As a seasoned TV enthusiast with a soft spot for historical dramas, I must say that this week’s lineup is nothing short of captivating! From the tense political maneuvers in Shogun to the epic clashes in House of the Dragon, it seems we have a veritable feast of drama on our hands.
What makes a good recap show? That’s something we here at Vulture probably spend more time thinking about than anyone else does or should, but after nearly two decades in the recap biz and many shifts in the TV viewing landscape, we’ve gathered enough data to have a pretty good handle on the answer. As evidenced by our annual roundups of the site’s most popular recaps, readers still flock to shows that release on a weekly cadence rather than as binge releases — although there are always some notable counterexamples, most of them dropped by the big red “N.” That held true in 2024 as well, with both network and streaming shows that released one or two episodes a week composing the majority of our top 25. Returning shows, with their already-developed fan bases, tend to float to the top of the list as well — but once again, there are always outliers, with this year’s top ten featuring two brand-new shows (one of them a binge drop!) that became immediate viewer obsessions, with active comments sections to match.
In today’s world dominated by social media, recaps remain one of the few vestiges of traditional watercooler TV discussions: You never can predict when a series will buck conventional trends and excel based on its unique characteristics. Each year delivers a blend of recognizable comfort and unexpected novelty, not only in television as a whole but also within our Vulture recaps section. Hence, let’s appreciate this year’s unique combination – a tribute to the dedicated writers and commentators who keep the discussion alive beyond the closing credits.
25. The Perfect Couple
By Maggie Fremont
In the very first episode of Season 1, I instantly felt drawn to “The Perfect Couple” and sensed we were in for a delightful television adaptation of a beach read mystery. The hook that sealed the deal for me was witnessing the captivating opening credits dance routine choreographed to Meghan Trainor’s “Criminals.” Seeing acting powerhouses like Nicole Kidman and Liev Schrieber enthusiastically perform a line dance in a show about secrets and murder was, without a doubt, a winning moment. Despite her enchanting demeanor as the “we come to this place for magic” woman, it’s clear that Nicole Kidman is also an Academy Award-winning actress who brings unwavering commitment to every role she takes on – and her dedication to this show was evident from the start. The tone set by the series suggests we are here to enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a touch of humor, where someone may have met their untimely end, but everyone is having fun exploring the clues. If that’s not your preferred vibe, I recommend reading the recaps instead – no hard feelings!
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24. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
By Keith Phipps
In Celebrimbor’s forge, Sauron contemplates using it as a target. Sauron offers Celebrimbor a speedy death in exchange for information on the rings, but this proposition falls flat. Instead, Celebrimbor warns Sauron that he won’t succeed in obtaining the rings and suggests Sauron should focus on idle pursuits like sculpting sand castles. He further taunts Sauron, predicting the rings will be his downfall and derisively referring to him as the “Ring-bearer.” (Quite a fitting name for a story.) When the orcs enter, it’s uncertain if Celebrimbor’s words have struck a nerve or if he truly regrets the impending confrontation. Regardless, he swiftly suppresses his feelings and endeavors to win over the orcs he wishes to ally with. (Feel free to peruse the recaps.)
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23. RuPaul’s Drag Race
By Jason P. Frank
Discussing Plane’s episode as well seems necessary. I’ll put it this way: She was exceptionally skilled, played a pivotal role in the season, and delivered an outstanding performance in her number. “Bodysuit” was hilarious, quirky, and engaging from start to finish. Her expressions during that number, coupled with her skillful concealment of the reveal, highlight her as a top-tier queen. Nevertheless, nothing about her elimination came as a shock. In her performance, there was a loose hair strand causing occasional distractions (which is significant in the final episode), but her biggest downfall was her lack of seriousness during interviews. She never fully opened up and showed genuine emotion. While it might not be mandatory for a good drag queen, on Drag Race, it certainly is. Given her interview from last week and this one, it’s no wonder she wasn’t Drag Race’s selection as America’s Next Drag Superstar. Don’t forget to read the recaps!
