Golden Globes 2025 Recap

 

Here’s my recap of the Golden Globes last night.

·         Nikki Glaser did a pretty good job with the opening monologue. There was some light roasting but most of the stars seemed to be having fun. Harrison Ford looked confused though. I liked her Ben Affleck and Robert Kennedy jokes.

·         What was with that locator pin for where the nominees were sitting? I don’t need a Google Map to their seat. Rather have clips than just some small photo. So weird.

·         As Seth Rogen also pointed out, the angled presenting to the side was bizarre. The camera was too close to them at times and just made things awkward.

·         The presenter banter was mostly boring. Hated the Wicked supporting actors not knowing the current lingo. I did like the proudly Canadian Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara talking about their fake Golden Antlers.

·         I feel sorry for the person who had to look up some Wikipedia stuff to put under the presenter names. Didn’t have time or care to read all of it. Same goes for info being displayed and different info being announced as the winners came to the stage.

·         I wish I could have seen Ted Danson win that Carol Burnett award.

·         Got a kick out of Vin Diesel trying to justify the inclusion of the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement Award. It’s all about global unification people!

·         I did not do well with a bunch of predictions. I got 17 out of 27 categories.

·         Surprised with wins like Fernanda Torres for Best Actress in a Drama and Sebastan Stan for A Different Man.

·         Pleasantly surprised for Colin Farrell winning for The Penguin. Love that he thanked the craft services people.

·         Also was surprised that Demi Moore hadn’t won anything before (pretty sure she won a Razzie for Striptease). I liked her speech.

·         Zoe Saldana went on too long. Anna Sawai was pleasantly short.

 

Anyway, here were the winners:

Best Motion Picture – Drama
The Brutalist (predicted)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama
Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Adrien Brody (The Brutalist) (predicted)

Best Motion Picture – Comedy
Emilia Perez

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy
Demi Moore (The Substance)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy
Sebastian Stan (A Different Man)

Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Zoe Saldana (Emilia Perez) (predicted)

Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) (predicted & wanted)

Best Animated Feature Film
Flow

Best Non-English Language Film
Emilia Perez (France) (predicted & wanted)

Cinematic and Box Office Achievement
Wicked  (predicted & wanted)

Best Director – Motion Picture
Brady Corbet (The Brutalist) (predicted)

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Peter Staughan (Conclave) (wanted)

Best Original Score – Motion Picture
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross (Challengers)

Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“El Mal” (Emilia Perez)

Best Television Series – Drama
Shogun (predicted)

Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Anna Sawai (Shogun) (predicted)

Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun) (predicted)

Best Television Series – Comedy
Hacks (predicted)

Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy
Jean Smart (Hacks) (predicted)

Best Actor in a Television Series – Comedy
Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) (predicted)

Best Supporting Actress TV
Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer)

Best Supporting Actor TV
Tadanobu Asano (Shogun) (predicted)

Best Limited Series or TV Movie
Baby Reindeer (predicted)

Best Actress in a Limited Series
Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country) (predicted)

Best Actor in a Limited Series
Colin Farrell (The Penguin)

Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television
Ali Wong (Single Lady)

Golden Globes 2025 Predictions

 

The Golden Globes are this Sunday. I’m not a fan of Nikki Glaser who is hosting and up for an award, but whatever. I haven’t watched a bunch of the winning films but I’ll make predictions anyway. I have watched most of the television shows but I’m hoping that Baby Reindeer doesn’t get a bunch more awards. Here’s who I think will win and want to win.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
The Brutalist | A Complete Unknown | Conclave | Dune: Part Two | Nickel Boys | September 5
Will Win: The Brutalist
Want to Win: Conclave

BEST ACTOR – DRAMA
Adrien Brody [The Brutalist] | Timothee Chalamet [A Complete Unknown] | Daniel Craig [Queer] | Colman Domingo [Sing Sing] | Ralph Fiennes [Conclave] | Sebastian Stan [The Apprentice]
Will Win: Adrien Brody [The Brutalist]
Want to Win: Timothee Chalamet [A Complete Unknown]

