Written by Kae, Jazz and Barbara
Just a few more hours until the curtain closes on 2024. The past year proved to be an exciting year for movies and television programming, with a blend of innovation, diversity, and a focus on quality storytelling shaping the landscape of new releases and returning seasons.
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Apple TV, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime continued their dominance with original content as well as acquiring existing films and series to appeal to diverse audiences, at home and abroad. With a cavalcade of content, there was literally something for everyone this past year to keep you occupied and entertained.
Nevertheless, with the myriad of shows available and only 24 hours in each day, we are certain there were a few great cinematic moments you may have overlooked. So, in case YOU missed it, we took the liberty of putting together a must-see, catch-up watchlist of some of our top forgotten favs to close out the year.
Let’s see how many you can get in before the stroke of midnight fades the year to black.
DISCLAIMER
Disclaimer, created by five-time Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuarón. The show centers around a renowned documentary filmmaker, played by Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett, who finds her life turned upside down when a mysterious novel is published, seemingly based on her life and the decades-long dark secrets she has tried to keep hidden. As she grapples with the implications of the book, she becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue and deception, questioning the nature of truth and the impact of storytelling.
The series, which also stars fellow Academy Award winner Kevin Kline as an aggrieved father, blends elements of thriller and drama, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
Blanchette, in one of her finest hours, delivers a masterful performance as Catherine Ravenscroft in the original limited series, first released October 11 on Apple TV+. Blanchette’s portrayal is both compelling and layered, showcasing her ability to convey vulnerability and strength as she grapples with the implications of her past overshadowing the realities of her present. The tension and intensity she brings to the role elevates the narrative, earning her nominations for both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award.
Blanchette’s depiction plays beautifully opposite her co-stars, Kline in one of his most powerful performances of layered in raw emotion and angst, to date, and Lesley Manville as his wife in stunning side-by-side performances as a couple who must confront the unimaginable as parents.
Sacha Baron-Cohen rounds out the leading cast in a surprise dramatic role as Blanchette’s unsuspecting husband.
Told in dual perspectives narration, you will think you know the truth — but, only if you stay until the end.
Disclaimer is based on the best selling novel of the same name by Renee Knight, and is streaming now on Apple TV+.
MR. AND MRS. SMITH
Think of two of the most unlikely people to pair as a married couple. YEAH, these fit that bill! John and Jane Smith are new CIA recruits that have a combative, awkward relationship, to say the least. That's how it begins. How they ultimately come to work together captures your attention. They create this sleek, impressive duo and become an exciting, interesting, and surprising pair of super spies! The subtle touch of comedy added by Maya Erskine and Donald Glover, playing the titular characters, adds to this superbly entertaining limited series, just right for an end of year binge-watch.
Amazon Prime's Mr. and Mrs. Smith is a reimagining of the classic story originally told in the 2005 film starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The series’ storyline revolves around a married couple who appear to lead ordinary lives, but are secretly spies. Their dual identities and hidden lives create tension and humor as they navigate their relationship while also dealing with their espionage activities. The show explores themes of love, trust, and the complexities of marriage, all set against a backdrop of action and intrigue.
Season 2 of the Amazon Prime Video mini-series, originally released May 2024, got exactly what it deserved!
Despite initial comparisons to its big-screen predecessor, the straight-to-streaming reboot has definitely made a remarkable impression of its own. The series was nominated for 16 Primetime Emmys, including Outstanding Drama Series, taking home two statuettes at the 2024 ceremony.
Check it out for a rewatch or a first watch. All 16 episodes of Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Amazon Prime.
BAD SISTERS
Bad Sisters, the Apple TV+ series that follows the lives of the Garvey sisters, a close-knit group of women who share a deep bond and an even deeper dark secret. The story begins with the unexpected death of one of the sisters' husbands in season one, leading to an investigation that reveals the lengths to which the sisters will go to protect each other. The series blends dark comedy and drama, diving into the complicated ideas of family loyalty, love, and the complexities of sisterhood, all while maintaining a suspenseful narrative as the sisters navigate the aftermath of their brother-in-law's death. The ensemble cast, led by the show’s creator Sharon Horgan, features Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Anne-Marie Duff, as the Garveys, and Fiona Shaw, of Harry Potter fame, as the sisters’ very own modern-day Gladys Kravitz.
Bad Sisters is known for its sharp wit, engaging characters, and intricate plot twists, set against the often complicated backdrop of family dynamics.
The first two episodes aired on August 19, 2022. Apple TV+ renewed the series for a second season on Nov 8. 2022, which started releasing episodes on November 13, 2024. The first season received a 2022 Peabody Award for excellence in comedy as well BAFTA and Emmy nominations.
Seasons 1 and 2 of Bad Sisters are streaming now on Apple TV+.
BLACK CAKE
Based on the best seller of the same name, Black Cake is a drama series on Hulu. It follows the story of Eleanor Bennet who leaves behind voice recordings for her children Benny and Byron after she dies. Neither child knows of her true heritage.
