At Nerdist, we already shared some “Best of 2024 Lists,” and those have included the “Best of TV,” the “Best of Movies,” and the “Best of Characters” from the year. But now, we’re super excited to share one of the most important 2024 lists of all—a list that features some incredible hidden gems of TV from this year that you need to be watching as soon as possible. These shows definitely raised a buzz, but in a year that was jam-packed with releases, you may not yet have gotten the chance to give them a watch just yet. But we’re here to tell you that you’re missing out. From incredible animated offerings to multi-lingual series and shows not in English to important portrayals of diverse communities, you do not want to miss out on these hidden TV gems of 2024.
English Teacher (FX/Hulu)
Actor/writer/comedian Brian Jordan Alvarez’s new sitcom English Teacher debuted on FX this year, and was a delight from start to finish. The show centers on the titular Millennial gay male English teacher, and his daily highs and lows in an often thankless job. The show mainly follows Alavarez’s character, Evan Marquez, and the rest of his dedicated (but always exasperated) colleagues at the faculty of Morrison-Hensley High School in Austin, Texas. English Teacher wrings comedy out of the palpable frustration of teachers trying to do what’s best for their students with little money and support, all while trying to navigate complicated personal lives. This show gets major props for being an extremely accurate portrayal of LGBTQ life in modern America, while still being highly relatable to everyone. There are only eight episodes total, and you should check them out on Hulu as soon as possible. Trust us, it’s that good. Hands down one of the brightest hidden gem of TV in 2024.
Where to Watch English Teacher:
All eight episodes of English Teacher season one are currently streaming on Hulu.
You Would Do It Too (Apple TV+)
If you limit yourselves to shows that are only in English, you’ll really be missing out. On Apple TV+, you can watch one of 2024’s best mystery-thrillers of the year, You Would Do It Too. When you first dive into this Spanish production, you might think you know what you’re getting into. But trust us, you absolutely do not. You Would Do It Too is an absolutely absorbing ride, with twists and turns that keep on coming, leaving you at the edge of your seat as you watch. In fact, we had a hard time turning it off when it was time to go to bed and had to watch just one more episode every time. Happily, the episodes are all under 30 minutes each making it just the right size to enjoy at any time.
The synopsis of the series shares, “A bus is hijacked by three robbers—who end up dead before they can get away. Every passenger’s story is the same: A hooded man saved the day. As the case unfolds, the line between hero and criminal begins to blur.” We have chills just reading You Would Do It Too‘s description. And, of course, it will leave you asking… “Would you do it too?” Find out now on Apple TV+ and join us in crossing our fingers for a season two of the show to come our way sooner rather than later.
Where to Watch You Would Do It Too:
All eight episodes of You Would Do It Too are streaming on Apple TV+.
The Dragon Prince Season 6 (Netflix)
If you’re not watching The Dragon Prince, then what are you doing? This incredible Netflix TV show released its sixth season in 2024. (Amazingly, it will also release its seventh and final season in 2024.) And The Dragon Prince/The Dragon Prince: Mystery of Aaravos is one you ought to be watching. The Dragon Prince follows in the tradition of other great fantasy series and movies, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Vox Machina, and The Lord of the Rings, to name a few, and gives us a found family worth cheering for as they embark on many epic quests that are filled with incredible magical worlds, wild fantastical creatures, the wonder of friendship, real stakes, and much, much more. The Dragon Prince also absolutely nails character development, taking us on massive emotional journeys of both growth and decay with our heroes and villains, each one as intensely resonant as the next.
The series also has some of the most gorgeous animation out there right now. Seriously, it is so beautiful. And the voice acting is unparalleled. If you want to immerse yourself in something wonderful, check out The Dragon Prince.
Where to Watch The Dragon Prince:
All six seasons of The Dragon Prince are currently streaming on Netflix. The show’s final season (season 7) will release on December 19.
Drops of God (Apple TV+)
Drops of God was just named “Best Drama Series” at the 2024 International Emmy Awards, so you know it’s one good TV show. This manga-based series is actually a multilingual drama that was filmed in French, Japanese, and English. That, on its own, is pretty incredible. Like we said before, limiting yourself to fully English-language programming is a pretty good way to miss out on some true gems of TV. This manga-based series brings tension to the table and really dreamy surreal imagery, which serves to heighten its underlying story. And isn’t it always fun to watch sharp minds face off against one another in a battle of wills? You’ll also learn a ton about wine, that’s bonus!
Where to Watch Drops of God:
All eight episode of Drops of God season one are currently streaming on Apple TV+. Drops of God has already been renewed for season two.
Shrinking Season 2 (Apple TV+)
Ted Lasso was an overwhelmingly beloved phenomenon that peaked early and kinda burned out. This is why we were a bit wary of Bill Lawrence’s follow-up, Shrinking, co-created with Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel. The series deals with overcoming grief in all its forms and boasts an impressive cast of Jason Segel, Jessica Williams, Harrison Ford, and more, and the first season won us over. But we weren’t expecting the second season to take what worked about the first, altogether solidify the character relationships, and foist upon them topics like infidelity, forgiveness, health deterioration, and especially parent-children disharmony. It’s also incredibly funny amid all the serious topics. Season one is good; season two is pushing toward greatness. Don’t miss this 2024 hidden gem of a TV show.
Where to Watch Shrinking:
Season one and season two of Shrinking are currently available to watch on Apple TV+. Season two is still airing.
Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Netflix)
If you’re a fan of the Tomb Raider game or film series and you didn’t check out Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, then you are truly missing out. This animated series, which debuted in October and swiftly got a season two renewal, picks up where the Shadow of the Tomb Raider film left off. Showrunner Tasha Huo is a big fan of the games, and it shows. It explores the more vulnerable and reflective side of this famed hero (voiced by none other than Hayley Atwell) as she goes on an epic, globetrotting adventure while parsing through grief. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is brilliantly paced, reflective, and respectful of other cultures, with gorgeous animation and snappy action to boot. With only 10 episodes so far, it is perfect for Saturday marathon watch and will leave you wanting more.
Where to Watch Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft:
All 10 episodes of Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft are available now to stream on Netflix.
Under the Bridge (Hulu)
You might remember Lily Gladstone’s much-talked-about turn in Killers of the Flower Moon, but very shortly after she nearly scored a “Best Actress” Oscar for the role, Gladstone actually appeared in another very good Hulu series, Under the Bridge. Co-starring with Riley Keough, Gladstone leads the 2024 TV show with a somber, though sincere, performance and both actresses shine. Under the Bridge is a hard watch; it deals with the story of the real-life murder of Reena Virk, and it doesn’t shy away from the aching tragedy of the tale. Delving deep into grief, the cruelty of children, the difficulties of poverty, and the pain difference can bring, the series is no simple viewing. But it is well worth your time.
Where to Watch Under the Bridge:
All eight episodes of Under the Bridge are currently available to watch on Hulu.
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.