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The top 20 worst TV shows of 2024

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - December 25th 2024, 18:30 GMT+1

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In this list, we’re diving into the absolute worst TV shows that graced (or cursed) our screens in 2024. And while we *tried* not to focus on second seasons (because let’s be honest, if it was bad the first time, what hope is there for round two?), some were so notoriously awful that we simply couldn’t leave them out.

Of course, we’re zeroing in on the most popular (or infamous) shows of the year. So if you think we missed a dishonorable mention that deserves a spot, why not drop it in the comments? Misery loves company, after all!

Cropped Agatha All Along — 20. Agatha All Along

"Agatha All Along" takes Marvel's lovable schemer Agatha Harkness from the shadows and puts her front and center. Unfortunately, it feels like the writers forgot to bring the magic along for the ride. Kathryn Hahn gives it her all, but the show’s uneven pacing and overstuffed mysticism make it more of a hocus-no-focus affair. It’s a little like expecting a gourmet spell and getting instant cauldron soup instead. While it’s always nice to dive deeper into the Marvel universe, this time we may have surfaced a little too soon. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Masters of the Air — 19. Masters of the Air

"Masters of the Air" aims to give you the sky-high tension of aerial dogfights and the emotional depth of a World War II drama. What you get, however, is more like turbulence. While the Eighth Air Force deserves its moment in the spotlight, the series feels bogged down by a script that plays it too safe. The visuals? Stunning. The story? Not quite ready for takeoff. It's a valiant effort that ultimately flies under the radar of better war dramas. | © Playtone / Amblin Television

Cropped Cruel Intentions — 18. Cruel Intentions

Oh, "Cruel Intentions," how the mighty have fallen! Trying to bottle the intoxicating mix of seduction and manipulation from the 1999 classic, this series lands more in the realm of teen soap opera than adult intrigue. The characters’ "schemes" feel like playground antics compared to the deliciously sinister machinations of the original. If you came looking for biting dialogue and scandalous twists, you’ll find yourself cruelly disappointed. Some things are best left as 90s nostalgia. | © Sony Pictures Television

Cropped A Good Girls Guide To Murder — 17. A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

"A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" promises a smart, plucky heroine solving mysteries in a small town. What it delivers is… a lot of distractions. Pip’s journey is bogged down by unnecessary drama and too many side stories that muddy the central murder plot. While Emma Myers gives it her all, the show sometimes feels more like a community theater mystery than a sharp investigative thriller. It’s quirky and fun in parts but lacks the edge it needs to be truly killer. | © BBC Three

Cropped The Perfect Couple — 16. The Perfect Couple

"The Perfect Couple" had everything going for it: a rich family, a posh wedding, and a murder mystery that could have been HBO-level juicy. Instead, we got a show that felt like a Nantucket version of "Clue," but with less humor and no Colonel Mustard. Even Nicole Kidman couldn’t save this one from its own melodramatic spiral. It’s like the champagne was poured, but the fizz just never showed up. Perfect? Not quite. | © 21 Laps Entertainment / MRC Television

Cropped Orphan Black Echoes — 15. Orphan Black: Echoes

In a world where cloning is so last decade, "Orphan Black: Echoes" catapults us into 2052, following the now-adult Kira Manning as she navigates a labyrinth of scientific intrigue and personal drama. Despite the futuristic setting and the return to the beloved "Orphan Black" universe, the series struggled to capture the original's magic.

Critics noted that while Krysten Ritter's portrayal of Lucy added a fresh face, the convoluted plotlines and lack of the original's tight narrative left viewers more puzzled than intrigued. The show's ambitious attempt to expand the clone saga was met with mixed reactions, leading to its cancellation after just one season. Perhaps some stories are best left without echoes. | © Boat Rocker Studios

Cropped The Regime — 14. The Regime

"The Regime" promised a tantalizing peek behind the opulent curtains of a modern European regime, with Kate Winslet at the helm as the enigmatic Madame Chancellor. However, the series' attempt to blend political drama with dark comedy resulted in a tonal tug-of-war that left audiences unsure whether to laugh, cry, or stage a coup. While the lavish production design and star-studded cast were undeniable assets, the narrative's meandering pace and lack of clear direction led to a regime that, ironically, failed to take command. In the end, "The Regime" felt more like a bureaucratic slog than a gripping political satire. | © HBO

