What to watch on streaming: today's picks from Netflix, Prime Video and more
Looking for something to watch today on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more? Don't miss our experts' recommendations...
We can all feel a bit overwhelmed when looking for something to watch in the world of streaming, so if you're in need of some help, you've come to the right place. This week on Netflix: Wake Up Dead Man, the marvellous third instalment in writer/director Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, dares to get a bit spooky, as it finds gentleman sleuth Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) tackling the fiendish mystery of a seemingly impossible “locked room” murder. Josh O’Connor lends support as the small-town priest who’s in the frame for the crime. Put-upon house-sitter Trevor Bingley is back, plagued this time by an ever-crawling baby he wasn’t supposed to be looking after. Rowan Atkinson’s mostly visual comedy Man Vs Baby delivers plenty of wholesome Christmas chaos. Over on Apple TV, the creative team behind Top Gun: Maverick hits the asphalt and keeps the pace up for exhilarating drama F1 set in the world of Formula One. Brad Pitt is the former hotshot getting back behind the wheel with the help of an old buddy (Javier Bardem). Meanwhile, the door closes on Amazon’s “new chapter” of Aussie soap Neighbours after two years, much to the disappointment of a loyal audience gripped by the goings-on in Ramsay Street for four decades. How will this finale compare to the one from 2022, when the show was axed by 5? It might not be a huge stretch for him, but George Clooney puts in a roundly entertaining performance as a Hollywood A-lister undergoing a crisis of confidence in Jay Kelly, the latest comic drama from film-maker Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story). It’s Adam Sandler, though, who takes the acting honours as the star’s long-suffering manager. In The Roses over on Disney+, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch get their claws out as the married couple whose relationship collapses in a new adaptation of black comedy The War of the Roses. There's no shortage of streaming options, and so to give you a bit of a hand, RadioTimes.com has collated some of the best new offerings: from Netflix and Disney Plus to Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Apple TV, here are the latest highlights across the services. Whether it's a police procedural drama like NCIS: Origins, a reality show like Squid Game: the Challenge or a fascinating documentary thriller such as The Moonies: Married to the Cult, there's something here to suit everyone's taste. Take a look at the list below, which includes all the details about where you can watch any title – and what we think.
Best TV shows to watch on Amazon Prime Video UK (November 2025)
From original series to iconic acquired dramas, check out the best shows to watch on Amazon's streaming service.
Looking for your next binge-worthy treat? Prime Video’s Chewing Gum is a must-watch. It follows Tracey, a young woman full of energy and ambition, as she navigates love, family, and the chaos of adulthood – with unfiltered results, naturally. Caution: you may not stop laughing… Prime Video is also home to Chicago Med, a high-pressure series packed with big medical emergencies, layered character stories, and all the emotional highs and lows that have made the One Chicago world so popular. You’ll also find Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens, a campy horror-comedy set on a college campus – equal parts slasher chaos and sass. Prime Video also features its latest Harlan Coben offering with Lazarus, led by Sam Claflin as Joel Lazarus, who is delivered the shock news of his father's suicide and is left to piece together the events leading up to his father's death. When he sets foot in his father's office though, he starts to embody Dr L (Bill Nighy) himself, leading him to uncover more about not only his father, but his mix of clients. If thrillers aren't up your street, then some other strong Prime Video contenders include Hotel Costiera, which boasts a beautiful Mediterranean setting, or The Summer I Turned Pretty, which unfolds against the backdrop of Wilmington, North Carolina (aka Cousins Beach). Alternatively, if you're looking for something with a bit of edge – it is spooky season, after all – you can find some reliable thrills in no-holds-barred The Boys spin-off Gen V, which just returned for season 2, or unpredictable psychological thriller The Girlfriend. The latter show pits Robin Wright (House of Cards) against Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon), as a worried mother attempts to unravel the apparent lies of her son's mysterious new partner. If you need any further inspiration while navigating Prime Video's vast library, we're here to help, picking the best titles you can find on the streamer and updating this list with new entries every week. So, without further ado, here are the top titles on Amazon Prime Video for UK viewers. Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime Video and pay £8.99 a month after that.
Best movies on Amazon Prime Video to watch now
No-one wants to scroll endlessly, so we've picked the best movies on Prime Video for you.
If you’re lining up your next movie night, Amazon Prime Video has plenty to dive into – including Locked, a horror-thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The film follows a gripping hostage situation in a car, where every decision counts and the clock is ticking – will they make it? Featuring Bill Skarsgård, whose talent for chilling performances is unmistakable following It and Nosferatu, the tension and suspense are dialled up even higher. If you’re looking for something a tad more whimsical, Prime Video has you covered with the magical, fan-favourite film Wicked. With acclaimed performances from Academy Award nominees Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, it brings the epic world of Oz straight to your screen. Could the pair go one step further and bag an Oscar for Wicked: For Good? For something more grounded though, Hot Milk starring Sex Education’s Emma Mackey offers an intimate drama about a mother and daughter working through life’s complications and unexpected discoveries. And for pure silliness, White Chicks is there with its over-the-top early-2000s humour, following two FBI agents who go undercover as socialites – worth it for *that* A Thousand Miles scene alone. Prime Video has also developed a great habit of picking up some of the best cinema releases of recent years for its streaming library – and one film that fits squarely into the category is Small Things like These, an emotionally devastating drama set in 1980s Ireland starring Cillian Murphy. It sits alongside several other great recent movies on the platform, including Oscar-nominated fare such as Nickel Boys and The Zone of Interest. And the platform also features original films, such as Saltburn, Chris Pine's Poolman, Anne Hathaway romcom The Idea of You and Jake Gyllenhaal's recent take on Road House, meaning there is plenty for any film fan to choose from. For instance, those looking for horror fare can turns to movies including Longlegs and Heretic, while those looking for classics can enjoys the likes of The Long Good Friday – so you'll never be left lacking something to watch on the platform. If you're looking for the best movies to watch right now, then look no further. Every movie on the list below has been hand-picked by RadioTimes.com's team of experts, so you will know exactly which films you should dive into when you next log on to the streamer. Our Prime Video pages (including best Amazon series) are updated regularly, so keep this page bookmarked as we'll have fresh recommendations you absolutely don't want to miss. For those wanting something a bit different, we’ve also created shortlists of the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix series, as well as your guide to Disney Plus. Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime Video and pay £8.99 a month after that.
Neighbours finale review: A gut-wrenching farewell as unanswered questions leave us desperate for more
One final whizz around Ramsay Street which deserved to be longer.
The sun has set over Erinsborough – and not for the first time. Neighbours has somehow bounced back twice before, having been dropped after just eight months on air in 1985, and the axe falling again in 2022 when British broadcaster 5 cut funding. No one, I suspect, was under the illusion that Amazon’s revival of the cult soap in 2023 would last forever. After all, all good things must come to an end eventually – it’s just a crying shame it happened so soon. It’s been a stellar revival, with ambitious storylines and polished production. The so-called ‘new chapter’ was Neighbours with the volume turned up. While there have been some questionable elements, such as the endless parade of American guest stars in a bid to gain some transatlantic attention, the show’s beating heart has remained intact. When whispers that the show was under threat reached me last year, I struggled to believe it. Viewers were still tuning in, social media was buzzing, and the energy felt anything but terminal. Ultimately, as has often been the soap’s Achilles’ heel, finances were proving to be too much of a hurdle. This is a disease that has plagued Neighbours for over a decade. For that reason, when it was announced that the serial would be wrapping production again, I was under no illusion that the final storyline would be somewhat muted. There would be no Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie dropping by, no glittering party in the suburban cul-de-sac, and certainly no fanfare-filled national celebration of the show’s legacy. I didn’t want the last two years to be seen as a misfire or embarrassment because, to us viewers and the hard-working production team, it hasn’t been. What saddened me was that today’s episode seemed so incredibly rushed, as though Amazon had no appetite in investing a little bit more cash to bring some sort of spectacle to the proceedings. Would a double-length feature be too much to ask? Despite the number of episodes left to air dwindling, over the last few months we’ve been introduced to a flurry of new characters alongside a sudden return of some faces from the near past. These included '90s favourite Gaby Willis’s son Zack, his boyfriend Colton, cleaning product thief Clint, and his daughter Addison. Now I’m not saying that any of these actors were unworthy of having a slice of the Neighbours cake, but new characters bring new stories, which was jarring when there was still so much to finalise. I’ve enjoyed their presence, and I’m sure if they were given time, they would’ve thrived. I was stung by story arcs that were hard to digest – Zack’s abruptly buried sex tape scandal and Addison’s reunion with her drug dealing mother should not have played a part in the final months. We should have focussed on the community, those who we have already invested a great deal of our time in. Clint being revealed as Addison’s father was evidently a clumsy way to shoe-horn him back into Jane's life so that they could rekindle their romance in the penultimate episode. Just three years ago, her spark was reignited with teenage love Mike Young. Would it be so wrong to have her remain single? It's understandable that the idea was to give everyone (or most) a happy ending; Remi Varga-Murphy’s amnesia fading and the memory of her wife Cara conveniently returning, Krista Tanaka announcing her pregnancy to husband Leo. But so many threads were left unresolved. One of the strongest families in years, the Rodwells, were left in tatters in the wake of Andrew’s affair with Holly Hoyland. There was the faintest shimmer of a possible reconciliation when Wendy supported Holly through her miscarriage, and later alluded that she may be able to put everything behind her in a conversation with the Varga-Murphys. Andrew listened in, intrigued. And yet, as the theme tune kicked in, I yearned for that conversation to happen between the couple in a post-credits scene. Andrew’s infidelity with his messy neighbour and the subsequent fallout has been immense, and the implosion had legs for another six months of story. We’ll never see that. Executive Producer Jason Herbison has made no secret of the fact he had to speed a lot of things up to accommodate the ending, but it's impossible to shake the feeling that a lot more could’ve been sacrificed for a more emotionally satisfying farewell. Despite that, there was a lot to love in today’s instalment. I cried my little heart out watching the episode, and that was despite knowing every single beat of what was about to happen some months ago. There opening brought perfect symmetry: the Varga-Murphys spinning into Ramsay Street, waving to Karl, mirroring their introduction two years ago. They’ve been one of the triumphs of this era, and rarely has a new family settled so easily. Karl and Paul’s near-verbatim reprise of Susan’s iconic monologue from the 2022 finale also made me smile. For a moment, I wondered why they hadn’t crafted something new – then I remembered, this is Karl and Paul, of course they haven’t. The words hit just as hard the second time around. A delightful procession of familiar faces poured into the The Waterhole to hear Shane Ramsay’s grand plans for a future beyond their usual confines. It wasn’t quite the same nostalgia-fest of the previous finale, but was nonetheless heartwarming to hear Melanie Pearson’s infamous cackle one last time, catch up with trailblazing Mackenzie Hargreaves, and see Roxy Canning strutting her stuff on the bar. With only 24 minutes of material, I was pleasantly surprised to see that each and every returnee had some form of dialogue. They could have easily faded into the background given the limited timeframe, but managed to stand out and serve as a reminder of the folk who’ve woven the show’s rich tapestry. Now, probably my most contentious view: I liked the final scene. I’m certain that by the time this article goes live, fans will be in uproar about the unresolved Erinsborough redevelopment plot, and that we’ll never truly know whether the locals chose to fight for their homes, move to Ramsay Hills or live in the Robinson Towers complex. But that’s the beauty of a serial drama. If Neighbours had continued for another 20 years, we’d still be left with unanswered questions at some point. In the closing moments, Susan stood in the heart of Ramsay Street, contemplating her future. I had goosebumps as the voices of those we have loved and lost over the years rung out around her. It was a poignant reminder that although Neighbours may be gone, the memories will never fade – for us viewers, at least. Susan, stay away from the spilled milk! As she was joined by Paul and Karl for some last words, nobody could muster up a decision about what to do, and so the camera panned out over the signpost, seemingly for good. I’m worried that this open ending will prompt viewers to cling onto the hope of a potential comeback, continuing to plow their time into pushing out the Save Neighbours hashtag at any given opportunity. I would never, ever rule it out a third revival, but it seems incredibly unlikely. I hope that there is at least some comfort found in this ambiguity. Now more than ever, it feels like the right moment to honour a legacy that will only continue when the current generation of actors move onto their next project, and exclaim: “I started on Neighbours.” I like to think it’s not the end of the road, we’ve just reached the midpoint of the cul-de-sac. Farewell, Neighbours, and thank you. Read more: Neighbours boss was unable to secure legendary character for affair story Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025.
Could Neighbours return? Producer discusses soap’s future after cliffhanger ending
Jason Herbison discusses his hopes for the future with RadioTimes.com.
The final ever episode of Neighbours has streamed today, after 40 years on air. It's a bitter pill to swallow for the legions of fans across the globe who tune in for their daily dose of sunshine and drama, given the particularly finite nature of the soap's final storyline. The last time this happened was in 2022, with British broadcaster 5 cutting funding and therefore bringing production to a close. In what was then deemed the finale, a wedding party was attended by a multitude of former Ramsay Street residents, including the iconic Scott and Charlene Robinson (Jason Donovan and Kylie Mingoue). With the story seemingly continuing forever (just not on our screens), fans were given some comfort in the knowledge that their favourite residents all received happy endings. But that's not the case this time. The Nunawading Studios, where Neighbours was filmed for 39 years, have been handed back to their landlord. A plot that threatens the redevelopment of the famed cul de sac to build a new freeway is largely unresolved, and it's likely that the characters are facing a future apart from one another. Despite that, executive producer Jason Herbison does believe that a revival – albeit in a strikingly different model to what we have become accustomed to – is possible. It just takes a broadcaster to see faith in his idea. Here he speaks to RadioTimes.com about what that might look like, and whether it would be feasible in an ever-changing media landscape. How did you approach the 2025 finale differently from the 2022 one? I saw an opportunity to set the show up for a new kind of comeback, perhaps as a spin-off or limited series. The finale is designed to give viewers a taste of what those alternate Neighbours universes could look like. Which characters would you like to see in their own spin-off series? There is a great opportunity for at least two new shows to emerge from ashes of Neighbours – Ramsay Hills and Robinson Towers! We talk about what those alternate stories might look like in the final episodes. Ramsay Hills is brand new suburb – such a show would be quite similar to the Neighbours viewers already know. Robinson Towers is a new hotel and residential development in the heart of Melbourne: high-rise city living. In my dreamscape, we would make short run seasons of both shows and alternate them. When one ends, the other returns. There could be crossovers of characters and returns to Ramsay Street, if it’s still standing. Who knows, perhaps one day? What other formats would you be interested in as a way of carrying on Neighbours? The possibilities are endless. I have an idea for a Christmas movie – maybe that could happen? That said, I’m also enjoying working on new projects at the moment... The show is beloved and anything could happen. Are the team still actively pursuing the chance to bring Neighbours back? We are always open to the discussion. I think we agree that returning to the old model is unlikely, but a conversation will always be welcomed. If Neighbours were to return, would you still like to produce the show, or hand over the reins to someone else? I will always be interested in what happens to the brand, but it may not be me taking it forward in the future. It all depends on where I am in my career. I’ve tried to leave it in a good place and open to many possibilities, not just the ones I mentioned. It’s a huge job running a serial drama. The creative part is fun, but there’s also the management side, which can be all-consuming. I’m personally very happy to have a break from that pace. But if a new broadcaster is interested in Ramsay Hills or Robinson Towers, I would be happy to share my vision. Do you think a new soap could be launched in today’s TV landscape and survive as long as Neighbours? The television landscape has evolved greatly since Neighbours and the other iconic soaps were launched. Who knows? That’s really the answer. I suspect the reality is that shorter runs with less episodes is the way to go. I don’t think we’ll ever see an age where viewers had a small number of channels to choose from, which was the prevailing condition when soaps gained such footholds back in the day. Read more: Neighbours boss was unable to secure legendary character for affair story Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Neighbours legend Lucinda Cowden talks soap spin-off hopes – and her new project with Toadie star Ryan Moloney
The actress chats to RadioTimes.com ahead of her final return to the axed Australian drama.
