It’s time to dive into our exciting roundup of 2024’s most beloved entertainment and lifestyle picks! Join us as we explore the best movies, podcasts, TV shows, books, recipes, and much more that have captured our hearts this year! We can’t wait to hear about your favorite discoveries, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!

To make it easy for you, here’s a handy template to share your favorites:

• Your Favorite Movies:
• Your Top TV Shows:
• Your Must-Listen Podcasts:
• Your Favorite Books:
• Your Best Recipes:
• Favorite Purchase Under $25:
• Other Highlights:

Throughout the year, we’ve been curating our favorite suggestions under the tag Little Things. Be sure to explore all of them here! Don’t forget to check out our favorites from 2023 as well!

Discover Kat’s Top Picks for 2024

Kat is the founder and editor in chief of Corporette; you can explore all of Kat’s insightful posts here.

Favorite Movies: It’s a bit disheartening to admit that I’ve drifted away from watching movies as much as I used to. This past year, I found myself indulging in a fair share of Hallmark holiday films, sparked by a playful challenge with a friend to co-write one. Among those, Hanukkah on Rye stood out as the most enjoyable. Additionally, my husband and I were captivated by the engaging documentary Citizen Jane, which offered fascinating insights into urban activism.

Top TV Shows: This year, I was completely enthralled by The Diplomat (that ending was a real shocker!), along with hilarious gems like What We Do in the Shadows and Ghosts. I also ventured into epic sagas like Shogun, Barry, and The Bear. For a nostalgic twist, we rewatched seasons 1-4 of Battlestar Galactica with our 13-year-old, introducing her to classic sci-fi storytelling.

Podcasts That Captivated Me: Thanks to reader recommendations, I discovered the thought-provoking podcast Wiser Than Me, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus in enlightening conversations with inspiring women. I also found joy in Culture Study, which offers captivating insights into pop culture and media.

Books That Enriched My Year: In the realm of nonfiction, I found The Light Eaters to be utterly fascinating! My reading also gravitated towards various books about gardening, native plants, and soil health, expanding my knowledge and appreciation for nature. For fiction, my heart lies in romance, with contemporary favorites including Not Another Love Song, The Seven Year Slip, and The Last Days of Lilah Goodluck. I also immersed myself in historical romances by authors like Alice Coldbreath, Mary Balogh, and Loretta Chase. Paranormal romances, such as Quicksilver and Ali Hazelwood’s Bride, brought a magical twist to my reading. Surprisingly charming was the book with the quirky title, That Time I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf.

Recipe Highlights: My cooking often revolves around high-protein, high-fiber meals tailored for my needs. I’ve reimagined Sean Casey’s Cheesy Taco Rice by substituting half with cauliflower rice and incorporating beans, spinach, and matchstick carrots for added nutrition. I also modified Stealth Health’s Beefy Cheesy Burrito recipe, using a mix of ground beef and turkey, along with spinach for extra flavor. Recently, I tried TikTok’s baked oats recipe, enhancing it with chia seeds and skipping the drizzle. The pizza bites I made were a delightful surprise, reminiscent of a nostalgic treat known as “lard bread” from my childhood, but with healthier ingredients.

Best Purchase Under $25: This summer, the Bug Bite Thing became my best friend, rescuing me from pesky mosquito bites. I also upgraded my summer hat collection to include wide-brimmed styles that provide excellent sun protection. I particularly loved the packable visor for walks and a wider hat designed for relaxation or gardening. While the latter offers great protection, it’s not ideal for keeping an eye on my surroundings due to its side-blocking design.

Other Noteworthy Finds: I was introduced to the luxurious Future Skin foundation by Chantecaille, which, although pricey, has proven to be exceptional. Additionally, I’ve incorporated peptides into my skincare routine, particularly enjoying the 6 Peptide Skin Booster from COSRX for its remarkable benefits.

Explore Elizabeth’s Favorite Picks for 2024

Elizabeth is the talented writer behind our morning workwear reports at Corporette! You can explore all of Elizabeth’s insightful posts here.

Favorite Movies: My teenager and I had a blast watching Inside Out 2 in theaters twice this summer. This film was not only funny and sweet but also skillfully crafted to help both kids and adults navigate complex emotions.

Must-See TV Shows: Given the heavy nature of world events this year, I sought lighter entertainment, avoiding intense dramas. I found joy in the quirky humor of Girls5eva and the delightful dramedies My Lady Jane and The Perfect Couple. For those with access to Acorn TV, I highly recommend cozy British mysteries like The Madame Blanc Mysteries and Signora Volpe for a delightful escape.

Podcasts That Kept Me Engaged: The first half of the year was dominated by political content, but I made a conscious effort to find balance for my sanity. I enjoyed Noble Blood, I Said No Gifts!, Normal Gossip, and Las Culturistas, which provided a refreshing mix of entertainment.

Books That Stood Out: This year, I encountered quite a few books that ended up in the “did not finish” pile, primarily due to the emotional weight of the content. However, We Solve Murders by Richard Osman was a delightful exception that I devoured over a weekend.

Recipe Highlights: The confetti cookies from Smitten Kitchen have become an essential favorite on my Christmas cookie trays, consistently impressing friends and family alike.

Best Purchase Under $25: Earlier, I mentioned the balloon pump that has brought immense joy to my family this year. A close runner-up would be the waterproof phone case that has made my self-care routine easier. After a long day, I love to unwind in a hot shower while watching mindless videos on my phone. This handy phone holder attaches securely to the shower wall, keeping my device safe and dry while I indulge in some relaxation.

