The 12 Best TV Performances of 2024

As a critic who’s spent years navigating the labyrinth of television, I can confidently say that this year’s performances have been nothing short of a masterclass in acting. Each actor has brought their A-game to the table, but there are a few standouts that truly left an indelible mark.

2020 may have been filled with an abundance of TV content, yet creative minds remarkably pushed the limits of this unpredictable and complex medium. Actors, in particular, delved into fresh dimensions of characters we already knew or presented us with new ones with assurance and panache. At its peak, acting mirrors humanity and reveals both our familiar aspects and those we’d rather not acknowledge. Each performance on this list did so captivatingly, proving that the quality of this year’s TV offerings was anything but ordinary. — Paraphrased by AI

Marisa Abela, Industry

Yasmin Kara-Hanani, despite her aristocratic upbringing and lack of professional competence, is exceptionally skilled at manipulating others. On television, she stands out as both frustratingly inept and tragically pitiful. As the least capable yet most influential junior employee at Pierpoint and Co., Yasmin’s character has always been intriguingly complex due to Marisa Abela’s talent for revealing her softer side even when she amplifies her cruel traits (her ability to dominate men with a whisper is unmatched). This season saw Yasmin take center stage amidst a media scandal and romantic pursuits by Kit Harington. By the finale, she was leaving hearts broken, much like a character from Henry James’ novels. You can sympathize with her, even as she confines herself within a golden prison. —Jackson McHenry

Jacob Anderson, Interview With the Vampire

In this AMC series, Louis de Pointe du Lac, an immortal character, has faced numerous hardships. He’s distanced himself from his family, moved to Paris, struggled with fatherhood, contended with not one but two harmful relationships, and even endured the pomposity of a theater company. All three members of this series’ toxic trio deserve recognition, including Assad Zaman’s composed portrayal of Armand and Sam Reid’s intense performance as Lestat. However, Anderson deserves significant praise for anchoring the series, not in everyday reality, but in a unique, grandiose style reminiscent of high gothic literature. Just like Eric Bogosian’s character, Daniel Molloy, a journalist, we are drawn into Louis’s story. We empathize with him, even when the plot twists lean towards the absurd. From Anderson’s soothing voice and confident demeanor to his heart-wrenching cries when things go awry, he ensures that we connect with his character. —J.M.

Tadanobu Asano, Shōgun

Lord Kashigi Yabushige is a scoundrel, a deviant, and a man obsessed with watching. He boils a foe alive for sport, observes a popular concubine sleeping with his second-in-command, and keeps an eye on all the lines of power crisscrossing through Japan in order to manipulate them for his own gain. Yet he’s also a show-off, a loudmouth, a fool — the kind of guy who can’t help but make an inappropriate joke or boast ineffectively. Through squints, yells, and outsize reactions, Tadanobu Asano created a character whose interiority is always roiling and reaching, someone who finds life unfulfilling and doesn’t understand why this is all there is. Yabushige is constantly rotating his loyalties to survive the war between the Five Regents for rule of Japan, and when that begins to seem impossible, he seeks a way to secure an honorable death — which also becomes impossible as his betrayals are discovered. There’s something incredibly relatable about his desperate grasping for meaning, and Yabushige transforms over the course of the season from a character you’re watching because you want to figure out his next move to a character you’re watching simply because he’s so compelling. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada has joked about Shōgun’s creative team finding a way to bring back Yabushige via ghost or flashback for the series’ second season. May I add: Please? — Roxana Hadadi

Bridget Everett, Somebody Somewhere

Observe an outstanding actor, and you’ll notice their complete immersion in their environment and fellow actors. They don’t merely recite lines; they genuinely listen when others speak. In the series “Somebody Somewhere“, Bridget Everett listens with such intense concentration and seemingly no preconceived notions about what the other characters will say, that it seems as if she’s discovering her own words in real time — even though, on many occasions, Everett herself helped write those very words. In the final episode of this heartfelt series in which Everett stars, Tricia (played by Mary Catherine Garrison) informs Everett’s character Sam that they’ve both forgotten their late sister Holly’s birthday. Everett listens carefully before the realization shows on her face, and then her gaze shifts away from Tricia, as if Sam is mentally searching for a reason to explain their oversight. Even when Everett takes a moment to herself, like checking her phone or contemplating whether to reply to a text from her crush, her expression — eyes downcast and mouth in a thoughtful, almost meditative pose — reveals that she’s deeply processing her emotions internally. Despite the quiet moments where Everett shines, she’s equally captivating when she lets loose, such as in the closing scenes of the series where she powerfully sings Miley Cyrus’s “The Climb” for an unforgettable finale performance. In every decision she makes, Everett portrays a woman searching for happiness and finding it unexpectedly. —J.C.

Dakota Fanning, The Perfect Couple

In simpler terms, when Abby Winfield attends a book party hosted by her affluent mother-in-law, she remarks that it appears as if Lily Pulitzer threw up decorations everywhere, showcasing a hint of sarcasm. Dakota Fanning delivers this line perfectly, indicating her understanding that the show is a dark comedy highlighting the absurdity of these high-society individuals. Abby is married into a family filled with self-absorbed, dramatic one-percenters who rely on alcohol and drugs to numb their feelings. Despite distancing herself from them, she enjoys the perks that come with being part of the family. Throughout the series, Abby is seen shifting between judgmental scrutiny and attempting to bond with newcomer Eve Hewson’s character, Amelia. However, her true talent lies in subtly undermining even seemingly pleasant interactions, as she does when expressing happiness about adjusting their Fourth of July plans. Her smile and casual shrug mask a hidden dagger that pierces the interaction. —J.C.

