Best and Worst comedies and documentaries for 2024

There were some terrific dramas on television in 2024. Shogun (FX Networks/Disney+ in Canada) was a big budget movie a week, an impressive, uber subtitled effort and an example of Vancouver crew work at its finest. Kudos as well to Golden Globe nominated Hiroyuki Sanada as lead actor.

Franklin, on AppleTV+, was another international, historical epic and a showcase for Michael Douglas as the most famous American politician never to be president. In returning seasons, The Diplomat (Netflix), with a shocker season-ender, and Slow Horses (AppleTV+), always fabulous, turned in great seasons. I also liked the first season of CTV’s Sight Unseen, which returns for a second season June 20, and Citytv’s Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, which returns February 20.

I also liked several documentaries that debuted in 2024, including Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos (Max/Crave); Churchill at War (Netflix), Music by John Williams (Disney+), The Movie Man (Hollywood Suite), Elizabeth Taylor: the Lost Tapes (Prime Video), Martha (Netflix), Return of the King: the Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley (Netflix), The Nature of Design (TVO) and, although things got a little Sammy Maudlin towards the end, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal. I expected more from Steve! (Martin): a Documentary in Two Pieces (AppleTV+), a misfire with moments of brilliance. Beatles ’64 (Disney+) was fun, but except for the story about the American who got kicked out of Liverpool and came full circle with John Lennon 16 years later, I felt I had seen in before.

For me, all the awards should go to comedies. Good ones are rare these days and there’s a reason: they’re hard to land. The goal posts keep changing as to what is acceptable, and comedy has always been pretty subjective. A few, such as Palm Royale (AppleTV+) and Jerry Seinfeld’s Unfrosted (Netflix) arrived in 2024 with great casts and high expectations. I found the result for both pretty mixed, with few laughs at all in Royale. Hopefully, Season Two will be funnier.

Here are the five TV comedies I admired the most over the past 12 months, with links to my reviews in 2024:

A Man on the Inside (Netflix).

Danson, therefore, has arrived with all the chops to lean into a series with heart and emotion and just enough humour to keep it from being treacle. Because audiences love Danson, they want to spend time with him — even in a retirement home!

Only Murders in the Building (Hulu/DIsney+).

This season is about the three podcasters investigating the murder of Charles long-time TV series double, Sazz Pataki. Tuesday’s episode was a showcase for the actress playing her, Jane Lynch. Only Murders is such a rich experience when it delivers laughs, pathos and heartache, sometimes all in the same scene. Lynch and Martin got to explore all of their range Tuesday, and what a treat for fans.

Somebody Somewhere (HBO/Crave):

Much of the series is based on Everett’s own journey as a comedian/cabaret singer growing up in Manhattan, Kansas. Perhaps there are some lifesfyle aspects of Big Manhattan that can be found in Little Manhattan if you take the time to look. Everett has worked both towns and seems to have learned along the way that life can sometimes be painful and disappointing, and other times joyous and affirming.

Son of a Critch (CBC/CBC Gem):

Critch explained, however, that his show, which is based on his own family life growing up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the mid-’80s, will lean into the main character’s teen years. All that yucky stuff with girls and stuff, bring it on.

Shrinking (AppleTV+):

Watching Harrison Ford get pissed off is one good reason to watch Shrinking. His relationship with Dr. Julie, played by always welcome Wendie Malick, continues into Season Two, and it is fun to see these two old pros go into their sitcom dance.