Best Broadway Plays to See (September 2026)
As August 2026 arrives, Broadway's 2024 class continues to demonstrate remarkable staying power and critical acclaim. The shows that opened two years ago have matured into some of the most celebrated productions currently running, with an impressive average critic score of 86 out of 100—a testament to the exceptional quality of that season's offerings.
Cole Escola's "Oh, Mary!" stands as the highest-rated production, earning near-universal praise for its irreverent take on Mary Todd Lincoln. Critics describe the farce as "howlingly funny" and "dizzyingly absurd," cementing its status as a comedic tour de force that continues to pack houses. David Adjmi's "Stereophonic" remains another critical darling, with reviewers hailing the three-hour studio drama as a "masterful, immersive triumph" that captures the messy creative process of making music. The production's ability to sustain audience engagement over its substantial runtime speaks to its theatrical craftsmanship.
The 2024 season also brought notable diversity to Broadway stages, from the ballroom-infused reimagining of "CATS: The Jellicle Ball" to the original robot rom-com "Maybe Happy Ending," which critics celebrate for its refreshingly innovative premise and lush score. Traditional revivals like "Gypsy," featuring Audra McDonald's "towering" performance as Mama Rose, prove that classic material still resonates powerfully when executed with skill and vision.
What distinguishes this cohort is not just individual excellence but collective range—from intimate family dramas to spectacular musical reimaginings. Whether you're seeking laugh-out-loud comedy, emotionally resonant drama, or innovative musical theater, the top-rated shows from 2024 offer something exceptional for every theatrical taste.
21 shows | Last updated: September 2026
How We Rank
Rankings are based on CriticScore, an aggregate of professional reviews from 400+ outlets including The New York Times, Vulture, and Variety. Top-tier outlets carry the most weight in the composite score. Each show needs a minimum number of reviews to qualify. Scores are recalculated weekly. Learn more about our methodology.
Critics hail Adjmi's three-hour studio drama as a masterful, immersive dissection of the creative process, praising its naturalistic style, stunning design, and original rock songs that capture the messy glory of artistic collaboration.
Cole Escola's irreverent farce about Mary Todd Lincoln earns near-universal raves as a riotously funny Broadway comedy. Critics praise its "dizzyingly breathtaking" humor and Escola's brilliant performance, though a few find it too silly and choppy.
Herzog's intimate drama about a mother caring for her severely ill son earns widespread praise for its understated power and emotional authenticity, anchored by McAdams' compelling Broadway debut, though a few find it too muted.
Hwang's meta-theatrical satire about race and casting earns strong reviews for its sharp wit and timely relevance. Critics praise Daniel Dae Kim's performance and the play's deft balance of comedy and pointed social commentary.
Kenny Leon's vibrant revival of Samm-Art Williams' 1979 play earns mostly positive reviews for its powerful performances and poetic storytelling, though some critics find the work dated and the production occasionally lacking.
Harmon's ambitious three-hour drama about a French Jewish family grappling with antisemitism across generations earns strong praise for its timeliness and emotional power, though some critics find it overstuffed and structurally uneven.
Critics praise this sharp satire of progressive Berkeley parents debating vaccines as one of Broadway's funniest offerings, with a standout Zoom chat scene earning mid-show applause, though some find its barbs feel dated post-pandemic.
Critics praise Butterworth's ambitious family drama for Laura Donnelly's powerful dual performance and Sam Mendes' direction, though some find the sprawling three-hour epic overly familiar in its showbiz-dreams narrative.
Shanley's Pulitzer-winning drama holds up powerfully in this strong revival, with critics praising the electric performances of Ryan and Schreiber, though some note the play's central ambiguity feels less potent 20 years after its debut.
Critics find this timely Ibsen revival compelling but uneven, with Jeremy Strong's intense central performance earning widespread praise while Sam Gold's directorial choices divide opinion on whether they enhance or diminish the classic drama.
Critics find Headland's dysfunctional family Christmas drama caustically funny and well-acted, though overstuffed with issues. The ensemble earns widespread praise, but the play's ambitious sprawl divides opinion on execution.
Vogel's semi-autobiographical family drama earns praise for Lange's commanding performance and bold stylistic choices, but critics find the play itself uneven, with some calling it emotionally underpowered and overly therapeutic despite its humor and inventive staging.
Critics find this intense two-hander about a viral meltdown and crisis therapy session gripping but divisive.
Kenny Leon's revival of Wilder's classic earns praise for its emotional resonance and diverse casting, though critics are divided on its execution. Parsons' Stage Manager and the production's timeless themes connect, but some find it lacking cohesion.
Critics find LuPone and Farrow's star power elevates Silverman's slight but charming odd-couple comedy, with most praising the performances over the thin script. Farrow particularly dazzles in this crowd-pleasing two-hander that shows its age.
Morgan's timely drama about Putin's rise receives mixed reviews: critics praise Stuhlbarg's performance and Goold's slick staging, but many find the play lacks insight, with an exposition-heavy first act that never fully illuminates its subject.
Sam Gold's Gen Z-targeted revival divides critics with its aggressively modern, club-like aesthetic. Connor and Zegler earn praise, but reactions split on whether the hyperactive, pop-infused production enhances or overshadows Shakespeare's tragedy.
Simon Rich's celebrity-studded staged reading divides critics: some find the star-powered comic vignettes charming and funny, while others dismiss it as an overpriced, underrehearsed cash grab masquerading as Broadway theater.
Mixed reviews greet this star-studded revival, with critics praising Steve Carell's Broadway debut and Heidi Schreck's modern translation, but finding Lila Neugebauer's production disconnected and uneven despite its talented ensemble.
Critics find this memoir adaptation disappointing, with Margulies' warm performance unable to overcome sluggish pacing and a struggle to translate the page to stage, resulting in a directionless rom-com that lacks dramatic tension.
Critics find Akhtar's AI-focused drama muddled and dramatically unsatisfying, though Downey Jr. delivers a magnetic Broadway debut. The play raises intriguing questions about artificial intelligence and authorship but fails to cohere into compelling theater.