As a seasoned TV critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of shows that promise intrigue and excitement but fail to deliver. “Red Eye” and “Insomnia,” two recently released series on ITVX and Paramount+ respectively, are prime examples of such disappointments.
As a devoted TV enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the first half of 2024 and marvel at the abundance of captivating content it brought us. The return of cherished series like “The Boys” and “House of the Dragon” left me eagerly anticipating each new episode. Furthermore, the arrival of fresh blood in the form of “Fallout” and “Shōgun” was a breath of fresh air, leaving viewers enchanted and in awe. However, I must admit that not every gem shines equally bright on our screens. Some productions, despite boasting impressive casts or strong fan bases, failed to meet the mark in the first part of 2024. It’s a reminder that while some shows may capture our hearts and minds, others may leave us longing for more substance.
As a dedicated TV enthusiast who spends countless hours in front of the screen each week, I can tell you that coming up with this list of the worst TV shows of 2024 so far was a labor of love and frustration in equal measure. My own disappointments were compounded by the collective disappointment of renowned TV critics whose opinions I sought out to create a fair and balanced assessment.
Minor spoilers ahead.
Parish
Cast: Giancarlo Esposito, Zackary Momoh, Paula Malcomson
Creator: Danny Brocklehurst
Rating: TV-14
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: AMC+
In simpler terms, “Parish,” created by Danny Brocklehurst from his original British show “The Driver,” presents a common theme. The story centers around Gracián “Gray” Parish, who leads an honorable life to support his loved ones, just like any responsible family man should. However, his past that he believed he had left behind conceals many shocking truths. Gray once played a pivotal role in the criminal underworld as a getaway driver. Unfortunately, a devastating incident forces him to dig up old memories and seek vengeance against those he once wronged. This plot may seem familiar as it shares similarities with numerous crime thrillers produced over the last few years.
As a devoted fan, I have to admit that I was disappointed with “Parish.” While Giancarlo Esposito delivered yet another captivating performance as Parish, the script left me underwhelmed and longing for something fresh in the crime thriller genre. Despite Esposito’s exceptional acting skills, the clichéd plot failed to utilize his full potential.
Tires
Cast: Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, Chris O’Connor
Creators: Shane Gillis, Steve Gerben, and John McKeever
Rating: TV-MA
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: Netflix
In modern workplaces comedies, there’s a popular trope where men enjoy sharing beers together and admiring attractive women – reminiscent of old-school masculinity. However, most TV critics in 2024 find this approach outdated. Netflix’s “Tires” aims to attract viewers with its blend of male camaraderie and a supposedly heartfelt show about men. Unfortunately, it delivers far too much of the former and insufficiently of the latter. The series focuses on the employees of Valley Forge Automotive Center as they strive to revive their struggling business.
The public response has been more forgiving, but most critics have given the show negative reviews. They argue that it relies on old comedic tropes and perpetuates offensive stereotypes. Those who weren’t offended just didn’t find it amusing. As Robert Lloyd put it in his review for the Los Angeles Times, “I wasn’t offended – the humor and the characters were too childishly crude to elicit a serious response.” Perhaps they should consider renaming the show “Outdated.”
A Man in Full
Cast: Jeff Daniels, Diane Lane, Tom Pelphrey
Creator: David E. Kelley
Rating: TV-MA
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: Netflix
Fans likely had butterflies when they learned Jeff Daniels joined “A Man in Full” on Netflix, produced by acclaimed creators David E. Kelley (“The Practice,” “Ally McBeal,” and “Big Little Lies”) and boasting episodes helmed by Regina King and Thomas Schlamme. With such an impressive team behind it, this series about a struggling real estate tycoon seemed destined for greatness on paper. Sadly, however, the show fails to fully live up to its potential.
Many critics and viewers expressed disappointment with “A Man in Full,” feeling that the TV adaptation fell short compared to Tom Wolfe’s original novel. Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times remarked, “The miniseries feels less complex and subtle than the book, and seems more like an average episode from Kelley’s previous legal dramas.” However, despite these negative reviews, the Jeff Daniels-led series garnered significant viewership on Netflix.
Velma Season 2
Cast: Mindy Kaling, Glenn Howerton, Sam Richardson
Creator: Charlie Grandy
Rating: TV-14
Number of episodes: 10
Where to watch: Max
In simpler terms, “Velma,” which was inspired by “Scooby-Doo,” faced heavy criticism following the release of its disappointing first season in 2023, and the second season failed to improve matters. The adult animated comedy, aimed at reinventing the classic children’s series, has been met with disapproval due to Velma Dinkley’s unappealing personality and overly complicated storylines. Although some concerns from the first season, such as Velma’s unlikeability and muddled plotlines, have reportedly been addressed, the show remains in dire straits. No official announcement has been made regarding a third season, and it seems unlikely at this point, although whispers of a potential Halloween special circulate.
