AARP Hearing Center
![Favorite network shows of the first half of 2024 Collage of characters from Abbott Elementary, Blue Bloods, Elsbeth, Ghosts, The Good Doctor, Mr Bates Vs the Post Office, Shōgun, Tracker, Transplant and Will Trent](https://aarp.widen.net/content/yx52zxao4e/jpeg/1140-networktv-promo_2.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,0&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=7xsf69&w=1140&h=655)
We’ve been blessed with scores of delightful moments on our TV screens. From the swordplay of samurai warriors in FX’s Shōgun to teacher Janine Teagues battling bureaucracy in Philadelphia’s school district on Abbott Elementary, we’ve compiled our 10 favorite shows on broadcast and basic cable so far this year.
![member card Image Alt Attribute](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/dam/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/inline-membership-promo/default/master5/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/uxdia/membership-card-d-and-t.png)
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Labor Day Sale!
Join AARP for just $9 per year with a 5-year membership and get a FREE Gift!
![Lisa Ann Walter, Quinta Brunson, Chris Perfetti and Sheryl Lee Ralph in "Abbott Elementary" Lisa Ann Walter, Quinta Brunson, Chris Perfetti and Sheryl Lee Ralph in a still from Abbott Elementary](https://aarp.widen.net/content/r0ynglu4yu/jpeg/GettyImages-2147858350.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,52&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=7xsf69&w=2048&h=1177)
Abbott Elementary (ABC)
Creator-star Quinta Brunson mixed things up in the strike-delayed third season, pulling her delightfully earnest character Janine Teagues out of the classroom for a job in the Philadelphia school district where she encountered bureaucratic challenges (led by Keegan-Michael Key, 53, as a by-the-book superintendent) as daunting as any she faced with the hilariously self-absorbed principal Ava Coleman, played by Janelle James. The Emmy-winning show continued to milk laughs from hot-button topics such as chatbot-generated communication, outdated drug policies and whether school namesakes are still worthy of being honored.
Where to watch Abbott Elementary
![Donnie Wahlberg and Jake Weber in "Blue Bloods" Donnie Wahlberg and Jake Weber in a still from Blue Bloods](https://aarp.widen.net/content/oax76az09n/jpeg/GettyImages-2147736322.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,284&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=7xsf69&w=2022&h=1162)
Blue Bloods (CBS)
The venerable Tom Selleck, 79, has been the patriarch of the NYPD and the sprawling Reagan clan of veteran cops for 14 seasons, and it’s easy to see why this police procedural has remained a fan favorite. The final season, divided into two parts, has been full of riveting action and intrigue. Costar Bridget Moynahan directed an eventful episode in which her character, a prosecutor who’s the daughter of Selleck’s Frank Reagan, is shot at by a man she sent to jail. (The final eight episodes will air this fall.)
![Carrie Preston and Carra Patterson in "Elsbeth" Carrie Preston and Carra Patterson in a still from Elsbeth](https://aarp.widen.net/content/an2tj4jc1r/jpeg/GettyImages-2076702078.jpg?crop=true&anchor=0,186&q=80&color=ffffffff&u=7xsf69&w=2048&h=1175)
Elsbeth (CBS)
We’ve been fans of Carrie Preston’s oddball attorney Elsbeth Tascioni since she turned up as a recurring character on The Good Wife (and later The Good Fight). The 57-year-old actress finally has a show of her own, in which the wonderfully daffy Elsbeth is assigned to observe NYPD operations (and investigate a possibly crooked captain played by Wendell Pierce, 60). That means turning up at crime scenes straight from tourist sites (even wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown), then using her acute Columbo-like observational skills to crack cases involving guest stars including Blair Underwood, 59, Linda Lavin, 86, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. This has quickly become our new favorite crime show.
You Might Also Like
Favorite Books of 2023
From beautiful novels like ‘Wellness’ to moving memoirs such as ‘My Father’s Brain,’ there’s a book for everyone
Favorite Movies of 2023
From comedies like ‘Barbie,’ to thriller films such as ‘Oppenheimer,’ here are AARP’s top picks
Favorite TV Shows of 2023
From ‘The Crown,’ to ‘The Golden Bachelor,’ ‘Only Murders in the Building’ and more, check out our top television picks
Recommended for You