As a huge fan of exceptional performances on television, I must say that the year 2024 was truly a golden age for acting talent. The sheer diversity and depth of the characters portrayed by these remarkable artists left me spellbound.
With numerous streaming platforms unveiling TV series at their own pace today, actors have a wealth of chances to deliver outstanding performances in unique and captivating productions such as “English Teacher” with its clever humor and fresh perspective, or the powerful and moving storyline of “Shōgun.” The TV landscape in 2024 has been enriched by an abundance of remarkable series. Picking only 15 standout performances from this plethora of talent is a challenging feat due to the sheer number of exceptional projects these gifted actors are involved in.
When compiling this list, we took several factors into account. To evaluate the actors’ performances, we initially assessed the public and critical response to the shows they were part of. This included reviews from well-respected sources such as Entertainment Weekly, Vulture, and The New York Times. We also relied on our own observations, having watched each performance firsthand, and took note of any fan trends. Furthermore, we looked at which performances earned nominations and awards from prestigious award ceremonies. So, grab a comfortable spot on the couch and fire up your streaming device, because these are the cream of the crop for 2024.
Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in Hacks
Where to watch “Hacks:” Max
Jean Smart delivers such a captivating performance as Deborah Vance in “Hacks” that it seems almost superfluous to justify her inclusion on our list. Much like established television actors such as Ted Danson and Andre Braugher, Smart exudes an effortless charm and unwavering confidence that was essential for success in TV shows popular during the 1980s.
In the series “Hacks,” Deborah exhibits a shrewd acting talent, delivering only what’s necessary for each scene while consistently capturing the intelligent tone of the show. She uncovers a complex character in Vance, who has yet to fully heal from a series of harsh industry setbacks and personal revelations. Vance is continually dissatisfied with her achievements, misunderstanding that this dissatisfaction can’t be resolved by relentlessly chasing the next level of success; she believes that doing so will simply make these issues disappear. In an exceptional performance alongside the dynamic and unforeseeable Hannah Einbinder, Jean Smart delivers a nearly perfect portrayal in “Hacks” Season 3.
Lamorne Morris as Deputy Witt Farr in Fargo
Where to watch “Fargo:” Hulu, FX, Disney+
As a gaming enthusiast, I must say that while “Fargo” Season 5 might not be at the top of every ranking comparing all seasons from worst to best, it still has its fair share of memorable plot twists, stunning visuals, and standout performances. Lamorne Morris portrays Deputy Witt Farr, a role that earned him a well-deserved Emmy in September 2024. You might remember Morris from his quirky character Winston Bishop on “New Girl,” but he never seemed to get the recognition he deserved due to the more boisterous comedic antics of costars like Jake Johnson and Zoey Deschanel.
Despite “Fargo” and “New Girl” being remarkably distinct TV shows, there’s a shared element of earnestness that Morris portrays in both Winston and Witt. A significant part of this authenticity can be attributed to skillful writing, as it demonstrates the potential for well-intentioned characters to possess depth. However, it’s Morris who brings vitality to a role that could have faded into obscurity.
Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley in Ripley
Where to watch “Ripley:” Netflix
In the second season of “Fleabag,” Andrew Scott appeared alongside the title character as the charismatic Hot Priest, which propelled his career to new heights. Since then, he has continued to flourish, contributing to acclaimed productions such as “All of Us Is Strangers” and Netflix’s “Ripley.” In “Ripley,” Scott portrays Tom Ripley, a cunning small-time swindler who seizes an opportunity when wealthy man Herbert Greenleaf hires him to retrieve his aimless, artistic son from his bohemian existence in Europe.
In contrast to the 1999 film “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” which was also based on the same book, the new movie “Ripley” delves into a grittier, film noir-style portrayal of Tom and his criminal activities. Director Scott skillfully adds enough mystery to his portrayal of Tom to make it stand out from previous actors who have played this character. As Lucy Mangan of The Guardian puts it, “Scott’s Tom is both everything and nothing, and he is mesmerizing either way.” The ambiguity in Scott’s performance invites the audience to ponder what might be going on within Tom Ripley’s mind.