Cropped Chicken Nugget — 13. Chicken Nugget

"Chicken Nugget," a South Korean series, aimed to serve up a crispy blend of comedy and fantasy, following a father-daughter duo entangled in a mysterious transformation. Despite the quirky premise and the charm of lead actors Ryu Seung-ryong and Kim Yoo-jung, the show was critiqued for its overcooked plot and under-seasoned character development. The whimsical narrative, while initially appetizing, left viewers with a taste of missed potential, as the series failed to fully explore its unique concept. In the end, "Chicken Nugget" was more of a fast-food filler than a gourmet delight in the 2024 TV menu. | © Netflix

Cropped Tomb Raider The Legend of Lara Croft — 12. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

"Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" sought to animate the iconic adventurer's exploits, bridging the gap between the video game trilogy and new audiences. While Hayley Atwell's voice performance as Lara brought a fresh vigor, critics noted that the series' animation quality and storytelling depth didn't quite unearth the treasure fans had hoped for. The show's attempt to delve into Lara's psyche and past traumas was commendable, yet the execution left some feeling it was more of a relic than a revelation. Ultimately, this adaptation may have raided the tomb but didn't fully capture the artifact's allure. | © Netflix

Cropped Apples Never Fall — 11. Apples Never Fall

Based on Liane Moriarty's bestselling novel, "Apples Never Fall" aimed to peel back the layers of a family's secrets and lies. With a cast led by Annette Bening and Sam Neill, the series had all the ingredients for a compelling domestic drama. However, critics pointed out that the adaptation struggled to balance the novel's intricate narrative threads, resulting in a series that felt more like a bruised apple than a fresh pick. The pacing issues and lack of character depth left viewers yearning for the crispness of the source material. In the orchard of 2024 TV offerings, this one, unfortunately, fell far from the tree. | © Heyday Television

Cropped Grotesquerie — 10. Grotesquerie

"Grotesquerie" aimed to blend horror and dark comedy but ended up as a mismatched patchwork that left viewers scratching their heads. The show's attempt to shock with bizarre storylines and eccentric characters felt more like a desperate cry for attention than innovative storytelling. Despite its ambition, "Grotesquerie" stumbled over its own convoluted plots, leaving audiences more confused than entertained. Perhaps the true horror was realizing you'd wasted several hours hoping it would get better. | © [Production Company]

Cropped The Spiderwick Chronicles — 9. The Spiderwick Chronicles

The Spiderwick Chronicles, based on the beloved children's fantasy books, follows the Grace family as they move into their ancestral home and uncover a hidden world of magical creatures. Despite its rich source material, the series struggled to capture the whimsy and adventure that made the books a hit. Critics noted that the show lacked excitement, with repetitive plots and underdeveloped characters making inexplicable decisions. Even with a strong performance from Christian Slater as Dr. Brauer, the series couldn't escape its mundane execution. | © Paramount Television Studios

Cropped Echo — 8. Echo

"Echo" aims to delve into the complexities of its titular character, but according to critics, it might leave you echoing the sentiment: "Is that all there is?" The series follows Maya Lopez as she navigates her unique abilities and tumultuous past, intersecting with familiar faces from the Marvel universe. While the premise holds promise, some reviewers feel the execution lacks the punch of its superhero counterparts. The narrative attempts to balance personal drama with action-packed sequences, yet it seems to struggle with pacing, leaving viewers oscillating between intrigue and impatience. In the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Echo" might resonate with die-hard fans, but others could find it fading into the background noise. | © Marvel Studios

Cropped Before — 7. Before

"Before" sets out to explore the intricacies of time travel and its impact on human relationships, but critics suggest it might have you wishing for a fast-forward button. The series centers on protagonists grappling with the moral and emotional dilemmas of altering timelines. While the concept is ripe for exploration, some reviewers note that the execution feels convoluted, with character development taking a backseat to complex plot mechanics. The show's ambition is evident, but it appears to trip over its own temporal twists, leaving viewers more puzzled than captivated. In the crowded genre of time-bending narratives, "Before" may struggle to make a lasting impression. | © HBO

Cropped The Lord of the Rings The Rings of Power — 6. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2

Season 2 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" returns with a quest to expand its epic narrative, but according to critics, it might leave you feeling like you've embarked on an unexpected journey to nowhere in particular. The series continues to explore the rich tapestry of Middle-earth, introducing new characters and intricate plotlines. However, some reviewers point out that while the scenery is breathtaking, the storytelling occasionally meanders, lacking the cohesive drive that made its predecessors legendary. The show's ambition is undeniable, yet it seems to struggle under the weight of its own mythos, leaving viewers yearning for the straightforward heroics of a certain hobbit and his fellowship. | © Amazon Studios