Renée Elise Goldsberry, Girls5Eva

Among the members of the girl group in “Girls5Eva,” Wickie was often the standout, despite numerous humorous depictions of her struggles when attempting to go solo. Over two seasons on Peacock and a brief six-episode extension on Netflix, this character – initially reminiscent of Jenna Maroney – developed into a unique piece of art, characterized by her charming yet delusional nature. Although Wickie might not receive the comeback she thinks she deserves, the show’s writing and Renée Elise Goldsberry’s performance, which seamlessly blend grace with physical comedy akin to Lucille Ball and dramatic line deliveries, are so distinctive that it seems plausible for her character to endure in various pop culture scenarios: commandeering the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, vying for Nicole Scherzinger’s role in “Sunset Blvd.,” or using her extensive contact list to choose the perfect note for a news announcement that they have been chosen to perform on the Brat tour (the one sponsored by the German American Sausage Association of Madison, Wisconsin). —J.M.

Manny Jacinto, The Acolyte

Absolutely, Manny Jacinto delivered an outstanding performance as The Stranger in The Acolyte. It’s not something that can be disputed, given his portrayal of the former Jedi trainee who succumbed to the dark side. While his hairstyle, use of baby oil, and bathing scene certainly added to his charm, it was Jacinto’s ability to express deep-seated resentment and disgust without many words that truly stood out.

Richard Kind, John Mulaney Presents: Everybody’s in LA and Girls5Eva

2024 was a remarkable year for Richard Kind, with his roles being as diverse as they were numerous. He portrayed the pink-eye-afflicted Vince Fish in “Only Murders in the Building”, served as a judge on “Evil”, made an appearance on an episode of “Night Court”, and lent his voice to “Mickey Mouse Funhouse”. However, these roles are just a few among many that he handled in 2024.

Anna Sawai, Shōgun

In the miniseries Shōgun, Anna Sawai’s performance as Lady Mariko is not only exceptional but also universally recognized. Praising her work seems almost routine, yet she deserves every accolade. As a mediator between the feudal lords and the foreigner Anjin, Sawai skillfully portrays Mariko’s unique perspective on court politics, while her spiritual beliefs serve to embody larger global conflicts. A role like this could easily be one-dimensional, but Sawai ensures that Mariko is more than a woman caught between conflicting forces. Instead, she anchors the political and emotional breadth of Shōgun. Her work elevates Cosmo Jarvis’s character, Blackthorne, and provides an excellent counterpoint to Hiroyuki Sanada’s Toranaga. Most notably, Sawai’s portrayal of Mariko’s moral compass, anger, aesthetic sensibilities, justice-seeking mindset, and grief significantly impact the viewer’s experience of the story. We often follow these values simply by watching Sawai’s expressions as her character reacts. – K.VA.

Andrew Scott, Ripley

As a devoted fan, I must say: Tom Ripley isn’t owned by any actor; he’s been portrayed by numerous talents who brought Patricia Highsmith’s con artist and murderer to life on screen. However, none have embodied the reptilian cruelty and flair for covetousness quite like Andrew Scott did. Director Steven Zaillian and cinematographer Robert Elswit crafted the most stunningly beautiful production of this year, yet even amidst all that chiaroscuro, Scott, with his amused gaze and almost imperceptible smile, managed to steal the spotlight. If Netflix fails to produce more Ripley adaptations from the team that created this masterfully cold work of art, it would indeed be a great loss. —R.H.

Alia Shawkat, The Old Man

In a captivating portrayal of Alia Shawkat’s character in the series “The Old Man,” her expressions spoke volumes: the determined gaze after killing a Taliban operative, claiming her identity as Afghan heiress Parwana Hamzad; the unyielding stare following her victory against a group of Russian mercenaries and taking over her father’s global business ventures; the commanding look when she ordered Jeff Bridges’ Dan Chase to protect her in her new position as the Hamzad family leader. In an otherwise lackluster year for compelling female characters, Alia Shawkat was undeniably ‘that boss’ on “The Old Man.” —R.H.

Vince Vaughn, Bad Monkey

The character of Andrew Yancy, the rebellious detective portrayed by Vince Vaughn in this Apple TV+ series, was not originally tailored for him. Author Carl Hiaasen created Yancy, and it was Lawrence’s adaptation of his book that brought us here. However, Vaughn seems to embody Yancy perfectly: he’s talkative, charming, and doesn’t tolerate nonsense – traits that Vaughn carries off as easily as his loose-fitting Hawaiian shirts. Despite the performance appearing effortless, it isn’t without its challenges. Making Yancy’s impulsive actions and sharp wit seem spontaneous requires skill, as many actors might overdo it or try too hard. But maintaining a nonchalant attitude is crucial to Yancy’s character, and Vaughn has masterfully captured this essence. —J.C.

2024-12-11 23:54