From a photogenic distance, Mount Fuji is a nearly perfect, usually snow-capped cone, protruding out of the Japanese island of Honshu and into the clear blue skies. But another view reveals the site of Mount Fujis last confirmed eruption, which began on December 16, 1707, during Japans Hoei era.The image of a tranquil Fuji became enshrined in Katsushika Hokusais 19th-century woodblock series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, which, according to Franz Lidz in Smithsonian, juxtaposed the mountains calm permanence with the turbulence of nature and flux of daily life.But viewed from the southeastthe least admired view, according to anthropologist Frederick Starran imperfection hints at the mountains turbulent past. This excrescence, as Starr puts it, is the site of the 1707 eruption.The Hoei eruption, as its known, was anything but tranquil. It was likely triggered by an 8.6-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Japan on October 28, one of the most violent seismic events in Japanese history. A drawing depicting the Hei eruption Public domain via Wikimedia CommonsThe earthquake triggered massive tsunamis that killed thousands of Japanese and compressed magma chambers in Mount Fuji, building pressure and blocking off release vents simultaneously. Over the next 49 days, hot magma from deep within the volcano mixed with cooler magma, and stress within the volcano built until, on December 16, the pressure became too intense and the volcano began to erupt.The destruction was immense. The eruption spewed tons of tephrarock fragments ejected from the volcanointo Yokohama and Tokyo, some 60 miles east of Fuji. The cities were blanketed in over an inch and half of ash. The volcano released nearly 30 billion cubic feet of ash, leaving the atmosphere so densely clouded that residents had to light candles to see even during the daytime. Flows of mud, rock and other debris known as lahars devastated farms and villages in the volcanos proximity, and the buildup of ash in rivers and streams caused further flooding.While no official death toll was issued for the eruption, which lasted until January 1, many residents suffered respiratory problems related to the ash, especially in densely populated cities. In the countryside, devastated farmlands meant low food supply and starvation. Famine lasted a decade.The Hoei event was Mount Fujis biggest eruption in the Holocene epoch, the past 11,700 or so years of Earths history. On the volcanic explosivity index, the eruption scored a five out of eightvery large, based on the amount of debris displacedcomparable to the Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980.Although Fuji hasnt had any confirmed eruptions since Hoei, it might not be quiet forever. It is still considered an active volcano. Japanese authorities have produced predictions about where craters are likely to occur on Mount Fuji, as well as evacuation areas and guidelines for the tens of millions of residents in Tokyos metropolitan area should it erupt again.Meanwhile, the mark of the Hoei eruption is still evident on Fujis face, a reminder of its fiery past. As he hiked up the volcano a century ago, Starr described it as a regular crater-cone, bare of vegetation, composed of fresh-looking cinders the result of the last great eruption. Even that once spewing cavity is tranquil now, too, a silent witness to one of historys most violent volcanic explosions.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Japan, Mountains, Natural Disasters, On This Day in History, Volcanoes

Capcom exploring further IP revivals following Okami, Onimusha revealsPublisher tells investors it will focus on "reactivating dormant IPs" in addition to new launchesImage credit: Capcom News by James Batchelor Editor-in-chief Published on Dec. 16, 2024 Capcom is planning to revive more of its dormant franchises following the reveal of an Okami sequel and the return of Onimusha last week.In a press release for Onimusha: Way of the Sword on the company's investor relations site, the publisher hinted that more of its classic IP will return in the coming years, although it stopped short of naming specific properties."In addition to regularly releasing major new titles each year, Capcom is focusing on re-activating dormant IPs that havent had a new title launch recently," the publisher wrote."The company is working to further enhance corporate value by leveraging its rich library of content, which includes reviving past IPs like the two titles announced above, in order to continuously produce highly efficient, high-quality titles."Capcom announced both Onimusha: Way of the Sword and an untitled Okami sequel during The Game Awards last week.While both series have received remasters in recent years, there has not been new Okami since 2010's Nintendo DS spin-off Okamiden. And while Onimusha received a browser game, Onimusha Soul, in 2012 and a virtual reality title Shadow Team earlier this year, there has not been a new fully-fledged Onimusha since 2006's Dawn of Dreams.The announcement of the Okami sequel was paired with another notable return, namely bringing the game's creator Hideki Kamiya back into the fold at the head of a brand new studio, Clovers.

Apple hopes to release a foldable 18.8-inch creaseless iPad by about 2028, Bloombergs Mark Gurman writes in todays Power On newsletter. The companys industrial design group has reportedly managed to create prototypes of this device that have a nearly invisible crease and would essentially be like two iPad Pros side-by-side.Rumors of a folding iPad have been floating in the ether for years, now. Recent ones include a smaller model that Apple would release in 2026 or 2027. Gurmans write-up today has strong echoes of the gargantuan 20-inch folding iPad / MacBook hybrid he detailed in 2022. That doesnt seem to mean that it will run macOS, but Gurman claims that it will have elements of both Macs and iPads and that iPadOS should be advanced enough to run macOS apps by 2028.Considering that Macs run iPhone and iPad apps now, its not outrageous to think the street could go both ways in time. It might help the value proposition, too; the 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,299, and whatever financial damage an iPad twice that size could incur would be a little easier to take coupled with the salve of being able to run macOS apps on it.Gurman says a foldable iPhone is still in the works, though he doesnt expect that before 2026 at the earliest, as other rumors have said. He also says information from his sources lines up with an alleged Apple internal display roadmap that made the rounds recently, tipping the 18.8-inch foldable iPad and Apples plans to release OLED MacBook Pros in 2026, followed by a MacBook Air OLED update in 2027.