BEST ACTRESS – DRAMA
Pamela Anderson [The Last Showgirl] | Angelina Jolie [Maria] | Nicole Kidman [Babygirl] | Tilda Swinton [The Room Next Door] | Fernanda Torres [I’m Still Here] | Kate Winslet [Lee]
Will Win: Angelina Jolie [Maria]
Want to Win: Pamela Anderson [The Last Showgirl]

BEST MOTION PICTURE – COMEDY
Anora | Challengers | Emilia Perez | A Real Pain | The Substance | Wicked
Will Win: Anora
Want to Win: Wicked

BEST ACTOR – COMEDY
Jesse Eisenberg [A Real Pain] | Hugh Grant [Heretic] | Gabriel Labelle [Saturday Night] | Jesse Plemons [Kinds of Kindness] | Glen Powell [Hit Man] | Sebastian Stan [A Different Man]
Will Win: Jesse Eisenberg [A Real Pain]
Want to Win: Gabriel LaBelle [Saturday Night]

BEST ACTRESS – COMEDY
Amy Adams [Nightbitch] | Cynthia Erivo [Wicked] | Karla Sofia Gascon [Emilia Perez] | Mikey Madison [Anora] | Demi Moore [The Substance] | Zendaya [Challengers]
Will Win: Mikey Madison [Anora]
Want to Win: Cynthia Erivo [Wicked]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - FILM
Yura Borisov [Anora] | Kieran Culkin [A Real Pain] | Edward Norton [A Complete Unknown] | Guy Pearce [The Brutalist] | Jeremy Strong [The Apprentice] | Denzel Washington [Gladiator II]
Will Win: Kieran Culkin [A Real Pain]
Want to Win: Kieran Culkin [A Real Pain]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - FILM
Selena Gomez [Emilia Perez] | Ariana Grande [Wicked] | Felicity Jones [The Brutalist] | Margaret Qualley [The Substance] | Isabella Rossellini  [Conclave] | Zoe Saldana  [Emilia Perez]
Will Win: Zoe Saldana [Emilia Perez]
Want to Win: Ariana Grande [Wicked]

BEST DIRECTOR
Jacques Audiard [Emilia Perez] | Sean Baker [Anora] | Edward Berger [Conclave] | Brady Corbet [The Brutalist] | Coralie Fargeat [The Substance] | Payal Kapadia [All We Imagine as Light]
Will Win: Brady Corbet [The Brutalist]
Want to Win: Edward Berger [Conclave]

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Flow | Inside Out 2 | Memoir of a Snail | Moana 2 | Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl | The Wild Robot
Will Win: The Wild Robot
Want to Win: Inside Out 2

CINEMATIC AND BOX OFFICE ACHIEVEMENT
Alien: Romulus | Beetlejuice Beetlejuice | Deadpool & Wolverine | Gladiator II | Inside Out 2 | Twisters | Wicked | The Wild Robot
Will Win: Wicked
Want to Win: Wicked

BEST NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE FILM
All We Imagine as Light [France] | Emilia Perez [France] | The Girl with the Needle [Poland] | I’m Still Here [Brazil] | The Seed of the Sacred Fig [Germany] | Vermiglio [Italy]
Will Win: Emilia Perez
Want to Win: Emilia Perez

BEST SCREENPLAY
Jacques Audiard [Emilia Perez] | Sean Baker [Anora] | Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold [The Brutalist] | Jesse Eisenberg [A Real Pain] | Coralie Fargeat [The Substance] | Peter Straughan [Conclave]
Will Win: Sean Baker [Anora]
Want to Win: Peter Straughan [Conclave]

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Volker Bertelmann [Conclave] | Daniel Blumberg [The Brutalist] | Kris Bowers [The Wild Robot] | Clement Ducol & Camille [Emilia Perez] | Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross [Challengers] | Hanz Zimmer [Dune: Part Two]
Will Win: Volker Bertelmann [Conclave]
Want to Win: Volker Bertelmann [Conclave]

