It's television's most inventive sector, and every month we await new productions or the next seasons of the shows that have us hooked. TV shows continue to attract an ever-growing audience while fostering creativity; they break down barriers between the small and big screen, as renowned filmmakers get involved in directing serialized narratives. This was once again the case in 2024, which offered fans and critics alike plenty to feast on.

Perhaps it was one of the effects of the Hollywood writers' strike in 2023, or maybe it was a sign of newfound caution in an industry grappling with the uncertain returns of widespread "platformization." Either way, 2024 initially seemed like a very average year, until a handful of titles released in the fall turned things around. Among them, the explosive La Mesias swept away everything in its path.

The third series by the creators of Veneno, Spanish filmmakers Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo, this gritty yet dazzling tale of a childhood shattered by religious fanaticism and maternal cruelty easily found its way into the year-end charts. Its success lies in its effortless blending of genres and references, as well as its bold formal ambition.

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