It just wouldn't be right saying goodbye to Neighbours without hearing Melanie Pearson's iconic chuckle one last time. Fortunately, actress Lucinda Cowden is making her way back to Ramsay Street tomorrow for the soap's finale. There's been a Mel-shaped hole in Erinsborough ever since the character decided to start a new life with Vic Stone (Craig Hall) in Gippsland last year and, although we did see her during the 40th anniversary celebrations in March, there's always room for her in Erinsborough. With the cameras primed to shoot the last scenes in July, Cowden began to fear that she hadn't made the shortlist of familiar faces jetting in to view the new Ramsay Hills and Robinson Towers developments. "I have to admit, I may have sent a little email to [executive producer] Jason Herbison saying: 'Put me in it or I shall hurt your... something'", she joked to RadioTimes.com. "Maybe not quite so threatening, maybe a little pleading. I was thinking that surely they must want Mel back. "I tried to sort of give it a humorous tinge, rather than try to sound quite so desperate. He emailed me back, saying: 'Give me a day, I just need to work it out as I've got so many things in my head.' I got a call from my agent on the Monday." The news of the show's cancellation first hit Lucinda at the conclusion of a nationwide UK tour celebrating Neighbours' birthday earlier this year, a moment she says "floored" her. "The tour had been such an incredible success, we received so much love from the fans and they just filled up our cup. The day after it finished, I was still in Manchester and the cast that were still in the show had left really early that morning to get on a plane," she explains. "I got a number of text messages and was totally floored. This show is still so incredibly loved, and yet here they are tossing it in the bin again." But where do we find Melanie upon her comeback? "It seems all is well in the world of Gippsland pubs and for Mel and Vic, apparently. That's a good thing, because I think it's nice for people to know that Mel's happy and loved, because she had such a terrible time, didn't she? "From the reboot to when she left, it was a rollercoaster that was mainly downhill." She even reckons there's room for a Melanie-centred spin-off, and honestly, we're totally here for it. "Wouldn't that be great to have a little Gippsland spin off with maybe some sort of Byron, Nicolette and Jane Harris action? That would be a nice catch-up. "That's what I'm really hoping might happen with the show – they do little vignettes on what's happened to different families, where they are and what they're doing now. I think there's a market for that." Cowden continues: "It was an absolute joy to be involved in that very important episode. But I don't think it's ever going to come back in the same way again. If it does, I think it will only be in little, short bursts. "That has a sadness for our industry here in Melbourne, and that we lose this incredible training facility. The arts are absolutely and utterly under attack at this moment in time. AI is a really frightening option for all of us creatives." In fact, the threat of artificial intelligence has been the inspiration for a new project that has been crafted with one of the soap's most beloved names. "It's an old idea called Soapboxed that I had that I spoke to Neighbours script editor Megan Herbert about. We've collaborated together, and we're going be doing a premiere of it at the Flinders Fringe Festival in February in February," she reveals. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/07/Lucinda-Cowden-and-Ryan-Moloney-on-Neighbours-2021-Taken-by-Jane-Zhang-3_jpg_ReferenceImage_m18676-1f216a4.jpg" width="1080" height="720" alt="Melanie, wearing a leopard print dress, stares into Toadie's eyes. He's wearing a blue shirt and purple tie in a scene from Neighbours" title="Lucinda Cowden and Ryan Moloney on Neighbours 2021 (Taken by Jane Zhang) 3_jpg_ReferenceImage_m18676" /> "I have managed to secure the talents of one of my very favourite actors. His name is Ryan Moloney. Never heard of him? He's a young man with a lot of potential. He actually did a marvellous audition for me for about four years. "It's a play about television and soap and of course there will be cheeky references to Mel and Toadie. We would love to maybe give it a tour around the UK one day, because you don't get any more human than theatre." But, for now, fans have one last slice of Aussie action before the infamous theme tune kicks in, and for Lucinda, it was a "strange feeling" leaving the Neighbours production base in Nunawading, Victoria, for the final time. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Strap-in-Everyone-put-theyre-all-into-the-last-few-months-and-its-so-nice-to-see-such-a-huge--fa11aab.jpg" width="1080" height="608" alt="Lucinda Cowden as Melanie Pearson in Neighbours, wearing a bright green coat and brown boots, sat on a field." title="Strap in! Everyone put they’re all into the last few months and it’s so nice to see such a huge" /> "The first time I drove into that building, I was probably 22, and when I drove out, I was 59. Things happened in between, for sure, but that's pretty much 37 years of driving in and out of the studio. "I spent a long time trying not to be 'Melanie from Neighbours'. I think the important thing that it taught me is that it's enough to be Melanie from Neighbours, and that's a privilege to have been involved with such an incredible show for such a long time." Read more: Neighbours legends tease that beloved soap would be a "completely new show" should it be revived following finale Neighbours boss was unable to secure legendary character for affair story Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again The Neighbours finale streams from 7:30am tomorrow on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast. Read our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2025.
Neighbours legends tease that beloved soap would be a "completely new show" should it be revived following finale
The legendary actors speak to RadioTimes.com about their sadness, hopes for the future and gratitude to the show's viewers.
As one of Australia's biggest media exports, Neighbours has cemented a number of cast members as household names over the last four decades... but few have had quite the same impact as Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne. The duo - who have played the beloved Karl and Susan Kennedy since 1994 - are preparing to say farewell to the cult soap this week, after it failed to be recommissioned by producers Amazon MGM Studios in February. Uniquely, and rather sadly, this is a position they've both been in before. It was just over three years ago that the show wrapped up the Ramsay Street drama with a blaze of highly publicised returns, including Kylie Minogue and Margot Robbie, a wedding party on the infamous cul de sac and a sense of hope for the future. This time, however, things are a little different. A threat to the future of fictional Erinsborough looms large, with redevelopment plans displacing the characters across the state of Victoria. The more finite storyline, while allowing the door to remain open for a potential revival, signifies a change in gear from last time. If Neighbours was to return - and given this is the third time that the series has been pulled since it began - it would be very different. "There was tears, there was sadness, Stefan [Dennis] spoke beautifully on the last day," Fletcher explains to RadioTimes.com. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/NBRSS3UT9362250711TRAALL00139-3e490d2.jpg" width="3900" height="2601" alt="A greyscale image of producers Andrew Thompson and Jason Herbison stand beside actors Stefan Dennis (who is raising a glass) and Rebekah Elmaloglou. Seated are Hana Abe-Tucker, Jackie Woodburne and Annie Jones on the set of Neighbours" title="Neighbours" /> "I think there was also a sense of pride. We faced great sadness the first time around. This time we got an extra two years, we got an extra 400 episodes. We proved to the world that Neighbours didn't finish because it lacked an audience. The show is still loved." Woodburne adds: "Ironically, there was a sense of, 'Well, who knows?', especially the way the story ended. There was an element of hope. And we have lived the experience of 'you really do never know'." In fact, the pair have already started considering what Neighbours 4.0 could look like. During episodes that air this week, the residents are debating whether to fight for their homes, move to Shane Ramsay's (Peter O'Brien) 'Ramsay Hills' development, or shift to the city for Paul Robinson's new mixed-use venture 'Robinson Towers'. "What logistically would be the easiest and the least expensive to shoot? Where do Karl and Susan best fit in? I mean, really, you could justify any of the three options," she continues. "For Susan, obviously, the hope is that they would save Ramsay Street, but logistically, I doubt that's possible." Fletcher agrees. "It's enormous fun to speculate. The one thing I would say is, if for some amazing reason down the track there was some kind of an incarnation of a program not necessarily called Neighbours, but a program that had a Neighbour-ish type feel, then you can be sure that they would go to the boffins like [executive producer] Jason Herbison, who would generate the best possible storyline." Amid the speculation, they also want fans to manage their expectations and not be sat waiting for a reprieve. In fact, they've both moved onto new ventures. For Fletcher, he's just completed a nationwide UK tour with his music, while Woodburne is set to lead a new 5 drama, Imposter, which hits screens next week. "It's November and I haven't heard a single whisper of any notion whatsoever. It would have to be a completely new show," he explains. "It's just the reality. So who knows what the future is? Paying for television [production] these days is so hard and so fraught that you just don't know what sort of show would even be possible." There's still a lot to look forward to in the last few days. A range of old faces return in the finale, allowing Neighbours to do what it does best - dipping into the rich history of the characters and playing on the nostalgia a little. "I love the fact that Peter O'Brien could come back and play such a substantial part in the finale. These people are very successful actors in the industry, and yet they always put their hand up when asked to come back and do substantial work," Fletcher notes. "I think having Shane pitted against Paul at the end, there was a perfect blend, if you like." Woodburne continues: "The dynamic that they had was fascinating. I think the fans will recognise that, even if it's just subconsciously. It pulls fans back to the origins of the show that they've been faithful to for so long." Concluding, they both wanted to share their gratitude with those who have supported their careers, and the show, over the years. "What wonderful people, beautiful people watch our show. My message to them is just a profound thank you for the support; the encouragement, the love, for watching the show, and keeping me employed. I have nothing but gratitude and admiration for all of them," Woodburne beams. And for Fletcher? "It's a total ditto for me. I do have a very, very close personal connection with a lot of people who, over the years, have come to all the gigs. So actually, I know people now on a different level, and they tell me about what's going on in their lives and what Neighbours means to them. "I feel very connected to that audience, and I'm very appreciative that they've let me into their lives." The final episode of Neighbours streams on Amazon Prime Video from 7.30am on Thursday, 11th December. Read more: Neighbours boss was unable to secure legendary character for affair story Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Young Sherlock Holmes series from Guy Ritchie gets first look showing off "explosive re-imagining"
The series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Dónal Finn.
A selection of first-look images have been unveiled for Young Sherlock, the new Prime Video series from director and executive producer Guy Ritchie charting the origin story of Sherlock Holmes. The images show us our first glimpses of Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the title role, as well as Dónal Finn's (The Wheel of Time) young Moriarty, Zine Tseng's (3 Body Problem) Princess Gulun Shou'an and Natascha McElhone's (Halo) Cordelia, with the latter being Sherlock and Mycroft's mother. Also seen in the images are Max Irons (Miss Austen) as Sherlock's brother Mycroft and Colin Firth (Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy) as Sir Bucephalus Hodge. The synopsis for the series, which has been written and executive produced by showrunner Matthew Parkhill, says: "With all the wit and charm of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes feature films, Young Sherlock follows the origin story of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s beloved detective in an explosive re-imagining of this iconic character’s early days." The synopsis continues: "Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man – raw and unfiltered – when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty. His first ever case unravels a globe-trotting conspiracy that changes his life forever. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Hero-Fiennes-TiffinDonal-FinnNatascha-McElhone2-Photo-credit-Dan-Smith-7464d0b.jpg" width="3900" height="2600" alt="Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dónal Finn and Natascha McElhone in Young Sherlock, all holding out their hands and looking scared about something off screen." title="Hero Fiennes Tiffin_Dónal Finn_Natascha McElhone_2 (Photo credit: Dan Smith)" /> "Unfolding in 1870s Oxford and adventuring abroad, the series will expose the early antics of the anarchic adolescent who is yet to evolve into Baker Street’s most renowned resident." Alongside those seen in the images, the series is also expected to star Joseph Fiennes, the uncle of Hero, who will play Sherlock and Mycroft's father Silas. This is Ritchie's second venture into the world of Holmes, having previously directed Robert Downey Jr as Sherlock and Jude Law as John Watson in 2009 film Sherlock Holmes, and 2011's A Game of Shadows. This is also the director's third time working on a major series in recent years, having created Netflix series The Gentlemen and executive produced and directed episodes of MobLand. Young Sherlock will premiere on Prime Video in 2026 – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Boys season 5: Release date, trailer, and latest news
Finally, we have a release date confirmed for The Boys season 5! Fans have been waiting for the hard-edged superhero show's final season for some time now, especially after the end of the latest season of spin-off Gen V. It's sure to be an emotional (and gruesome, and explosive) ending to the beloved show, but at this point, what do we actually know for certain about season 5? Read on for everything you need to know, but beware – spoilers for seasons 1-4, plus seasons 1-2 of spin-off Gen V, abound. The Boys season 5 release date The Boys season 5 will premiere on 8th April 2026 on Prime Video - so not long to wait now! The first two episodes will drop at once, with the rest releasing weekly until 20th May. The news was announced alongside a new trailer, which offered fans their first look at Jared Padalecki’s mystery role, staging a Supernatural reunion with Jensen Ackles, who returns as Soldier Boy. Fans have been waiting for this news since filming wrapped in July 2025. When filming came to an end, a number of the show's central cast members took to Instagram to reflect on their journeys with their characters. For instance, Starlight star Erin Moriarty posted: "The tears have begun. The posts are incoming. I said goodbye to most of my work family today and I’ll be ready to smile about it when I’m ready to smile about it." Meanwhile, Homelander actor Antony Starr wrote on Instagram: "I love this show. And I love this character. Truly. I will dearly miss heading to work, knowing what we were aiming for but never knowing where we would find ourselves by the end of the day…only that we would have fun and it would be creatively rewarding in the extreme. "This complicated character allowed the space and range to discover and push boundaries in a way I never expected and I will always be grateful for this experience. "And of course huge gratitude to my co-parent with this twisted gem of a character - @erickripke1 . We created a monster, sir. And I will miss him, and you. Til we roll out the last season. When I’ll see you. But this creative chapter is closed , and I’ll miss it, brother. "And finally - massive thank you to the fans. You are the life blood. Without you, we don’t get to do this. And our fans are second to none. Mad love to you… and deepest respect for your taste. Okidoke people. We cooked for the last time. Can’t wait to show you what we made. Til that day, Homelander, signing off." Alongside a picture of co-star Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Urban wrote: "Working with the illustrious @jeffreydeanmorgan was the best part of my day every day. That’s all @theboystv for now folks. See you in …2 years (wish it was sooner) for the final season on @primevideo." The Boys season 5 cast The following stars have been confirmed to star in The Boys season 5: Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell Karl Urban as Billy Butcher Antony Starr as Homelander Erin Moriarty as Annie/Starlight Laz Alonso as Mother's Milk Jessie T Usher as A-Train Chace Crawford as