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“Beautiful That Way” [The Last Showgirl] | “Compress/Repress” [Challengers] | “El Mal” [Emilia Perez] | “Forbidden Road” [Better Man] | “Kiss the Sky” [The Wild Robot] | “Mi Camino” [Emilia Perez]
Will Win: “Kiss the Sky” [The Wild Robot]
Want to Win: “Kiss the Sky” [The Wild Robot]

BEST TV SERIES – DRAMA
Day of the Jackal | The Diplomat | Mr. & Mrs. Smith | Shogun | Slow Horses | Squid Game
Will Win: Shogun
Want to Win: Slow Horses

BEST ACTOR – DRAMA
Donald Glover [Mr. & Mrs. Smith] | Jake Gyllenhaal [Presumed Innocent] | Gary Oldman [Slow Horses] | Eddie Redmayne [Day of the Jackal] | Hiroyuki Sanada [Shogun] | Billy Bob Thorton [Landman]
Will Win: Hiroyuki Sanada [Shogun]
Want to Win: Gary Oldman [Slow Horses]

BEST ACTRESS – DRAMA
Kathy Bates [Matlock] | Emma D’Arcy [House of the Dragon] | Maya Erskine [Mr. & Mrs. Smith] | Keira Knightley [Black Doves] | Keri Russell [The Diplomat] | Anna Sawai [Shogun]
Will Win: Anna Sawai [Shogun]
Want to Win: Keri Russell [The Diplomat]

BEST TV SERIES – COMEDY
Abbott Elementary | The Bear | The Gentlemen | Hacks | Nobody Wants This | Only Murders in the Building 
Will Win: Hacks
Want to Win: Nobody Wants This

BEST ACTOR – COMEDY
Adam Brody [Nobody Wants This] | Ted Danson [A Man on the Inside] | Steve Martin [Only Murders in the Building] | Jason Segel [Shrinking] | Martin Short [Only Murders in the Building] | Jeremy Allen White [The Bear]
Will Win: Jeremy Allen White [The Bear]
Want to Win: Adam Brody [Nobody Wants This]

BEST ACTRESS – COMEDY
Kristen Bell [Nobody Wants This] | Quinta Brunson [Abbott Elementary] | Ayo Edebiri [The Bear] | Selena Gomez [Only Murders in the Building] | Kathryn Hahn [Agatha All Along] | Jean Smart [Hacks]
Will Win: Jean Smart [Hacks]
Want to Win: Kristen Bell [Nobody Wants This]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR – DRAMA OR COMEDY
Tadanobu Asano [Shogun] | Javier Bardem [Lyle & Erik Menendez] | Harrison Ford [Shrinking] | Jack Lowden [Slow Horses] | Diego Luna [La Maquina] | Ebon Moss-Bachrach [The Bear]
Will Win: Tadanobu Asano [Shogun]
Want to Win: Harrison Ford [Shrinking]

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS – DRAMA OR COMEDY
Liza Colon-Zayas [The Bear] | Hannah Einbinder [Hacks] | Dakota Fanning [Ripley] | Jessica Gunning [Baby Reindeer] | Allison Janney [The Diplomat] | Kali Reis [True Detective]
Will Win: Liza Colon-Zayas [The Bear]
Want to Win: Hannah Einbinder [Hacks]

BEST LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
Baby Reindeer | Disclaimer | Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Melendez Story | The Penguin | Ripley | True Detective: Night Country
Will Win: Baby Reindeer
Want to Win: Ripley

BEST ACTOR – LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
Colin Farrell [The Penguin] | Richard Gadd [Baby Reindeer] | Kevin Kline [Disclaimer] | Cooper Koch [Lyle & Erik Menedez] | Ewan McGregor [A Gentleman in Moscow] | Andrew Scott [Ripley]
Will Win: Richard Gadd [Baby Reindeer]
Want to Win: Andrew Scott [Ripley]

BEST ACTRESS – LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE
Cate Blanchett [Disclaimer] | Jodie Foster [True Detective] | Cristin Milioti [The Penguin] | Sofia Vergara [Griselda] | Naomi Watts [Capote vs. The Swans] | Kate Winslet [The Regime]
Will Win: Jodi Foster [True Detective]
Want to Win: Cristin Milloti [The Penguin]

BEST PERFORMANCE IN STAND-UP COMEDY ON TELEVISION
Jamie Foxx [What Had Happened Was] | Nikki Glaser [Someday You’ll Die] | Seth Meyers [Dad Man Walking] | Adam Sandler [Love You] | Ali Wong [Single Lady] | Rami Youssef [More Feelings]
Will Win: Nikki Glaser [Someday You’ll Die]
Want to Win: Seth Meyers [Dad Man Walking]

Let’s see how I do this year. 