Hello! Im here from the future. And I have some news. 12 months from now, all the Big Tech CEOs are still in their jobs, everybodys using folding phones, Apple made a TV, and Nvidia is the most valuable company in the history of the universe. Wild year, huh? Or maybe not? Its hard to remember. Time travel messes with your memory a little.On this episode of The Vergecast, the second installment of our two-part 2025 preview, we debate some seriously iffy storylines from the end of 2025. David, our resident time traveler, brings us some big stories that either did or didnt happen in the year to come, and Nilay Patel and Wall Street Journal columnist Joanna Stern have to help figure out whats real and what isnt. Will someone really buy Snap? Is GTA VI going to be the biggest game ever? Will Bluesky continue to ascend and leave Threads in its wake? Nobody knows yet, not even the time traveler, but we have some thoughts and ideas.As was the case with last weeks episode, were keeping score. Heres how it works: each host has to decide, for each 2025 news story, whether itll be real or not by the end of the year. Every correct guess earns you a point; every incorrect guess costs you one. At the end of the year, well total the scores, combine them with last weeks guesses, and buy the winner the coolest gadget of 2025, whatever that turns out to be. (Were going to need your help deciding, too, but well come back to that.)Dont read the below until youve listened to or watched the episode, but for the tape, here are our predictions:Tim Cook is still the CEO of Apple. In fact, all four Big Tech CEOs are the same. (Nilay, Joanna, and David all say yes.)Nvidia is the most valuable company in the world. (Nilay says no, Joanna and David say yes.)Somebody acquired Snap. (All say no.)OpenAI is officially a for-profit company. (All say yes.)OpenAI is a profitable company. (All say no.)The government is breaking up one of the big tech companies. (Nilay and David say yes, Joanna says no.)Weve had a huge, society-sized AI scandal. (All say yes.)One or more of Max, Paramount Plus, and Peacock no longer exists. (All say yes.)Netflixs live stuff is working, and it basically killed cable already. (All say no.)GTA VI is a huge, giant, smashing success. (Nilay and David say yes, Joanna refuses.)Folding phones are legit mainstream now. (All say no.)The Pixel 10 is by far the best and most successful Android phone. (All say no.)The Nintendo Switch came out, and its kind of a dud. (all say no.)Apple is actually making a TV. (Nilay and Joanna say no, David says yes.)The new Alexa? Its sick. Everybodys using it. (Nilay and Joanna say no, David says yes.)Waymos currently having its big moment. (Joanna says yes, Nilay and David say no.)BlueSky is more relevant than Threads. (All say yes.)BlueSky is actually as big as Threads. (All say no.)Apple launched a search engine. (Nilay and Joanna say yes, David says no.)

Audio language models (ALMs) play a crucial role in various applications, from real-time transcription and translation to voice-controlled systems and assistive technologies. However, many existing solutions face limitations such as high latency, significant computational demands, and a reliance on cloud-based processing. These issues pose challenges for edge deployment, where low power consumption, minimal latency, and localized processing are critical. In environments with limited resources or strict privacy requirements, these challenges make large, centralized models impractical. Addressing these constraints is essential for unlocking the full potential of ALMs in edge scenarios.Nexa AI has announced OmniAudio-2.6B, an audio-language model designed specifically for edge deployment. Unlike traditional architectures that separate Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) and language models, OmniAudio-2.6B integrates Gemma-2-2b, Whisper Turbo, and a custom projector into a unified framework. This design eliminates the inefficiencies and delays associated with chaining separate components, making it well-suited for devices with limited computational resources.OmniAudio-2.6B aims to provide a practical, efficient solution for edge applications. By focusing on the specific needs of edge environments, Nexa AI offers a model that balances performance with resource constraints, demonstrating its commitment to advancing AI accessibility.Technical Details and BenefitsOmniAudio-2.6Bs architecture is optimized for speed and efficiency. The integration of Gemma-2-2b, a refined LLM, and Whisper Turbo, a robust ASR system, ensures a seamless and efficient audio processing pipeline. The custom projector bridges these components, reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency. Key performance highlights include:Processing Speed: On a 2024 Mac Mini M4 Pro, OmniAudio-2.6B achieves 35.23 tokens per second with FP16 GGUF format and 66 tokens per second with Q4_K_M GGUF format, using the Nexa SDK. In comparison, Qwen2-Audio-7B, a prominent alternative, processes only 6.38 tokens per second on similar hardware. This difference represents a significant improvement in speed.Resource Efficiency: The models compact design minimizes its reliance on cloud resources, making it ideal for applications in wearables, automotive systems, and IoT devices where power and bandwidth are limited.Accuracy and Flexibility: Despite its focus on speed and efficiency, OmniAudio-2.6B delivers high accuracy, making it versatile for tasks such as transcription, translation, and summarization.These advancements make OmniAudio-2.6B a practical choice for developers and businesses seeking responsive, privacy-friendly solutions for edge-based audio processing.Performance InsightsBenchmark tests underline the impressive performance of OmniAudio-2.6B. On a 2024 Mac Mini M4 Pro, the model processes up to 66 tokens per second, significantly surpassing the 6.38 tokens per second of Qwen2-Audio-7B. This increase in speed expands the possibilities for real-time audio applications.For example, OmniAudio-2.6B can enhance virtual assistants by enabling faster, on-device responses without the delays associated with cloud reliance. In industries such as healthcare, where real-time transcription and translation are critical, the models speed and accuracy can improve outcomes and efficiency. Its edge-friendly design further enhances its appeal for scenarios requiring localized processing.ConclusionOmniAudio-2.6B represents an important step forward in audio-language modeling, addressing key challenges such as latency, resource consumption, and cloud dependency. By integrating advanced components into a cohesive framework, Nexa AI has developed a model that balances speed, efficiency, and accuracy for edge environments.With performance metrics showing up to a 10.3x improvement over existing solutions, OmniAudio-2.6B offers a robust, scalable option for a variety of edge applications. This model reflects a growing emphasis on practical, localized AI solutions, paving the way for advancements in audio-language processing that meet the demands of modern applications.Check out the Details and Model on Hugging Face. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Trending: LG AI Research Releases EXAONE 3.5: Three Open-Source Bilingual Frontier AI-level Models Delivering Unmatched Instruction Following and Long Context Understanding for Global Leadership in Generative AI Excellence.The post Nexa AI Releases OmniAudio-2.6B: A Fast Audio Language Model for Edge Deployment appeared first on MarkTechPost.

