The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Best TV of 2024" – Detailed Summary
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: John Podhoretz
Participants: John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Christine Rosen (Media Commentary Columnist), Seth Mandel (Senior Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist)
Introduction
In this holiday edition of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz and his panel of esteemed colleagues delve into their top television and streaming picks for 2024. Acknowledging the shift from traditional movie-going to binge-watching serial content, the discussion centers around standout shows that have captivated audiences this year.
Abe Greenwald’s Recommendation: Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet
Timestamp: 03:09
Abe Greenwald opens the discussion with a surprising choice:
“I'm going to open with a curveball. Because my TV tastes are strange and fluid, I am somehow unable to watch scripted TV for any length of time anymore... I have recently found a non-scripted show on Animal Planet called Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet. I love this show.”
Overview: Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet follows Dr. Jeff Young, a compassionate veterinarian, as he treats a variety of animals, from household pets to exotic wildlife. The show is lauded for its heartwarming narratives and medically intriguing cases.
Notable Highlights:
- Emotional Engagement: The panelist emphasizes the show’s ability to connect viewers emotionally through the genuine care shown by Dr. Jeff and his team.
- Educational Value: The series offers insights into veterinary medicine without being overly technical, making it accessible and informative.
“It covers their whole team. Each episode... people bring in their adorable animals. You're immediately sucked in because your heart goes out because the dog is throwing up or the cat is limping.”
— Abe Greenwald [05:48]
Unique Appeal: Greenwald appreciates the non-political, uplifting nature of the show, providing a respite from more contentious programming.
Seth Mandel’s Recommendations: Slow Horses and Hacks
Timestamp: 07:15
Seth Mandel presents two favorites, refusing to limit himself to a single pick:
-
Slow Horses
“I have a Gary Oldman obsession. Truly. I've seen everything he's ever been in... In this most recent season, although he's a little less front and center, he's still the sort of moral core of the show, which is just really well done.”
— Seth Mandel [07:10]Overview: Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman, is a spy thriller that blends intense plotlines with deep character development. Despite occasional over-the-top scenarios, the series maintains a gripping narrative.
-
Hacks
“Hacks, my other favorite show, with Jean Smart playing a sort of aging comedian who reinvents herself with the help of a young and quirky writer. It's still well done... a portrait of the excess of Las Vegas and LA.”
— Seth Mandel [08:26]Overview: Hacks features Jean Smart as an aging comedian navigating her career resurgence with the assistance of a young writer. The show is praised for its rich character arcs and vibrant settings.
Critical Acclaim: Both shows are celebrated for their stellar performances, particularly Gary Oldman’s in Slow Horses and Jean Smart’s in Hacks, as well as their ability to balance drama and humor effectively.
Christine Rosen’s Recommendation: Black Doves
Timestamp: 13:13
Christine Rosen selects Black Doves, a highly acclaimed Netflix spy series:
“It is as good as the reviews all say it is. This was a very pleasant surprise... Keira Knightley is the protagonist... Ben Whishaw is phenomenally good.”
— Christine Rosen [13:11]
Overview: Black Doves centers on a group of mercenary spies led by Keira Knightley’s character. The series is noted for its original screenplay, avoiding adaptations of existing spy novels, which contributes to its fresh narrative approach.
Key Attributes:
- Originality: The show’s original storyline sets it apart from many adaptations in the genre.
- Strong Performances: Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw deliver compelling performances, with Whishaw’s role as a morally complex trigger man receiving particular praise.
- Balanced Storytelling: Avoiding political clichés, the series maintains a focus on character development and intricate plot mechanics without devolving into propaganda.
“It has room to breathe. This is six episodes. So it doesn't go on too long... They just stuck the landing.”
— Christine Rosen [16:01]
Critical Perspective: Rosen commends Black Doves for its tight storytelling and refusal to succumb to predictable political narratives, making it a standout spy miniseries of the year.
Matthew Continetti’s Recommendations: Shogun and What We Do in the Shadows
Timestamp: 18:43
Matthew Continetti offers two diverse picks:
-
Shogun
“It won the most Emmy awards, I think in history... just an incredible production from the writing to the cinematography.”
— Matthew Continetti [18:43]Overview: Shogun on FX Hulu captivates with its epic storytelling and high production values, earning numerous Emmy accolades. The show is commended for its authentic portrayal of complex narratives and superior technical execution.
-
What We Do in the Shadows
“What We Do in the Shadows is ending and we're now in the final season... hysterical. It is laugh out loud funny.”
— Matthew Continetti [20:21]Overview: This adaptation follows the lives of modern-day vampires cohabiting in Staten Island, blending horror elements with sharp, improvisational comedy. The final season is highlighted for its sustained humor and creative storytelling.
Humor and Innovation: What We Do in the Shadows stands out for its improvisational style and fresh take on vampire lore, providing both laughs and engaging character dynamics.
“The energy vampires can go out during the day and can eat human food... They drain your social energy. The way in which Prokash plays it is just unendingly, unendingly funny.”
— Matthew Continetti [21:56]
Endorsement: Continetti enthusiastically recommends both shows for their unique contributions to their respective genres, emphasizing What We Do in the Shadows as a consistently funny and innovative series.
John Podhoretz’s Recommendation: Landman
Timestamp: 13:13
John Podhoretz concludes the panel’s recommendations with Landman on Paramount:
“Landman is the best thing that he's done, aside from his screenplay to the magnificent bank robbery movie Hell or High Water... it is sensationally good.”
— John Podhoretz [21:35]
Overview: Landman, created by Taylor Sheridan, follows Tommy the Landman (Billy Bob Thornton), a project manager in the perilous oil industry of Midland, Texas. The series delves into the intricate dynamics between oil companies, federal regulations, and Mexican drug cartels, all while exploring Tommy’s tumultuous personal life.
Distinctive Features:
- Authentic Portrayal: The show offers a realistic depiction of the oil industry, highlighting its dangers and complex relationships with governmental and criminal entities.
- Stellar Performance: Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of Tommy the Landman is hailed as one of the finest television performances of the year.
- Compelling Storylines: The series balances intense professional conflicts with rich personal narratives, making it a multifaceted viewing experience.
Connection to Current Articles: Podhoretz ties in the podcast’s January cover story on landmines, showcasing Landman's relevance and depth in exploring critical industry issues.
Conclusion & Recap
The panel wraps up with a comprehensive recap of their top TV and streaming picks for 2024:
- Abe Greenwald: Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet (Animal Planet)
- Seth Mandel: Slow Horses (Gary Oldman) and Hacks (Jean Smart)
- Christine Rosen: Black Doves (Netflix)
- Matthew Continetti: Shogun (FX Hulu) and What We Do in the Shadows (FX Hulu)
- John Podhoretz: Landman (Paramount)
Each recommendation highlights diverse genres and platforms, reflecting the panel’s varied tastes and the expansive quality of contemporary television.
“So Those are our recommendations for your viewing pleasure during this holiday season.”
— John Podhoretz [27:05]
Final Thoughts: The episode serves as a valuable guide for viewers seeking quality content across different genres and streaming services, encapsulating the essence of 2024’s best in television.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and recommendations from The Commentary Magazine Podcast’s "Best TV of 2024" episode, providing insightful overviews and notable quotes to guide listeners and readers in exploring top-tier television content.