The Deep Tomer Capone as Serge/Frenchie Karen Fukuhara as Kimiko Colby Minifie as Ashley Barrett Cameron Crovetti as Ryan Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy Mason Dye as Bombsight Paul Reiser as The Legend Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau London Thor and Derek Luh as Jordan Li Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap Asa Germann as Sam Riordan Keeya King as Annabeth Moreau Daveed Diggs as TBC Jared Padalecki as TBC Misha Collins as TBC Jensen Ackles will reprise his role as Soldier Boy in The Boys season 5, it has been confirmed. The news was announced at San Diego Comic-Con, in which Ackles made a surprise appearance. Showrunner Eric Kripke said (via Deadline): "We can announce that Soldier Boy will be a regular in season 5. The motherf***er’s back." Kripke had previously said in a 2022 interview: "We’ll all have to wait and see, but I can’t imagine the series ending without Soldier Boy making another appearance." It was also revealed that, once The Boys final season ends, Ackles will appear in a new prequel series called Vought Rising. We're not sure at the moment who else could return, but it seems likely that all of the main stars from The Boys season 4 will be back for season 5. That is, those who managed to survive. While we assumed that meant we wouldn't be seeing Claudia Doumit's Victoria Neuman again due to her death in the season 4 finale, Deadline has listed Doumit as a cast member who's set to return. We also wouldn't expect to see Robin's Grace Mallory again, except in flashback form, after her demise. Either way, fans will have to keep their eyes peeled on who returns in the upcoming season. We also have some new castings to look forward to! Stranger Things star Mason Dye, who played Jason Carver in the series, has been cast as Bombsight. While little is known about the character, Bombsight has actually been mentioned in The Boys before. In season 4, it was mentioned that he starred in the 1950s film The Curse of Fu Manchu from Vought International. Sources claim that Dye will also appear in upcoming spin-off Vought Rising but Prime Video declined to comment on that element of the casting. Dye isn't the only new face we'll see in season 5. Daveed Diggs, star of Hamilton, Snowpiercer, and The Little Mermaid, was recently cast in a mysterious role in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, there will be a reason to rejoice for Supernatural fans who watch The Boys. Jensen Ackles will be joined by his former co-stars Jared Padalecki and Misha Collins in the new season, a Supernatural reunion that nobody saw coming. Who Padalecki and Collins will be playing has yet to be announced. The trio shared the news in a video posted to social media, alongside the tagline "Season 5 just got a bit more supernatural". Padalecki recently teased what fans can expect from his on-screen reunion with his former Supernatural co-stars in the final season of The Boys, telling Business Insider during the 2025 Texas Film Awards. Confirming he will share screen time with Ackles, he continued: "I don’t know a whole lot about it, which is effing terrifying," he said. Meanwhile, Ackles said of welcoming Padalecki and Collins, when speaking with People: "It was weird. It was like inviting my friends over to somebody else’s house for dinner. I was like, 'Listen, guys, don’t make me look bad. I got to stay here.' They were amazing. I can't wait to talk more about it because it was quite an experience." We also know that a number of Gen V stars will be making an appearance, after the season 2 finale of that show saw them joining the official resistance against Homelander's reign, seemingly led by Starlight and A-Train. Those expected to appear include Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau, London Thor and Derek Luh as Jordan Li, Lizze Broadway as Emma Meyer, Maddie Phillips as Cate Dunlap, Asa Germann as Sam Riordan and Keeya King as Annabeth Moreau. The Boys season 5 plot: What could happen? The synopsis for The Boys season 5 reads: "It’s Homelander’s world, completely subject to his erratic, egomaniacal whims. "Hughie, Mother’s Milk, and Frenchie are imprisoned in a 'Freedom Camp.' Annie struggles to mount a resistance against the overwhelming Supe force. Kimiko is nowhere to be found. "But when Butcher reappears, ready and willing to use a virus that will wipe all Supes off the map, he sets in motion a chain of events that will forever change the world and everyone in it. It’s the climax, people." In an interview with RadioTimes.com, the show's creator Eric Kripke also opened up about how Gen V sets up The Boys season 5, teasing: "Season 5 takes place a good amount of months after Gen V ends, so you'll also catch up what's been happening in the intervening time and how this resistance has been going. The spoiler I can give you is 'not well'." When asked whether the end of Gen V season 2 was teasing a showdown between the two Odessa babies, Marie and Homelander, Kripke teased: "Stay tuned. I mean, I feel like there's a long line of people waiting to get their shot at Homelander, and there's a few people that have been waiting in line longer. "So while I think she's a crucial player, we also want to honour each show, and I think the main protagonists of each show kind of live in those worlds. So she'll be a part of it, but she won't be the deciding factor. This doesn't all come down to Marie versus Homelander." Why will The Boys season 5 be the final season? Showrunner Eric Kripke has explained his reasoning for ending The Boys with its fifth season, saying it was always his plan and he just had to convince Prime Video. He told TVLine that Prime Video pushed back "lovingly", adding: "There was no, like, 'You have to keep this show going.' It was more of like a very friendly and respectful, like, 'Are you sure season 5 is the last season? Are you sure you don’t want to do more?'" He continued: "But we were already, like, barreling towards this. The truth is we knew that it was going to be a five-season story for years now. I mean, probably since writing the beginning of season 3, we knew, and so we were already laying down track that was always heading in this direction. "Honestly, they’ve been great about letting us end it on our own terms. I’m really grateful." However, fans don't need to worry that the fifth season will be a full-stop on the world of The Boys. Gen V could be renewed for season 3, and another Mexico-set spin-off in development, it seems there is plenty of potential for the universe to run and run. Kripke told Entertainment Weekly: "This story of The Boys will not continue on. With any luck, Gen V will continue on, there will be hopefully a couple others in development that we're talking about that can continue on, but The Boys story ends in season 5." Is there a trailer for The Boys season 5? Yes! Check out the teaser trailer for The Boys season 5 below: View oEmbed on the source website The Boys seasons 1-4 are available to stream now on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Neighbours boss was unable to secure legendary character for affair story
Holly's storyline could've been very different.
Neighbours boss Jason Herbison has revealed the legendary character he'd hoped to bring back for Holly Hoyland's (Lucinda Armstrong-Hall) affair with Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) – but was ultimately unable to secure her. For months, fans of the Aussie soap have watched in horror as hapless Holly hooked up with her best pal and next door neighbour Sadie's (Emerald Chan) dad. The pair were even considering leaving Erinsborough and starting a new life on the Mornington Peninsula, close to his birth family, though the guilt Andrew felt towards his wife Wendy (Candice Leask) ended his infidelity. Slowly but surely, more residents were becoming privy to what was going on. There was a threat from criminal Greg Murphy (Gary Sweet), and then Taye Obasi (Lakota Johnson) found Holly's missing earring at a city centre bar – where she'd been meeting Andrew. On the day of his vow renewal with Wendy, he decided to come clean and tell her everything. But the drama didn't stop there, as Holly was pregnant with his baby. In today's episode, after chasing an ambulance that contained kidnapped JJ Varga-Murphy (Riley Bryant), Holly collapsed to the floor and was found by Wendy. Unfortunately, at the hospital, it was confirmed that she had miscarried. Wendy and Sadie were able to put aside their grievances to offer her support, while Andrew and Holly's dad Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) waited by her bedside. But there was one notable absence – her mum, Izzy Hoyland (Natalie Bassingthwaighte). "I do regret that we were unable to secure Natalie to reprise her role of Izzy," Herbison told RadioTimes.com. "There was a great Izzy return planned but the story arc still played without it." He continued: "Lucinda did an incredible job bringing Holly back to life in the reboot, complete with Holly’s glorious imperfections. I loved that she was a chip off the Izzy block and trying to better herself, yet her worst instincts kept getting the better of her. "We had the Andrew affair storyline planned quite a while ago and started to chip away at Holly’s self-esteem to get her in the right emotional place. "The story was meant to launch during the 40th anniversary week but we had to delay it, but we got there in the end. Holly’s a great soap character. Trouble finds her and Lucinda played the role in a very real, multi-dimensional way." Bassingthwaighte originally played Izzy for four years between 2003 and 2007, giving birth to Holly on Karl's wedding day to Susan (Jackie Woodburne) in London. She had been conceived during a one-night stand, when Izzy drugged Karl and he believed he was sleeping with Susan. Talk about messy! Izzy returned for brief stints in 2018 and 2022. Discussing whether he had any reservations about Holly's affair, Herbison added: "I was no more worried than I would be for any controversial story. Soaps aren’t meant to please audiences all the time – you have to take risks. "Characters need to be flawed. There has to be conflict, drama and shocks along the way. If there’s not, you are rightly criticised for being boring and predictable. "There are times when you want viewers to scream at the TV but of course keep watching." The final episode of Neighbours will stream on Amazon Prime Video this Thursday after 40 years on air. Read more: Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What channel is Inter Milan v Liverpool Champions League match on? TV coverage, live stream and kick-off time
Check out how to watch Inter Milan v Liverpool in the Champions League, including TV channel, radio coverage and kick-off time.
Liverpool are set to be without Mohamed Salah for Tuesday's trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League. Salah is not expected to travel to the San Siro after his outburst following Saturday's 3-3 draw with Leeds, when he claimed he'd been thrown under the bus and could leave the club in January. The saga is the last thing Arne Slot needs as he attempts to get Liverpool's season back on track. Watch Inter Milan v Liverpool with an Amazon Prime Video free trial Three wins from five games means, despite their recent defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Liverpool are still on course to qualify for the knockout stages of Europe's elite club competition. Tuesday's game at the San Siro should be a tough test as Inter are fourth in the Champions League table and battling for the Serie A title. RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Inter Milan v Liverpool on TV and online. Read more football features: Best players in the world | Best players of all time | Live football on TV today When is Inter Milan v Liverpool? Inter Milan v Liverpool will take place on Tuesday 9th December 2025. Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information. Inter Milan v Liverpool kick-off time Inter Milan v Liverpool will kick off at 8pm. What TV channel is Inter Milan v Liverpool on? You can tune in to watch the game live on Amazon Prime Video from 6:30pm. If you do decide to sign up, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial which means you can also watch all of the Premier League action with the trial, or tune in for documentaries such as All or Nothing: Arsenal or Rooney, plus many more coming to the platform in 2023. Afterwards, a subscription costs £8.99 a month – or £95 per year – and offers free next day delivery on thousands of items, as well as the Amazon Prime Video library. How to live stream Inter Milan v Liverpool online You can watch the match on TNT Sports via discovery+ Premium monthly pass without signing up to a contract. Regular subscribers can also stream matches on a variety of devices including laptops, smartphones and tablets via the discovery+ app. discovery+ is the new streaming home of TNT Sports, showing events including live Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, Boxing and MotoGP. Learn more here: discoveryplus.com Listen to Inter Milan v Liverpool on radio You can listen to the match on BBC Radio 5 Live or talkSPORT. BBC Radio 5 Live is available on DAB radio, MW 693 kHz, 909 kHz and 990 kHz, or you can tune into the station via most TV packages. You can also listen to Radio 5 Live online via the BBC website or BBC Sounds app. talkSPORT is available on DAB radio, predominantly MW 1089 kHz though you may need to check its official website for some localised frequencies for talkSPORT, and like the BBC, you can tune in via most TV packages. You can also listen to talkSPORT online via the website or app. Advertisement Inter Milan v Liverpool odds In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event: bet365 odds: Inter Milan (11/10) Draw (13/5) Liverpool (12/5)* For all the latest football odds and more, visit bet365 today. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. *Odds subject to change. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org. Note – The bonus code RT365 does not change the offer amount in any way. 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For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to <a id="menurm6o" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link The Radio Times Podcast">The Radio Times Podcast.
How to watch Elf online and on TV this Christmas 2025
It's good news if you have Sky or NOW...
Christmas and the wider festive period is all about traditions, and that doesn't just cover activities and food, it also covers entertainment, with film fans flocking to rewatch their favourite Yuletide classics. One of those which has consistently appeared high in any rankings of the best Christmas films of all time is, of course, Elf, the 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell. The film, which also features James Caan and Zooey Deschanel, follows Buddy, a human who was raised alongside Santa’s elves in the North Pole after a mix-up one Christmas night. When he learns of his true identity, Buddy heads to New York to track down his biological father, Walter, but before doing so he is given a warning - Walter is on Santa's naughty list. Walter is less than impressed when his son arrives in the city, but can Buddy win him over with his heart-warming festive cheer, and help him embrace kindness in time for Christmas? Fans of the film celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023, and the year before, in 2022, screenwriter David Berenbaum spoke exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the "rare and special" legacy of the festive favourite. He said of his own relationship to the film all these years later: "When it played in theatres out here for years, I would take my kids to go see it and that was fun to share with them. "And, you know, as we're decorating the tree, we'll sort of put it on and it's a great thing to have Buddy come back into your life every year, this time of year. It's really quite amazing." With the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit the much-loved film – but how can you watch it, and is it available to stream? Here’s how you can watch the film on TV and on streaming platforms over the Christmas period. Is Elf on Netflix? Unfortunately, the acclaimed comedy won't be on Netflix this year, but you can stream Elf online if you have a Cinema pass on the NOW platform, or if you have Sky Cinema. Additionally, Elf is currently available to rent on Amazon from £3.49, or to purchase digitally from £5.99. Where to watch Elf Elf will get regular showings on Sky Cinema's various channels until Christmas Day, with airings planned almost every day between now and the big day. You can find out more about how to sign up to Sky Cinema now. Elf airs on Sky Cinema Select and Sky Cinema Select HD at 6:20pm on Tuesday 9th December, 3:05pm on Wednesday 10th December, 9:40pm on Friday 12th December, 4:35pm on Saturday 13th December, 11am and 8pm on Sunday 14th December, and 4:50pm on Monday 15th December. Basically: if you want to watch it, there are many chances to. It's also playing on Saturday 13th December at 8:05pm on Sky Showcase and Sky Showcase HD, and an hour later on Sky Showcase+1. Elf is also available to stream online for those with a NOW Cinema pass. A NOW Cinema Pass costs £9.99 a month. Can I watch Elf in cinemas in 2025? Yes, Elf will be playing in cinemas across the UK throughout December, so if you fancy seeing the film on the big screen, now's your chance. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is The Holiday on TV this Christmas? How to watch and stream online
The romcom starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz is a modern Christmas classic.