The story parallels between present day and the past starting from Eleanor's childhood in the Caribbean. Eleanor left the Carribean to travel to Europe and start a new life with a new identity. Eventually she ended up in the states leaving everything behind and never looking back. She left with good reason, but her children may not fully understand that.
Grieving, Benny and Byron try to balance the struggles and hardships of their lives as dark family secrets are unveiled. They try to repair their strained relationship while coming to terms with their mother's secrets and her true identity.
It is a compelling family drama that has wonderful performances from the ensemble cast. The plot was intricate, the pacing was even and cinematography was beautiful. I never read the book and I understand that the story could be wrapped up in one season, but it felt opened ended and needed at least six more episodes to wrap it all up. I feel that it was not given a fair chance to be completed.
Starring Chipo Chung as Eleanor, Mia Isaac, Adrienne Warren, and Bashy, Black Cake was first released Nov. 1, 2023, and streams exclusively on Hulu.
ROB PEACE
Heart-wrenching and powerful cinema, filled with anger and sadness. Just some of the many words we could use to adequately describe director Matthew Carnahan’s brilliant film work with Rob Peace.
The 2024 biographical drama, starring American rapper/musician Jay Will, as the title character, is based on the biography The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace by Jeff Hobbs. The film tells the inspiring true story of a young man from a challenging background who rises above his circumstances to attend Yale University.
The poignant and powerful drama takes you desperately through the gifted young man’s challenging background as he must navigate the complexities of life between his upbringing in a rough neighborhood and his aspirations for success and a chance at an Ivy League education. The film, featuring an outstanding performance by Will, captures Peace's struggle against the odds while highlighting the systemic issues faced by many in similar circumstances.
At its core, it is a story of a son’s love of his father, and how he used his brilliance and questionable choices to save him. In the end, those choices cost him his life. No doubt, this is an emotional movie that makes one think of their own life choices and their effect on the path you ultimately follow.
The underlying narrative is, at times, both inspiring and heartbreaking, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and the impact of environment on personal choices. The screenplay deftly balances moments of hope and despair, allowing viewers to connect deeply with Peace's journey. The supporting cast, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Camila Cabello, Mary J. Blige, and Mare Winningham, delivers strong performances, adding layers to the story and illustrating the diverse influences that shape Rob's life.
Rob Peace is a compelling and thought-provoking film in how it not only honors one young man’s remarkable life, but also how it serves as a broader commentary on the challenges faced by those striving to be better — for themselves and their future.
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2024, and was given a limited theatrical release in the United States. Streaming now on Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime, Rob Peace is a must-watch for anyone called to stories of resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
SHRINKING
What does it take to forgive? To overcome? To be brave? To heal?
The truth?
It takes a village of the most flawed, complicated, lovable, supportive, dedicated group of people you can surround yourself with, who have seen you at your worst and love you anyway. You need the ones you can call in the dead of night, with a simple “It’s me,” and they come running, no questions asked, to help you pick yourself up from the ashes and move yourself courageously through the struggles of this world. When you find that village, you will have the makings of your own version of Shrinking, Apple TV+’s breakout hit, streaming now in its sophomore season.
Season 2 of Shrinking, released on October 15, 2024, builds on the solid foundation laid by its 2023 inaugural run, delivering a blend of humor, heart, and poignant explorations of mental health and personal growth. Created by Bill Lawrence, Jason Segel, and Brett Goldstein, this dramedy takes viewers deeper into the lives of its characters, all while maintaining its signature blend of wit and authentic warmth.
Jason Segel, nominated for a Golden Globe, reprises his role as Jimmy Laird, the unconventional therapist grappling with the loss of his wife while trying to navigate his own emotions and often complicated relationships. This season sees Jimmy continue to ride of the ragged edge of what’s appropriate boundaries for therapy, leading to both hilarious and touching moments. Segel delivers a nuanced performance, balancing the comedic elements with the underlying sadness of his character pushing to find forgiveness for others…and himself.
The chemistry among the supporting cast is the through line of the series, making their interactions feel authentic and relatable. Jessica Williams as Gaby brings an infectious energy to every scene, and her evolving relationship with new love interest Derrick adds depth to her story as the consummate caregiver. Harrison Ford, also a Golden Globe nominee for his role as Paul, the lead therapist and everyone’s mentor, showcases his impressive range of vulnerability often buried beneath his tough exterior. Spoiler Alert — bring your Kleenex when watch the season finale.
One of the standout aspects of Season 2 is its willingness to tackle heavier themes while still keeping the tone light. The exploration of grief, healing, and the complexities of human relationships is handled with great care, allowing viewers to connect emotionally without feeling overwhelmed. The writing strikes a balance between humor and heartfelt moments, that will leave you laughing one minute, reflecting the next. Every.Single.Episode.
Shrinking is streaming now in AppleTV+.
Did you watch all the shows on the list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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