The Best Cinematic Show of the Year: A Look at the Top Contenders
Vote for the Best Cinematic Show of The Year - Critic House Honors
Television has always been a cornerstone of entertainment, but 2024 has proven to be a groundbreaking year for cinematic storytelling on the small screen. As audiences increasingly demand high-quality narratives, captivating performances, and stunning visuals, shows are delivering with a film-like grandeur that rivals even blockbuster cinema.
This year, the Best Cinematic Show of the Year category has captured attention with its diverse range of nominees. From dystopian dramas to dark comedies and gripping crime stories, each of these nominees has left an indelible mark on both critics and viewers.
Let’s dive into the nominations:
1. Silo (Apple TV+)
Apple TV+ has consistently raised the bar for prestige television, and Silo is no exception. Based on Hugh Howey's dystopian Wool novels, this gripping sci-fi drama immerses viewers in a post-apocalyptic world where the last remnants of humanity reside in a giant underground silo.
The series stars Rebecca Ferguson as Juliette Nichols, a determined engineer who uncovers shocking secrets about the silo’s leadership and the world beyond its confines. With stunning visuals, immersive set design, and impeccable performances, Silo stands out as a masterclass in cinematic television.
What makes Silo remarkable is its ability to create tension through both storytelling and visual storytelling. The claustrophobic underground sets are meticulously crafted, reflecting the characters’ suffocating existence while offering glimpses of beauty in a world that feels lost. Critics and fans alike have praised the show for its layered narrative and exceptional production value, making it a strong contender for the top honor.
2. The Vince Staples Show (Netflix)
Netflix’s The Vince Staples Show brings a refreshing twist to the genre with its mix of humor, grit, and authenticity. Starring rapper Vince Staples as a fictionalized version of himself, the series blends comedy and real-world commentary to deliver an offbeat yet thought-provoking experience.
In a landscape often dominated by high-stakes drama, The Vince Staples Show stands out for its unique, short-format episodes and sharp direction. The series cleverly plays with elements of surrealism while remaining deeply personal. Vince’s natural charisma and comedic timing allow him to seamlessly carry the show, balancing absurd situations with moments of surprising vulnerability.
Visually, the series embraces a stylistic flair that reflects Vince’s artistic vision, ensuring each scene feels purposeful and cinematic. From its witty dialogue to its bold visual storytelling, The Vince Staples Show redefines what a comedy series can achieve.
3. The Madness (Netflix)
For fans of dark thrillers, The Madness has emerged as one of the year’s most compelling series. This intense drama follows a man (played by Colman Domingo) on the run after becoming embroiled in a shocking conspiracy. With themes of paranoia, survival, and the search for truth, The Madness keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
What sets this show apart is its atmospheric tone and slick visual direction. From shadowy cityscapes to tense chase sequences, every frame feels meticulously composed to heighten the viewer’s sense of unease. Colman Domingo’s powerhouse performance anchors the series, delivering raw emotion and complexity that elevate the story.
The series also shines in its exploration of societal and institutional corruption, weaving in real-world themes that resonate beyond the screen. For fans of shows like Breaking Bad and True Detective, The Madness delivers a thrilling, cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
4. Diarra From Detroit (BET+)
BET+ delivers one of its most standout series yet with Diarra From Detroit, a dramedy that combines humor, mystery, and a strong sense of place. The show follows Diarra, a teacher navigating the ups and downs of life in Detroit while becoming entangled in a personal investigation that unearths surprising truths.
At its core, Diarra From Detroit is driven by its strong lead performance and sharp writing. Diarra Kilpatrick, who stars in and co-created the series, brings charm, wit, and authenticity to the role. Her ability to balance comedy with moments of genuine emotional weight makes the character deeply relatable.
Cinematically, the show celebrates Detroit with visually rich storytelling, capturing both the beauty and complexity of the city. Its urban landscapes, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong cultural influences serve as a dynamic backdrop, making the setting feel like a character itself.
With its unique voice and style, Diarra From Detroit has won over audiences looking for a blend of heartfelt storytelling and sharp humor.