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22. Yellowstone
By Ben Rosenstock
For Season 5, Episode 14 of Yellowstone, I’d say it can be described as a finale that’s disappointingly familiar rather than frustratingly unpredictable. While there’s a brief moment of Taylor Sheridan self-indulgence in the opening scene with everyone laughing at Travis’ antics, thankfully, it’s nothing as mind-bending as last week’s excessive Travis focus. However, isn’t it expected to experience some sort of emotion during what might be the final episode of a series? So, go ahead and read the recaps to see if there’s more to this episode than meets the eye.
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21. The Bachelor
By Ali Barthwell
It’s been a while since I last tuned into the peculiar spectacle of The Bachelor’s Grandest Finale in Season 28, Episode 11. I had forgotten about the lingering glances from balconies in Tulum, as well as the instances where the contestants held their dresses to their faces, seemingly conducting some questionable fashion analysis. “Am I a Winter, or a Bright Spring, or a Neutral Jovani?” was a thought that slipped my mind. And there’s one thing that doesn’t seem correct: one contestant presenting her own Bachelorette audition tape and effectively stealing the thunder from what was arguably the most earnest romantic proposal in recent memory. Hmm, perhaps I should revisit the recaps.
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20. Dark Matter
By Chris Klimek
In Episode 8 of Season 1, I’m docking a full star due to the lack of an opening scene that seemed necessary given the episode’s content. However, overall it was quite engaging and lived up to the promise set by the previous episode’s finale. Instead of a battle between Jason A (also known as Jason One) and Jason B, we now have multiple Jasons A (perhaps a group of them, like a flock or a school), who have split off from the one Jason B that was abducted and banished to another dimension around a month ago in story terms, facing off against the one Jason B. You can catch more details in the recaps.
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19. Survivor
By Brian Moylan
In this episode of Season 47, we delve into a 90-minute segment focusing on a persistently bothersome and superfluous topic. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about idol hunting; instead, I refer to the ongoing chaos surrounding Rome, who seems to thrive in this new age despite being a less-than-ideal player. However, prior to discussing him, let us first discuss idol hunting. At the onset of the episode, Gabe expresses his desire to collaborate with someone similar to Sue, an older woman and a mother. We witness her fib about her age, claiming 45 instead of 58. While it’s clear she’s a grandmother, the mathematics and biology behind this are perplexing, yet they appear to have accepted her deception. In summary, the episode encourages you to catch up on the recaps for further details.
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18. Presumed Innocent
By Rafaela Bassili
In Episode 8 of Season 1, the courtroom scenario resembles a sports game: The defense and prosecution teams are trying to gain an edge over each other, much like Tommy explains when he says “He beat me” to Nico, encouraging him to let go of this loss. However, there’s another layer of competition in the legal-thriller genre – the creators, including actors, writers, producers, and directors, strive to outwit the viewers, challenging our expectations and intuitions. I must admit, they succeeded in catching me off guard. To catch up on the details, feel free to read the recaps.
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17. 3 Body Problem
By Ben Rosenstock
In the first episode of Season 1, the mysteries aren’t fully unraveled yet, giving us a glimpse into the characters and their struggles. However, due to the vagueness and lack of clear direction at this point, the series hasn’t quite built up much momentum. Nevertheless, if you can overlook the scientific jargon and simply go along with the blend of sci-fi horror, historical context, and unusual elements, there’s plenty to engage with here. If this show leans more towards philosophical suspense rather than action-packed scenes, I’d be perfectly fine with that. Check out the recaps for a deeper dive into the plot.
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16. The Real Housewives of New Jersey
By Brian Moylan
In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, this fourteenth season finale wasn’t the blockbuster showdown I had anticipated. Instead of a grand climax, we got a quiet exit from Jackie Goldschneider, hesitant to turn the corner due to the looming confrontation that awaited her around it. This was billed as the epic battle of New Jersey, but it felt more like a repetition of previous episodes – the same arguments, the same circles of conversation, and the same antagonism from familiar faces. It was engaging reality TV, for sure, but it seems like we’ve reached the end of the line for these women. If you want to catch up on what happened, be sure to read the recaps!
