The best Netflix TV shows of 2024 (so far)

Netflix has kicked off 2024 in style, bringing back some major flagship shows and introducing exciting new hits.

We revisited the Regency era with Bridgerton Season 3, experienced emotional moments with One Day, and witnessed an alien invasion in 3 Body Problem. But that's not all! From sci-fi to romance to drama, here are the standout Netflix shows of the year so far.

10. Eric

If you miss the days of Sherlock, when Benedict Cumberbatch played a brooding misanthrope solving perplexing cases, then you should definitely check out Eric.

Created by Abi Morgan, this mini-series features the British actor as Vincent, a discontented puppeteer in 1980s New York. Vincent maintains a warm demeanor at work but is cold and distant with his wife (Gaby Hoffmann) and son, Edgar (Ivan Morris Howe), at home. When Edgar goes missing on his way to school, Vincent embarks on a mission to find him, assisted by an imaginary monster named Eric. Blending family drama, crime procedural, and a touch of Sesame Street, Eric intricately weaves together the stories of cops, criminals, suspects, and a guilt-ridden father. For those seeking a show with twists and thrills, this series is a perfect choice for your next binge-watch. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

9. The Brothers Sun

Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh stars in The Brothers Sun, a blend of family drama, crime thriller, and comedy caper that revolves around two vastly different brothers. Charles (Justin Chien) is a renowned assassin deeply involved in the family's Taiwanese crime syndicate. In contrast, Bruce (Sam Song Li) is an improv enthusiast struggling with school and oblivious to the family business. When their father is attacked, the estranged brothers must join forces, with the help of their formidable mother Eileen (Yeoh), to confront their enemies. The series features intense fight scenes, heartfelt reflections on immigrant experiences, and an unexpected abundance of churros. Despite its action-packed and engaging narrative, it's unfortunate that Netflix decided to cancel it. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

8. Bridgerton, Season 3

First, there was Daphne and the Duke, followed by Kate and Anthony, and then Queen Charlotte and George III. Now, in Season 3 of Shondaland's beloved adaptation of Julia Quinn's romance novels, we are treated to Penelope and Colin's story — the slowest-burn romance yet. Penelope has harbored feelings for Colin Bridgerton since Season 1. It took a world tour for Colin to realize the wonderful person he had back home. Thankfully, by the end of part one, he expressed his deep affection for her in a memorable carriage scene, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

7. Dead Boy Detectives

Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) make for an unusual duo, with Edwin being a prep school student from 1918 and Charles a punk from 1989. Alongside their psychic friend Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) and their uniquely afflicted neighbor Niko Sasaki (Yuyu Kitamura), they tackle cases that the living cannot solve. Each episode follows a "monster-of-the-week" format reminiscent of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, the overarching story involves the pair evading Death (played by The Sandman's Kirby Howell-Baptiste), outsmarting the mischievous Cat King (Lukas Gage), battling a formidable witch named Esther Finch (Jenn Lyon), and navigating their own teenage emotions. If you enjoy teen dramas infused with dark humor and supernatural chaos, this delightfully eerie series will captivate you. — K.P.

6. 3 Body Problem

Sometimes you're in the mood for a light comedy; other times, you want to embrace potentially world-ending existential terror. The latter is exactly what 3 Body Problem offers. Based on Cixin Liu's sci-fi trilogy and adapted for the screen by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss along with The Terror's Alexander Woo, this series delves into the story of an alien race called the San-Ti. Forced to abandon their home planet, the San-Ti are now several hundred years away from reaching their new destination: Earth.

3 Body Problem stands out because it tackles profound questions about the universe while weaving a deeply human narrative about how people might react to the threat of future extinction. The series also features unforgettable sequences — particularly in episode 5. If you enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi with a blend of existential dread, this show is a must-watch. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

5. One Day

In February, we experienced a wave of TV-induced tears as Netflix's One Day broke our hearts. This ambitious, romantic, and fresh adaptation of David Nicholls' novel provided the story with more depth and room to breathe than Lone Scherfig's 2011 film. The series follows students Emma and Dex, portrayed with magnetic and nuanced performances by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall, as they navigate decades of their complex friendship. One Day transforms a tale of enduring love into a cinematic epic while delving into the politics of privilege in relationships. Merely hearing the name of the series evokes starry-eyed gazes and heartfelt sighs. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

4. Girls5eva, Season 3

If you're seeking a pop culture-savvy sitcom to fill the void left by 30 Rock and The Other Two, look no further than Girls5eva. Initially canceled by Peacock after two stellar seasons, the show found a new home on Netflix for an outstanding third season, where the titular girl group embarks on a tour. The quartet of Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell, and Busy Philipps delivers their best performances yet, with rapid-fire jokes and irresistibly catchy songs like "Sweet'N Low Daddy," "Returnity," and "Tap Into Your (Fort) Worth." Netflix, please grant us more of Girls5eva—three seasons simply aren't enough! — B.E.

3. Boy Swallows Universe

A dark yet genuinely funny tale of suburban crime infused with magical realism, Netflix's adaptation of Trent Dalton's novel Boy Swallows Universe stands out as one of 2024's hidden gems—much like its young protagonist, 13-year-old Eli Bell, played by the remarkably talented Felix Cameron. Filled with '80s Australiana, the series is set in the working-class Brisbane suburb of Darra. Here, Eli navigates school bullies and a tumultuous family life while dealing with hardened criminals, accompanied by his imaginative brother Gus (Lee Tiger Halley). The show is a heartfelt, unsettling, and hilarious exploration of young adolescence, the harsh reality of addiction, and brutal crime, all set to a killer Aussie soundtrack. — S.C.

2. Ripley

Adapted from Patricia Highsmith's classic novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, this drama mini-series by Steven Zaillian entices viewers into the captivating world of Thomas Ripley, an American social climber turned con man and murderer. When Ripley is offered a free trip to Italy to retrieve an industrialist's expatriate heir, he discovers a world of privilege, art, and endless opportunities tied to status and wealth. However, to secure a piece of this life for himself, he must resort to treachery and violence.

While the story may be familiar, either from the book or the Matt Damon film, this slow-burn series meticulously unravels Highsmith's tale of jealousy, deception, and murder, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the high-stakes narrative. The result is a show that feels like a lost holiday—captivating, surprising, and sure to leave a lasting impression on your mind, heart, and soul. — K.P.

1. Baby Reindeer

"Baby Reindeer" seems like a compelling and thought-provoking series. It’s fascinating how it intertwines humor with deep emotions and real-life issues such as stalking. The character dynamics, particularly Martha's obsession, likely generate intense tension. Your description highlights the lasting impact it has on its audience. Were there any specific scenes or themes that stood out to you?