Maya Erskine as Jane Smith in Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Where to watch “Mr. and Mrs. Smith:” Amazon Prime
The Amazon Prime series titled “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” shares little similarity with the 2005 film of the same name, but it does retain one key element: an electrifying chemistry between its main characters. In the year 2024’s version, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) Smith are secretly employed by a clandestine agency to perform espionage while convincingly portraying a married couple in their everyday lives.
In the performances by both Glover and Erskine, it’s Erskine who truly shines. She masterfully transitions from her eccentric character in “Pen15” to the reserved, highly capable Jane. Erskine skillfully portrays the full range of Jane’s emotional landscape while maintaining the aloof demeanor that defines the character. Erskine isn’t hesitant to make Jane unlikeable, a risk that might intimidate a less skilled actor. Erskine earned her first Emmy nomination for “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” an achievement likely to be the first of many prestigious awards in her career.
Renée Elise Goldsberry as Wickie in Girls5eva
Where to watch “Girls5eva:” Netflix
Renee Elise Goldsberry is remarkably skilled in singing and acting, similar to her “Girls5eva” co-star Sara Bareilles. It’s worth noting that the show doesn’t hesitate to embrace its musical side, as two prominent musicians form half of the main characters. In this regard, Goldsberry deserves recognition for her on-screen performance. However, it’s important to note that her musical abilities are just one facet of the many talents she brings to her role as Wickie, a glitzy, self-centered diva who has a genuinely kind heart in the moments that truly matter.
Wickie represents a progression from the character Jenna, portrayed by Jane Krakowski on “30 Rock.” Tina Fey played a significant role in creating “Girls5eva.” Although Jenna was not fully developed as a multi-dimensional protagonist, Goldsberry’s character is rich with delightful contradictions that make her captivating. Her portrayal of vulnerability significantly enhances the character.
Manny Jacinto as Qimir – The Acolyte
Where to watch “The Acolyte:” Disney+
Although another season of “The Acolyte” may not be forthcoming, it’s worth taking note of its exceptional first season and its intricately crafted aspects. Manny Jacinto, portraying the enigmatic “Qimir,” delivers a captivating performance that showcases a complex character who strategically employs his many layers to achieve and conceal his objectives.
From being a shady, untrustworthy character in the Star Wars universe, known as Qimir, The Stranger, I’ve experienced quite a shift from my previous role as the lovable but dim-witted Jason Mendoza on “The Good Place.” Many might struggle to make such a dramatic leap from comedy to action-drama. However, I embraced this challenge and found myself not just adapting, but truly excelling in a part that required subtlety, intrigue, and a touch of mystery.
Jessica Gunning as Martha – Baby Reindeer
Where to watch “Baby Reindeer:” Netflix
2024’s most buzzworthy series, “Baby Reindeer”, has captivated audiences not only due to a real-life character’s $170 million lawsuit against Netflix, but also because of its compelling narrative. The Emmy-winning actress, Jessica Gunning, portrays Martha, a woman who finds herself quickly smitten with a troubled barkeep named Donny.
In Richard Gadd’s play “Donny,” it’s tough to witness Martha continually pushing Donny out of his comfort zone, given the immense emotional baggage he carries. It’s challenging to portray an insensitive and annoying character like Martha in a compassionate light, but Gunning manages it masterfully. By the end of the story, despite all the distress she causes him, Donny finds himself empathizing with Martha.
Himesh Patel as Dan – The Franchise
Where to watch “The Franchise:” Max
Jon Brown, writer/producer behind ‘Veep’ and ‘Succession’, presents ‘The Franchise’. This series focuses on the team behind a massive studio film, particularly ‘Tecto: Eye of the Storm’, a superhero flick about a character who induces earthquakes using an unseen jackhammer. The storyline revolves around their challenges in overcoming various hurdles during the production process.