Integrating vision and language capabilities in AI has led to breakthroughs in Vision-Language Models (VLMs). These models aim to process and interpret visual and textual data simultaneously, enabling applications such as image captioning, visual question answering, optical character recognition, and multimodal content analysis. VLMs play an important role in developing autonomous systems, enhanced human-computer interactions, and efficient document processing tools by bridging the gap between these two data modalities. Still, the complexity of handling high-resolution visual data alongside diverse textual inputs remains a main challenge in this domain.Existing research has addressed some of these limitations using static vision encoders that lack adaptability to high-resolution and variable input sizes. Pretrained language models used with vision encoders often introduce inefficiencies, as they are not optimized for multimodal tasks. While some models incorporate sparse computation techniques to manage complexity, they frequently need to improve accuracy across diverse datasets. Also, the training datasets used in these models often need more diversity and task-specific granularity, further hindering performance. For instance, many models underperform in specialized tasks like chart interpretation or dense document analysis due to these constraints.Researchers from DeepSeek-AI have introduced the DeepSeek-VL2 series, a new generation of open-source mixture-of-experts (MoE) vision-language models. These models leverage cutting-edge innovations, including dynamic tiling for vision encoding, a Multi-head Latent Attention mechanism for language tasks, and a DeepSeek-MoE framework. DeepSeek-VL2 offers three configurations with different activated parameters (activated parameters refer to the subset of a models parameters that are dynamically utilized during a specific task or computation):This scalability ensures adaptability for various application needs and computational budgets.The architecture of DeepSeek-VL2 is designed to optimize performance while minimizing computational demands. The dynamic tiling approach ensures that high-resolution images are processed without losing critical detail, making it particularly effective for document analysis and visual grounding tasks. Also, the Multi-head Latent Attention mechanism allows the model to manage large volumes of textual data efficiently, reducing the computational overhead typically associated with processing dense language inputs. The DeepSeek-MoE framework, which activates only a subset of parameters during task execution, further enhances scalability and efficiency. DeepSeek-VL2s training incorporates a diverse and comprehensive multimodal dataset, enabling the model to excel across various tasks, including optical character recognition (OCR), visual question answering, and chart interpretation.While checking for performances, the small configuration, for example, achieved an impressive 92.3% accuracy on OCR tasks, outperforming existing models by a significant margin. In visual grounding benchmarks, the model demonstrated a 15% improvement in precision compared to its predecessors. Also, DeepSeek-VL2 showed remarkable efficiency, requiring 30% fewer computational resources than comparable models while maintaining state-of-the-art accuracy. The results also highlighted the models ability to generalize across tasks, with its Standard variant achieving leading scores in multimodal reasoning benchmarks. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of the proposed models in addressing the challenges associated with high-resolution image and text processing.Several takeaways from the DeepSeek-VL2 model series are as follows:By dividing high-resolution images into smaller tiles, the models improve feature extraction and reduce computational overhead. This approach is useful for dense document analysis and complex visual layouts.The availability of tiny (3B), small (16B), and standard (27B) configurations ensures adaptability to various applications, from lightweight deployments to resource-intensive tasks.Using a comprehensive dataset encompassing OCR and visual grounding tasks enhances the models generalizability and task-specific performance.The sparse computation framework activates only necessary parameters, enabling reductions in computational costs without compromising accuracy.In conclusion, the DeepSeek-VL2 is an open-source vision language model series with three variants (1.8B, 2.8B, and 4.5B activated parameters). The research team has introduced a model series that excels in real-world applications by addressing critical limitations in scalability, computational efficiency, and task adaptability. Its innovative, dynamic tiling and Multi-head Latent Attention mechanisms enable precise image processing and efficient text handling, achieving state-of-the-art results across tasks like OCR and visual grounding. The model series sets a new standard in AI performance with scalable configurations and a comprehensive multimodal dataset.Check out the Models on Hugging Face. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Asif RazzaqAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)

LatestMachine LearningMulti-Agent Collaboration: The Future of Problem Solving with GenAI. 0 like December 15, 2024Share this postLast Updated on December 16, 2024 by Editorial TeamAuthor(s): Shivam Mohan Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.The field of artificial intelligence (AI) has witnessed extraordinary advancements in recent years, ranging from natural language processing breakthroughs to the development of sophisticated robotics. Among these innovations, multi-agent systems (MAS) have emerged as a transformative approach for solving problems that single agents struggle to address. Multi-agent collaboration harnesses the power of interactions between autonomous entities, or agents, to achieve shared or individual objectives. In this article, we explore one specific and impactful technique within multi-agent collaboration: role-based collaboration enhanced by prompt engineering. This approach has proven particularly effective in practical applications, such as developing a software application.One compelling approach to multi-agent collaboration is assigning different roles to agents, enabling them to specialize and work together to achieve a shared objective. Think of this as assembling a dream team where each member has a unique skill set. In software development, for example, creating a