We’re cruising to the end of 2024 and as we do, I’m looking back at some of my favorite films and performances from the year. As well as a few of my least favorite. Each day between now and January 9 look for another installment in a different category. Let’s ring out 2024 by looking back on some of the best and worst of the year!

Today, it’s my favorite TV Episodes.

No. 10: “Bat Mitzvah Crashers,” Episode 1.10 Nobody Wants This, Season 1
About: I loved this series and the back-and-forth between Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. This finale brought all the stories to a head with the backdrop of a party. It was funny, engaging, and ultimately satisfying. Bring on season two!

No. 9: “Death’s Hand in Mine,” Episode 1.07 Agatha All Along
About: I didn’t think the series as a whole finished strong, but this episode near the end was a standout of the year. It puts the focus on Patti LuPone’s character, and she shines here. This was beautifully conceived and brilliantly executed.

No. 8: “Cent’Anni,” Episode 1.04 The Penguin
About: Another show where I didn’t love the arc of the whole season. But this fourth episode, focusing on Cristin Milioti’s Sofia Falcone was a chef’s kiss. It was brilliantly done.

No. 7: “Bisquik,” Episode 1.10 Fargo, Season 5
About: I really enjoyed the fifth season of this anthology, most of which aired in late 2023. But the final episodes dropped just into January, and this finale really stuck with me. It was beautiful and allowed Juno Temple to shine.

No. 6: “Napkins,” Episode 3.06 The Bear, Season 3
About: The third season of The Bear brought plenty of highs. One was this flashback episode, an annual rite-of-passage for the show. Ayo Edebiri steps behind the camera and is brilliant. This puts the focus on Tina, and Liza Colon-Zayas is brilliant. This is also my favorite Jon Bernthal performance in the series.

No. 5: “The Red Dragon and The Gold,” Episode 2.04 House of the Dragon, Season 2
About: When we think of Game of Thrones, we think of big, action set pieces. This really delivered. It’s an epic dragon battle that is a showcase for Eve Best. It’s a heart-breaking finish, but what a thrilling ride.

No. 4: “The Last Thanksgiving,” Episode 2.12 Shrinking, Season 2
About: The first of two Shrinking episodes to make the list, this was the beautiful second season finale. Harrison Ford is dynamic here, but I defy you to find me anyone that wasn’t a puddle in those closing moments with Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel.

No. 3: “In A Lonely Place,” Episode 2.06 Shrinking, Season 2
About: The second of the episodes from the season, this one captures what works so well about the show. It was one of the funniest episodes I saw all year. It also had a huge, emotional gut-punch at the end that left me in tears. Simple outstanding.

No. 2: “Crimson Sky,” Episode 1.09, Shogun, Season 1
About: This was the penultimate episode, and a moment we’d been building up to all season. This was how the conflict was resolved. Not with an epic battle, but with a beautiful sacrifice. It’s a showcase for star Anna Sawai

No. 1: “Tomorrow,” Episode 3.01 The Bear, Season 3
About: If I’m on an island here, so be it. This third season premier was some of the most daring filmmaking I saw all year. It was beautiful and deeply emotional, a showcase for the talent of everyone involved. It was simply the finest episode I saw all year.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.