2025 Film Preview

Here are the films that look interesting for the new year. Again, I am basing a lot of my picks on the people involved, familiarity, or an interesting plot description. My opinions may change closer to the release dates. Also, these dates are all subject to change. Anyway, here they are:

Feb.14 Captain America: Brave New World
Going the Winter Soldier political conspiracy route. Good idea.
Apr.11 The Amateur
Rami Malek uses computers to get revenge? Sounds like Mr. Robot. I’m in.
Apr.18 Mickey 17
I can watch Robert Pattinson die lots from the Parasite director.
May.12 Thunderbolts*
I’m hoping this is more like Avengers and less like The Eternals.
May.23 Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
If this is the last mission, it better go with a bang. I want more though.
Jun.06 Ballerina
Ana De Armas kicking butt as a John Wick-like assassin? Sign me up.
Jun.13 Elio
I’ll give it a chance because it’s from Pixar. Hope it’s not like Lightyear.
Jul.11 Superman
I have faith in James Gunn’s vision, not sure about the extra heroes though
Jul.25 Fantastic Four: The First Steps
Maybe the third reboot is the charm? Pedro Pascal is a good start.
Aug.01 The Naked Gun
Liam Neeson is Frank Drebin? Directed by Akiva from Lonely Island? Yes!
Oct.03 Michael
A biopic about Michael Jackson directed by Antoine Fuqua. Has potential.
Oct.03 Roofman
A true story about a guy who robbed 60 McDonald’s through their roof. OK.
Nov.14 Now You See Me 3
I’ll go another round with The Four Horsemen illusionists. Trick me again.
Nov.21 Wicked: For Good
I hope it is an improvement of the stage’s act two because I’m worried.
Nov.16 Zootopia 2
I enjoyed the first one enough. Bring back the sloths!
TBA The Phoenician Scheme
Wes Anderson’s new film should be released  this year. Awesome. 

2025 Television Preview

 

Wondering when your shows are returning? Not many shows that are continuing from the fall thanks to smaller seasons. Some fun shows are returning with new season. Shows like SNL and Simpsons haven’t announced when they are returning yet. There are also a bunch of new series I may try. Here’s the list for now.

(Green = New Series, Grey=New Season, Blue=Continuing Season from Fall)

Abbott Elementary (Wed.Jan.8)
The Pitt premieres Thu.Jan.9 on HBO Max [Click here for trailer]
Noah Wylie is a doctor. John Wells produces. 15 eps cover one shift.
St. Denis Medical (Tue.Jan.14)
Night Court (Tue.Jan.14)
Severance Season 2 begins (Fri.Jan.17) on AppleTV+
SNL (Sat.Jan.18)
Prime Target premieres Wed.Jan.22 on AppleTV+
Conspiracy thriller about a math guy who is a target and needs protection
The Night Agent Season 2 begins (Thu.Jan.23) on Netflix
Watson premieres Sun.Jan.26 on CBS [Click here for trailer]
Morris Chestnut is Sherlock’s Watson solving medical mysteries like House.
Paradise premieres Tue.Jan.28 on Hulu/Disney+ [Click here for trailer]
Sterling K Brown fails to save the president in a high stakes investigation
White Lotus Season 3 begins (Sun.Feb.16) on HBO Max
Reacher Season 3 begins (Thu.Feb.20) on Amazon Prime
Zero Day premieres Thu.Feb.20 on Netflix [Click here for trailer]
Stacked cast with DeNiro as a US president trying to stop a cyberattack.
Suits: LA premieres Tue.Feb.25 on NBC [Click here for trailer]
Suits on a different coast. Harvey Spectre is in a couple episodes too.
Daredevil: Born Again premieres Tue.Mar.4 on Disney+ [Click here for trailer]
Charlie Cox is back as Daredevil finally continuing where they left off.
The Amazing Race Season 37 begins (Wed.Mar.5)
Last Week Tonight Season 12 begins (Sun.Feb.18)
The Studio premieres Wed.Mar.26 on AppleTV+ [Click here for trailer]
Seth Rogen is a new studio head dealing with loads of celebrities
Your Friends and Neighbors premieres Fri.Apr.11 on AppleTV+
Jon Hamm is a banker who is fired and breaks into his neighbors’ homes
Andor Season 2 begins (Tue.Apr.22)

