The best TV series of 2024 have been grounded in reality, offering compelling true stories that captivate audiences. From wartime heroics and tumultuous historical moments to unforgettable social feuds, these shows provide a deep dive into significant events and figures. Here are three of the most notable TV shows that have come out so far this year that are worth watching.
Focused on Real Events
Historical or contemporary TV shows based on real events are captivating because they show events from real life, and many people adore that kind of story. Even so, people should always keep in mind that some parts of the events may be made up, embellished, or spiced up to make everything more interesting.
While not actually a true story, Shogun is rooted in real historical events and figures from 17th-century Japan. The series traces the epic journey of English sailor John Blackthorne, who was shipwrecked in Japan in 1600. Alongside Lord Yoshii Toranaga, a local daimyo, they navigate a fierce power struggle that captivates from start to finish. Available on FX and Hulu, Shogun is an excellent introduction to this period in Japanese history.
Feud and Manhunt
Feud: Capote vs. the Swans dives into one of New York’s most infamous social scandals. It explores Truman Capote’s fall from grace after publishing “La Cote Basque, 1965.” The story, while fictional, revealed the intimate secrets of his high-society friends, creating rifts that led to his social exile. The series deftly captures Capote’s dramatic unraveling and its impact on New York’s elite circles.
Manhunt takes viewers back to 1865 as the U.S. searched for John Wilkes Booth, the man who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. It also focuses on a political struggle that happened after his death, giving viewers a glimpse into everything that happened that fateful year.