Netflix delivered some of the biggest shows on television in 2024, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse in the streaming landscape with a diverse library of original content.
From the critically acclaimed Supacell to the recently released spy thriller Black Doves, the streamer keenly understands audience preferences.
As we approach the end of 2024, let's take a moment to reflect on the vibrant series that have captivated fans, ranking Netflix’s biggest shows of the year.
1. Supacell
Viewers experienced a fresh take on the superhero genre when Netflix released Supacell in June 2024.
Described as a show that “gets the blood pumping,” it received critical acclaim, achieving a perfect score from critics and a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Praised for its performances, direction, writing, cinematography, and visual effects, the series follows a group of Black individuals in South London who discover their superpowers while facing the threat of a secret organization.
Additionally, Supacell raises awareness about sickle cell disease, adding depth to its narrative. With its innovative concept, the show quickly climbed to No. 1 on Netflix’s Global Top 10, garnering over 18 million views within its first few weeks.
Due to its success, Supacell has been renewed for a second season.
2. Black Doves
Keira Knightley stars in Netflix’s spy thriller Black Doves as a professional spy who uncovers the plot behind her husband’s death.
With a 93% critic score and a 63% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has captivated fans with its unique blend of action and dark comedy, seamlessly merging multiple genres into an engaging action thriller.
Knightley’s remarkable performance as Helen Webb underscores the positive critical reception, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Furthermore, Black Doves has become the second most-watched English series of 2024, solidifying its status as one of the platform’s biggest hits of the year.
3. Nobody Wants This
Nobody Wants This is the standout romantic comedy of the year, featuring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody as Joanne and Noah, who navigate the chaotic dynamics of a relationship between a podcast host and a modern rabbi.
Their on-screen chemistry has made the series an instant favorite among viewers, alongside the show’s relatable themes of love and self-discovery.
Critics praised the show for its strong script, talented ensemble cast, and lighthearted yet engaging tone.
Despite some criticism regarding its portrayal of Jewish women, creator Erin Foster aimed to avoid inaccuracies, even creating her rabbi character as a “hot guy who smokes weed” to mitigate backlash.
With its unexpected success, Nobody Wants This has been renewed for a second season.
4. Heartstopper Season 3
Heartstopper continues its successful run from previous seasons, with Season 3 achieving a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 94% critic rating.
Critics have praised this season for its mature approach to complex teenage issues while retaining the charming romance and strong character development that fans love.
The story centers on Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) as their unlikely friendship evolves into a deeper relationship, navigating the challenges of school and young love.
The series addresses themes of LGBTQ+ identity and teenage life with warmth and authenticity, making it resonate with viewers.
With its emotional depth and representation, it's no wonder Heartstopper remains one of Netflix’s most beloved shows.
5. Arcane: League of Legends Season 2
Jinx (Ella Purnell) and Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) return in the second and final season of Arcane, based on the popular mobile game League of Legends.
The series delves into the origins of two League champions, set against the backdrop of the utopian city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun.
Its perfect blend of visual excellence, compelling storytelling, well-developed characters, and phenomenal music has attracted both gamers and non-gamers alike, making the second season truly iconic.
With a perfect score from critics and a remarkable 97% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Arcane is hailed as one of the best Netflix series in history and arguably the finest animated series ever created.
6. Griselda
Fans witnessed a different side of Sofia Vergara as she portrayed the notorious drug trafficker Griselda Blanco in Griselda.
Known for her comedic roles and glamorous style in Modern Family, Vergara has garnered widespread critical acclaim for her “career-defining” performance, including an Emmy nomination.
While some critics have raised concerns about historical inaccuracies and the show's pacing, its 86% critic score reflects its success, with many describing it as “propulsive” and effectively capturing “genuine grit.”
The series quickly became a top watch in over 89 countries during its first week, thanks to its gripping narrative, establishing it as one of Netflix’s significant entries into true crime drama this year.
7. Bridgerton Season 3
Bridgerton continued to enchant its fans this year with the release of its third season, which premiered in two parts: the first in May and the second in June.
This season centers on Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), set against the backdrop of Regency-era England.
Critics have praised the season for its exploration of gender dynamics in a patriarchal society, its nuanced portrayal of the "mean girl," and its commitment to diverse representation within the storytelling.
Many have even hailed Coughlan as the standout star of the season, showcasing her incredible performance.
Debuting at No. 1 on Netflix’s Global TV chart, Bridgerton achieved its biggest premiere weekend in the series' history, racking up 45.1 million views. This remarkable success has solidified its place as one of Netflix’s most popular English-language shows of all time.
The series will return for a fourth season, focusing on the love story between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha).
8. Dead Boy Detectives
A spinoff of The Sandman, Dead Boy Detectives is a supernatural mystery series that follows Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri) and Edwin Payne (George Rextrew), two ghosts who solve paranormal cases alongside a psychic medium, Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson).
With its quirky cast and sharp sense of humor, the show stands out from other teen-oriented series, showcasing great imagination, style, and fun.
Viewers have praised its captivating, thrilling, emotional, and humorous storyline, quickly making it a new favorite.
However, despite receiving high ratings—92% from critics and 91% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes—Netflix canceled Dead Boy Detectives after just one season.
9. One Day
Based on David Nicholls’ bestselling novel, One Day chronicles the evolving relationship between Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) and Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) over two decades.
The series has been certified fresh, boasting a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, and has received praise for its faithfulness to the source material, complex characters, and swooningly romantic tone.
Its emotional storytelling and strong performances make One Day an engaging watch for fans of romantic dramas, capturing significant moments in life through the lens of a single day each year.
10. Girls5Eva Season 3
The ‘90s one-hit-wonder girl group Girls5Eva returned for a third season on Netflix in March, continuing their pursuit of pop star dreams while juggling the realities of life as parents, wives, employees, and daughters—along with their shoulder pains.
This Emmy-nominated and critically acclaimed musical comedy series has been praised for its cultural relevance and ability to engage diverse audiences across various genres.
With humor that resonates across generations and themes of female friendship, it has captured the hearts of viewers, achieving an impressive 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Unfortunately, Netflix abruptly canceled the show in December.
While some of these ten shows have already been canceled and others are limited series, there’s no denying that they are among the most beloved series of the year. As Netflix aims to continue delivering top-tier content, fans can look forward to more big hits in 2025.