The Story of the Physique Thief, and it introduces the attitude of Louis’ present curious paramour, Armand (Assad Zaman). The reveals of episode 5 and past would not hit as laborious in the event you did not know the shared heartache and hatred Louis and Armand have for Lestat. Plus, this episode offers us these two in goo-goo couple mode — a lot to the annoyance of the deeply unsentimental Daniel — and the vampire Lestat in full theater child mode, flashing his smile and his ass with equal panache. To prime all of it off, there’s the hopefulness of Claudia becoming a member of the theater coven, a transfer everyone knows will come to no good. There’s a variety of bangers this season, however “No Pain” is the one which lingers. — Okay.P.
Learn how to watch: Interview with the Vampire is now streaming on AMC+.
2. Child Reindeer, Season 1, episode 6, “Episode 6”
Richard Gadd in “Baby Reindeer.”
Credit score: Ed Miller / Netflix
Many Child Reindeer episodes might have discovered a house on this record, together with a tragic, flashback-centric fourth episode that lends new context to comic Donny Dunn’s (Richard Gadd) relationship with stalker Martha (Jessica Gunning). Nevertheless it’s the sixth episode the place Child Reindeer reaches a fever pitch, as Donny delivers a barn-burning, 10-minute monologue about his trauma and disgrace onstage at a comedy present. Lengthy, unbroken close-ups and Gadd’s arresting efficiency make this confessional one you may’t look away from, irrespective of how painful it will get. — B.E.
Learn how to watch: Child Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.
1. Shōgun, Season 1, episode 9, “Crimson Sky”
Anna Sawai in “Shōgun.”
Credit score: Katie Yu / FX
Do you ever watch an episode of TV and suppose, “What in the world could possibly top that?” Nicely, that was my response to Shōgun‘s “Crimson Sky,” an ideal hour of tv that reaches peaks of heartbreak and suspense which have but to be replicated this yr.
Your entire episode facilities on Toda Mariko’s (Anna Sawai, giving the TV efficiency of 2024) closing diplomatic mission for Lord Yoshii Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada). It is a mission that requires her to face down her personal mortality at a number of factors, together with a sharp-tongued royal viewers and a gate encounter that may be a masterclass in rigidity. Add in poetic, deeply felt conversations between Mariko, Girl Ochiba (Fumi Nikaido), and John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), and there is not any method you may escape this episode unshattered.
As unwavering in its brilliance as Mariko is within the face of loss of life, “Crimson Sky” is the send-off Mariko deserves, and proof that she is Shōgun‘s central determine. As showrunner Justin Marks informed Mashable in an interview: “If you thought it was about anyone else, then you probably weren’t watching closely enough.” — B.E.
Learn how to watch: Shōgun is now streaming on Hulu.