The main character of this production is Himesh Patel’s Dan, an ardent lover of comics and cinema who consistently cracks witty jibes on set in his role as first AD. Despite this, he struggles to hold onto the belief that his field can be something more than a mechanical, CGI-heavy money-making machine. Patel delivers hilarious performances as Dan, masterfully portraying the slumped, tired posture of an overworked and under-valued individual. His exceptional talent lies in expressing fanboy longing through his eyes, and without his subtle physical acting, it would be challenging to accept Dan as a believable character.
Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige – Shōgun
Where to stream “Shōgun:” Hulu, FX, Disney+
In the engrossing FX series “Shōgun,” several acting performances truly shine, outperforming others. Anna Sawai masterfully embodies both serenity and cunning as Mariko, while also capturing her character’s profound sorrow. Hiroyuki Sanada takes on the role of Lord Yoshii Toranaga with a fitting weightiness, consistently portraying him as a man who has been skillfully concealing his true intentions for much of his life.
In the show’s standout act, Tadanobu Asano delivers an intriguing portrayal of Kashigi Yabushige, a daimyo who is both cunning and honorable. Despite being ready to manipulate his overlord, Toranaga, Yabushige remains deeply committed to upholding a strong personal code of ethics. The question arises: How can a man be self-serving in a culture where family, duty, and collective responsibility take precedence over individualism? Asano skillfully explores this dilemma through his acting.
Ted Danson as Charles – A Man on the Inside
Where to watch “A Man on the Inside:” Netflix
The Man on the Inside,” much like “The Good Place,” serves as a spiritual heir to thoughtful, comedic storytelling, and with the reuniting of Ted Danson and Mike Schur, they seem poised to create an enthralling creative alliance. The series delves into the complexities of aging, addressing questions that often go unasked in everyday life, even by those who have yet to reach their twilight years.
Ted Danson is a delight to watch, as always, and he imbues his character, Charles, with an infectious curiosity about the world around him, which is probably how he manages to stay so young at heart. Danson delivers some heartbreaking lines throughout the show, but it is his spouting of seemingly boring architectural facts that feels like a hidden clue into the psyche of the show’s protagonist.
Cristin Milloti as Sofia Falcone – The Penguin
Where to watch “The Penguin:” Max
In the show, while Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Oswald Cobblepot boosts the title character’s reputation, Cristin Milloti as Sofia Falcone, one of the main characters, frequently outshines others, even grabbing attention in several scenes. The fourth episode, titled “Cent’anni,” provides an opportunity for Milloti to excel, delving into Sofia’s life prior to her imprisonment at Arkham due to the Hangman murders.
Milloti skillfully portrays the earlier version of her character, Sofia, with a transparency and warmth that leaves viewers feeling deeply for her tragic transformation. The scene where she asks Dr. Rush about her descent into turmoil is almost as if she’s speaking to the audience after Episode 4, which delves profoundly into Sofia’s torment in Arkham. Milloti does an excellent job of depicting each step Sofia takes on her journey towards questioning her own humanity.
Sean Patton as Markie – English Teacher
Where to watch “English Teacher:” Hulu, FX, Disney+
As a gamer, I’ve got to say, it’s refreshing to see shows like “English Teacher” that don’t shy away from portraying characters we encounter daily, yet seldom find on our screens. Markie, Sean Patton’s gym teacher character, offers a unique twist on the typical misogynistic jock stereotype often overused in sitcoms. In the first episode, our protagonist, Evan, finds himself in a tricky situation with an accusation of discrimination from a snooty mom. Instead of letting him deal with it alone, Markie listens, understands, and takes matters into his own hands to resolve the issue for Evan. It’s a breath of fresh air to see characters like Markie who aren’t afraid to step up when needed.