Best of 2024

In the late-nineties and early 2000s, I think I watched a movie a week, if not two. Was there more choice, more quality films? Maybe I’m getting too picky with my movie choices now. When I’m only watching twenty films or so a year, it’s hard to create a comprehensive list of the best films. I also blame the higher quality of television that keeps me home. Anyway, here’s my list of the best of 2024. Enjoy.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2024

1. SATURDAY NIGHT
Plot: It’s an intense ninety minutes before the first Saturday Night Live.
Why: Even when the show is not at its best, I am a forever fan of Saturday Night Live. I am enjoying the celebrations around this landmark series 50th year including this cinematic gem. I love the way Jason Reitman directs the chaos behind the premiere of SNL despite some far fetched moments. Condensing the mayhem to a tight ninety minutes got my blood pumping as I watched the cavalcade of actors take on the real egos and anxieties of the Not Ready for Primetime Players. 
MVP: Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) – the determined visionary ringleader
Highlight: Andy Kauffman distracts the execs and ignites a drive to the end
Full Review: Click here

2. WICKED: PART ONE
Plot: Glinda befriends the green Elphaba before Dorthory arrives in Oz.
Why: Some musical adaptations do not work but this one blew me away. I love the stage musical and this one hits all the right notes from singing to production design. While it is lengthy, there is not much I would remove. I can forgo worrying about the lesser second part for now. This sweeping musical epic was definitely worth waiting for.   
MVP: Galinda (Ariana Grande) – a chip off the Chenoweth with a hair toss
Highlight: “What Is This Feeling” is a classic musical crowdpleaser
Full Review: Click here

3. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Plot: Bob Dylan breaks into the folk scene before transitioning to electric.
Why: I wouldn’t call myself a Bob Dylan fan but I was very impressed with this film’s storytelling and the acting chops of Timothee Chalamet. This guy can do anything. As I get older, I appreciate folk music more than I thought I would. This film got me to nod my head as I listened to the rich lyrics, the perfect strumming, and distinctive vocalizations. I also really liked the production design too.
MVP: Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) – simply electric (pun intended)  
Highlight: The Newport Folk Festival where Dylan takes a stand
Full Review: Click here

4. CONCLAVE
Plot: The selection of a new pope leads to power struggles and secrets.
Why: Love a behind the scenes story. Looking at the election of a new pope is intriguing and I was riveted to the power plays among the cardinals. Not only is there a thriller tone to this film but it also has one heck of a twist I did not see coming. I hope more people give this film a chance.  
MVP: Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) – his quiet leadership has such intensity
Highlight: Every secret ballot is filled with edge of seat anticipation
Full Review: Click here

5. THE FALL GUY
Plot: A stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s film.
Why: I’ll admit that I ranked this higher initially but I think that was because I was finally having some fun watching a film. It was a pretty lackluster beginning of the year with the exception of Dune. Gosling is so charming as Colt Seavers, he gets the great lines, the stunts and the girl. The script is a tad bloated but one cannot deny the enjoyment on screen. Maybe it is their dips into cartoonishness that kept it from being a blockbuster.
MVP: Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) – a great follow-up to Ken
Highlight: Tom Ryder’s bevy of Post-It Notes at his apartment
Full Review: Click here