When it comes to Christmas romcoms, there is no shortage of great picks to choose from – however, Nancy Meyers’s The Holiday holds a special place in many people's hearts. The 2006 film – which stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as singletons who swap houses over the festive season and enter into new, surprising romances – has become a modern Christmas classic, alongside Love Actually. There were reports in 2022 that the cast, including Jude Law and Jack Black, would be revisiting their characters' romances in a sequel, but Meyers was quick to shut these rumours down. While fans were no doubt disappointed, they still have the original which they can revisit year after year, as they work through their Christmas watch-lists also including the likes of The Muppet Christmas Carol, Elf and Home Alone. But will the film be on TV in Christmas 2025, and if so, when and where? Read on for your guide to how to watch The Holiday this December. Where to watch The Holiday in the UK If you're an Amazon Prime Video subscriber, you're in luck! The film is available to stream there (and you can also rent it from Prime Video for £2.99 or buy it for £2.99). If you prefer physical media, you might rather own the movie and have it take pride of place in your DVD or Blu-ray collection. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Is The Holiday on TV this Christmas 2025? The Holiday usually makes it to our TV screens at Christmas, and this year is no different. The romcom is set to air on Sky Cinema Select and Sky Cinema Select HD on Monday 8th December at 9:50pm, Tuesday 9th December at 2:30pm, Saturday 13th December at 8pm, and Sunday 14th December at 12:40pm. Fans are in luck, as it's airing again on BBC Two at 8:30pm on Sunday 14th December and BBC Three at 8:35pm on Tuesday 16th December. Is The Holiday in cinemas this Christmas 2025? Yes! The Holiday will be screening in select cinemas throughout the UK this December. What better way to watch your favourite holiday romcom than on the big screen at your local cinema? Is The Holiday on Netflix? Yes, The Holiday is available to stream on Netflix in the UK, meaning you can watch it over the festive period. The Holiday plot: What is it about? A festive feel-good romcom, here is the official synopsis for The Holiday: "Dumped and depressed, English rose Iris agrees to swap homes with similarly unlucky in love Californian Amanda for a much-needed break. "Iris finds herself in a palatial Hollywood mansion while Amanda navigates the lanes of a picture-perfect English village. Soon enough, both lovelorn ladies bump into local lads perfect for a romantic pick-me-up." Who's in the cast of The Holiday? As mentioned, this is a romcom that stars Jack Black, which makes it worth checking out even just for curiosity's sake! Other than Mr Black, the main cast is headed up by Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Kate Winslet, with appearances from the likes of Rufus Sewell, Eli Wallach and Ed Burns. The Holiday is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Champions League TV schedule 2025/26: TV fixtures and where to watch
Your complete guide to watching the Champions League in 2025/26, featuring a full TV schedule of games coming up.
Europe's top club sides continue their pursuit of continental glory this week as the Champions League returns to our screens. All 36 League Phase teams and their fixtures are locked in for the 2025/26 campaign. The top eight after eight rounds of games will progress directly to the last 16, while those ranked ninth to 24th will battle it out over two-legged play-offs to join them. Liverpool travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan live on Amazon Prime Video this week. Arsenal face Club Brugge, while Manchester City take on Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Spanish capital. Watch the Champions League on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video While neither of the Old Firm clubs have made the cut, there are six English teams in the mix this term – with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle, Man City, and Tottenham all vying for glory. RadioTimes.com brings you the complete Champions League TV schedule, including every game you can watch live in the UK. Read more: Best players in the world | Best players of all time Champions League TV schedule 2025/26 All UK time. Subject to change. All live on TNT Sports and discovery+ at 8pm unless specified. Week 6 Tuesday 9th December 2025 Kairat Almaty v Olympiakos (3:30pm) TNT Sports TBC Bayern Munich v Sporting CP (5:45pm) TNT Sports TBC Atalanta v Chelsea (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Barcelona v Eintracht Frankfurt (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Inter Milan v Liverpool (8pm) Amazon Prime Video Monaco v Galatasaray (8pm) TNT Sports TBC PSV Eindhoven v Atlético Madrid (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Tottenham Hotspur v Slavia Prague (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Union Saint-Gilloise v Marseille (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Wednesday 10th December 2025 FK Qarabag v Ajax (5:45pm) TNT Sports TBC Villarreal v FC Copenhagen (5:45pm) TNT Sports TBC Athletic Bilbao v PSG (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Bayer Leverkusen v Newcastle United (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Benfica v Napoli (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Borussia Dortmund v Bodo/Glimt (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Club Brugge v Arsenal (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Juventus v Pafos (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Real Madrid v Manchester City (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Week 7 Tuesday 20th January 2026 Kairat Almaty v Club Brugge (3:30pm) TBC Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City (5:45pm) TBC FC Copenhagen v Napoli (8pm) TBC Inter Milan v Arsenal (8pm) TBC Olympiakos v Bayer Leverkusen (8pm) TBC Real Madrid v Monaco (8pm) TBC Sporting CP v PSG (8pm) TBC Tottenham Hotspur v Borussia Dortmund (8pm) TBC Villarreal v Ajax (8pm) TBC Wednesday 21st January 2026 FK Qarabag v Eintracht Frankfurt (5:45pm) TNT Sports TBC Galatasaray v Atlético Madrid (5:45pm) TNT Sports TBC Atalanta v Athletic Bilbao (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Bayern Munich v Union Saint-Gilloise (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Chelsea v Pafos (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Juventus v Benfica (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Marseille v Liverpool (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Newcastle United v PSV Eindhoven (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Slavia Prague v Barcelona (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Week 8 Wednesday 28th January 2026 Ajax v Olympiakos (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Arsenal v Kairat Almaty (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Athletic Bilbao v Sporting CP (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Atlético Madrid v Bodo/Glimt (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Barcelona v FC Copenhagen (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Bayer Leverkusen v Villarreal (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Benfica v Real Madrid (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Borussia Dortmund v Inter Milan (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Club Brugge v Marseille (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham Hotspur (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Liverpool v FK Qarabag (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Manchester City v Galatasaray (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Monaco v Juventus (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Napoli v Chelsea (8pm) TNT Sports TBC PSG v Newcastle United (8pm) TNT Sports TBC PSV Eindhoven v Bayern Munich (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Pafos v Slavia Prague (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Union Saint-Gilloise v Atalanta (8pm) TNT Sports TBC Champions League TV rights 2025/26 TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video share the live broadcasting rights for the Champions League in 2025/26. If you already have BT Broadband, you can add TNT Sports to your existing contract. You can also access TNT Sports via discovery+ and stream directly to your smart TV. You can watch the match on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video on a monthly basis without signing up to a contract. Watch the Champions League on TNT Sports via discovery+ on Amazon Prime Video Amazon Prime Video will broadcast one highlight match per round of Champions League fixtures this season. They boast the first pick of the fixtures. New customers can sign up for a 30-day free trial – which usually costs £8.99 per month – and you can watch all of the football shown on the platform. You can also catch Champions League highlights on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer. Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Neighbours producer teases "optimistic" finale and reflects on soap's legacy after 40 years
Jason Herbison exclusively reflects on the end of an era – and what he regrets about the final weeks...
After more than 40 years on air, the time has come to bid farewell to Neighbours – again. The iconic Australian soap survived the axe from 5 in 2022 and was revived by Amazon a year later, only for the streaming giant to announce in February that it was pulling the plug on the reboot. As the show’s loyal fans commiserate the end of an era, anticipation is high for the Neighbours finale’s release on 11th December. In an exclusive interview with RadioTimes.com, the soap’s executive producer Jason Herbison teases what viewers can expect, and candidly reflects on the challenge of crafting a second swansong, his feelings on the show’s demise and what he would have done differently. Did you approach the 2025 finale differently from the 2022 one? I approached the ending very differently this time. I knew I couldn’t compete with 2022 or do the same thing twice. What can you tell us about the final scene? It’s somewhat of an homage to the finale 2022 scene, however it involves a small cast this time. Jackie Woodburne (aka Susan Kennedy) made me cry in 2022 and she’s done it again in 2025! I was on set when we shot it. How would you describe the atmosphere on the final day of filming? We all hugged and shed a tear – it was very emotional. After the final scene, we gathered in Studio A, exactly as we did in 2022. For those of us present on both occasions, it was incredibly surreal. You can’t go through the same thing twice and feel exactly the same way, I believe. Most of all, this time, we felt a sense of gratitude. We all thought the show ended for good in 2022 and the Amazon era has been a wonderful bonus. Paul and Terese are at the centre of the final week, what makes this couple work so well? The all-important X-factor! Some pairings just have great chemistry, while others don’t. We have tried putting them with other people but they always end up back together. I think these obstacles are what makes them work, too. If they were together and happy all the time, it would be boring. Full credit to Stefan Dennis and Rebekah Elmaloglou, who bring their own real-life charm and naughtiness to the roles – and I do mean naughty! Stefan Dennis gets the last line in the finale – was it hard to choose which actor had that honour? Stefan asked me if he could have the last line long before I’d even written the episode. It wasn’t a tough decision – he’s a legend and he deserves it. How important was it to return to the Ramsay/Robinson feud for the finale? I’m a big believer in honouring the history of the show. The Ramsay/Robinson feud has been a great foundation for conflict over the years and it felt full-circle to come back to it. I was hoping to bring all of Paul’s living kids back for the finale but when that didn’t work, I realised it would be fun to have Jimmy and Max as young rivals – chips off the old block and the next generation. In the way that Mike and Clive sparring was old-school Neighbours in the 2022 finale, the hijinks here are intentional throwbacks to the style of the '80s. Without spoiling too much, what can you tease about how the show ends? The mood is optimism. We shot the finale back in July so of course, there are lots of spoilers out there already, but the actual dialogue itself hasn’t leaked so hopefully that will be a surprise to viewers. I couldn’t help but play with that sense of deja-vu. We have been here before, right? The threat to the street is an echo of what is happening to the show itself. Unlike last time, we were actively starting to pack up our studios in Nunawading as the last episodes were shot. I personally found this very emotional and wanted to bring that sentiment to the finale. Which storyline from the Amazon era are you proudest of? I enjoyed the recent return of Darcy Tyler and how it dovetailed into Jane and Amanda’s story arc. It was always great to give Karl a big, dramatic arc. Similarly, I loved the way Holly and Andrew’s affair dovetailed into Cara and Greg’s story. I always strive to fold in every character in the street and have long-lasting repercussions for every major event that happens. Were you worried about the reaction to the Holly/Andrew affair? No more than I would be for any controversial story. Soaps aren’t meant to please audiences all the time, you have to take risks. Characters need to be flawed and there has to be conflict, drama and shocks along the way. If there’s not, you are rightly criticised for being boring and predictable. I do regret we were unable to secure Natalie Bassingthwaighte to reprise her role as Izzy – there was a return planned but the story arc still played without it. Holly came into her own as a leading lady in this era, why did the audience respond to her so strongly? Lucinda Armstrong-Hall did an incredible job bringing Holly back to life in the reboot, complete with the character’s glorious imperfections. I loved how she was a chip off the Izzy block and trying to be herself, yet her worst instincts kept getting the better of her. We had the Andrew affair storyline planned a while ago and started to chip away at Holly’s self-esteem to get her in the right emotional place. The story was meant to launch in the 40th anniversary week but we had to delay it. Holly’s a great soap character – trouble finds her and Lucinda played the role in a very real, multi-dimensional way. The Varga-Murphys were breakout stars of the Amazon era, what made them so popular? We were incredibly fortunate to cast two amazing actors, Sara West and Naomi Rukavina, as Cara and Remi, along with two new talents, Marley Williams (Dex) and Riley Bryant (JJ) , as the boys. They all worked hard to make the family feel authentic and it paid off. I know there was some criticism of Remi’s recent amnesia storyline and that’s valid, no fault of the actors. We had a much bigger story planned but ran out of time to play out the full scope. There is a nice ending for the family and I’m sure they’ll be long remembered. Across the 40 years, is there a single character that defines Neighbours for you? I can only single out the street. It’s the glue that keeps everyone together – the connective tissue. A few months on, how do you feel about Neighbours ending in this way? I’m in a very different head space now and feel very at peace with it all. The ending was a challenge but I hope the loyal fans can appreciate why I’ve gone the way I did. My only regret is that I didn’t have another week of the show – it was a squeeze to wrap up all the stories. Very much like the last time. You’ve already worked with Jackie Woodburne since Neighbours ended on The Imposter – which other cast would you like to collaborate with again in the future? That’s a long list! The great thing about The Imposter is that Jackie is playing a role that is the total opposite of Susan. Wouldn’t it be great to see Stefan or Alan Fletcher (aka Karl) in a new kind of role too? One of my absolute favourites from over the years is Morgana O’Reilly (aka Naomi Canning), who was recently in The White Lotus. I would love to work with her again. Which UK soap would you like to work on and why? EastEnders – so I can live in London! I have a British passport through my parents but have never put it to use. Finally, how would you sum up the legacy of Neighbours? Neighbours changed the landscape of serial television in both Australia and the UK. We had stripped serials down under before, but never with the blend of comedy, romance and drama that Neighbours served up. The show tapped into something and Home and Away and all the British soaps followed, at least in terms of weekly output. I’m often told that Neighbours is one of the few shows to retain its original DNA and I like that. We’ve stayed true to our roots but also moved with the times. I’m personally very proud of how progressive the show has become. Our motto is that everyone is welcome on Ramsay Street and I have tried to stand by that. I thank the fans for sticking with us – we will always have those memories. Read more: Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as a further 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as 9 old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Top 100 of 2025: The best TV shows and movies of the year – ranked
Your definitive guide to the best TV and movies of 2025 is right here! Get ready to dive into the top shows and films of the year.