coding application using multi-agent collaboration might involve agents taking on roles like a planner, coder, tester, and debugger. By dividing responsibilities, the agents can efficiently tackle the problem in parallel while ensuring quality and coherence.Imagine we want to build a simple calculator application using a Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Kraven the Hunter has, as expected, bombed at the box office with a paltry $11 million domestic haul from 3,211 theatres.That figure is enough to set an unwanted record: the worst ever opening for a Sony Spider-Man Universe movie. The R-rated action flick comes in under the disastrous Madame Web, which brought in $15.3 million during its launch weekend earlier this year, as well as all the Venom movies and 2022s Morbius ($39 million).Kraven the Hunter kicked off its international debut, meanwhile, with just $15 million from 21,500+ screens in 60 markets. Combined with the domestic figure, Kraven has $26 million globally this weekend.Every Upcoming Spider-Man Movie Spin-Off in DevelopmentKraven the Hunter stars Kick Ass and MCU actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular villain, a skilled hunter who sets his sights on Spider-Man after conquering all other prey in the animal kingdom. Its director J.C. Chandor had asked fans to please give Kraven the Hunter a chance ahead of its release.Unfortunately, those pleas fell on deaf ears. Kraven now goes down as yet another damaging Sony superhero flop, especially since it cost an estimated $110 million to produce. When you add on marketing spend, Kraven is set for a big loss.Kraven has also flopped with critics. IGNs Kraven The Hunter review returned a 3/10. We said: Kraven the Hunter takes aim at the audience and instead shoots itself in the foot with ill-conceived action and a poisonously rote script that totally botches its razor-thin examination of toxic masculinity.So, is Kraven the final nail in the coffin for Sonys Spider-Man Universe, a universe that, remarkably, does not feature Spider-Man? Earlier this month a leading talent agent told The Wrap that Sony had "developed what they want to develop for now" and was instead focusing on the next actual Spider-Man film under Marvel Studios, which is confirmed by star Tom Holland to begin filming in 2025. As a point of comparison, Spider-Man: No Way Home pulled in $587.2 million in its weekend box office debut.Sony's Spider-Man universe officially includes six films: Venom, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Morbius, Madame Web, Venom: The Last Dance, and Kraven the Hunter. Only one of these has so far managed above a 5/10 in IGN's review, with Venom: Let There Be Carnage earning a 7/10. The rest received 4/10 and 5/10.Sony has the aforementioned Spider-Man 4 to look forward to, at least. It arrives on July 24, 2026 as a continuation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe trilogy again starring Holland. It may even introduce Miles Morales into the MCU, something Holland is personally invested in.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The following review contains spoilers for the fifth episode of Dune Prophecy, In Blood, TruthYes! Finally! Some drama! I really wish more of Dune: Prophecy felt like In Blood, Truth. Its got big reveals, big action, and big decisions being made, and it all feels so much more exciting than everything leading up to it. Almost every element of the episode feels elevated, from how the visuals and action come together to give the audience fresh new things to look at, and an energy to the performances that feel much better now that the actors have something to really chew on. Even the boring Imperial storyline gets injected with new excitement especially with the introduction of Mother Francesca to the mix. This is the first time Dune: Prophecy has really nailed the Game of Thrones impression its been trying to do this whole time, and its perplexing why the whole show isnt like this. With only one episode left, it seems the excitement will be short-lived.Its probably easiest to see the effects of the more engaging script in how much the younger actors are able to step it up in In Blood, Truth. Its really the first time Dune: Prophecy has given Josh Heuston something to work with in the role of Constantine Corrino, and hes finally able to make the bastard son trying to win his fathers favor a more compelling part of the series. Sarah-Sofie Boussnina benefits from it as well, and with where Princess Ynezs story is left in In Blood, Truth, itll be exciting to see where things go, and if they can pull off a good ending for the character. Chloe Lea, whos been one of the standouts among the younger actors in the series already, gets to play a whole new character in episode 5, as her foremothers vie for control of Sister Lilasmind, and her impersonation of Mother Raquella is spot on she expertly mirrors Cathy Tysons movements, quirks, and speech patterns. A rising tide lifts all boats, and a more exciting story does the same for these performances.Visually, In Blood, Truth still doesnt come close to the Dune movies, but the heightened action of the episode naturally makes it all more visually interesting. As things start to pop off (literally) with Keiran and Mikaela, were treated to some solid fight choreography as they fight their way through the newly minted Sardukar, and while the explosions that follow dont always look amazing, its just more exciting to watch when the story more naturally works in tandem with the action. Its a welcome change of pace for a series that has so far struggled with its more stunt-heavy scenes.But thats the issue: This is all too little, too late. Theres one more episode next week, and while I have relatively high hopes for it now that things seem to be coming together, this wont save Dune: Prophecy from what its been. Too much time was spent setting the dominoes up, and now theres little to no time left to enjoy watching them fall. Giving Dune: Prophecy only 6 episodes to work with does the series a huge disservice, and links it to the multitude of recent streaming series (maybe most notably the Disney+ MCU shows) to follow the same trajectory: feeling sluggish in the beginning, only to have to rush the ending.Dune: Prophecy 5 Gallery