6. INSIDE OUT 2
Plot: Riley's a teenager dealing with new emotions, friends and hockey.
Why: I loved the first one and didn’t think this sequel was necessary. However, they still did a dynamite job with it. Riley is older and has new emotions but it gets a little crowded in her brain. I will always appreciate the clever use of puns and other word play which this film is chock full of. Please don’t try for another sequel though; we’re good.  
MVP: Anger (Lewis Black) – I love that there is a role for him to shine in
Highlight: Sarcasm – so clever.
Full Review: Click here

7. BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
Plot: Mike and Marcus are wanted men when they defend their dead boss.
Why: I like the way Will Smith and Martin Lawrence interact with each other. It’s their comradery that makes this franchise work. The storylines are getting more far-fetched and the choices are more questionable but I am still along for the ride. They need to stop attempting to retire though.
MVP: Reggie (Dennis Greene) – the verbally abused son-in-law packs heat
Highlight: Will Smith getting smacked in the face a number of times
Full Review: Click here

8. DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Plot: Deadpool needs Wolverine to leave retirement to save his world.
Why: It’s hard to get invested in a fight scene where both members are able to regenerate but I’m still on board. The story weak but there is enough humour and violence to keep things chugging. There are also a lot of wink, wink scenes and stuff that only appeals to those who research Marvel, like me. I will credit some fine music choices to accompany the many fight scenes throughout.     
MVP: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) – he is a Marvel messiah with great lines
Highlight: Chis Evans is not the cameo we expected and what a rant
Full Review: Click here

9. BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
Plot: Axel returns to Beverly Hills when his daughter’s life is threatened.
Why: Yup, it is all nostalgia and comfort food. I’m the intended audience so I am done for it this time. The storyline has some gaping holes but is still enjoyable. This is really just an excuse so Eddie Murphy can leave us with a better Axel Foley that their third installment (which does get made fun of).
MVP: Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) – he doesn’t run but he can still talk fast
Highlight: Nasim Pedrad’s real estate agent trying too hard to sell a house
Full Review: Click here

10. DUNE: PART TWO
Plot: Paul Atreides avoids leadership but seeks to avenge his family.
Why: Not quite the Empire Strikes Back of this trilogy but still an epic romp. While this film could be tighter and shorter, there are a lot of great action sequences and dramatic tension. The cast is superb. The sandworms bring up more questions than answers but at least are entertaining to watch.
MVP: Stilgar (Javier Bardem) – “Lisan al Gaib”
Highlight: The Fremens emerge from the sand for an epic fight scene.  
Full Review: Click here

Again, no network shows this year. The streamers have tighter seasons and stronger casting. I am hoping that these shows don’t go the Stranger Things route of making me wait multiple years for the next season. Thankfully, Slow Horses is constantly releasing their stuff. Others should take note. As usual, most of my choices are based on how eager I was to watch the next episode whether is be a binge on Netflix or week by week on Apple TV+. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year: 

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2024

1. RIPLEY (NETFLIX)
Why: I was riveted by the subtle acting of Andrew Scott and the gorgeous black and white cinematography in this slow-burn thriller.
MVP: Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) – he is masterful in his manipulations
Best Episode of 2024: Lucio (S01E05)
Freddie’s arrival may ruin Tom’s perfect life in Rome. The verbal dynamics and the complicated disposal are done to perfection. Chef’s kiss.

2. SHRINKING (APPLE TV+)
Why: A marked improvement over last year’s season. This season may have been all about forgiveness but it was also full of funny lines and moments. The supporting cast really steps up this year.    
MVP: Derek (Ted McGinley) – the quiet husband stepped up with funny this year
Best Episode of 2024: Last Drink (S02E08)
There’s a great flashback to what lead up to Paul’s wife’s death. Paul giving up drinking, Derek learning the truth and Jimmy confronting Louis are full of heart, sadness and humour; it’s an intoxicating mix.

