Binge-watching network television and streaming platforms kept us glued to the screen all year. Jerrod Carmichael revolutionized the reality TV format with the edgy "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show"; "The Madness" threw viewers into a mystery loop, and "Fight Night" had us laughing and gasping at its depiction of relentless 1970s organized crime. A few top picks, like "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," and "Abbott Elementary," even scored Golden Globe nominations. Yet, accolades or not, these shows captivated audiences and prompted introspection.

If you missed out in 2024—or kept your viewing options limited—here are ten standout shows you can binge into the new year.

"Cross"

Aldis Hodge delivers a compelling portrayal of Alex Cross, the iconic James Patterson character, in Amazon Prime Video's "Cross." After the murder of his wife Maria (Chaunteé Schuler), Cross, a forensic psychologist and D.C.-based detective, dives back into work when tensions arise between the police and a local Black Lives Matter chapter. With season two on the horizon, the inaugural season set a high bar, expanding the representation of Black characters in crime thrillers.

"Abbott Elementary"

Janine Teagues (Quinta Brunson) and Gregory Eddie (Tyler James Williams) finally take their relationship to the next level in the latest season of "Abbott Elementary." Of course, this doesn’t shock fellow educators Barbara Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph), Melissa Schemmenti (Lisa Ann Walter), Jacob Hill (Chris Perfetti), and principal Ava Coleman (Janelle James). As in previous seasons, the mockumentary sitcom continues to deliver laughs while landing meaningful life lessons.

"Sistas"

BET’s hit drama "Sistas" continues to shine with its blend of heartfelt friendship and steamy romantic entanglements. The series follows five best friends—Andi (KJ Smith), Karen (Ebony Obsidian), Danni (Mignon Von), Sabrina (Novi Brown), and Fatima (Crystal Renee Hayslett)—as they navigate their professional and personal lives. In its latest season, the group faces shocking betrayals, career shifts, and defining moments in their love lives, keeping audiences hooked every Wednesday night.

"Diarra from Detroit"

BET+'s "Diarra from Detroit" brings a fresh comedic perspective and crime mystery wrapped in one. Starring Diarra Kilpatrick, the series blends humor and social commentary as it explores themes of family, friendship, and identity in the Motor City. With its sharp writing and relatable lead, "Diarra from Detroit" proves to be one of 2024’s hidden gems.

"The Madness"

The stakes are high for Muncie Daniels (Colman Domingo) in Netflix's conspiracy crime thriller "The Madness," as he struggles to survive after discovering a brutally murdered neighbor in the isolated Pocono Mountains. In a shocking twist, the neighbor, Mark Simon (Tahmoh Penikett), is a white supremacist known as ‘Brother 14.’ Framed for the murder due to his father’s alleged criminal history, Daniels relies on his family and confidants to help resolve the case. "The Madness" is a heart-pounding thriller, and anything starring Domingo is a must-watch.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith"

When you think of the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" franchise, balancing international spy missions, humor, existentialism, and romance might not come to mind—but Donald Glover and Maya Erskine pull it off seamlessly as John and Jane Smith in this Amazon Prime Video series. Their adventures are as challenging as marriage itself, but for this duo, it’s ride or die.

"How to Die Alone"

Natasha Rothwell, known for her comic relief on HBO's "Insecure," steps into the spotlight in Hulu's "How to Die Alone." She stars as Mel, a down-on-her-luck JFK Airport worker reeling from a breakup with her coworker Alex (Jocko Sims), who’s now engaged. Determined to support Alex—and maybe win him back—Mel discovers her purpose after a near-death experience grants her a second chance at life.

"Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show"

Whether you found "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show" uncomfortable or compelling, it was impossible to look away. In this HBO documentary series, the comedian faces raw encounters with loved ones, from a best friend overstaying his welcome to a father unwilling to discuss his infidelity. The series offers a vulnerable look at Carmichael, stripping away the punchlines to reveal the man behind the humor.

"Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist"

Peacock’s limited series "Fight Night" boasts an all-star cast led by Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Taraji P. Henson, and Samuel L. Jackson. The show dramatizes a home robbery following the 1970 Muhammad Ali vs. Jerry Quarry fight in Atlanta. Blending comedy, crime, and drama with standout performances—especially from Hart, Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey—"Fight Night" masterfully pays homage to 1970s Black entertainment.

"Reasonable Doubt"

Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi) faces personal and professional turmoil in the second season of Hulu's "Reasonable Doubt." Grieving a former lover's death, she tries to reconcile with her estranged husband, Lewis (McKinley Freeman), who’s caught in an affair. Jax also defends her best friend, Shanelle (Shannon Kane), in a high-stakes murder case that tests her friendships, marriage, and mental health. It’s no surprise the show was renewed for a third season.

"Genius: MLK/X"

Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Aaron Pierre deliver magnetic performances as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X in National Geographic’s "Genius: MLK/X." Though they share the screen only once, their portrayals of the leaders' origins, marriages, and Civil Rights struggles leave a lasting impression. Weruche Opia (Coretta Scott King) and Jayme Lawson (Betty Shabazz) also shine, nearly stealing the spotlight from their male counterparts.