Once again TV delivered! There was far too much for us to watch; however, we still watched what we could and we wanted to share some of our favorites amongst this year’s excellent offerings.
FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans
Naomi Watts as Babe Paley in FEUD: Capote Vs The Swans (Source: FX)
Swans delivers a stunning exploration of class, envy, and identity, anchored by powerhouse performances from Diane Lane, Naomi Watts, Chloë Sevigny, and more. Capote himself is expertly played by Tom Hollander as a gay man, who grew up poor, who is drawn to the allure of his wealthy female friends, while internally grappling with the painful truth of never truly belonging. Through standout characters like Babe Paley, whose public perfection masks private fragility, the show captures the beauty and heartbreak of stark class divides. Though occasionally slowed by repetitive flashbacks, Swans shines as a deeply emotional and compelling drama.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Few live-action series have faced as much pressure to deliver as Avatar: The Last Airbender. After all, the original animated series remains as beloved as ever, aging like fine cactus juice. From the first-look images and teasers, it seemed the live-action adaptation might fulfill its promise—and thankfully, that was confirmed when we saw all eight episodes of Season 1, which follows the anime’s first season rather faithfully. The lead cast was phenomenal, putting their hearts into the show, while the story masterfully balanced the grave circumstances the Avatar and his friends face with the youthful levity that’s so central to the series’ charm. With Toph set to appear in Season 2, along with many more adventures, we can’t wait for what’s next.
A Man on the Inside
Ted Danson in ‘A Man on the Inside’ (Credit: Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix)
A Man on the Inside reunites Mike Schur (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation) with Ted Danson in a heartfelt comedy-drama that balances humor with profound emotional depth. Danson stars as a retired widower who stumbles into the world of private investigation after responding to a quirky newspaper ad, leading him undercover in an idyllic retirement community to solve a jewel theft. What begins as a light-hearted caper evolves into a poignant exploration of purpose, connection, and healing in life’s later years. Supported by a stellar cast, including Stephanie Beatriz, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, and Margaret Avery, the show excels in giving even its secondary characters rich, nuanced arcs. With Schur’s knack for blending hilarity and heartfelt moments, A Man on the Inside is as likely to make you cry as it is to make you laugh, leaving viewers of all ages deeply moved.
Fargo: Season 5
Juno Temple as “Dorothy ‘Dot’ Lyon” (Source: FX)
The latest season of Fargo is the series’ best since its acclaimed first, offering a fresh take that echoes the original film while diving deeper into its characters’ psyches and motivations. Juno Temple is a revelation as a seemingly ordinary Midwestern housewife who transforms into a feral force of nature when pushed to her limits, embodying the raw fight-or-flight instinct. The season explores themes of abuse, survival, and the extraordinary lengths women must go to succeed in a toxic, male-dominated world. From Jon Hamm’s chilling portrayal of a MAGA-infused abuser to Joe Keery’s vulnerable yet toxic man-child, the show paints complex shades of masculinity. Strong women dominate the narrative, with Temple’s character finding unexpected allies, including her husband’s initially cold, wealthy mother. The quirky violence Fargo is known for is present but paired with a deeper exploration of human connections, from bonding over trauma to something as simple as a Bisquick recipe. It’s a rich, character-driven season that balances its dark humor with profound emotional depth.
Interview with the Vampire: Season 2
Interview with the Vampire: Season 2 (Source: AMC)
Season 2 of Interview with the Vampire builds on the strengths of its predecessor, delivering a gay vampire romance that’s smart, sexy, and emotionally resonant. While less campy than the original film, the show retains just enough of that flair to keep things fun. Lestat’s physical absence is keenly felt but cleverly addressed as his presence lingers like a ghost haunting Louis, who is tortured by the shadows of his past and his lost mortal life. Though the new actress for Claudia falls short of her predecessor, she holds her own and brings a fresh perspective to the role. The season excels in depicting homoerotic desire and the loneliness of these ravenous, immortal beings. Over-the-top storytelling is grounded by sharp writing and stellar performances, turning what could have been a campy soap opera into a polished and satisfying drama. We can only wonder now, and wait patiently for, what the next season will deliver.