3. SLOW HORSES (APPLE TV+)
Why: Binged the first three seasons in time for this fourth season. While not my favourite of the series, it is still full of sharp spycraft, intriguing characters, and rude smells and comments from Jackson Lamb.
MVP: Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) – the smartest man in the room but smelly
Best Episode of 2024: Hello, Goodbye (S04E06)
There are some great reveals throughout the season and River’s grandfather gave an awesome performance but this season ender has lots of great moments from a shoot-out at Slough House to a great chase.

4. ENGLISH TEACHER (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Scored with awesome eighties tunes, this school comedy made me laugh a lot. While I like the teacher comradery, it’s their interactions with the students that are hilarious. Way more relatable to me than Abbott.
MVP: Jeff (Ben Bondurant) – my favourite student with pitch perfect line delivery
Best Episode of 2024: Powderpuff (S01E02)
While the gun safety episode and class trip are funny, Gwen’s ‘coaching’ of the girl’s football team is cluelessly awesome. Evan getting the players to do full-drag cheerleading is also amazing. The students steal the show. 

5. NOBODY WANTS THIS (NETFLIX)
Why: There is just an utter adorableness to this rom-com. Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody’s chemistry is a stand-out but the ‘supporting’ siblings are also bringing lots of humour to this sweet show. The title is lame though.  
MVP: Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) – his OC charm is on full display in every scene
Best Episode of 2024: Obliterated (S01E04)
While the last-minute sex toy shopping as a first date is a little too sitcom-y for me, the dialogue is fun and endearing. This one also has Sash helping his teenage daughter with boy issues while on mushrooms. Fun stuff.

6. THE DIPLOMAT (NETFLIX)
Why: I was sad this season was only six episodes long. I have enjoyed all the reveals of who was behind the bombings and other political intrigues. The addition of Allison Janney (CJ on West Wing) was great stunt casting.
MVP: Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) – he’s charming, conniving and make mistakes
Best Episode of 2024: The Other Army (S02E04)
I would say this episode carries on to the end of the season in a breakneck pace. This episode has the fun of all the machinations needed to get a read on the prime minister when he hears what really has been going on.

7. THE BEAR (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Not my favourite season but that is mostly because it seemed like a placeholder for the next season. Nothing really gets resolved. However, a less than perfect Bear season is still better than a lot of stuff out there.
MVP: Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – he’s back to petty but more watchable
Best Episode of 2024: Napkins (S03E06)
This is the episode that Liza Colon-Zayas mistakenly won an Emmy for when the ep is eligible for next year. She gives an awesome performance in a flashback of her finding Original Beef of Chicagoland.

8. BLACK DOVES (NETFLIX)
Why: A late-comer to a television season full of spy shows. I’m a big fan of the Kiera Knightley and Ben Whishaw. I enjoyed the tie-in to the Christmas season. There’s a little too much relationship stuff over spy stuff but oh well.
MVP: Sam (Ben Whishaw) – great ruthless assassin with a soft heart
Best Episode of 2024: The Coming Night (S01E03)
There’s a great scene where Sam tries to shield his partner from the gun play surrounding them – it’s beautifully done. This episode also feature a flashback of why Sam’s past is coming back to haunt him.

9. HACKS (HBO MAX)
Why: I do like a look at the comedy industry from behind-the-scenes. I like that Ava got along well with Deborah for most of the season. The B storylines were also working better this season.
MVP: Jimmy (Paul W Downs) – This exasperated agent trying to get stuff done
Best Episode of 2024: Bulletproof (S03E09)
I really wanted to choose the roast episode but this season finale just had more going for it. The rift between Ava and Deborah creates an awesome conclusion that makes me excited about the next season.

10. PRESUMED INNOCENT (NETFLIX)
Why: I love the Harrison Ford movie more but I was still drawn to this series. I like a good courtroom drama although the family stuff was creepier and darker than the film version. I was still eager for each episode though.
MVP: Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) – so smug and sickly looking against Rusty
Best Episodes of 2024: The Witness (S01E07)
Like I said, I love the courtroom drama. The ep before is also filled with great cross-examinations and a thrilled conclusion, but this one has Rusty doing something more unorthodox when having to change his strategy.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2025 Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2024?