5. Joan (The CW)
The CW’s Joan is a stylish, character-driven series that tells the gripping true story of Joan Hannington, an infamous British jewel thief from the 1980s. Sophie Turner delivers a career-defining performance as Joan, portraying her as both a hardened criminal and a fiercely devoted mother.
What sets Joan apart is its ability to humanize a complex antihero while embracing its period setting. The show’s 1980s aesthetic is brought to life with retro fashion, moody cinematography, and a nostalgic yet gritty visual style. Each episode feels like a self-contained heist movie, complete with tension-filled sequences and carefully crafted character moments.
In addition to its striking visuals, Joan explores themes of family, identity, and survival, providing depth to a story that could otherwise be purely sensational. The CW, known for its younger-skewing content, surprises with this more mature, cinematic offering, demonstrating its range as a network.
6. Outer Banks (Netflix)
Outer Banks continues to dominate as a fan-favorite series, blending adventure, romance, and mystery with cinematic flair. Set against the stunning backdrop of North Carolina’s coastal landscape, the show follows a group of teens, known as the Pogues, as they embark on treasure hunts, face dangerous enemies, and navigate personal relationships.
Visually, Outer Banks is a standout. The show’s sweeping shots of coastal waters, sun-drenched beaches, and high-octane action sequences create a sense of epic scale that feels tailor-made for the big screen. Its youthful energy and relentless pacing make it an addictive viewing experience.
Beyond its visuals, the show has resonated with audiences for its themes of loyalty, class struggles, and friendship. The charismatic ensemble cast, led by Chase Stokes and Madelyn Cline, continues to captivate viewers, ensuring Outer Banks remains a cultural phenomenon.
7. Griselda (Netflix)
Netflix’s Griselda rounds out the list of nominees with its gripping, true-crime narrative centered on Griselda Blanco, the notorious Colombian drug lord. Sofia Vergara delivers a transformative performance as the titular character, showcasing a darker, more nuanced side of her acting range.
From its opening moments, Griselda feels cinematic in both tone and execution. The series embraces its crime drama roots, with lavish sets, meticulously recreated 1970s and 1980s aesthetics, and a pulse-pounding narrative that doesn’t shy away from the brutality of Blanco’s empire. The show’s attention to detail, from costume design to period-accurate visuals, adds a layer of authenticity that sets it apart.
What makes Griselda especially compelling is its exploration of power dynamics, gender, and ambition. As a female drug lord in a male-dominated underworld, Griselda’s story is both harrowing and fascinating, offering a fresh perspective within the crime genre.
The nominees for the Best Cinematic Show of the Year each bring something unique to the table, whether it’s a gripping narrative, innovative direction, or breathtaking visuals. Together, they showcase the evolution of television into an art form that is every bit as ambitious and visually arresting as modern cinema.
From dystopian mysteries (Silo) to dark comedies (The Vince Staples Show) and intense character dramas (Griselda and Joan), this year’s lineup reflects the diversity of stories that resonate with global audiences. Whether exploring complex themes of survival, power, or identity, these shows push boundaries and redefine what television can achieve.
As technology advances and streaming platforms continue to invest in bold storytelling, the line between film and television has never been blurrier. Shows like Silo and The Madness exemplify this shift, delivering immersive visuals and storytelling that demand attention on a grand scale. Meanwhile, series like The Vince Staples Show and Diarra From Detroit highlight the power of unique voices and perspectives in redefining genres.
The Best Cinematic Show of the Year category is not just a celebration of great television—it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of entertainment. As audiences eagerly await the winner, one thing is certain: these nominees have already raised the bar, leaving an indelible mark on the medium.
The Best Cinematic Show of the Year
This category celebrates the most outstanding cinematic masterpiece that captivated audiences with its exceptional storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances. From compelling narratives to innovative direction and stunning production design, this award honors the show that delivered an unforgettable, movie-like experience. Whether it’s through emotional depth, technical brilliance, or immersive world-building, this title represents the pinnacle of cinematic artistry and entertainment.
Nominees in this category have set new standards, blending the best of television and film to create stories that resonate and leave a lasting impact on viewers.
A wonderful list