Geek culture on television has a more storied history than you might realize. The Dark Knight himself made his small screen debut well before he entered multiplexes with 1989s Batman. The Twilight Zone planted the science fiction flag on TV before the invention of the first handheld calculator. And thats not even to get into the Star Trek of it all. Still, while comic books, space operas, and fantasy epics got themselves comfy in cinemas, TV was largely content to pursue smaller budget pastimes like sitcoms, cop procedurals, and talk shows throughout much of the mediums history. That all began to change with the launch of the streaming era. And now, if our list of the best TV shows of 2024 is any indication, the geeks have well and truly inherited the episodic earth once again. TV was fit-to-bursting with geek-friendly storytelling in 2024. From quality superhero spinoffs (The Penguin, Agatha All Along) to ambitious genre animations (Arcane, Invincible) to heady sci-fi book adaptations (Silo, 3 Body Problem), it didnt take much effort to find nerdy bliss in the TV world this year. Combine that with the more traditional cable efforts like Shgun, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Interview with the Vampire, and we had ourselves a recipe for another calendar turn of televisual excellence.These are our choices for the best TV shows of 2024 from a North American perspective. You can also find our selections for British TV excellence here. NOTE: In the interest of getting you this list in time for some holiday watching, were publishing in advance of several late-December releases like Squid Game season 2. Those will be considered eligible for our 2025 list next year.25. Curb Your EnthusiasmAvailable on:Max (U.S.)You only get one shot at an ending. Unless, of course, you areSeinfeldandCurb Your Enthusiasm creator Larry David. The final season ofCurb Your Enthusiasmworks so well because itnever once hides where its going. Even the most casual fan can sense what the series is building up to a do-over of the reviledSeinfeldfinale that David penned but that doesnt make the journey any less pleasant.David has his cake and eats it too this time around. Season 12 operates as both a collection of solid Curbepisodes and a series of goodbyes for the characters weve come to cringe at so much. By the time you get to the finale, youre equal parts excited to see how David atones for endings past and confident that hes going to get the job done. Alec Bojalad24. Nobody Wants ThisAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)The show may be called Nobody Wants This, but as one of Netflixs most popular shows this year, it seems like a lot of people actually did want this romcom starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. When sex and relationship podcaster Joanne (Bell) meets hot Rabbi Noah (Brody) at a party, sparks fly despite their glaring differences. They fight their feelings at first, but soon come to realize that their initial attraction could lead to something real and meaningful for both of them. The chemistry between Bell and Brody is unreal, but they arent the only standouts in this series. The supporting cast is just as phenomenal, adding very real stakes as Joanne and Noahs friends and family many of whom have their doubts about their relationship. Nobody Wants This is an incredibly realistic take on what its like to date in adulthood the ups and downs, the joy and the heartbreak. It reminds us that love can come into our lives when we least expect it. Brynna Arens23. The Legend of Vox MachinaAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Adapting a Dungeons & Dragons campaign into a TV show cant be an easy task, and yet once again Critical Role has managed to condense hours of gameplay into an epic and compelling 12-episode season. There are some differences between the campaign and the story we see in The Legend of Vox Machina season 3, but every change has been for the better, making this show so much more than just a retelling of Critical Roles first campaign.All of the emotional story beats remain intact. But even if you arent familiar with Critical Role or the original campaign, The Legend of Vox Machina is still a hilarious, fun fantasy with epic stakes. The animation has only gotten better, and this merry band of misfits makes it easy to spend hours with them and their adventures. BA22. BridgertonAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Though its hard to beat the steamy chemistry of season 2s couple Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton) certainly gave them a run for their money this season. With the added tension of Penelopes secret identity as the tons lead gossip Lady Whistledown, their friends-to-lovers story is full of compelling conflict made even richer by their long history.The side plots woven throughout their blossoming romance are also worthy of note, with Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Violet (Ruth Gemmell) finding potential love matches of their own. Cressida Cowper (Jessica Madsen) is also eager to avoid being married off to a man three times her age, leading her to make someinteresting choices. Really my only complaint about season 3 is that theres not more of it. BA21. The BearAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)The third season of FX and Hulus culinary megahit was rightly criticized for beingwell, a bit boring. While the first two seasons of this (controversially classified as a) comedy operated at the typical breakneck speed associated with restaurant kitchens, the third outing slows things down to let its characters finally catch their breath. The end result was an imperfect year of television that nevertheless remained a truly entertaining and enlightening experience.From its bravura first episode that featured extended flashbacks scored to Nine Inch Nails to a final outing that featured a long-coming confrontation and a terrifying review, The Bear season 3 remained its stylish, compelling self. And thanks to FXs commitment to the traditional TV filming timeline, we wont have to wait too long for the next entry in the adventures of Carmy, Syd, Richie, and friends. AB20. John Mulaney Presents: Everybodys in L.A.Available on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)In addition to all the brilliant joke-writing and quick-thinking improvisational skills, comedian John Mulaneys best weapon has always been his taste. Despite being only a hair over 42 years old, the former SNL writer has a deep appreciation for the classics. Like Lenny Bruce, he wears suits for his standup specials. Like nearly every comic from the 80s and 90s, his first attempt at a scripted TV series was a multi-camera sitcom with a laugh track. Now, with this years John Mulaney Presents Everybodys in L.A., he finally gets to live out his Johnny Carson Tonight Show dreams.Everybodys in L.A. was short lived but it burned brightly. The premise for the show was that, if every major comedian was going to be in Los Angeles for Netflixs comedy festival Netflix is a Joke, then there should be a Netflix-hosted, L.A.