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15. Summer House
By Brian Moylan
Season 8, Episode 15: What made this ending extraordinary was that it wasn’t focused on the conflict, nor on what we already expected, but rather on an unexpected miracle that brought the women in this household together. This episode was about understanding, about being a family, about loving someone during hard times more than disliking them for trivial reasons. It also left me a bit frustrated because it seemed like the cameras missed capturing the whole crew’s trip to Mexico for Lindsay’s supposed wedding festivities. I wished they had gone all out, like in “Sex and the City”, with Ciara having an affair with a hotel staff member, Gabby getting into trouble after refusing to drink the Mexican water, or whatever mischief Charlotte might have gotten into. Instead of reading the recaps, you can imagine it as if they were living their own reality TV soap opera.
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14. The Boys
By Ben Rosenstock
In the eighth episode of Season 4, the season concludes in a disorganized yet captivating manner. The finale presents an image of America that bears striking resemblance to the blueprint outlined in Project 2025. At this stage in the series, the satire may not pack as strong a punch as it did initially, but the portrayal of dystopia in The Boys remains distressingly relatable. To catch up on the details, don’t forget to read the recaps.
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➼ Bonus recap! Don’t miss Keith Phipps’s weekly ranking of The Boys’s grossest behavior.
13. Love Is Blind
By Jennifer Zhan
Week 2 of Season 6 (episodes 7-9): Since the beginning, Laura has consistently stressed the importance of cleanliness to her. However, Jeramey’s meticulously organized space, which sports a witty “More espresso, less depresso” sign, seems more like a crime scene to Laura, leaving room for discussion on another matter. Specifically, Sarah Ann, who privately messaged Jeramey expressing her desire to meet him if the opportunity ever arises, as his preferences might change. This bold move doesn’t sit well with Laura, especially when she notices Jeramey liked the message. She voices her concerns during family visits, but it appears that most of the family sympathize more with Jeramey. In general, they seem relieved that he can tolerate Laura’s… unconventional character traits. Check out the recaps ➼
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12. The Real Housewives of Orange County
By Brian Moylan
Season 18, Episode 1
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11. The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
By Tom Smyth and Sarah Hagi
For her exceptional investigation work and creating an unforgettable moment of revelation, Heather Gay deserves several accolades: an Honorary Primetime Emmy, a Peabody, the J.D. Power Associates Award, the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a CFDA award, Elle’s Women in Hollywood Icon honor, and even the Nobel Peace Prize. Catch up on the recaps to learn more.
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10. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
By Brian Moylan
In our last chat, we delve into an intense discussion, and it doesn’t get any more intense than this one between Garcelle and Dorit. Picture this: a fashion face-off with Dorit in her Yale prep style (a sweater over a colorful shirt) and Garcelle radiating editor chic (a white winter cape over a stylish black-and-white patterned top). If you’re going to have an uncomfortable conversation, might as well look fabulous doing it. The silence between them was deafening; it was more than just crickets; it was a swarm of locusts. You could slice the tension with a designer knife set. By all means, read the recaps for further details.
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9. Industry
By Nina Li Coomes
In Episode 8 of Season 3, Eric delivers a monologue that resonates deeply with the traders, although it seems more like a soliloquy. He’s grappling with the aftermath of a midlife crisis, as the institution he’s devoted his career to was on the brink of collapse. Ken Leung gives a powerful performance in this scene, expressing ideas that I might find philosophically questionable yet still compelling enough to nod in agreement and utter, “Amen.” The traders echo his sentiments, finding solace in Eric’s words, which help them navigate through turbulent times. However, Eric appears dazed and puzzled in the empty amphitheater once his speech concludes. This scene encourages viewers to read the recaps for a more detailed understanding.
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8. Fallout
By Jack King
In this opening episode of Season 1, the climactic scene is saved for last – meet the Ghoul, or Walton Goggins’ character nicknamed “Ghoulgins” for a chuckle. Picture a decaying version of him in a cowboy hat, minus a nose, with a menacing twitchy trigger finger and a knack for scowling reminiscent of Eastwood. This Ghoul was buried alive by someone he had crossed, only to be dug out by a group of bounty hunters who need his help in finding an Enclave escapee, whose head has a high-retirement value on it. He adds some dramatic flair, executes a man, and instantly claims the prize. To get more details, check out the recaps.
