10 of the best and 10 of the worst Netflix shows that came out this year, so far

• Netflix released a slew of comedy, drama, and reality series throughout 2024.
• "Baby Reindeer" and "Nobody Wants This" are among the year's top-rated shows.
• On the other hand, critics said series like "Good Times" and "The Accident" missed the mark.

Netflix has released nearly 50 new original series this year.

The streaming platform — which has over 280 million subscribers — offers a wide range of TV genres, from reality dating shows and sitcoms to docuseries and dark dramas.

Here are the 10 best and 10 worst shows Netflix premiered in 2024, according to critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

"Our Living World" earned a perfect score from critics.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: The Netflix nature series, narrated by Cate Blanchett, dives into the interconnectedness of wildlife and nature around the globe.

Critics gave the docuseries rave reviews, specifically praising the deft way it approached the climate crisis.

"The enormity of the climate emergency and the scale of the crime we've committed is left for other programmes to measure: here instead is a dappled ray of hope, and a reminder that we're all in this together," Jack Seale wrote for the Guardian.

Critics said "Baby Reindeer" stuck with them long past its finale.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%

Summary: On the controversial semi-autobiographical drama, struggling comedian Donny (Richard Gadd) tries to break off an awkward friendship with a woman (Jessica Gunning), only for her interest to plunge headlong into obsession.

"Baby Reindeer," which won six Emmy awards, was lauded for its harrowing plot and mesmerizing performances.

"On the surface, this Netflix series seems like a crazy and wild stalker story," Hayley Croke wrote for Loud and Clear Reviews. "But in it, you will find a level of honesty, empathy, and heart that will stay with you long beyond its finale.

The stars of "Nobody Wants This" charmed critics from the start.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: Joanne (Kristen Bell) hosts a sex-advice podcast with her sister, and Noah (Adam Brody) leads sermons at the synagogue. After a chance encounter, the two can't help but fall for each other.

Critics couldn't help being charmed by the romantic comedy.

"This is a winning rom-com, with witty dialogue and crackling chemistry between Brody and Bell," Geordie Gray wrote for The Australian.

Surreal and innovative, "The Vince Staples Show" earned rave reviews.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 94%

Summary: As a self-professed "sort of famous" rapper, Vincent Staples (Vince Staples) finds himself in increasingly odd situations. His fame turns out to be a blessing and a curse.

In the surrealistic style of "Barry" and "Atlanta," Staples' dark and deadpan show electrified critics.

"Unpredictable, funny, and often weirdly surreal, 'The Vince Staples Show' is replete with personal touches and a sense of place all its own," Johnny Loftus wrote for Decider.

Critics said "Dead Boy Detectives" put a fresh spin on a familiar genre.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Summary: After their souls escape the underworld, "dead boys" Edwin (George Rexstrew) and Charles (Jayden Revri) pursue unsolved mysteries to help other ghosts resolve their unfinished business.

The reviews for "Dead Boy Detectives," which is based on DC Comics characters, were positive overall. The show's charismatic cast and lively story stood out, in particular.

"'Dead Boy Detectives' stands out as a beacon of inclusivity and imagination," Alex Valencia wrote for Q+ Magazine. "Its seamless blend of supernatural intrigue, heartfelt friendships, and LGBTQ+ representation make it a must-watch for audiences craving a fresh take on the detective genre."

"One Day" was praised as delightful and deeply emotional.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: Based on the book by David Nicholls, "One Day" is a dramatic, decade-spanning look at the lives of friends Dexter (Leo Woodall) and Emma (Ambika Mod).

A tearjerker at its core, the limited series tugged on critics' heartstrings and left them fawning over Mod and Woodall's irresistible chemistry.

"Rare is the television show — or any filmed entertainment, really — that can capture the euphoria of young love and the heartache of grief with equal grace," Rohan Naahar wrote for The Indian Express.

Critics found "The Signal" engaging from start to finish.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: Astronaut Paula (Peri Baumeister) is returning home from the International Space Station when she vanishes without a trace. Her husband (Florian David Fitz) takes it upon himself to find her.

Reviewers said "The Signal" took a grounded approach to an ambitious story.

"The show doesn't overstay its welcome, and it's human-sized in the scale of its final message," Steve Murray wrote for Arts ATL.

Sofía Vergara wowed critics in "Griselda."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: Based on a true story, "Griselda" follows the rise of Griselda Blanco (Vergara), a Colombian crime boss who rules Miami's drug scene in the 1980s.

Hailing the show as propulsive, violent, and riveting, critics couldn't get enough of Vergara's central performance.

"Griselda sometimes feels like a triumph of style over moral substance," Carol Midgley wrote for The Times. "But Vergara commands the screen — and this drama — beautifully."

The latest "Ripley" adaptation received high praise.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: In the latest adaptation of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith, grifter Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) manipulates his way into the lives of wealthy couple Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) and Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning).

Thanks to its opulent black-and-white cinematography, "Ripley" proved that there was still material to yield from Highsmith's classic novel.

"This story has been brought to the screen before, but this iteration feels fresh and alluring, just charming and unnerving enough to demand attention and leave a lasting impression," Abe Friedtanzer wrote for Awards Buzz.

Critics said "The Brothers Sun" was a full-throttle thrill ride.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Summary: After his father is killed by an assassin, the eldest son of a Taiwanese triad (Justin Chien) returns home to his mother (Michelle Yeoh) and younger brother (Sam Song Li).

"The Brothers Sun" was well-loved by critics. Many lamented the fact that Netflix didn't pick it up for a second season.

Pallavi Keswani wrote for The Hindu, "Michelle Yeoh leads an action-filled crime-family drama with hilarious performances."

On the other hand, reviews of "Breathless" were more split.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

Summary: On the Spanish medical drama, romance swirls and tensions rise at Joaquín Sorolla Public Hospital in Valencia, Spain.

Critics were somewhat split on "Breathless." Although it had a few noteworthy highlights, several reviewers wrote it off as a predictable hospital drama.

"It's entertaining enough to watch while doing other things, especially if you turn on the English dub," Joel Keller wrote for Decider. "But it's nothing we haven't seen dozens of times before."

"The Perfect Couple" was written off as little more than a guilty pleasure.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

Summary: As Greer Garrison Winbury (Nicole Kidman) orchestrates a lavish wedding for her son in Nantucket, a ghastly murder causes the weekend to take a turn.

Due to its quirky opening dance montage and over-the-top dialogue, critics largely fell into two camps on "The Perfect Couple:" annoyed and shamelessly obsessed.

"You'd have to be a bigger snob than me to resist the brain-emptying pleasures of 'The Perfect Couple,'" Judy Berman wrote for Time Magazine. "Not every show has to be a masterpiece to be a good time, nor does being a great actor require career-long genuflection at the altar of cinema."

Some said "Avatar: The Last Airbender" lacked the heart of the original series.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 60%

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