-based talk show for them all to drop by. The simplicity of Everybodys in L.A.s setup belies just how well-written and funny this whole thing was, even over its scant six episodes. Mulaney blended his usual smart comedy with chaotic celebrity interviews, Los Angeles history lessons, and a Richard Kind as a sidetick to giggle throughout the whole thing. AB19. What We Do in the ShadowsAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)In the fast-paced, short-lived world of modern television, it doesnt take long to become the elder statesman of your chosen genre. In eras past, FXs brilliant vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows would just be entering middle age as a comedy in its sixth season. Now, however, its as old as a well, a really old thing so old, in fact, that it is closing the coffin for good. The final season of What We Do in the Shadows is not necessarily its best but its still one of the most consistently entertaining and chuckle-inducing comedies on television. This time around the Staten Island vampires get immersed in corporate culture, wrapped up in petty politics, and of course: make a gosh darn Frankensteins monster; or more accurately: a Cravensworths monster. Well miss WWDITS when its gone but no one can argue it isnt going out on top. AB18. The PenguinAvailable on: Max (U.S.), Now (U.K.)When Warner Bros. Discovery announced that its The Batman spinoff The Penguin would be moving from its original Max streaming home to HBO proper (alongside Dune: Prophecy) it represented a grand sea change in how entertainment conglomerates viewed the their nerd-coded IP. If comic book stories can achieve critical acclaim in cinemas as Serious Art (TM) then why cant they also find a home on televisions most prestigious channel? Thanks to the efforts of The Penguin showrunner Lauren LeFranc and stars Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti, WBDs creative gamble paid off beautifully in 2024.The Penguin falls well short of its desired The Sopranos in Gotham heights because few shows can comfortably reside in the same breath as the original HBO masterpiece. But this bird still flies higher than it has any right to. A heavily made up Farrell never breaks kayfabe as the waddling Oz Cobb while Milioti turns in a confident performance as one of Gothams unlikeliest power brokers. The Penguin not only continues the success of Matt Reeves The Batman franchise, it lays the ground for more ambitious superhero work on the prestige TV network of record. AB17. ArcaneAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)The creative team behind Arcane set an incredibly high bar for themselves with the excellent first season of the series, and with only nine more episodes to wrap up this story, they certainly had their work cut out for them with the second and final season. Unsurprisingly, however, they have surpassed expectations, giving us an epic and visually stunning end to this story.Arcane season 2 begins right where season 1 left off and only continues to hit the ground running from there. Caitlyn and Vi team up to try and stop Jinx from causing more pain, but Vi finds that its harder than she thought to accept that her sister has changed. Ambessa continues to sink her claws into Piltovers politics, hoping to gain an advantage over the mysterious forces hunting down her family. Viktor becomes Hex Jesus after nearly dying, doing his best to create a utopia for the people of Zaun. The final season of Arcane is a wild ride from start to finish, and everyone involved deserves their flowers for this beautiful, heartfelt story woven with rich lore and told through an impeccably gorgeous art style. BA16. The BoysAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Even after three seasons and a couple of spinoffs, The Boys refuses to take it easy. Season 4 feels even more relevant after the fact with its focus on a presidential election and a secret fascist plot to overthrow the government hitting closer to home than many Americans would like it to. Homelander (Antony Starr) and Victoria Neuman (Claudia Doumit) become unlikely allies in their quest to get Supes in the Oval Office. The Boys try to track down a deadly virus that could wipe out all Supes for good. And Butcher (Karl Urban) does his best to stay sane as a V-induced brain tumor continues to give him someunique side effects.The Boys continues to offer smart satire on both the superhero genre and the world at large in its fourth season, while also giving us mutated super sheep, an interesting evolution of Homelanders breastfeeding kink, and quite a few emotional and shocking goodbyes. BA15. SiloAvailable on: Apple TV+ (U.S. and U.K.)Set in a world where all of humanity has been forced into underground silos for their survival, Silos second season finally gives us a small look at the world outside of Juliettes (Rebecca Ferguson) silo. After being sent out to clean at the end of last season, we now follow Juliette as she journeys into a nearby silo, seemingly abandoned after an unsuccessful rebellion killed most of the population. However, Juliette isnt as alone in this new place as she thinks she is, and soon finds out that she may have to trust the mysterious stranger Solo (Steve Zahn) if she wants to find a way back home.Back in her home silo, a rebellion is brewing. Thousands of people saw Juliette survive outside far longer than any other person before her, leading to doubt in their leader, Bernard (Tim Robbins). The show may have expanded its scope beyond one silo, but things are just as tense and claustrophobic as ever. Despite being set sometime in humanitys future, Silo is also unexpectedly timely as we see more and more people come together against their oppressive leadership and uncover the truth about their existence. Community is one of the most important things we can cling to right now, and this season of Silo is a great reminder of how powerful we can be when we come together. BA14. InvincibleAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Though the momentum of Invincibles impeccable first season was somewhat waylaid by this seasons split into two parts, season two of the series has still proven to be one of the best shows of this year. After the shocking revelation of Nolans (J.K. Simmons) true intentions for Earth, Mark (Steven Yeun) not only has to contend with the aftermath of losing who he thought his father was, but also with the question of how to continue his life as normal. But as Mark soon learns, life as a superhero is rarely ever normal.From parasitic alien hive minds to an impending Viltrumite invasion to discovering his fathers secret alien love child, Mark does not have any easy go of it this season. And on top of it all, he tries to start college and maintain his relationship with Amber (Zazie Beetz). This season may not end with as jaw-dropping of a reveal as the previous one, but the storytelling, acting, and art of Invincible continues to be top-notch. BA13. 