Find yourself in a heated debate with friends and family over which show truly deserved an award, or arguing about, quote, “One of the greatest shows of all time”?
Look no further; we’ve got our top picks right here! From classroom blues to kitchen conflicts, find your top critically acclaimed shows, only on Disney+ Hotstar.
Shōgun
Shōgun is what we’d call, ‘lightning in a bottle’. Rated as one of the best shows of the year and an epic depiction of feudal Japan, Shōgun quickly became a fan favourite, especially for those who love historical dramas with themes of fate and destiny.
To add another layer of realism and cultural accuracy, the writers ensured everything behind the scenes was precise and period-accurate, working closely with consultants on kimono styling and katana usage. If your friends aren’t already talking about Shōgun, you should be the first – trust us, you’re going to have your five minutes of fame for introducing the show. And the best part? It’s just been renewed for two more seasons!
The Bear
Will somebody please get you a Sharpie that works? The Bear is a hard-hitting drama for many, touching on themes of depression, anxiety, grief, and loss – not to mention moments of comedic genius. Claiming six Emmy statuettes in 2023, The Bear is undeniably one of the year’s most acclaimed shows.
Following his brother’s death, Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto takes on the nearly-impossible task of running his late brother's restaurant. In its dilapidated state, Carmy plans to transform the former sandwich shop into a five-star establishment. From accidental kitchen stabbings to anxiety-inducing one-shot sequences, The Bear promises a roller-coaster ride that you never want to end.
The good news is, season three has just been announced and you have all the time to catch up before it premieres on June 27.
Abbott Elementary
As children, we always dreamed of teachers who are unequivocally on our side and rooting for our success, and this is the case for the teachers at Willard R. Abbott Elementary school. A classroom comedy, Abbott Elementary has been a hit since its first episode – with many awards to boot.
Securing three Emmy awards in just its first season, Abbott Elementary features the happy-go-lucky ingénue Janine Teagues, who wants nothing more than to make a difference in the education system. With an ensemble of characters that would send even the most serious person into fits of laughter, Abbott is a show not to miss.
Grey’s Anatomy
In this contemporary era, who doesn’t know Grey’s Anatomy? A cult-classic that never seems to go out of style, the show birthed iconic characters like Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang, quotes that will forever make rounds on your favourite social media apps (Pick me, choose me, love me… you know what we mean), and scenes that will probably live in our minds forever. Ask anyone who has watched the show about their first crush, and they’d probably say it was McDreamy.
A multi-season hospital drama that touches on more than just medical emergencies, award-winning Grey’s Anatomy is known for its impressive feat of creating complex characters, relationships, and friendships that last a lifetime.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians
Make your discussions with friends even more heated with another question – Which demi-god are you? Personally, we think it would be nice to be an offspring of either Zeus, Poseidon, or Athena. But honestly, if one of our parents was a Greek God, we’d be stoked! While Percy Jackson & The Olympians starts off as your classic ‘power of friendship’ TV show, we've learned from experience that nothing is ever what it seems.
Based on the popular chronicles by author Rick Riordan, Percy Jackson & The Olympians hones in on the classic Hero’s Journey with protagonist Percy Jackson at Camp Half-Blood after discovering that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon.
Only Murders in the Building
If you're a fan of fabulous fashion, a healthy dose of laughs amidst serious themes, and the found-family trope, Only Murders in the Building is the show that spills all the tea.
Set in the glamorous, old-timey apartment building of The Arconia, Only Murders in the Building follows Mabel Mora, who finds herself unable to turn away from a grisly murder right underneath her roof. Enlisting her self-appointed detective skills sharpened by true crime podcasts, Mabel is joined by Charles and Oliver to discover the identity of the murderer.
Moving
We’ve heard the tales of glitz and glamour that follow being super-abled in a world of regular humans. It usually starts like this: the main character discovers they have superpowers, they try to hide it from loved ones to keep them safe from outside forces, and they try to fight the villains on their own.
Moving, not your typical Korean drama, flips the usual superhero narrative on its head. It follows three kids, Kim Bongseok, Jang Huisoo, and Lee Ganghoon, each born with a special ability. Their parents are aware of this from the get-go and are well aware of the forces that might try to use them.
As the parents try to protect their children, the story focuses on familial devotion and sacrifice. Awarded the Grand Prize in TV, with writer Kangfull also receiving the award for Best Screenplay - TV at the 2024 Baeksang Art Awards, this is a riveting story you don’t want to miss.
The Worst of Evil
Travel back in time to the 1990s in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. The streets are alight, nightlife is at its peak, and the river of crime never stops flowing. The Worst of Evil follows detective Park Junmo, who goes undercover to dismantle a large-scale crime syndicate.
I know what you’re thinking – been there, done that; however, The Worst of Evil isn’t your regular cat-and-mouse tale. Junmo, the no-nonsense detective, is pushed to his limits as he sinks into his undercover role. His morals are continuously tested, and he’s left to answer one burning question: how far are you willing to go for your mission?
Recognised with the prestigious Best Director - TV award at the 2024 Baeksang Art Awards, The Worst of Evil offers a gritty portrayal of humanity’s darker side and explores the allure of a life of crime through the lens of 1990s cinematography.
So, what is the greatest show of all time? Put on your critic hats, a pair of eyeglasses, and prepare for a heated debate that could last hours, even days. Catch The Bear, Abbott Elementary, and more, all on Disney+ Hotstar today.
And if you’re looking for something different to spice up your debates with your friends, Disney+ Hotstar has a lineup of fresh releases like Crash, Star Wars: The Acolyte, Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture – a continuation of the popular series that has taken the world by storm, all coming soon.