Cropped Velma — 5. Velma Season 2

Season 2 of *Velma* swings back into action with the titular character continuing her edgy reimagining of what it means to be a teenage sleuth. Unfortunately, it seems that even the best mysteries can’t solve themselves when the writing feels more chaotic than cohesive. The humor remains divisive – half the audience is cringing while the other half wonders what show they accidentally stumbled onto. Velma’s origin story tries hard to be modern and meta but ends up alienating fans of the classic *Scooby-Doo* charm. While Mindy Kaling’s take on Velma has its moments, the show often feels like it’s working too hard to reinvent the wheel, resulting in a season that left viewers scratching their heads instead of solving mysteries. | © Warner Bros. Animation

Cropped The Acolyte — 4. Star Wars: The Acolyte

*The Acolyte* promised to shine a light on the dark side, but its execution left fans wondering if this prequel series was truly necessary. Set in the waning days of the High Republic, the show introduces new characters and lore but struggles to find the balance between intrigue and pacing. The result? A series that feels more like filler in the Star Wars saga than a bold new chapter. The visuals are stunning (as always with Star Wars), but the narrative rarely hits the hyperdrive. For a franchise built on excitement and drama, *The Acolyte* left many fans lukewarm, proving that even the Force can’t save everything. | © Lucasfilm

Cropped Megamind Rules — 3. Megamind Rules!

What happens when a supervillain-turned-hero gets his own series? Apparently, a lot of potential… wasted. *Megamind Rules!* attempts to bring back the wit and charm of the original film but struggles to recreate its clever humor and heartwarming redemption arc. While the premise of Megamind adjusting to his new heroic role has plenty of promise, the series leans too heavily on tired jokes and uninspired plotlines. The animation is solid, and Megamind’s iconic swagger is still present, but the show’s lack of creative spark means it fails to live up to its big-brained potential. | © DreamWorks Animation Television

Cropped Universal Basic Guys — 2. Universal Basic Guys

If there were ever a time for sharp satire about universal basic income, this was it. Sadly, *Universal Basic Guys/The Hoagie Bros.* fumbles the bag – literally and figuratively. The series, which follows two brothers figuring out how to navigate life post-UBI, had all the ingredients for a clever comedy but ends up delivering a limp sandwich of predictable humor and shallow commentary. The characters are paper-thin, the jokes rarely land, and the story meanders like the Hoagie Bros. themselves. In the end, this show feels like a missed opportunity to make something truly biting and memorable. | © FX Productions

Cropped Good Times — 1. Good Times

Rebooting a classic sitcom is always risky, and *Good Times* proves just how high that bar really is. While the show tries to update the Evans family’s story for a modern audience, it misses the mark on what made the original so iconic – authenticity and heart. Instead of capturing the soul of the 1970s classic, the reboot feels like a watered-down version that lacks the cultural relevance and humor of its predecessor. Even with a few standout performances, the series struggles to bring the laughs or the emotional weight expected of a *Good Times* revival. Sometimes, nostalgia is best left in the past. | © Sony Pictures Television

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Not every show can be a winner, and 2024 proved that sometimes even the biggest budgets and boldest ideas can fall spectacularly flat. From sequels that nobody asked for to reboots that failed to capture the magic of the originals, this year gave us plenty of television to cringe at – and, let’s face it, hate-watch for fun.

Whether it was questionable writing, underwhelming performances, or plots that left us scratching our heads, these shows reminded us that not all TV is golden. Here are the top 20 worst offenders of 2024, ranked for your schadenfreude-filled enjoyment. Let’s dive into the trainwrecks!

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Not every show can be a winner, and 2024 proved that sometimes even the biggest budgets and boldest ideas can fall spectacularly flat. From sequels that nobody asked for to reboots that failed to capture the magic of the originals, this year gave us plenty of television to cringe at – and, let’s face it, hate-watch for fun.

Whether it was questionable writing, underwhelming performances, or plots that left us scratching our heads, these shows reminded us that not all TV is golden. Here are the top 20 worst offenders of 2024, ranked for your schadenfreude-filled enjoyment. Let’s dive into the trainwrecks!