3 Body ProblemAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Since Star Wars first premiered in 1977, the science fiction genre has increasingly come to be associated with action and adventure more than hard science. Not that theres anything wrong with that, of course! But the real heady, Asimov-ian stuff has had a hard time gaining a foothold in pop culture. Thats why its so remarkable that 3 Body Problem, Netflixs biggest genre swing of the year, is full-on hard sci-fi.Thats not to say that 3 Body Problem, based on a trilogy of Mandarin-language novels from Liu Cixin, doesnt have its kinetic moments. In fact, the series includes one of the most thrilling and violent action sequences youre likely to see. But more often than not, 3 Body Problems lead characters of scientists, government agents, and all-around problem-solvers are primarily engaged with tackling the mathematical and sociopolitical questions raised by the central three-body problem. Oh and there are aliens! AB12. English TeacherAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)The powers that be would have you believe that comedy is hard. Then a show like English Teacher comes along to remind us that no, it really is fairly simple. Step 1: Be funny. Step 2: Dont be not funny. Call that an oversimplification if you must but this FX comedy truly excelled in keeping it simple, stupid. From its self-explanatory title (youre never going to believe what English Teacher is about), to its relatively small cast, to its abbreviated eight-episode run, English Teacher didnt try to reinvent the comedic wheel. Instead creator and star Brian Jordan Alvarez used the familiarity of the series high school setting to present fun little 22-minute vignettes about what it means to be a confused teenager or an equally confused adult in 2024. English Teacher is gently political, but not preachy; sweet, but not saccharine; and above all else: very, very funny. AB11. One Hundred Years of SolitudeAvailable on: Netflix (U.S. and U.K.)Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buenda was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. These are the opening lines of Gabriel Garca Mrquez classic 1967 novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. They are also the opening lines of Netflixs ambitious 2024 TV adaptation of the work. This eight-episode series (set to receive a second and concluding season at an unknown time) is all about fidelity to Mrquez beloved opus that chronicles 100 years of the Buenda familys solitude in the fictional Macondo. Long thought unadaptable due to its strange chronology and the sheer lyricism of Mrquezs magically-realistic approach, One Hundred Years of Solitude nevertheless received the Netflix treatment anyway. Thankfully for all of us, the show somehow pulls it off. This is a dense, deliberate, and joyful presentation of a largely inscrutable work. Filmed on several locations throughout Colombia with an almost entirely Spanish-speaking Colombian cast, One Hundred Years of Solitude goes about adapting a classic the right way. In the process it captures some real TV magic realistic or not. AB10. Agatha All AlongAvailable on: Disney+ (U.S. and U.K.)WandaVision continues to be one of the few Disney+ MCU series I go out of my way to rewatch, so there wasnt much, if any, doubt in my mind that Agatha All Along would be something special. And yet, Im still blown away by just how incredible this series is. Showrunner Jac Schaeffer has once again told a compelling story of love, grief, and loss through the lens of pop culture. After breaking the curse placed on her by Wanda, Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) is compelled by a mysterious teen (Joe Locke) to gather a coven and summon the infamous Witches Road. Agatha All Along is a queer, campy, witchy, spooky delight to watch, with leads Kathryn Hahn and Aubrey Plaza sharing the most chemistry the MCU has ever seen. This show and its popularity is further proof that Kevin Feige should just let Schaeffer continue to do her thing with the witchy side of the MCU. Agatha All Along is fairly self-contained, but theres still plenty of room for more stories in this world to be told. And if they are, I will absolutely be seated. BA9. FalloutAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K.)Whether youre a fan of the video game series or going into the series almost totally blind, Prime Videos FalloutFallout is set in the future, after a nuclear apocalypse has ravaged the planet and left a lawless wasteland in its wake. Somehow, humanity has survived it all, but so many remnants of the old world like religious totalitarianism and corporate greed manage to survive as well, making the mistakes of the past a lot harder to escape.The show manages to capture the essence of the games while still telling a wholly new story led by complicated characters. Lucy (Ella Purnell), a naive vault-dweller who sneaks to the surface in search of her father. Maximus (Aaron Moten) a devout squire of the Brotherhood of Steel sent on an important mission. And the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), formerly actor Cooper Howard, a fierce gunslinger who has wandered the wasteland for 200 years in search of his family, and somehow still looks hot. Their eventual alliance may be a tenuous one, but as the truth about the mysterious company Vault-Tec comes to light, it becomes crucial to their survival. BA8. House of the DragonAvailable on: Max (U.S.), Now (U.K.)House of the Dragon season 2 had a lot stacked against it. From the writers strike impacting the scripts and what could and couldnt be changed during filming to rumors that HBO cut their episode order mere months before filming began, its easier to forgive this seasons shortcomings and focus on what makes it great. And