It's been a stellar year for fans of top-tier TV and movies and, as 2025 draws to a close, it's time to look back on the best of the best. One of, if not the most talked about show of the year came back in March with the release of Jack Thorne's powerful drama Adolescence on Netflix. The series, starring Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters alongside breakout young star Owen Cooper, made ratings history and had a profound impact outside of the world of TV too. More highlights from the past year included the Oscar-nominated film Nickel Boys, Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan's hotly anticipated return to television with Pluribus and the deeply affecting documentary Brianna: A Mother's Story. So whether you're rewatch-ready or looking to catch up on the finest fare you missed this year (it's easy to do, there's been a busy schedule of first-class releases!), delve into our definitive ranking: the top 100 TV shows and movies of 2025. To cater to all kinds of fans, we've broken it down into Dramas (from Untamed to Down Cemetery Road), Sci-Fi and Fantasy series (not just Pluribus but much, much more), Documentaries (including Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth and Grenfell: Uncovered) and, finally, Films. Here are the best 25 of each category over the past 12 months – ensuring there's something for everyone this holiday season. The best Dramas of 2025 From an award-winning exploration of teen disaffection to the harrowing story of a shooting, these dramas had everyone talking this year. 25. Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes Where to watch: Disney+ Electrician Jean Charles de Menezes was making his way to work in the wake of the 7/7 terrorist attacks when he was shot and killed by Metropolitan Police officers. The catalogue of failings that led up to the events of 22 July 2005 (covered brilliantly by BBC Two documentary 7/7: the London Bombings, still available on iPlayer) is dramatised in this unflinching four-part drama, including the actions of key figures Ian Blair (Conleth Hill), Brian Paddick (Russell Tovey) and Cressida Dick (Emily Mortimer). It’s startling how quickly fiction became fact following the tragedy and how – 20 years on – many inaccuracies still percolate. Hopefully, this drama has gone some way to definitively righting those wrongs. – Frances Taylor 24. Trespasses Where to watch: Channel 4 When young primary schoolteacher Cushla (Lola Petticrew) meets charismatic but married barrister Michael (Tom Cullen), they’re instantly attracted. But she’s Catholic, he’s Protestant and this is Northern Ireland in 1975. From the start this love affair is doomed. Adapted from Louise Kennedy’s novel, Trespasses portrays the unbearable stress of living under intense divisions with an ever-present threat of violent retribution. With strong support from Gillian Anderson as Cushla’s drunken, flinty mother and Martin McCann as her brother, it packs a heck of a dramatic punch. – Jane Rackham 23. Smoke Where to watch: Apple TV This drama based on real events is a – forgive us – slow burn, since the revelation at the close of episode two turns the humdrum detective drama on its head. Taron Egerton and Dennis Lehane (the star and creator of the excellent Black Bird) reunite here with Egerton as Dave Gudsen, an arson investigator hunting down serial fire-setters in the Pacific North West. With Jurnee Smollett and Rafe Spall as Gudsen’s reluctant co-investigators, a darkly twisting, handsomely filmed drama keeps finding new ways for its imperfect characters to surprise us. – Jacke Seale 22. Bookish Where to watch: NOW The aftermath of the Second World War is a high time for lovers of crime, as morals often seem as grey as the rubble-strewn streets. Amid scarcity come those seeking to profit, and down these roads of supposed peace walk people, considered to be heroes, who are harbouring secrets from their years spent in conflict. Into this morally murky world comes the likeable Gabriel Book (Mark Gatiss), who very much embodies a sense of duality. He’s a London bookshop owner with a sideline in sleuthing, and a married man (Polly Walker plays his wife Trottie) who’s gay at a time when homosexuality was illegal. This last detail is a smart touch, allowing a subtle, poignant exploration of his private life. – David Brown 21. Hacks Where to watch: NOW This may be the funniest comedy you’ve never heard of. Hacks has won Emmys, Golden Globes and many fans, but still goes unnoticed on this side of the pond. Jean Smart is sublime as Deborah Vance – a stand-up comedian whose star was on the wane until she was paired with young writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). The end of season three saw Deborah finally having achieved her ambition of hosting a late-night chat show. Ava’s career is also soaring, having secured the position of head writer on the show. So, what could possibly go wrong in season four? Well, quite a lot – given Ava’s trying to play Deborah at her own wily game. A game Deborah has been playing for 50 years, and never loses. – Frances Taylor 20. Reacher Where to watch: Prime Video Another belting season of the thriller based on Lee Child’s novels. As ex-military police officer Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) infiltrates a criminal organisation, his exploits include a swim through raging surf, an assassination using office equipment and a punch-up with a henchman who is even bigger than Reacher. It’s the usual satisfying action, punctuated with superb one-liners and a dash of romance: this year, with DEA agent Susan Duffy, played with some finesse by British actor Sonya Cassidy. – Jack Seale 19. Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue Where to watch: BBC iPlayer Lost meets And Then There Were None in this crime drama from Anthony Horowitz, an undoubted master of his craft. Here, he crashes a plane in the Mexican jungle and starts to pick off the survivors, dispatching them at the hands of a killer who could well be one of the passengers. It’s a traditional murder mystery set-up that, if written by Agatha Christie, would be crammed with cut-glass accents and Art Deco glamour. But in setting his story in such a grimy, hostile environment, it feels as though Horowitz is reminding viewers that, despite whodunnits essentially being one big guessing game, murder itself shouldn’t always be presented so palatably. – David Brown 18. Your Friends and Neighbours Where to watch: Apple TV A perfectly cast Jon Hamm is the anti-hero of an entertaining comedy drama that begins with thrusting, hunky finance guy “Coop” (Hamm) losing his wife, job and status, but still trying to keep up appearances with his super-rich pals in upstate New York. He needs money and secretly hates his friends… so he starts burgling their mansions, stealing expensive trinkets they won’t miss. Mainly a satire on the vulgarity of people who have more money than they can spend, the show never quite hates its characters, who are all more damaged than they first appear – but the outrageous intrigue keeps on coming. – Jack Seale 17. Untamed Where to watch: Netflix Eric Bana is ostensibly the lead star of this hit mystery thriller, but special agent Kyle Turner would be diminished were he to be deprived of his backdrop, as the vastness of Yosemite National Park also makes for an impressive key player in events. This expansive patch in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains may be a familiar sight to Turner, but there’s a sense throughout this easy-on-the-eye whodunnit that, no matter how hard he tries to enforce the law, those surroundings will remain both wild and brutish – which doesn’t bode well when there’s a murder case to unpick. – David Brown 16. Unforgivable Where to watch: BBC iPlayer The formidable Jimmy McGovern has tackled many difficult social issues in his work. This time it’s about the devastating aftermath of sex abuse perpetrated on a 12-year-old boy by his uncle. There’s shocking scenes of painful conversations and depictions of self-hatred, disgust and despair as a powerful cast – Bobby Schofield, Anna Friel and Anna Maxwell-Martin giving realistic performances – struggle to process what happened. But it also asks us to think deeply about the subject and question whether the abuser, who refers to himself as “a piece of s**t”, deserves any form of forgiveness. – Jane Rackham 15. House of Guinness Where to watch: Netflix Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows, This Town… and now Steven Knight does it again with this gritty saga about the Irish brewing dynasty. It has everything: a cracking cast (James Norton, Louis Partridge), darkly lit cinematography, a good storyline that’s as compulsive as Succession and a steampunk soundtrack that’ll knock your socks off. We are in Dublin in 1868 where the head of the unbelievably wealthy Guinness family has just died, leaving his four children to fight over their inheritance, with the help of the ruthless brewery foreman (Norton) who oozes sex appeal alongside inherent violence. – Jane Rackham 14. The Newsreader Where to watch: BBC iPlayer When it comes to depicting the thrill of fame and its accompanying anxieties, few dramas do it better than this high-quality Australian export. It has remained frustratingly under the radar over the course of its three-series run, but do seek it out, for while its setting in Australian commercial newsrooms of the 1980s may seem far removed from the lived experience of many, all human frailties are here. This final run sees the self-worth of News at Six anchorman Dale Jennings (Sam Reid) hit the floor, thanks to damning audience feedback. With his boss Lindsay exhibiting a sadistic dereliction in his duty of care, it’s left to fellow host Helen Norville (Anna Torv) to come to the aid of her TV rival. – David Brown 13. Squid Game (Netflix) Where to watch: Netflix After an odd second season that replaced the deadly children’s games with a mass shoot-out, the Korean megahit – about a secret contest that gradually eliminates its players until only one remains, and by “eliminate” we really mean they die – returns to basics for its third and final run. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is once again trying to win a colossal cash prize, while subverting the game from the inside in the hope of destroying it. Throw in the curveball of one of the other contestants being heavily pregnant and you have a swansong that successfully refreshes the formula, persistently outflanking viewers who think they know what’s coming – before delivering a final shot that you’ll be thinking about for a while afterwards. – Jack Seale 12. The Bear Where to watch: Disney+ Having been hyped, lauded and pilloried depending on whether that year’s episodes were stunningly brilliant or merely very good, Christopher Storer’s intense drama triumphs anew in its fourth season, mainly because these episodes are less intense and less about the startup Chicago restaurant. Yes it’s still set in The Bear, a high-end eaterie struggling to flourish and run by chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), but this new Bear is driven more by emotion than such fripperies as whether a filet mignon will arrive at a table on time. Storer has created an extended family of characters who care about each other deeply – and, more than ever, we feel the same. – Jack Seale 11. This City Is Ours Where to watch: BBC iPlayer If you initially gave an episode or two of this drama a go but decided not to stick with it, I wouldn’t have blamed you. It was easy to write off as slightly throwaway gangland fare (a “Scouse Sopranos” was the reductive phrase bandied about) but persevere and you’re rewarded with a knotty patchwork of flawed antiheroes. Oh, and a fun dance routine (who didn’t try and re-create The House of Bamboo in their kitchen?). Sean Bean and Julie Graham star as the heads of the Phelan family and their organised crime ring. But it’s James Nelson-Joyce as Michael who shines brightest (the actor’s star rose and rose this year), as he grapples with his murky past – and present – while trying to make a better life for himself and partner Diana (Hannah Onslow). – Frances Taylor 10. Code of Silence Where to watch: ITVX Police canteen worker Alison (Rose Ayling-Ellis) is asked by the CID to use her lip-reading skills to decipher surveillance conversations of a gang plotting a high-stakes heist. But, although Alison is smart, she becomes so embroiled in the investigation she puts herself at risk. Catherine Moulton’s ground-breaking script depicts the thoughtless attitude of others towards deaf people, while partial subtitles, that gradually start to make sense as Alison pieces the sentences together, help us understand the daily challenges faced by the deaf community. A crime story with an edifying aspect, told by a strong cast that also includes Andrew Buchan. – Jane Rackham 9. Death Valley Where to watch: BBC iPlayer Comfort-blanket TV of a high quality, thanks to its casting of Timothy Spall as John Chapel, a retired actor and one-time television detective, now living as a kind of reclusive Droopy in Wales. Keen to utilise his observation skills is DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) who, following a shooting, leans into her line in droll self-deprecation to draw him out of his shell. John, however, sees himself as slumming it while in her company, as though a classically trained actor solving mysteries with the police is equivalent to an Olympic athlete running in an egg-and-spoon race. – David Brown 8. Prisoner 951 Where to watch: BBC iPlayer The true story of how Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was returning to Britain after visiting her parents in Iran with her young daughter when the Revolutionary Guard detained her at the airport. No reason was given, although it was suggested that she was a spy. In fact, Nazanin was being held to force Britain to pay Iran a decades-old debt. It would be six years before her family was reunited. This drama brilliantly evokes the fear, helplessness and frustration felt by Nazanin (Narges Rashidi) and her British husband Richard (Joseph Fiennes) as she was kept in solitary confinement, and then moved, blindfolded, from one prison to another while, back in Britain, he campaigned for her release. It’s an inhumane, immoral and very harrowing story. – Jane Rackham 7. Dept Q Where to watch: Netflix In the perfect marriage of actor and character, Matthew Goode stars as a gifted police detective with a biting wit and buried trauma, who operates out of a dank Edinburgh basement alongside a ragtag bunch of colleagues. Tasked with investigating cold cases, Goode’s DCI Carl Morck soon finds himself allied with Syrian-born civilian employee Akram Salim (a scene-stealing Alexej Manvelov) and eager-to-please DC Rose Dickson (Leah Byrne), as they probe the disappearance of an ambitious prosecutor. The series channels the same underdogs-against-the-system vibe of Slow Horses, but adds some flavoursome gothic flourishes of its own. – David Brown 6. Down Cemetery Road Where to watch: Apple TV A drama led by Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, based on the debut novel by Slow Horses creator Mick Herron? No prizes for guessing that this would be excellent. A mysterious explosion near the Oxford home of art restorer Sarah (Wilson) brings her into the orbit of jaded private investigator Zoë (Thompson). Once it’s clear they’ve stumbled upon a dangerous government conspiracy, they need to improvise furiously, and maybe even bond a little, to survive. Witty, ambitious and bursting with hilarious or terrifying supporting characters, this is simply a treat. – Jack Seale 5. A Thousand Blows Where to watch: Disney+ Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight once again draws on the exploits of a real-life criminal gang. This time it’s a late Victorian all-female pickpocket crew led by fierce Mary Carr (Erin Doherty). When she meets Jamaican immigrant Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and gets him to take up bare-knuckle boxing, it puts them on a collision course with local champ Sugar (Stephen Graham). It’s stuffed with sharp dialogue, thrilling fights and a tender ear for the woes of the disenfranchised. – Jack Seale 4. Slow Horses Where to watch: Apple TV All is rosy in the world of tech specialist Roddy Ho (Christopher Chung). Yes, the man who’s normally as sensitive as a malware infection has somehow got himself a girlfriend, and fellow spook Shirley (Aimee-Ffion Edwards) is trying to convince their boss Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) that the situation is not as it seems. Such is the set-up for this fifth outing for the Slough House spies, which, as it unfolds, also takes in a killing spree at a shopping precinct and an acrimonious London mayoral race. As ever, the series pulls off the high-wire feat of treating drama and comedy as equals, without stinting on either thrills or laughs. – David Brown 3. Blue Lights Where to watch: BBC iPlayer Each series of the top-drawer Northern Irish police drama widens the scope, with this third run zooming out from street gangs and sectarian tensions to focus on those who really hold power in the Belfast of 2025. There are also changes within the team itself, including the promotion of cupcake-baking Stevie O’Neill (Martin McCann), who’s now elevated to the rank of sergeant. But remaining a key feature throughout are the life-or-death situations in which the officers often find themselves. No matter how primed viewers now believe themselves to be, these stand-offs always feel fraught with unpredictability and as tense as a clenched fist. – David Brown 2. I Fought the Law Where to watch: ITVX Sheridan Smith delivers a tour de force performance as Ann Ming, the mother who campaigned for decades to change the double jeopardy law so her daughter Julie Hogg’s acquitted killer could be tried again for the crime. This is no dry legal/courtroom drama, however. Much of the focus is on the traumatic months and years after Julie’s brutal murder in 1989. It starts with Ann’s discovery of her daughter’s body and the police’s inept investigations, followed by the harrowing years of injustice the family endured in the courts. While you will cheer on Ann’s fortitude and resilience, this will tear you apart. – Jane Rackham 1. Adolescence Where to watch: Netflix Radio Times' reviewers don’t always agree, but when it came to deciding what should take the top spot in ranking our dramas of the year, we were unanimous. Away from the adulation and the awards (Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty and Owen Cooper all won Emmys, the last becoming the youngest ever male recipient), this Netflix series had a profound real-world impact. It brought pertinent topics to the fore, including knife crime, violence and misogyny among today’s teenagers, with discussion reaching the police and government. The show’s creator and writer Jack Thorne was invited to speak at Parliament, while Keir Starmer called for the four-part drama to be shown in schools. A brilliant alchemy of on- and off-screen talent converges, with Thorne penning the series alongside Graham, and behind the camera is lauded “one-shot” director Philip Barantini, with whom the actor previously collaborated on Boiling Point, managing to pull off the sublime device of filming each episode in a continuous real-time scene. It is ambitious, unrelenting and phenomenally choreographed, and adds an intensity and claustrophobia to the story of Jamie (Cooper), a 13-year-old arrested on suspicion of murdering a classmate. Before he’s interviewed by police, he emphatically tells dad Eddie (Graham) that he’s innocent. But what’s the truth? – Frances Taylor The best Sci-Fi and Fantasy series of 2025 It's been a sensational year for sci-fi and fantasy. 