The initial season of “Velma” faced severe criticism and it was already a tough task to win back viewers. However, the subsequent season fails to make up for the mistakes made in the first installment. The show seems aimless and lacks a clear purpose, leaving many wondering why a modern take on “Scooby-Doo” would exclude the iconic character of Scooby-Do himself. As Brittany Vincent from IGN put it, “This new interpretation of the classic Hanna-Barbera character is more than happy to abandon its roots, but it’s unsure of what comes next.” In the long run, “Velma” risks being remembered as one of the most ill-conceived shows in recent TV history.
The Spiderwick Chronicles
Cast: Lyon Daniels, Christian Slater, Joe Bryant
Creator: Aron Eli Coleite
Rating: TV-PG
Number of episodes: 8
Where to watch: The Roku Channel
The Spiderwick Chronicles books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black had previously been adapted into a 2008 live-action film, featuring Freddie Highmore and Mary-Louise Parker. Though the movie received generally favorable reviews from critics, its $164.2 million box office revenue against a production budget of $90 million was not a resounding success. As fans eagerly anticipated a TV series adaptation, production hit a snag when Disney (referred to as “The Mouse House”) underwent some changes.
As a gamer, I’ve been excitedly waiting for the new series to drop, produced by Paramount Television Studios and 20th Television. I was thrilled when I heard it would be streaming on Disney+. But then, Disney’s higher-ups announced some cost-cutting measures to boost their profitability. Unfortunately, “The Spiderwick Chronicle” didn’t make the cut and was shopped around. Eventually, it found a new home on The Roku Channel.
Many people enjoyed “The Spiderwick Chronicles” on Roku, but most critics gave it unfavorable reviews. Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter commented that the production was hindered by ordinary mistakes such as monotonous plotting, uneven pacing, and under-explored characters making perplexing choices. In a similar vein, Josh Sharpe of Paste magazine pointed out the unappealing dialogue and laborious storyline in his critique, suggesting a lack of enchantment within.
Sexy Beast
Cast: James McArdle, Emun Elliott, Sarah Greene
Creator: Michael Caleo
Rating: TV-MA
Number of episodes: 8
Where to watch: Paramount+
The Paramount+ show “Sexy Beast,” which is distinct from Netflix’s reality program of the same title, acts as a prequel to the 2000 film by Jonathan Glazer with the same name. In this series, James McArdle portrays a younger Gal Dove and Emun Elliott plays Don Logan, depicting their complex relationship as they get involved in criminal activities. The original film, though less well-known, was highly acclaimed for the powerful performances of Ray Winstone as Gal and Ben Kingsley as Don.
I’ve been a long-time fan of “Sexy Beast,” the 2000 crime thriller film directed by INDEED, Sir Ian McKellen. So, when I heard that they were turning it into a TV show, I was beyond excited! I eagerly awaited its release, counting down the days.
Apples Never Fall
Cast: Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Jake Lacy
Creator: Melanie Marnich
Rating: TV-MA
Number of episodes: 7
Where to watch: Peacock
“Apples Never Fall” presents a captivating mystery on the outside, yet fails to deliver depth. The TV series, adapted from Liane Moriarty’s novel with the same title, follows Stan Delaney (Sam Neill) and Joy Delaney (Annett Bening), a retired couple who plan to enjoy their post-academy lives peacefully. However, their tranquility is disrupted when Joy goes missing, forcing Stan and their children to dig into the past in search of answers. Despite impressive performances from Neill and Bening, they are hindered by a lifeless script that falls short of their potential.
As a passionate viewer, I’ve been disappointed to discover that the majority of critics and viewers on Rotten Tomatoes didn’t take kindly to “Apples Never Fall.” While some, like Chiena A, found the ending to be utterly disappointing, calling it “stupid and ridiculous,” others, such as Matt Roush from TV Insider, felt that the entire show was just a letdown. Given the impressive cast and renowned author behind the source material, I had expected a much more gripping experience.