there are a lot of things that make this season great.Despite having only a few scenes together, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyras (Emma DArcy) relationship continues to be a highlight of the series. This world famously doesnt treat its women very well, and yet House of the Dragon wouldnt be the show it is without these two at its heart. Theres also plenty of dragon shenanigans as the tension continues to build between the Greens and Blacks in their war for the throne. BA7. EvilAvailable on: Paramount+ (U.S.)Now that Evil is wrapped following its fourth and final season, I see its pop culture future so clearly it might as well be standing right in front of me. For as long as this Robert and Michelle King-created paranormal procedural exists on a streaming service, curious genre fans will continue to find it, watch it, love it, and then all ask the same question: Wait, how wasnt this a massive hit? Its a mystery to me as well, hypothetical future Evil-watcher. More than ever in season 4, Evil remained the platonic ideal of a monster-of-the-week supernatural TV drama. While the overarching storylines begin to come to a head (a global network of tech-savvy satanists welcoming the birth of the antichrist and thus ushering in an era of perpetual darkness yada yada yada), the series still made time for compelling weekly mysteries while enjoying time with its core trio of Dr. Kristen Bouchard (Katja Herbers), Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi), and David Acosta (Mike Colter). There will come a time when consumers begin to wonder why there hasnt been an attempt at a modern X-Files. How lucky theyll be to discover that someone had that same thought back in the 2020s and went ahead and made the thing. AB6. X-Men 97Available on: Disney+ (U.S. and U.K.)X-Men 97 somehow manages to capture the fun of the original animated series without being bogged down by nostalgia. It quickly becomes its own thing, and proves how much potential weve been missing out on from the X-Men over the years. X-Men 97 is like a gripping superhero soap opera, full of relationship drama, secret clones, and world-ending apocalyptic events.Whether youre a fan of the original or coming into the series with fresh eyes, it doesnt take long for the show to pull you in (or for the catchy theme song to get stuck in your head). BA5. IndustryAvailable on: Max (U.S.), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)When it first premiered in 2020, HBO and BBC Two finance drama Industry was seen by many viewers as the we have Succession at home option. Thats understandable as both Industry and its better-known HBO cousin deal with the world of the outrageously wealthy as they strive and vie to get an eensy bit richer, no matter the human cost. The comparison was usually an unfavorable one as Succession is rightly considered an all-time great HBO drama while Industry merely staggered along in its wake.With season 3, however, Industry forged its own unique path and turned in a truly great year of television. Bolstered by the ingenious addition of Kit Harington (Game of Thrones) to an already-capable cast, Industry season 3 was more focused, angry, and pulpy. While viewers still needed an advanced business degree to understand any of the financial machinations at way, the familiar human drama never let up for a moment, culminating in a superb finale that is equal parts Bridgerton and The Godfather. AB4. Mr. and Mrs. SmithAvailable on: Prime Video (U.S. and U.K)Taking a premise that has not only been done once, but twice before and making it something fresh and exciting is no small undertaking. And yet Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane have managed to not only make a version of Mr. and Mrs. SmithDonald Glover and Maya Erskines chemistry as the titular Mr. and Mrs. Smith is electric, in both the series serious and more comedic moments. The generic presentation of the spy organization they work for only adds to the mystery of it all, and further emphasizes that John and Jane dont have many allegiances beyond themselves. It all makes for an addictive, gripping spy series that proves Glover and Sloane arent running out of steam as a creative duo anytime soon. BA3. HacksAvailable on: Max (U.S.)Hacks is one of the most reliable comedies on television. Through its first two seasons, you could practically set your watch to this Max series being both an extremely funny take on aging in the entertainment industry and the oddly affecting depiction of a codependent relationship between two women. The shows third installment, however, might just be its best.Hacks season 3 takes everything that already works about the show and cranks it up to new levels. At the center of it all are the remarkable performances of leads Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder as comedy superstar Deborah Vance and her young writer Ava Daniels. Alone, each performance is among the best in the medium. Together, they are a nuclear bomb of charm, tension, and pathos. AB2. Interview with the VampireAvailable on: AMC+ (U.S.), BBC iPlayer (U.K.)Interview with the VampireLestat (Sam Reid) is very much still a commanding presence in the show as Louis deals with the guilt of both trying to kill him and not making sure the job was finished.Armand (Assad Zaman) also proves to be just as formidable a figure, though a lot more understated. The series has become even more adept at weaving its threads between the past and the present to tell the story of Louis life, and we cant wait to see where it goes from here. BA1. ShogunAvailable on: Hulu (U.S.), Disney+ (U.K.)It didnt take long for Shgun to become one of the most talked-about shows of the year, nor is any of its praise unwarranted. Though many have been quick to compare the shows gripping drama and political intrigue to Game of Thrones, I would argue that Shgun is even better. Set in 1600s Japan, Shgun follows Lord Toranaga (Hiroyuki Sanada) and his alliance with an English pilot, John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis), as several powers vie for control of Japans future.The cast is incredible, from Sanadas calculating Lord Toranaga to Anna Sawais strong and loyal Mariko to Jarvis fish-out-of-water John Blackthorne and every character in between. There is not a single performance in this show that isnt worthy of praise. While this story may be about mens struggle for power on the surface, the heart of the series lies in its women, who carry this conflict even more than many of the men realize. BA