2025 has seen old favourites return to screens with stellar new offerings, from Andor season 2, which saw Tony Gilroy completely blow audiences away with its beautifully crafted storytelling, to Alien: Earth, which brought new life to a 46-year-old franchise. But, amid a sea of reboots, sequels and prequels, we were also treated to some very welcome original stories in the sci-fi and fantasy space, most notably from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan, who casually stepped up and dropped one of the best shows of the year with his genre-bending series Pluribus. Plus, anime and animation are absolutely taking over the world, with Solo Leveling season 2 breaking records left, right and centre. Of course, there have been some tragedies, with The Wheel of Time being cancelled after its best season yet (no, we're not over it). But, for the most part, TV has been dominated this year by sci-fi and fantasy releases that shine a light on our society and make us want to be better – and if that isn't the energy we need to be taking into 2026, then truly, what is? It's time to look back on the TV that made us laugh, cry and dream this year. Here are our top 25 sci-fi and fantasy series of 2025! 25. From season 3 Where to watch: MGM+ (available via Prime Video in the UK) The audience for this hidden gem on MGM+ has grown massively each season – and for good reason. Lost star Harold Perrineau leads the cast as Sheriff Boyd Stevens in the mystery sci-fi, which is aptly very reminiscent of the ABC sci-fi. From follows a group of people who get trapped in a nightmarish town. As they try to stay alive, the residents of "Fromville" are faced with terrifying creatures who seem to want to kill them at every turn. In its third season, the series has become increasingly bizarre, with the introduction of The Man in Yellow - but it's impossible to look away. – Louise Griffin 24. Doctor Who season 15 Where to watch: BBC iPlayer While the latest season may have been overshadowed by discussions about the BBC's deal with Disney, there was no faulting the performances in Doctor Who season 15. The latest instalment saw Ncuti Gatwa return as the Fifteenth Doctor alongside companion Varada Sethu for adventures in 1950s America, a planet 500,000 years in the future, 2019 Lagos, and even a futuristic version of the Eurovision Song Contest. Thankfully, we got a little bit more from Millie Gibson's Ruby Sunday after her slightly abrupt departure in the last season, but the main surprise came from the last episode, which saw Gatwa's Doctor regenerate into none other than returning star Billie Piper. What does it all mean? You'll have to wait until Christmas 2026 to find out! – Louise Griffin 23. Peacemaker season 2 Where to watch: Sky/NOW Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker, is one of the stranger superheroes – a violent killer with a silver helmet and no superpowers, who has an eagle for a best friend. Despite those setbacks, in the first series of his eponymous TV show he still managed to save the world from alien invasion. Surely now he’ll be taken seriously? No such luck. He might have turned over a new leaf, but the establishment capes can’t overlook his past. So when he discovers a portal to another world – one where he’s a beloved, successful hero – he can’t resist stepping through. In other hands it could be daft, crude television, but series lead (and former wrestler) John Cena sells Peacemaker’s turmoil with a surprisingly understated performance. – Huw Fullerton 22. Hazbin Hotel season 2 Where to watch: Prime Video Set in hell’s Pentagram City, Hazbin Hotel follows Charlie Morningstar and her desperate attempt to prove that sinners can be redeemed. Initially easy to dismiss as just another adult animation, Hazbin Hotel has surprised its critics by having depth beyond its crude language and innuendos. Using hell as a backdrop for dark comedy is nothing innovative, yet Hazbin Hotel flips the script and turns hell into a vibrant tapestry of emotional depth, laughter and extravagant musical numbers. Its energy is palpable, as too is its colourful cast of characters. What would have been restricted as a live-action show is boundless as an animation, able to express multifaceted concepts of morality and redemption without limitations. Combined with the star power of names such as Keith David and Stephanie Beatriz, Vivienne Medrano’s creation has exceeded expectations and promises to maintain its momentum until the end. – Em Flint. 21. Ironheart Where to watch: Disney+ Ironheart is an unfairly overlooked gem in the Marvel Cinematic Universe; if it passed you by over the summer, endeavour to catch up at the soonest opportunity. The series was largely a victim of its botched rollout; first, spending almost three years in post-production, and then being dropped with little fanfare over just a fortnight on Disney+. It’s as if the streamer had resigned itself to another Secret Invasion-style critical disaster, but what it had in Ironheart was quite the opposite: one of its best Marvel shows to date. Dominique Thorne returns as Wakanda Forever’s Riri Williams, who is dragged back to her Chicago hometown, where she quickly becomes entangled with a dangerous gang of super criminals. Series creator Chinaka Hodge proceeds to deliver a story with a strong emotional hook and plenty of suspense as the MCU’s magic and tech-based corners dramatically collide. In terms of world-building, Ironheart also boasts a compelling new villain in The Hood (played by Anthony Ramos), plus a long-demanded character in a brief-yet-impactful cameo. – David Craig 20. Murderbot Where to watch: Apple TV A sci-fi comedy that looks to tap into our fears about AI stars Alexander Skarsgard as the titular “Murderbot” – not that anyone else knows this is its name. The android has given itself a new moniker having hacked its programming to achieve autonomy. Now, bursting with free will and only pretending to be bound by its owners’ instructions, it is part of a survey team scoping out alien planets. Everyone else is a fallible, emotional human, whereas Murderbot has the face and skin of a human but is a powerful, self-interested machine underneath. The show takes this idea and uses it for what you might call “voiceover comedy”: the main character is deceiving everyone, and we get to hear its thoughts via Skarsgard’s narration. – Jack Seale 19. Gen V season 2 Where to watch: Prime Video The Boys – which imagines a world where superheroes are real, but as venal and selfish as any Hollywood bigshot – will soon conclude with its eagerly awaited fifth series. But before that, it was time for a return to the campus of Gen V, where the next generation of “supes” are trained in their powers, moulded and indoctrinated, while also engaging in the usual drinking, partying and dating of US college life. Marie Moreau (Jaz Sinclair) and her friends escape the creepy lab of the last series and investigate a new conspiracy. Expect the usual lashings of blood, sex and violence, with even more crossover with The Boys. – Huw Fullerton 18. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3 Where to watch: Paramount+ From messing around with the Star Trek canon, to giving us fairytale episodes and murder mystery episodes, Strange New Worlds season 3 didn't hold back – and it was all the better for it. The prequel spin-off follows the crew of the starship Enterprise on their five-year mission to explore (you guessed it) strange new worlds during the decade before The Original Series. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, and only looks to get weirder in future seasons, as we await season 4's puppet episode (yep, really). But you'll find yourself genuinely intrigued by this loveable band of misfits and all their personal dramas - and it's a welcome reminder that sci-fi can and should be just a bit silly. – Louise Griffin 17. Paradise Where to watch: Disney+ Initially marketed as no more than a gritty thriller with the murder of a President at its core, Paradise is a wonderful Trojan horse of a series. The series proved why some of the best TV plot details should be kept as a secret and while underground bunkers and towns aren’t a new sci-fi device by any means, Paradise weaves in an action-packed Washington-related element that only notches up the tension. Pair that with Sterling K Brown in yet another flawless role, equally excellent performances from Julianne Nicholson and James Marsden, and twists that will leave you reeling – well, you’ve got yourself a mind-bending series with a lot of heart that practically begs to be binge-watched. – Morgan Cormack. 16. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Where to watch: Disney+ Spider-Man’s origins as ordinary kid Peter Parker are explored from a new angle – there’s an important change to the story – as this cartoon series uses a retro animation style to evoke the original comic books. Hudson Thames provides the voice of Peter, a friendly geek who is about to become a vigilante. There’s more about his high-school life than in some versions of the tale, but he’s soon slinging webs and foiling muggers. – Jack Seale 15. Devil May Cry Where to watch: Netflix Based on Capcom’s popular action-adventure game franchise of the same name, this new animated series introduces viewers to Dante, a handsome and witty but troubled demon hunter. Dante, voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch, might be humanity’s only hope against the mysterious White Rabbit (Hoon Lee), who wishes to summon fearsome demons from a terrible other realm. The retro anime-style visuals and a slight emo vibe help give the show its unique texture. – Jack Seale 14. Wednesday season 2 Where to watch: Netflix Even in a school of outcasts, Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) remains a determined outsider, so the last thing she’d want to be is beloved. Yet following the launch of season 1 of this delightfully offbeat gothic drama back in November 2022, that’s what she became. Her dance moves were imitated, those fashion choices scrutinised, her stubbornness celebrated. So, it’s interesting to see season 2 opting to imitate life, with Wednesday, having saved Nevermore Academy the previous term, seen here returning as the idol of many. Refreshingly, hero worship hasn’t weakened her resolve: Wednesday is still the thunderclap to friend Enid Sinclair’s (Emma Myers) rainbow. What has changed, though, is the line-up of adults in her orbit, most of whom she naturally barely tolerates. There’s Billie Piper as the enigmatic new head of music Isadora Capri, Steve Buscemi as wheedling principal Barry Dort, and Joanna Lumley as Wednesday’s Grandmama Frump. And the fact that Catherine Zeta-Jones is also on screen more as saturnine matriarch Morticia means that the spiky dynamics of the Addams family females are spotlighted almost as much as the now-obligatory mystery, which, this time, finds Wednesday pursuing a cloaked stalker. – David Brown 13. Foundation season 3 Where to watch: Apple TV This is TV's most impressive space opera, a grand sweep of a show that manages to take its central story seriously while peppering its scenes with nuggets of dark wit. The crux of it is that a mathematician, Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), has perfected a technique that predicts the future of the despotic Empire, which used to run every planet in sight but now shares power with Seldon's Foundation. We're now a century and a half on from the previous season, with another Seldon-anticipated "crisis": the harbinger of it is powerful warlord The Mule, previously only glimpsed in dreamlike cutaways but now given full rein in an awesome opening scene. Fans of classic Scandi drama will be amused to see the role recast, with Mikael Persbrandt from Beck giving way to Pilou Asbaek from Borgen. Anyway, we're soon having the usual weighty discussions and brittle arguments in beautiful locations, as smug clone emperor Brother Day (Lee Pace) ignores the impending apocalypse and concentrates on his new hobby: he's got a pet camel. – Jack Seale 12. Daredevil: Born Again Where to watch: Disney+ Once on Netflix but now residing in the home of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Disney+, it’s taken blind lawyer/vigilante Matt Murdock/ Daredevil a while to make his comeback. But one of the stronger Marvel TV franchises can welcome back Vincent D’Onofrio as slippery mayor Kingpin, as well as Jon Bernthal as the bone-crunching Punisher. To reprise the lead role, Charlie Cox has trained as an MMA fighter, and the fight sequences have a malevolent crunch. – Jack Seale 11. Invincible season 3 Where to watch: Prime Video Season 3 of an animated superhero series returned with its signature retro visual style, a good line in dry humour and a stellar voice cast: listen out for JK Simmons, Sandra Oh, Walton Goggins, Seth Rogen, Mark Hamill and Andrew Rannells supporting Steven Yeun as the voice of 19-year-old Mark, a superhero in training who is still coming to terms with his mission to save the world. The crash-bang action is artfully offset by some sly jokes about what it’s like to be, or to raise, a teenager. – Jack Seale 10. Severance season 2 Where to watch: Apple TV A high-concept drama, but one that is still hanging together as it returns for a long-awaited second series. Adam Scott is Mark, an employee of a mysterious company that puts its staff through a procedure, the result of which is that in the office they remember nothing about their lives outside, and vice versa. But now that divide has fractured, Mark and his colleagues are closer to sniffing out a grand conspiracy. Smart writing and Ben Stiller’s angular, innovative direction keeps you forever on your toes. – Jack Seale 9. Stranger Things season 5 <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/07/StrangerThingsS50011-4747587-e1763381660267.jpg" width="4480" height="2990" alt="Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, and Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things season 5" title="Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler, Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers, and Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things season 5" /> Where to watch: Netflix After nine years, the fantasy phenomenon enters its endgame, releasing four episodes in November before the final entries drop on Netflix between Christmas and New Year. Stranger Things is such a huge hit, with so many die-hard fans, it’s hard to imagine how they’ll wrap up all the plot threads while also creating a satisfying conclusion. These opening episodes have to do a lot of set-up before they get to the “horror in 1980s suburbia” sequences the show does best. We open back in Hawkins, Indiana in 1987, just four years after young Will Byers introduced the town to the creepy Upside Down world that exists on a parallel plane of existence. With psychic baddie Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) still out there, it’s down to Hawkins’ finest – including telekinetic teen Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) – to track him down. Assuming he doesn’t track them down first. – Huw Fullerton 8. Solo Leveling season 2 Where to watch: Crunchyroll Two seasons in, Solo Leveling's protagonist has levelled up exponentially, and the same is also true of the show itself. Sung Jinwoo's quest to become the world's strongest hunter has taken anime by storm, sweeping the Crunchyroll Anime Awards this year thanks to its relentless action and thrilling lore, all served up in a gorgeously animated package. Did we mention it's currently the most-viewed anime of all time on Crunchyroll? Love it or hate it, Solo Leveling has become a touchstone for the next generation of anime fans, much like Demon Slayer and Attack on Titan before it. And with Netflix's upcoming live-action remake on the way, not to mention an all-but guaranteed third season, Solo Leveling could even level up and surpass them. – David Opie 7. Black Mirror season 7 Where to watch: Netflix The latest run of Charlie Brooker’s digital dystopia opens with a real gut-punch of an episode, penned by Brooker himself. Rashida Jones and Chris O’Dowd are an ordinary, loving couple, apparently in the normal present day, until a sudden crisis leads to them experimenting with a revolutionary new health product... What seems initially like a regular Black Mirror story ticking off modern malaises (digital subscription services, intrusive adverts and online content that demeans both the creator and the viewer are all dealt with) steadily becomes something much more serious and sad; devastatingly so as the story moves towards a horrible, logical conclusion. As for the rest of the season? There's something very odd about a new employee at a chocolate company, an AI love story, a system that allows people to step into photographic memories of the past, and a treat for fans as the crew of USS Callister returns. – Jack Seale 6. The Wheel of Time season 3 Where to watch: Prime Video In one of the biggest TV tragedies of 2025, The Wheel of Time was cancelled swiftly after its best season to date. Based on the sprawling fantasy novels by Robert Jordan, the Prime Video series faced reasonable criticism in its first two instalments from fans, before finally hitting its stride in season 3 with Rand Al'Thor's (Josha Stradowski) journey to the Aiel Waste to prove himself as the Car'a'carn. A gripping story, stunning performances from the lead cast, which also included the show's champion Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred, and beautiful visuals weren't enough to save the show – but that doesn't mean fans have given up, with a petition to bring it back securing more than 250,000 signatures – Louise Griffin 5. It: Welcome to Derry Where to watch: Sky/NOW Capitalising on the recent trend for TV adaptations of classic horror franchises, this is an imaginative, and suitably scary, addition to the Stephen King lore. This version has been developed by brother-and-sister duo Andy and Barbara Muschietti, who were behind 2017’s It and 2019’s It Chapter Two, and Jason Fuchs. Taking place in the early 1960s, prior to the timeframe of those films, it transports us back to Derry, Maine. When a boy goes missing, his group of friends, played by a brilliant young cast, investigate, but the evil clown Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård reprises his role and executive-produces) soon taps into their worst nightmares. The opening episode does not go where you think it will at all – proving there are still plenty of new shocks to be had within a story you thought you knew – Laura Rutkowski 4. The Last of Us season 2 Where to watch: Sky/NOW “Based on a video game” flashing up at the