Other Standout Products: After turning 40 this year, I discovered that my skin benefits most when I streamline my product usage. The night cream from Cerave has become my go-to for the fall and winter months, proving to be a true skincare hero.

Uncover Kate’s Favorite Picks for 2024

Kate is our longtime editor and writer at Corporette — you can read all of Kate’s insightful posts here.

Top Movie of the Year: Without a doubt, my favorite film this year was I Saw the TV Glow — I loved it so much that I watched it twice in theaters! The soundtrack, available for streaming, is fantastic as well. Although I consumed more streaming TV than films this year, I would recommend Deadpool & Wolverine as another worthwhile watch.

Favorite TV Shows: My guilty pleasures this year included lighthearted reality shows like Love Is Blind and The Circle. On a more serious note, I thoroughly enjoyed the new season of Queer Eye. In addition to those, I was captivated by Baby Reindeer (a blend of amazing and disturbing), Angela All Along (fun and campy), as well as The Lincoln Lawyer (a light legal series). I also found myself drawn to binge-worthy series like unREAL and hilarious comedies such as Girls5eva. Documentaries like Unbelievable (infuriating) and Dancing for the Devil (bizarre) kept me on the edge of my seat.

Podcasts That Engaged My Mind: Before the election, I consumed a lot of Pod Save America, though it has become increasingly difficult to listen to lately. I also listened to Exposed: Cover-Up at Columbia University, a chilling investigative podcast about a Columbia OB/GYN who evaded justice for 25 years. For in-depth explorations of terrible actions by individuals and corporations, I always recommend Behind the Bastards. (I think I’ll need to find lighter podcast options for 2025!)

Books That Captivated Me: This year, my reading list included Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, which was an emotionally challenging yet rewarding read, perfectly complementing Quiet on Set. On a lighter note, Blank, a novel by Zibby Owens, provided an enjoyable escape.

Best Purchase Under $25: Reflecting on my recent Amazon purchases, a few standout buys for 2024 included a handy hanger stacker, a rocker pizza cutter, and a suet made with chili peppers to deter squirrels from raiding our bird feeders. (Rest assured, our neighborhood squirrels still enjoy the seeds that fall to the ground.)

Other Memorable Experiences: Music has been a significant part of my year! I enjoyed listening to Chappell Roan, along with two fantastic albums released this year: Guster’s Ooh La La and Joywave’s Permanent Pleasure.

Discover Ann’s Favorite Picks for 2024

Ann is our dedicated morning writer at CorporetteMoms — you can explore all of Ann’s insightful posts here.

Movies That Captivated Me: My movie-watching primarily happens on airplanes, leading me to revisit timeless classics. During my most recent 24-hour journey across the Pacific, I indulged in Crazy Rich Asians, Pride & Prejudice, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Little Women, and a variety of Disney films. I also unexpectedly enjoyed The Garfield Movie while watching it with my eldest’s Girl Scout troop, as it surpassed my expectations!

TV Shows That Kept Me Entertained: Similar to my movie habits, I often use flights as an opportunity to catch up on TV. I’ve been engrossed in Suits, Law & Order, and even completed an entire season of Top Chef. My spouse and I dedicated time to watch Next Baking Master Paris together after the kids went to bed. As a fan of legal dramas, I’m eagerly anticipating the new season of Matlock.

Podcasts That Made Me Laugh: Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me always delivers much-needed humor regarding current events. Additionally, I started listening to British Scandal based on a coworker’s recommendation. My oldest child particularly enjoys Circle Round, which presents folk tales from around the world that resonate with both kids and adults.

Books That Sparked My Interest: For my spouse’s birthday, I gifted him a Guess Where Trip, which included a visit to the fascinating Monocacy National Battlefield. Though I’m not a Civil War aficionado, the experience ignited my curiosity, prompting me to delve into Desperate Engagement: How a Little-Known Civil War Battle Saved Washington, D.C., and Changed American History. For lighter reading, I thoroughly enjoyed The Burnout by Sophia Kinsella (famous for Shopaholic) during the summer.

Recipe Inspirations: I frequently borrow cookbooks from the library, and currently, I’m diving into Snacking Cakes: Simple Treats for Anytime Cravings because I always have a craving for cake. For online recipes, I rely heavily on Smitten Kitchen, Woks of Life, and Sally’s Baking Addiction — I’ve never encountered a disappointing recipe from any of these sources. Since my mother-in-law is dairy and egg allergic (effectively making her a vegan who eats meat), I’m enhancing my vegan baking skills. I plan to try a vegan version of cinnamon rolls over the holidays and here’s the cutout sugar cookie recipe I use every holiday season.

Best Purchase Under $25: For holiday gifts, I found adorable food-themed hair clips for my oldest and a delightful kids’ cooking set from Material for my youngest. On my flight to Asia, a travel-sized facial spray and silk sleep masks were absolute lifesavers.

Other Exciting Finds: As the cold weather sets in, I tend to stock up on knits, even if I probably don’t need any more. I usually treat myself to a cozy sweater from La Ligne during their annual Thanksgiving sale. Additionally, I’m experimenting with various carry-ons and will try using a classic tote bag from Lands’ End — I opted for the large zip-top with long handles. Last but not least, we developed an obsession with chocolate-covered licorice since our trip to Denmark last year, and now they ship to the U.S.!