Cancel your plans, grab your snacks – these TV shows made the line “just one more episode” my favourite fib of 2024. And what an exceptional year of television it was – Apple TV has notably raised the bar, with quality screenwriting and production value. It’s been a while since a streaming service has graced us with so many superior original dramas all at once. The other streaming services must be clutching their remotes in fear…

10. The Day of the Jackal, Season 1 (Sky Atlantic)

What’s it about? The Jackal is a mysterious assassin who makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. He soon finds himself in a cat-and-mouse chase across Europe after an MI6 agent thinks they might know a way to identify the killer.

Why you should watch it: Eddie Redmayne carries the stylish production – he embodies the anti-hero perfectly and has you rooting for him to succeed.

9. Presumed Innocent, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation after his colleague, Carolyn Polhemus, is found dead.

Why you should watch it: You’ll be on the edge of your seat and begging for more. Presumed Innocent is a remarkable thriller. It’s well-crafted and a thought-provoking exploration of trust, love, and the choices we make.

8. Silo, Seasons 1 & 2 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? A society exists in a giant underground silo, where people follow regulations they believe are meant to protect them.

Why you should watch it: The less said, the better. Silo is an intriguing and captivating concept from start to finish. Patience is key, but it’s incredibly rewarding and you’ll wish you knew about this show sooner.

7. Black Doves, Season 1 (Netflix)

What’s it about? Helen Webb (Keira Knightley) is part of the spy organisation ‘The Black Doves’, who work to sell secrets to the highest bidder. But when Webb’s lover is murdered, she’s assigned an old friend, Sam (Ben Whishaw), to protect her.

Why you should watch it: Black Doves is a fun, festive spy thriller. It’s gripping, fast-paced and filled with many layers and exciting twists. Ben Whishaw and Keira Knightley are a dream team – bring on season 2!

6. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Season 1 (Sky)

What’s it about? Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Heather Morris, Jewish Holocaust survivor Lali Sokolov (Jonah Hauer-King) shares his story of love and resilience.

Why you should watch it: It’s an eye-opening emotional rollercoaster that’s haunting, but beautiful. It’s a masterpiece in contrast and shows how even in the darkest places, love can be found.

5. Fallout, Season 1 (Amazon)

What’s it about? In a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles, those who have survived must live in underground vaults to protect themselves from radiation, evil enemies and death.

Why you should watch it: It’s the best video game adaptation to grace our screens. Fallout takes a bold stance on power and control; the lengths people will go to. It honours the legacy of the video game with top-notch world-building, while creating its own identity as a gripping, emotionally resonant show.

4. Sunny, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? A woman’s life is turned upside down after her husband and son disappear in a mysterious plane crash in Japan. She soon receives ‘Sunny’, a domestic robot made by her husband’s electronic company.

Why you should watch it: It’s daring and quite the puzzle to solve! Sunny presents a unique take on grief and loneliness, it’s moving and poignant, quite the opposite of what you’d expect from a show starring a robot. It’s a must-watch for curious minds!

3. Lady in the Lake, Season 1 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Laura Lippman, Lady in the Lake is about a pair of murders in 1960s Baltimore. Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman) finds herself unexpectedly connected to both murders.

Why you should watch it: Natalie Portman excels in her TV debut – it’s far from a clichéd crime-thriller, but something completely new. It’s worth the watch alone for the devlishly good twist and its haunting monologue. The critics’ ratings for this show simply do not reflect its excellent quality…

2. Ripley, Season 1 (Netflix)

What’s it about? Thomas Ripley is hired to take on a unique job in Italy. But to seize the life he wants, he must build a web of lies.

Why you should watch it: The intrigue is through the roof. It’s one of the strongest film to television adaptations in recent years, with the charming Andrew Scott leading the tale. The cinematography is breathtaking along, with its haunting score; Ripley is a sinister work of art.

1. Bad Sisters, Seasons 1 & 2 (Apple TV)

What’s it about? John Paul, otherwise known as “The Prick”…the sisters’ brother-in-law, detests his wife Grace’s closeness to her four sisters. He revels in causing hurt and havoc to each of them.

Why you should watch it: A dark comedy masterpiece; paired with a whodunnit – it’s both wickedly funny and heartbreaking at the same time. Bad Sisters is smart, holding the finest character development of the year, and will steer you away from an unconventional plot in the best way possible. You’ll be truly devastated when it’s over.

Narrowing it down to ten was no easy task – did your favourites make the cut?