In the first season of “English Teacher,” one of many eye-opening encounters between two characters unfolds, and it’s Sean Patton’s nuanced portrayal of Markie that keeps this theme compelling. Markie is a rough character, a former football player who’s pro-gun and straightforward, but he’s also got a hidden side – loyal, occasionally insightful, and surprisingly open-minded. Patton’s act is a remarkable juggling act, not to mention his knack for comedy. As a gamer, I can relate – it’s like playing a complex character in a video game, where you have to balance toughness with vulnerability to create a memorable experience.
Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina – The Bear
Where to watch “The Bear:” Hulu, FX, Disney+
In Season 3 of “The Bear,” there are numerous outstanding performances, and it’s tough to single out just one. Jeremy Allen White as Carmy and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richie even won Emmys for their roles, while Ayo Edibiri (Syd) and Lionel Boyce (Marcus) were nominated. However, in the end, it’s Episode 6, titled “Napkins,” that stands out, featuring Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina, who also won an Emmy for her work on the show. This performance is particularly noteworthy and surpasses all others in Season 3.
In a more contemporary setting, the storyline centers around Tina who experiences joblessness and the subsequent challenges in finding a new position within a highly competitive job market. Since Season 1, Tina has been an intricate and engaging character, providing viewers with anticipation as Colón-Zayas skillfully develops her character from a supporting role. An enchanting yet painful scene unfolds between Tina and Jon Bernthal’s Mikey, where their acting talents effortlessly convey the mix of emotions that come with meeting someone who could significantly impact your life. Unfortunately, Mikey is no longer around, and despite Tina’s tireless efforts, she can’t erase the sorrow brought on by his absence.
Kathryn Hahn as Agatha – Agatha All Along
Where to watch “Agatha All Along:” Disney+
In simpler terms, “Agatha All Along” is a peculiar series of episodes that many people would agree, centers around the revelation of Teen’s identity, played by Joe Locke’s Billy. However, it’s Kathryn Hahn’s portrayal of Agatha, who first appeared in “WandaVision,” that truly steals the show. Her charm and the way she delivers Agatha, whether it’s her over-the-top acting or her ability to present Agatha’s harsh truths, is captivating and makes us root for her despite her sometimes cruel nature.
In a somewhat dull show that occasionally drags and doesn’t quite deliver a fulfilling conclusion, Kathryn Hahn brings a lively spark. She shares an outstanding rapport with her co-stars, particularly Aubrey Plaza as the enigmatic Rio, and possesses an extraordinary knack for revealing Agatha’s depth to the audience while maintaining an air of mystery that her character’s companions can’t seem to penetrate. Regardless of whether “Agatha All Along” was a smashing hit, Kathryn Hahn is invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate improved visual clarity in her ghostly portrayal.
The entire main cast – What We Do in the Shadows
Where to watch “What We Do in the Shadows:” Hulu, FX, Disney+
What We Do in the Shadows” stands out among shows for its consistent, top-notch performances from each cast member. Unlike many productions where some actors shine brighter than others, this series thrives on the camaraderie between its principal characters. The creators, Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, have crafted a comedy that delights in giving every character an opportunity to steal the spotlight. As we approach the final season in 2024, it’s crucial to appreciate the collective comedic genius of this exceptional ensemble before they hang up their fangs and capes.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the comedic brilliance of Kayvan Novak’s Nandor, Matt Berry’s Laszlo, Natasia Demetriou’s Nadja, Harvey Guillén’s Guillermo, and Mark Proksch’s Colin. The show masterfully weaves together a myriad of interactions and dynamics between these five characters. While Laszlo is undeniably hilarious on his own, the way Nadja reins in his ego and their buddy cop-like chemistry with Colin elevates him to something truly extraordinary. Each character seems to shine brighter when surrounded by the others, making it impossible to single out just one performance as the show’s highlight. It’s a testament to the show’s success that every performance complements the others so seamlessly.
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2024-12-15 18:31