Doctor Who: Season 14
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson)
Doctor Who thrives on reinvention, and Season 14 exemplifies this with Ncuti Gatwa’s electrifying debut as the Doctor. Following Jodie Whittaker’s compassionate and groundbreaking tenure, Gatwa brings infectious energy and charisma, reinvigorating the series with bold storytelling and a celebration of the Doctor’s queerness. Standout moments like Neil Patrick Harris as the Toymaker and Jinkx Monsoon’s delightfully villainous Maestro add unforgettable flair, while episodes like “73 Yards” and “Dot and Bubble” honor the show’s classic suspense and social commentary. Ruby Sunday, the season’s compelling new companion, anchors the narrative with heart and fresh perspective. Blending nostalgia with innovation, Season 14 cements Doctor Who as both timeless and timely, leaving fans eager for more adventures under Gatwa’s dynamic leadership.
Read our review of Doctor Who‘s Season 14
Sunny
Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura) and Rashida Jones in “Sunny,” now streaming on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+’s Sunny follows Suzie Sakamoto (Rashida Jones), an American ex-pat in Japan grieving the loss of her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) and son in a plane crash. Left with no closure and gifted a cheerful helper robot named Sunny, Suzie navigates her grief -poorly- while befriending bartender Mixxy (annie the clumsy), clashing with her mother-in-law Noriko (Judy Ongg), all while looking for answers. Through flashbacks and present-day scenes, the series explores themes of loneliness and connection, contrasting Suzie’s detachment with Sunny’s relentless optimism. Balancing heartfelt character study with moments of Yakuza-infused chaos, Sunny uses AI as a lens to examine human relationships, evoking comparisons to Her rather than more dystopian narratives. Though its intertwining plots can feel disjointed, the series delivers a satisfying resolution, even though a last minute scene suggests a new wrinkle that thanks to Apple TV+’s cancellation of the show means it will never be realized.
True Detective: Night Country
Kali Reis and Jodie Foster in True Detective: Night Country (Source: MAX)
True Detective’s past seasons have all largely been about the quirks and relationships between men investigating the murders of women. True Detective: Night Country, the first one not helmed by series creator Nic Pizzolatto, flips the script as Jodie Foster’s Chief Liv Danvers must reunite with Kali Reis’ Trooper Evangeline Navarro to solve the strange disappearance of a group of male scientists in remote Alaska during the polar night season. Issa López stays true to the original series by delivering an incredible character study of the leads, while tackling complex issues that might have otherwise been ignored, including the murder and disappearance of indigenous women. Per usual the mystery is merely the framework for the series to explore more personal issues; however, more than perhaps any season, including the much lauded first season, López perfectly marries the search for answers with the search for answers in the characters’ souls.
Welcome to Samdal-Ri
When Cho Sam-dal, a renowned Seoul fashion photographer, is forced to return in disgrace to her family home in Samdal, she is essentially at rock bottom. As if it couldn’t get any worse her ex-, who she’s trying to avoid, is also her neighbor, and she just keeps running into him and her friends she left behind. Of course this is a K-Drama, so we know that there’s a good chance these two childhood friends and lovers may reunite again, but as with most romcoms and romantic K-Dramas it’s not the destination but the journey, and Welcome to Samdal-Ri has perhaps the best journey I’ve seen in my years as a K-Drama fanatic. Every secondary character’s arc is born out beautifully, the stakes feel real and authentic, the scenery of Samdal (inspired by Jeju) is incredible, and the love story at the center feels incredibly mature, not just because both the characters are in their 30s, but they deal with real issues. Welcome to Samdal-Ri is part of a wave of new K-Dramas that are breaking the molds with more innovative takes on classic tropes; however, this even in that esteemed class this one has risen above.
Masters of the Air
Masters of the Air (Source: Apple TV+)
Masters of the Air reunites producers Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks to tell another compelling story of real-life heroes in World War II. Following the critically and commercially acclaimed Band of Brothers, which chronicled the journey of Easy Company (Army), and The Pacific, which focused on the Marines in the Pacific theater, this new series completes the trilogy. Based on Donald L. Miller’s eponymous book, Masters in the Air turns its focus to the airmen and their crews, highlighting their unique role as one of the few forces conducting daytime bombing raids in WWII, while most others operated at night. With outstanding performances by Austin Butler, Callum Turner, Anthony Boyle, and Barry Keoghan, the show breathes life into these men, making their stories resonate with modern audiences nearly 80 years later. Masters in the Air doesn’t shy away from the immense hardships these airmen faced, delivering gripping episodes that immerse viewers in their trials and triumphs. As the number of WWII veterans dwindles, the series serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.
Angie -
This is a really great article! I agree with many of your choices.