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7. Vanderpump Rules
By Brian Moylan
In Episode 15 of Season 11, it seems that Ariana prioritizes her real life while Sandoval focuses on the show. Finding a balance between their true lives and television antics might be the solution for these reality TV experts. It’s not about disregarding personal boundaries entirely as Lala suggests, nor is it about prioritizing life choices solely based on what’s best for oneself, as Katie implies. Instead, it’s about striking a balance. However, achieving this equilibrium in an ideal world where everyone premeditates and plans their actions isn’t always feasible when it comes to reality TV. The messy nature of the genre revolves around people dealing with their most challenging moments under public scrutiny while we watch, critique, and analyze as if those events unfolded in an emotionless, ideal world.
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6. Saturday Night Live
By Joe Berkowitz
In the 50th season, episode 2, Bargatze makes another triumphant entrance, leaving one to wonder if he was taken aback that a solitary past appearance might have catapulted him to the John Mulaney-tier of annual hosting, despite lacking any specific promotions. Interestingly, Bargatze’s greatest strength lies in his enigmatic demeanor, making it challenging to discern his true feelings beneath his unyielding facade. It’s intriguing to question if he’s anxious, amused by himself, or simply having a grand old time – we may never know for sure. Don’t miss the recaps!
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5. Bridgerton
By Maggie Fremont
In the heart of Season 3, Episode 8, I found myself gracing the Bridgerton drawing room for Francesca and John’s enchanting wedding ceremony. The words from John Stirling, president of the Wainscoting Fan Club, about Violet Bridgerton during his toast left me with tears in my eyes, wondering where he got the audacity to make such heartfelt remarks. Yet, despite their longstanding kindness and hospitality, I couldn’t bring myself to disrupt their peaceful family life. It was a struggle I had to overcome, but ultimately, they remained untouched by any mischief from my side.
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4. The Bear
By Marah Eakin
In Season 3, Episode 1, Carmy’s extensive culinary journey has led him to his current state of insomnia following a family and friends gathering, and it appears he’s working on a fresh menu. This pace is problematic for diners and suggests Carmy is struggling. Despite The Bear just opening its doors, Carmy is already planning the next phase. His ambition for a Michelin star is evident, even though they’re still grappling with service issues. While it’s possible that successful, innovative restaurants might consider these goals from the start, ideally, they are managed by well-rested teams not burdened by debt or personal emotional turmoil. (It’s not only Carmy who seems to be dealing with such challenges.) To understand more about this, I recommend reading the recaps.
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3. True Detective: Night Country
By Amanda Whiting
Season 4, Episode 1 – The Enigma Unveiled
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2. House of the Dragon
By Amanda Whiting
In Season 2, Episode 8 of House of the Dragon, war is much like a distant horizon – no matter how many times or ways you try to reach it, it always seems to recede. At this stage, I find myself eager for conflict instead of sympathizing with Alicent’s desperate plea for peace. Let the innocent suffer! Sink the newly renamed “Queen Who Never Was”! The main issue with this series is that it frequently pulls back when it should advance, saving ‘story’ for a supposed future while assuming we’ll keep watching. It’s afraid of running out of steam, which is ironic for a show that portrays its characters as reckless and impulsive. We already know the Targaryen tapestry, depicted in the opening credits, will eventually be torn and frayed, with the family and their dragons spiraling towards extinction. At some point, they need to actually show us this unfolding instead of hinting at it. To read a summary of the events in each episode, you can always check the recaps.
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➼ Bonus recap! Don’t miss Brian Grubb’s weekly House of the Dragon scorecard.
1. Shōgun
By Jesse Raub and Keith Phipps
In “Season 1, Episode 10” titled “A Dream of a Dream”, the episode can be interpreted in two ways. To some, it might appear as a build-up to an underwhelming climax, hinting at the upcoming battle that will establish Toranaga’s power. However, from another perspective, and this is likely how many viewers who have followed the series will perceive it, it serves as the concluding episode that focuses more on character development and the broader narrative of nation-building, rather than on excessive sword-fighting scenes (although “Shogun” has had its fair share of such action). If you’d like to get a better understanding of the episode, I recommend reading the recaps.
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2024-12-18 20:55