Good Times
Cast: Jay Pharoah, Marsai Martin, Gerald “Slink” Johnson
Creator: Ranada Shepard
Rating: TV-MA
Number of episodes: 10
Where to watch: Netflix
The classic “Good Times” sitcom from CBS resonates deeply with American viewers, lasting for six seasons and making the Evans family one of TV’s most cherished (and humorous) groups. The new Netflix animated series focuses on the latest Evans generation, acting as a continuation of the earlier show. The program attempted to capitalize on nostalgia to attract viewers, but failed to keep them engaged, resulting in harsh criticism from both audiences and critics. As of now, “Good Times” has an 11% approval rating among critics and a 19% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes – figures that are challenging to surmount.
Critics have been harsh in their assessments of “Good Times,” with some going as far as to call it a disappointing and disrespectful portrayal of Black experiences. Afrikan C on Rotten Tomatoes expressed his disappointment, stating, “The creators of this show should feel ashamed. ‘Good Times’ is nothing but trash. It relies on outdated stereotypes without any depth, substance or heart, which made the original so iconic.” In her review for Variety, Aramide Tinubu accused the animated Netflix comedy of perpetuating harmful industry trends. She wrote, “It’s sad to see Hollywood promoting depictions that boil down Black people, racism, and systemic issues into one-dimensional caricatures with no modern relevance. The writing in ‘Good Times’ just isn’t funny.”
Alice & Jack
Cast: Andrea Riseborough, Domhnall Gleeson, Aisling Bea
Creator: Victor Levin
Rating: TV-14
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: PBS Masterpiece
The television series “Alice & Jack,” spans over a decade and a half, portraying the tumultuous lives of Alice (Andrea Riseborough) and Jack (Domhnall Gleeson) and their repeated attempts to rekindle their relationship despite various obstacles and personal struggles. While this theme is not new in the world of storytelling, “Alice & Jack” falls short due to its unrelatable protagonists. As Pat Stacey from the Irish Independent put it, “Their self-centeredness and disregard for the emotional damage they inflict is grating.”
An under-appreciated problem with the show is that it centers around two unappealing characters, Alice and Jack. However, their underdeveloped roles make it challenging for the audience to support them, regardless of their likability. Actors Riseborough and Gleeson put in commendable efforts to engage viewers, but they’re battling an uphill fight against a poorly written script that leaves their performances short of saving grace. As Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter expressed it, “Alice & Jack” aims for the thrill of a doomed romance, yet fails to persuade us of its authenticity.
Red Eye
Cast: Jing Lusi, Richard Armitage, Lesley Sharp
Creator: Peter A. Dowling
Rating: Not rated
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: ITVX
In theory, “Red Eye,” the British thriller series presented on paper, seems promising with an engaging plot. Nevertheless, it fell flat during its six episodes, leaving viewers feeling exhausted. The story revolves around Doctor Matthew Nolan (Richly Armitage), who is accused of murdering someone at a past medical conference in Beijing. Despite his denial, he’s forced to return to China for trial with officer Hana Li (Jing Lusi) accompanying him on the journey. However, their flight turns out to be far from ordinary as they uncover a more extensive conspiracy and imminent danger.
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: “Red Eye” sounded like an exciting and mysterious new series when I first heard about it. But as I started watching, I began to feel let down. It seemed promising at first, but soon enough, it became clear that the show wasn’t as clever or full of surprises as promised. Most critics agreed, giving it negative reviews. The British press was particularly scathing in their assessments. London’s Evening Standard even went so far as to say that “Red Eye” on ITV was just like a long-haul overnight flight – drawn-out and boring. For those who haven’t experienced it, red eyes are tiring, monotonous flights taken during the night. And unfortunately, the show shared this trait all too well.
Insomnia
Cast: Vicky McClure, Tom Cullen, India Fowler
Creator: Sarah Pinborough
Rating: Not rated
Number of episodes: 6
Where to watch: Paramount+
If you’ve had trouble falling or staying asleep, you’re familiar with the disorienting sensation of doubting reality. It’s reported that approximately 80% of individuals may hallucinate when sleep-deprived for an extended period. The British series “Insomnia,” penned by Sarah Pinborough and starring Vicky McClure as Emma Averill, explores this issue from a unique perspective. Emma grapples with her mental stability and loses control over her life due to her sleep deprivation. However, viewers might find themselves dozing off during this production, as “Insomnia” is rather dull.
Some critics appreciated the intrigue of not having a clear understanding of Emma’s experiences, but many criticized the show for failing to choose a specific genre and adhering to it. Viewers were particularly unimpressed, resulting in a 29% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One viewer commented that the false leads were too predictable and the pacing was unexciting for a thriller, while another deemed the plot preposterous. McClure’s acting talent shines through in her performances in “Line of Duty” and the popular crime drama “Broadchurch,” but “Insomnia” did not effectively utilize her abilities.
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2024-07-15 13:30