People had high expectations for the upcoming and returning TV shows of 2024, but many were left disappointed as these series failed to deliver on their promises.
From beloved shows that ultimately lost their spark to new releases that fell flat, several offerings felt like letdowns, leaving viewers frustrated and unfulfilled.
As we reflect on the year, here are the ten biggest TV disappointments of 2024 and the reasons behind their shortcomings.
1. The Bear Season 3
There’s no denying that The Bear is one of the finest shows on TV today, but its third season felt like a letdown for many viewers.
While it maintained its excellence with complex, chaotic, and uplifting storytelling—showcasing Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his team navigating the challenges of running a fine-dining restaurant while confronting their personal issues—the season left audiences questioning many aspects, making it feel weaker than the first two seasons.
Critics noted that it struggled to maintain momentum, lacking significant plot development and character arcs, which made The Bear Season 3 feel half-finished and wasted its talented cast.
Instead of delivering a cohesive narrative, the season drifted through repetitive episodes and tedious montages, resulting in dissatisfaction among viewers who craved more substantial storytelling after the previous highs.
2. Ripley
True enough, Netflix’s Ripley is visually stunning, with some critics calling it a masterclass in tension, intrigue, and psychological depth.
However, while it is praised for its cinematography and Andrew Scott’s remarkable performance as the titular character, many viewers felt it failed to capture the essence of Patricia Highsmith’s original 1955 crime novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Fans criticized the portrayal of Ripley as a con man who doesn’t seem particularly clever or skilled at his craft, especially as he attempts to convince shipbuilding magnate Herbert Greenleaf’s (Kenneth Lonergan) son, Dickie (Johnny Flynn), to return to New York.
The series feels more sinister and stilted than its predecessors, making it arduous rather than enticing. Its tedious pacing and thin characterization ultimately left fans disappointed.
3. The Acolyte
The Acolyte may have been one of the most talked-about TV shows of the year, but not for the right reasons.
While it presented a promising premise exploring the late High Republic era, many viewers felt it fell short in execution, lacking the cameos and action sequences that some fans have come to expect.
Also, although it delivered some of the best lightsaber action seen in recent years, critics described the storytelling as often convoluted and frustrating. Some even labeled the writing and acting as “awful” and “dreadful.”
This inconsistency led to disappointment among fans who hoped to see something as compelling as The Mandalorian or Andor from the Star Wars universe.
Unsurprisingly, the show is canceled after just one season, ending in a major cliffhanger.
4. The Regime
A follow-up to Kate Winslet’s Mare of Easttown, The Regime was highly anticipated by fans of the HBO series but ultimately deemed irritating and unoriginal.
The show follows Chancellor Elena Vernham (Winslet), a paranoid and unstable leader of a Central European country, as she navigates the complexities of her authoritarian rule while becoming increasingly dependent on her volatile bodyguard, Corporal Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts). This dependency leads to a tumultuous and toxic relationship that jeopardizes her regime.
Critics noted that the awkward blend of slapstick comedy with serious themes undermined its potential to contribute meaningfully to discussions about totalitarianism. Others described it as a satire lacking bite and a comedy devoid of genuine humor.
Dubbed overly dramatic, The Regime was criticized for failing to deliver on its thematic promises, leaving viewers disappointed.
5. Dune: Prophecy
Dune and Dune: Part Two are easily the best movies of their years, making their prequel series, Dune: Prophecy, generating significant anticipation among fans of the franchise.
However, it ultimately fell short of achieving the same acclaim as its cinematic predecessors.
Set 10,000 years prior to the events depicted in the films, Prophecy delves into the origins of the Bene Gesserit, an influential all-female order.
Despite sharing the high production values characteristic of the movies, many viewers found that the series struggled with pacing and coherence, leading to a disjointed viewing experience throughout its first season.
6. House of the Dragon Season 2
There were high expectations for House of the Dragon Season 2, as the tension escalated between Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and her supporters, who prepared for war against Aegon II (Ty Tennant) and his faction. This conflict leads to complex alliances and betrayals that threaten to reshape Westeros.
While the season has been praised for its visual splendor and strong performances, it has also faced criticism for its slow pacing, lack of significant plot progression, and an abundance of storylines that yield minimal payoff, leaving many viewers disappointed.
Complaints have arisen regarding the lack of action; the season predominantly focuses on political maneuvering and character development, with insufficient large-scale battles or dragon fights as anticipated.
Although the drawn-out narrative builds considerable tension, House of the Dragon Season 2 ultimately fails to deliver a major climax.
7. The Boys Season 4
The Boys may be one of the most popular TV shows today, but Season 4 has received mixed reviews.
While some viewers praised the finale for its excitement and strong storytelling, others criticized the season as a whole, describing it as mediocre and lacking momentum.
Supporters of the finale appreciated its thrilling conclusion, attributing its success to effective storytelling and a more engaging second half. In contrast, critics felt that the fourth season spun its wheels with heavy-handed political themes and diminishing shock value.
However, some argue that The Boys Season 4 serves primarily as a setup for the anticipated fifth season, with early episodes rich in character moments and plot development. Despite its flaws, the season's finale introduced compelling developments that left audiences eager for what lies ahead.
8. Arcane Season 2
While Arcane Season 2 showcases some of the best animation on television, it cannot be denied that it features a significant downgrade from the first season.
The narrative appears to compress several seasons' worth of storylines into just one, resulting in a rushed feel characterized by awkward transitions and time jumps. This compression even leaves many subplots underdeveloped.
Despite its stunning animation and compelling characters, the season ultimately falls short of expectations, disappointing fans who anticipated a perfect TV masterpiece.
The pacing felt frantic, and while the visuals remained top-notch, the storytelling lacked the depth and satisfaction that viewers hoped for.
Overall, while Arcane Season 2 has its merits, it feels like a missed opportunity to realize the full potential of this beloved series.
9. The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira) finally reunite in The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. While many dedicated fans of the franchise appreciate this moment, others criticize the series as a whole, deeming it lackluster from start to finish.
The reunion scene, in particular, has been described as one of the most awkward conclusions on television. The interaction between Rick, Michonne, and their children comes off as ludicrously bad.
Despite the excitement surrounding their long-awaited reunion, the execution left much to be desired.
Critics argue that the buildup felt forced and that the awkwardness undermined the emotional weight of the moment.
Many viewers expected a more impactful and satisfying conclusion after years of separation but instead found themselves disappointed by what could have been a powerful culmination of their journey.
10. True Detective: Night Country
True Detective: Night Country may not be the worst show viewers have encountered, but its acting and writing have been criticized as “disqualifying it from being good.”
Although creator Issa Lopez included numerous Easter eggs and nostalgic references to keep the series relevant, many believe it lacks the elements that made the previous seasons so compelling.
While the season presents a creepy concept and an intriguing setting, viewers have complained that the characters often fail to react authentically to the events unfolding around them.
Additionally, the direction and cinematography seem to underutilize the atmospheric backdrop, diminishing its potential impact.
Overall, despite its promising premise and some strong performances, Night Country has left fans feeling disappointed, as it falls short of expectations for what could have been a remarkable addition to the True Detective legacy.
The disappointments surrounding these shows arose from unmet expectations and fans' high hopes, which ultimately led to significant letdowns. When the execution failed to align with these lofty anticipations, the series fell short of success.