start of a TV show doesn’t usually inspire much confidence, but The Last of Us is a definite exception to that rule. When the first series was released in 2023, the story – which saw a grizzled smuggler transporting a teen across a post-apocalyptic America – struck a chord with viewers, as did the terrifying, fungus-infected zombies they faced along the way. This year, the series returned for a second run, picking up five years after we left our heroes Joel and Ellie (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey). After Joel sabotaged a cure for the “cordyceps” plague to save Ellie’s life, they’ve settled down in a surviving small town for a simpler life. But a sense of dread pervades this first episode. Both human and infected forces are headed their way to shatter this fragile peace, and Joel and Ellie are at odds. It’s a credit to the performances that in a world of mushroom zombies, it’s the human relationships that hold your attention – Huw Fullerton 3. Alien: Earth Where to watch: Disney+ It’s 2120, and just two years before the events of 1979 film Alien, in creator Noah Lawley’s (Fargo, Legion) prequel series. It disregards the events of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, and takes place mainly on Earth, which is ruled by five large corporations. It is a place where cyborgs (humans with biological and artificial parts) and synthetics (humanoid robots with artificial intelligence) live among humans. When the genius and CEO of Prodigy Corporation, Boy Kavalier (Samuel Blenkin), launches hybrids (humanoid robots in adult bodies with human consciousness taken from terminally ill children), the intelligence race is well and truly on for ultimate dominance. Deep space research vessel USCSS Maginot, operated by the Weyland-Yutani corporation, crashes on Earth, bringing with it five alien species, including the Xenomorph. Seeing it in its crowd-pleasing, hissing glory is worth the watch alone. Wendy (Sydney Chandler) and her fellow hybrids investigate the crash site, driven by the need to find her brother, a medic called Hermit (Alex Lawther) - Laura Rutkowski 2. Pluribus Where to watch: Apple TV Years after blessing us with Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, TV titan Vince Gilligan returned with his new genre-bending offering, Pluribus - and, by George, he's done it again! Starring Better Call Saul's Rhea Seehorn, the sci-fi mystery kept viewers guessing even before it premiered, with Apple TV's puzzling marketing. Then, we were pulled into the world of Seehorn's Carol, a reluctant hero who has to save the world from the most bizarre alien invasion of all time by herself, with just her flip chart and a bad attitude. Oh, and a grenade dutifully delivered to her by her captors. With underlying messages about love and loss, about humanity and loneliness, about AI and technology, and what it means to be an individual in this increasingly confusing world, Pluribus is exactly what the doctor ordered – Louise Griffin 1. Andor season 2 Where to watch: Disney+ When it arrived in 2022, there were low expectations for this Star Wars series, a prequel to a spin-off (2016’s movie Rogue One) based on a relatively minor character. But this spy-v-spy thriller version of a galaxy far, far away quickly won viewers over. Season 2 only upped the ante as we followed rebel agent Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), working for the nascent Rebellion while the fascist Empire tried to crush dissent. Season 2 kicks off with Andor’s mission to steal an experimental spaceship going catastrophically wrong, while spymaster Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) and politician Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) cross paths at a wedding and make a ruthless decision. Despite the Star Wars sheen, this is grown-up, smart storytelling with plenty of real-world parallels – and not a lightsaber in sight – Huw Fullerton The best Documentaries of 2025 Across all the major streamers and broadcasters, documentaries have been at the forefront of major conversations this year. Whether it's Disney+ taking a closer look at the untimely death of Caroline Flack, or Netflix examining injustice in the US, there have been plenty of thought-provoking series and films. As we near the end of the year, take the time to catch up on some of the best watches of 2025, forcing audiences to think deeper and read further between the lines of stories that have dominated headlines. 25. The Truth About Jussie Smollett Where to watch: Netflix In one of the most peculiar showbiz stories of recent years, Jussie Smollett created a drama that would have felt far-fetched even in Empire, the hip-hop epic that made his name. In 2019, the actor claimed to have been the victim of a racist and homophobic attack – an incident he was later accused of staging – and lengthy legal wrangling ensued. With Smollett interviewed along with police and lawyers, it has plenty to say about the nature of celebrity in the USA. – Gabriel Tate 24. Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer Where to watch: Netflix In 2010, police officers searching a beach in Long Island, NY, for a missing woman got a horrifying surprise: they didn’t find her, but they did find the bodies of many other women, all of them sex workers. The hunt for the Long Island Serial Killer went on for more than a decade, with many observers feeling the authorities’ indifference to the women’s fate hampered the quest for justice. This three-part doc tells the victims’ stories and recaps the facts and twists of the case. – Jack Seale 23. Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing Where to watch: Netflix This is a modern-day horror story about the world of "kidfluencing", where children create social media content, sometimes gaining huge followings along the way. Piper Rockelle's YouTube channel hosted videos of her singing, doing pranks and documenting daily life with a "squad" of friends. On camera it was all smiles, but cast members alleged a cult-like atmosphere and made serious accusations against Rockelle’s mother. – Jack Seale 22. The Diamond Heist Where to watch: Netflix One of the biggest robberies in British history nearly took place in November 2000: a gang of career criminals planned to steal a £350 million diamond from the De Beers exhibit inside the Millennium Dome in east London, in broad daylight. It was an outrageous heist that took months of planning and the careful assembly of a crack team. Just one problem: the police were following the robbers from the start. A three-part documentary makes good use of one of the gang, Lee Wenham, as the main interviewee, going into more detail than most shows would about the thieves' backgrounds, giving the cops their own episode, and setting us up for a thrilling outcome. – Jack Seale 21. Katie Piper: Locked Up in Louisiana Where to watch: U Ever since the acid attack that changed her life, Katie Piper has wanted to understand why people commit violent acts and admits she felt like killing the man responsible. She's spending a month inside a women’s jail in New Orleans where she hears that 75 per cent of the 120 inmates suffered domestic abuse before they committed their crime. It’s disturbing viewing and you may question the life sentences they face. "We all have a choice," says Piper, "but sometimes the choice is me or them." – Jane Rackham 20. The Jury: Murder Trial season 2 Where to watch: Channel4.com Nobody knows what goes on when a jury retires to deliberate a case, other than those who are in the room. This returning documentary series, stripped throughout the week, gives us an inkling. It replicates a real murder case, using actors speaking from court transcripts in front of 12 ordinary people – like a real jury they’re of all ages, opinions and walks of life – to observe the judicial process and see whether they reach the same verdict as the original decision-makers. The case, which has been tweaked to make it anonymous, is about the fatal stabbing of a young man by his girlfriend. What the jury must decide is whether she acted in self-defence. What becomes clear very quickly is how much people’s individual experiences colour their opinions, and how the bigger voices in a group can dominate and even influence the discussions. One man seems to have made his mind up almost immediately, while others are swayed by each new piece of evidence. – Jane Rackham 19. Educating Yorkshire Where to watch: Channel4.com Anyone who feels broadcasters are short of new ideas could point to this reboot. But they'll welcome it anyway, because – who wouldn't? The Educating docu-strand was the prom queen of 2010s TV, a critical and ratings hit that got its best grades for the series set at Thornhill Community Academy in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. Four million viewers enjoyed the relatable snapshots of school life then choked back tears in the episode where stammering teenager Musharaf gave a speech at his end-of-year assembly. The teacher who helped him, Mr Burton, is now the head at Thornhill. As Channel 4 again wire his corridors and classrooms with fixed cameras and radio mics, the staff face a new set of challenges, from an attendance crisis to rising pupil anxiety. – David Butcher 18. Love Con Revenge Where to watch: Netflix If you saw the hit Netflix doc The Tinder Swindler, you’ll recognise Cecilie Fjellhøy as one of the victims of an arch fraudster who targeted single women. She returns for a series that continues to explore the dark world of "romance fraud" – con merchants who roam dating apps looking for marks, convincing them that love is in the air before hitting their victims with requests for loans that will never be repaid. Rather than just documenting the phenomenon, Fjellhøy teams up with fiery private investigator Brianne Joseph to track down these scammers – and wherever possible, confront them on camera. – Jack Seale 17. Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 bombers Where to watch: Netflix You could perhaps pair this documentary with the excellent Disney+ drama Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes - both recall an extraordinary few weeks in the summer of 2005, when London was rocked on 7 July by co-ordinated suicide bombings during morning rush hour on the Tube and bus network. An already traumatised city was further destabilised by a separate terrorist cell attempting to perpetrate a very similar set of atrocities a fortnight later, creating a pressure-cooker environment in which an innocent man, de Menezes, was shot dead by police. Those who were in London at the time, including survivors of the 7/7 attacks, are on hand to provide first-hand witness statements. – Jack Seale 16. Girlbands Forever Where to watch: BBC iPlayer After last year's BBC Two documentary Boybands Forever, this three-part series was always going to be the follow-up. In charting the highs and lows of being in a 1990s girl band, Melanie Blatt of All Saints is the most candid (episode one would be blander without her anecdotes; some are funny, others horrific), while members of Eternal, Atomic Kitten and Mis-Teeq are among those recounting spats, successes and sinister press stories (the tabloid headlines are appalling). It's a detailed but not encyclopaedic take on the decade (B*Witched, who had four number one singles, fail to get a mention), and despite any analysis of 90s girl bands inevitably revolving around the Spice Girls’ orbit, frustratingly and intriguingly, producers haven’t secured any of the five to take part. There are at least a few nice nuggets from the man who put them together: music manager Chris Herbert relays how watching Friends made him want to apply that same formula to creating a girl group. – Frances Taylor 15. Call Her Alex Where to watch: Disney+ Alex Cooper, the podcaster behind the cultural juggernaut Call Her Daddy, puts herself in front of the camera as she charts her meteoric rise to fame – which didn't come without its setbacks. Following her from an awkward kid growing up to an impressive athlete at university all through to her multi-million dollar podcast deals, it's difficult to not be left impressed by Alex's domination in what begun as a heavily male-dominated field. – Katelyn Mensah 14. Amy Bradley Is Missing Where to watch: Netflix This is a three-part, true-crime doc about a missing-person case that is, as the title implies, still alive – but which concerns a woman who disappeared in 1998. Amy Bradley, 23, was on a Caribbean cruise holiday with her parents when she vanished from the family cabin balcony in the early hours of the morning. Did she fall overboard? Possibly, but she’s never been found and there have been multiple reported sightings of her on land, stretching across three decades. The programme sifts through the theories, the suspects and the efforts that have been made to find Bradley – so far, in vain. – Jack Seale 13. Boyzone: No Matter What Where to watch: NOW/Sky Documentaries Boyzone didn't feature in BBC Two's documentary about '90s boybands, but they got a dedicated three- part retrospective detailing the tensions and traumas that went on behind the squeaky-clean scenes. Laid bare is the behaviour of the band's former manager Louis Walsh. He is never shy of a soundbite, but is particularly boorish here as he relays – without remorse – how he'd make up stories for the tabloids: one even involving an escape from a fictional plane crash. "I never felt guilty," he shrugs. "I was doing my job. And I’d do it all again." – Frances Taylor 12. Our Knife Crime Crisis Where to watch: BBC iPlayer What a sobering hour of television this is. Idris Elba sets out his goal of finding "real, practical solutions" to the deeply distressing rise in knife crime around the UK – although until austerity's funding cuts in youth provision and community support are reversed (in the process easing the pressure on the NHS, education and penal systems), it’s hard to see either being possible. Still, this is an earnest, important and substantial film, in which the actor meets police, youth workers, Keir Starmer and King Charles, but most crucially families of victims, and perpetrators both reformed and incarcerated. Between them, they help Elba correct misconceptions, understand root causes and try to find hope in some of the country’s most troubled parts – and some of the local outreach programmes are inspiring indeed, with many who run them proof of the value of early intervention. – Gabriel Tate 11. Number One on the Call Sheet Where to watch: Apple TV This two-part documentary explores the experiences of leading Black actors in Hollywood, with each episode focusing on Black women and Black men. Told through candid interviews and exclusive access, the stars discuss their breakthrough moments in Hollywood, featuring Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and Will Smith as well as Angela Bassett, Viola Davis and Halle Berry to name a few. The series is a joyful tribute to Black excellence on the silver screen, and the time it takes to reach the number one spot on the call sheet. – Katelyn Mensah 10. Bibaa & Nicole: Murder in the Park Where to watch: NOW/Sky Documentaries This documentary series paints a picture of the lives of sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman, who, in 2020, arranged a picnic to celebrate Bibaa's birthday as Covid lockdown restrictions began to ease. Thirty-six hours later, they were tragically found dead. Many already know the harrowing details of the case, but this documentary does a stellar job at taking the viewer through the heartbreaking hour-by-hour process that their loved ones endured with the police, naturally looking to them for help in searching for the sisters. Failing in the initial search, the case takes on another horrifying note as it's discovered that police officers had taken pictures of Bibaa and Nicole's bodies whilst supposedly protecting the crime scene. Chronicling the resulting parallel investigations and the race to catch their killer, feelings of anger and sympathy are bound to wash over viewers in waves. The real standout of this series is the inspiring and heartbreaking interview with the sisters' mother Mina, who continues the fight to bring about institutional change. There's sadly enough within this travesty to fill three episodes easily and will emotionally linger with you long after watching. – Morgan Cormack 9. Flintoff Where to watch: Disney+ "It's like a reset – I'm trying to find out what I am now." Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has made limited media appearances since he suffered life-altering injuries while filming Top Gear in 2022. This feature-length biography sees him tackle his new reality directly, as the England cricket legend tries to come to terms with permanently looking different – and perhaps feeling different for ever, too. That lends deep poignancy to the other element of the film, which is a profile of the sportsman Flintoff once was. As well as the likes of Michael Vaughan and David Lloyd talking about Flintoff’s sporting career, his old A League of Their Own colleagues James Corden and Jack Whitehall recall the brash media figure they used to know. – Jack Seale 8. The Undercover Police Scandal: Love and Lies Exposed Where to watch: ITVX The stories that Helen, Alison and Lisa tell are creepily similar. They were all politically active in their 20s when they met their boyfriends. They describe how an intimate, long-term relationship blossomed although, over the years, they began to suspect they weren’t being told the whole truth. Alison discovered a bank card in a different name, while Lisa found phone messages suggesting her bloke had children. Helen only became concerned when her boyfriend disappeared without trace. He, like the other two, had left a "sorry it’s me not you" letter, which, in hindsight, was clearly a carefully worded exit strategy. All the women were shattered to learn that everything they thought they knew about the person they had shared their hearts and their beds with was false… because these men were undercover cops. This astonishing three-part documentary charts how Helen, Alison and Lisa turned detective to reveal a shocking chapter in police history, which the Met has since described as "abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong". – Jane Rackham 7. Unknown Number: The High School Catfish Where to watch: Netflix Very rarely does a documentary force me to rewind multiple times to ensure I gathered everything correctly, but Unknown Number: The High School Catfish is a complete beast of its own. The 90-minute watch unpacks a real-life cyberbullying case that revolves around 13-year-old Lauryn Licari and her then-boyfriend Owen. The pair were relentlessly pursued by an unknown number, with messages containing information that only someone close to Lauryn could have known, forcing concerned parents to turn to the police for help. But it's the reveal of who was behind the 15-month tirade that'll leave you with a pit in your stomach. – Katelyn Mensah 6. One Night in Idaho: The College Murders Where to watch: Prime Video When four young adults were stabbed to death in a student house near the University of Idaho, a small community was devastated and soon become the subject of incessant speculation from online "sleuths". With the suspect now arrested and charged, One Night in Idaho: The College Murders hears the heartache from those closest to the victims, which should always have been at the forefront ahead of online speculation attempting to piece together the crime. – Katelyn Mensah 5. No Other Land Where to watch: Channel4.com This film about life in the West Bank was met with controversy since its premiere last February. Filmed by four activists, two of whom are Israeli and two Palestinian, it gives a frank and measured insight into life in the occupied mountainside community of Masafer Yatta. Lifelong resident Basel Adra is our main guide, opening his cinematic diary in 2019 when the government announces plans to claim more of the area’s land as military space. Like the excellent Ukrainian film 20 Days in Mariupol, which won the Oscar last year, this is less a neatly contained film than a snapshot of an ongoing moment. It’s plain and personal, with a conscious lack of grandstanding: just Adra and his Jerusalem-based co-director Yuval Abraham presenting the situation from ground level. Their film closes in 2023; in real life, their work continues. – Calum Baker 4. Caroline Flack: Search for the Truth Where to watch: Disney+ Winning Strictly Come Dancing and hosting Love Island were amongst the many things Caroline Flack was known and loved for. Tragically in February 2020, she took her own life. At the time, she was facing prosecution for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, and despite the CPS recommending she receive a caution, the day before she died, she discovered she was to be prosecuted. In this two-part documentary, her mother Christine wants answers to why Caroline was charged and how she was treated by the police and media. "I just hope I can achieve something," she says. "I wish I’d done it then, before she took her own life, and that’s my biggest regret." – Frances Taylor 3. Grenfell: Uncovered Where to watch: Netflix Whether you followed the headlines and the resulting public inquiry or whether you aren't as familiar with all of the details of the Grenfell Tower fire, Grenfell: Uncovered lifts a lid on the tragedy and paints a picture of a heartbreaking case that is far from over. It's no easy feat to map out a wide-spanning and emotionally raw story like this one in a way that will both educate and illicit emotion, but it's one that this 100-minute documentary achieves with marked poignancy. Toeing the line between highlighting staggering systemic failings and figures, this film also importantly weaves in personal tragedy and the stories of the bereaved, the survivors, and the firefighters who attended to the fire on the night of 14th June 2017. It's through their brave interviews that we get the essential human stories of Grenfell, stripped of technical scientific terms and replaced with the kind of emotion that will floor you. By no means an "easy" or "light" watch, Grenfell: Uncovered may feel like too much to bear for many viewers. But in reality, it serves nobody to look away from the facts and stories at the heart of this documentary – which stands to be the most important one of the year. – Morgan Cormack 2. Brianna: A Mother's Story Where to watch: ITVX The murder of Brianna Ghey in 2023 was incomprehensible. She was 16 and lost her life in the most horrendous and brutal manner at the hands of unfathomably young perpetrators. Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe were both aged 15 when they killed her. As we see through snippets of social media videos in this affecting documentary, Brianna and Scarlett had been pally. They’d met at school and did the usual teenage stuff together: colouring their hair, going to McDonald’s. The fact that Brianna believed Scarlett to be a friend is a detail that Brianna's mother Esther Ghey understandably finds especially painful. It's hard to hear the details of this case, particularly the extent of the injuries inflicted on Brianna and to read the depraved text messages between Ratcliffe and Jenkinson. In the wake of her daughter’s death, Esther has been campaigning vigorously for changes she hopes can help protect young minds. "If I can make something positive out of what’s happened to her," she said. "Then it keeps her memory alive." – Frances Taylor 1. The Perfect Neighbor Where to watch: Netflix The Perfect Neighbor is a chilling tale about how a long-running neighbourhood dispute turned fatal. Told completely through police bodycam footage and 911 audio logs, the documentary explores the horrific incident of a mother, Ajike Owens, being killed by her neighbour, Susan Lorincz. Lorincz's freedom spurred protests in the small community in Florida, who ultimately got justice upon her arrest and incarceration. In just over 90 minutes, it'll leave you shaken and and unsettled, asking the question: how could someone do this? – Katelyn Mensah The best Films of 2025 It's been another excellent year for new film releases in the UK – and as you can see from our top 25 below, a very eclectic one too. As ever, the year started with some great awards contenders that had debuted across the Atlantic at the tail end of 2024 – with the likes of The Brutalist, Nickel Boys and I'm Still Here all featuring highly on our list. Meanwhile, it's also been a spectacular year when it comes to horror, with first Sinners and then Weapons capturing the imaginations of the cinema-going public with bold, original new takes on the genre before Guillermo del Toro delivered his version of one of the most iconic of all horror tales: Frankenstein. It's perhaps been a slightly less memorable year when it comes to the biggest blockbusters, but we do have a couple of franchise films in our list as well, including the fourth Bridget Jones movie and the Liam Neeson-starring Naked Gun reboot. But what came out at number one? Scroll down our list to find out. And bear in mind that we only considered films that are currently available to watch at home – so a couple of big-hitters weren't eligible. 25. Mr Burton Where to watch: BBC iPlayer The formative years of Richard Burton come into focus in this absorbing drama that charts the actor’s relationship with the man from whom he took his stage name. Toby Jones plays Philip Burton the teacher in postwar South Wales who sees something in teenager Rich Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) but must help the lad overcome the hurdles of his working-class upbringing and destructive self-doubt. Richly atmospheric, this is an engrossing study; Jones is masterful and there’s eye-catching support from Lesley Manville as his landlady, but Lawtey is the true star of the piece. – Terry Staunton 24. The Librarians Where to watch: BBC iPlayer Kim A Snyder’s provocative, compelling and deeply troubling movie follows American librarians forced to unite against attempts by right-leaning Christian Republicans to ban books that they claim indoctrinate children on matters of race and sexuality. Snyder strives to avoid being overly inflammatory, though she includes footage of Nazi book burnings. And objectivity becomes increasingly difficult as she reveals that influential protest groups are being covertly funded by wealthy religious and political conservatives. – David Parkinson 23. The Order Where to watch: Prime Video Jude Law heads this hugely satisfying crime drama as a world-weary FBI agent hunting white supremacists in the Pacific Northwest. His investigations lead to a militant group suspected of carrying out daring bank raids to fund a war chest for large-scale terrorist attacks. Based on real events in the 1980s, Justin Kurzel’s film follows procedural tropes but is elevated by its central performances. Law is at the top of his game as the seasoned fed, while Nicholas Hoult is unsettling and charismatic as his white-power nemesis. – Terry Staunton 22. A Complete Unknown Where to watch: Disney+ Walk the Line director James Mangold’s immersive, engaging Bob Dylan biopic may not all be true, but it has a real feel for the period and the impact of the musician who arrived in New York in 1961 to meet his idol Woody Guthrie. Timothée Chalamet’s Dylan has a reserve that makes him hard to get to know, and a steely confidence that leads the story to its rowdy, electric finale at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The women (Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro) are left rather in Chalamet’s wake, leaving Edward Norton’s Pete Seeger to try to keep the burgeoning star mindful of his musical roots – Tom Folley 21. Black Bag Where to watch: NOW Packing a lot of wit and style into a tight 90 minutes, Steven Soderbergh (Ocean’s Eleven) serves up a killer spy yarn that goes down as smoothly as a dry martini. Michael Fassbender is coolly engaging as the intelligence agent who suspects his wife (Cate Blanchett) is up to no good. As he sets about uncovering the truth, his colleagues (played by Naomie Harris, Tom Burke, Marisa Abela and Regé-Jean Page) get caught in the crosshairs. The film flew somewhat under the radar on release, but is well worth checking out, if only for the brilliantly executed dinner-table scenes that bookend the action. – Josh Winning 20. The Phoenician Scheme Where to watch: Rent/buy Wes Anderson creates another enchanting world for his latest, typically idiosyncratic caper. Benicio Del Toro stars as mid-20th-century tycoon Zsa-zsa Korda, who decides to leave his estate to his only daughter (Mia Threapleton). Meanwhile, Zsa-zsa is forced to confront various colourful characters as he tries to get a long-standing business scheme under way. A classic Anderson confection, full of talent (Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston and Scarlett Johansson are among the massive cast) and immaculate art direction, this’ll hook devotees even if – as ever – Anderson sceptics are unlikely to be won over. – James Mottram 19. The Naked Gun Where to watch: Rent/buy Despite the inspired casting of Liam Neeson as Frank Drebin Jr, expectations weren’t high when it was announced that the classic cop comedy series would be rebooted. Yet, director/co-writer Akiva Schaffer miraculously channels the spirit of the originals, ramming his gag-fest with puns both visual and verbal, as well as some perfectly pitched drifts into the surreal. Neeson, his expression forever stuck between hangdog and befuddled, smoothly picks up where Leslie Nielsen left off while love interest Pamela Anderson matches him beat for beat. Simply a pleasure, from start to end. – Calum Baker 18. A House of Dynamite Where to watch: Netflix White House officials face a terrifying race against time as an unprovoked nuclear missile is launched towards the US in this pulsating drama. It begins in the government's Situation Room, as Captain Olivia Walker (Rebecca Ferguson) attempts to handle the situation and keep a lid on her emotions. With the nerve-jangling action spanning just 18 minutes, the story then rewinds to replay events from other perspectives, including the Secretary of Defense (Jared Harris) and the President (Idris Elba). Directed with taut precision by Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker), and working from a rock-solid script by former newsman Noah Oppenheim, the film perfectly demonstrates that, ultimately, it's people who must make the key, fateful decisions. Powerful and thought-provoking. – James Mottram 17. Steve Where to watch: Netflix Cillian Murphy is at the top of his game as the titular head teacher of a residential reform school in this dark drama laced with judicious humour. Already self-medicating to manage emotional and mental difficulties in his private life, Steve’s world falls further into a tailspin when he and his deputy (a terrific Tracey Ullman) learn the school has lost its funding and will close in six months, the bombshell dropped on a busy day that coincides with visits from the local MP (Roger Allam) and a TV news crew. It’s an uncomfortable watch at times, but nonetheless responsible and intelligent film-making that shines a light on social and educational systemic failures. Director Tim Mielants and screenwriter Max Porter (adapting his own novella, Shy) make their points without ever lapsing into preachiness, and the former is to be applauded for coaxing superb performances out of the young actors portraying the pupils, none more so than Jay Lycurgo as the troubled but clearly very bright Shy. A powerful story with equally heart-wrenching parallels in the real world. – Terry Staunton 16. Deaf President Now! Where to watch: Apple TV+ Washington DC’s Gallaudet University is the world’s only higher-education institute for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. In 1988, the school’s board appointed the latest in a 124-year succession of hearing presidents, bypassing two qualified deaf candidates – and outraging the students. This illuminating documentary uses interviews and archive footage to recount the eight days of protests that followed. Coming out shortly after 2025’s Deaf Awareness Week, it’s an engaging and empowering film that uses ingenious sound design to evoke the deaf experience, while shining a much-deserved light on this little-known but impactful youth movement. – Laura Rutkowski 15. Memoir of a Snail Where to watch: BFI Player This delightfully dark and quirky adult animated film follows the tragi-comic life of a snail-loving girl who learns how to come out of her shell. The second feature from esoteric Aussie stop motion animator Adam Elliot – after the excellent Mary and Max (2008) – his cute-but-scuzzy animation style is unmistakable, and thematically, it’s very similar; a biographical movie about bullied kids growing into dysfunctional adults who learn to love themselves (think Tim Burton meets Ken Loach). Thankfully, it’s every bit as good, bursting with wit, invention, charm, poignancy and moments of exquisite vulgarity. – Dave Golder 14. The Long Walk Where to watch: Rent/buy The American Dream of getting rich quickly is given a macabre twist in this searing, yet thoughtful adaptation of Stephen King’s first novel, published in 1979 under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Set 19 years after a crippling war, it posits a United States under totalitarian rule where national pride is inspired via a televised cross-country walking competition between 50 young men, representing each US state. The winner is promised wish-fulfilling riches, but there is no finishing line, no rest breaks and anyone not keeping up with the pace will receive three warnings, then instant execution. Cooper Hoffman (Licorice Pizza) and David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus) give marvellous performances as the initial rivals whose evolving friendship is the beating heart of an often agonising horror, directed by Francis Lawrence – who knows his way around survival-of-the-fittest dystopia, with three Hunger Games films to his name. – Jeremy Aspinall 13. Nosferatu Where to watch: NOW Director Robert Eggers (The Lighthouse) continues his mastery of gothic horror with this reimagining of the 1922 silent classic. Newlywed Ellen becomes the dark, erotic obsession of vampire Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). As Ellen’s psychic visions start to intensify, Orlok emerges and unleashes chaos in a bid to possess her. The film boasts an all-encompassing sense of dread, crafted through striking visuals and aided by its stars: Skarsgård makes a chilling Orlok, while Depp delivers a haunting, expressive performance of real conviction. – Taina Popoola 12. Weapons Where to watch: Rent/buy Writer/director Zach Cregger follows his 2022 hit Barbarian with this unnerving and thunderously entertaining horror epic. It follows events in the aftermath of a deeply troubling incident in a suburban US town: one night, without explanation, all but one student in the third-grade class of a new teacher (Julia Garner) vanished from their homes. The non-linear structure – we follow events from six unique perspectives – allows the film to explore the complex ways people's psyches are affected by broken communities, traumatic events and surrounding public storms, and each chapter gradually teases more information about the bizarre events engulfing the town. The result is a propulsive, perfectly paced thriller that leaves things tantalisingly mysterious until a late reveal There are frights aplenty, with Cregger tapping into nightmarish, fairy tale-esque imagery, but also evidence of the director's comedic roots. The deft way in which he juggles those tones makes Weapons a refreshing triumph. – Patrick Cremona 11. Sorry, Baby Where to watch: Mubi Eva Victor makes an impressive debut as writer, director and star with this darkly amusing feature. Young Massachusetts academic Agnes (Victor) struggles to process having been sexually assaulted by her thesis supervisor years ago. Split into a jumbled series of chapters, the film concentrates on Agnes’s everyday life as she receives support from an old friend (Naomi Ackie) and a sweet-natured neighbour (Lucas Hedges). Dotted with deadpan line readings, there’s a wryness to the drama and a care to its imagery that work to offset the underlying sense of melancholy. – Tom Dawson 10. I’m Still Here Where to watch: BFI Player Oscar-nominated for best picture, this true story is set in Rio de Janeiro in the early 1970s and follows the Paiva family – former congressman Rubens (Selton Mello), wife Eunice (Fernanda Torres) and their five children. With Brazil ruled by a military dictatorship, Rubens is arrested – with absolutely no information passed to the family as to his fate. Much of the focus is on Eunice, who herself suffers in this oppressed regime, and the sublime Torres plays her with real strength. Subtly directed by veteran Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, this is a fine film about resistance. – James Mottram 9. The Girl with the Needle Where to watch: Mubi Director Magnus von Horn reimagines one of the most shocking episodes in Danish criminal history with a masterful adult fairy tale, filmed in striking black-and-white. In 1919 Copenhagen, impoverished Karoline (Vic Carmen Sonne) endures a series of crushing misfortunes before falling in with shady Dagmar (Trine Dyrholm), who runs an illegal adoption agency. Both leads are mesmerising at the centre of this nightmarish and visually astonishing journey. Though steeped in misery, the material never becomes a slog thanks to von Horn’s inventive execution. – Emma Simmonds 8. Wake Up Dead Man Where to watch: Netflix Having previously staged star-studded murder mysteries at a cosy mansion and a lavish private island, Rian Johnson’s third Knives Out film unfolds against the backdrop of a small Catholic parish in upstate New York. This time, Daniel Craig’s Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc is tasked with solving the murder of a priest (Josh Brolin), whose increasingly warped fire-and-brimstone sermons have seen him brush up against Josh O’Connor’s younger clergyman. What makes the mystery so enticing is that it initially appears to be an impossible locked room crime. But Johnson also has fun with his usual flair for satire, making the most of his church setting and allowing his film to grow darker and weirder than the previous instalments. Craig is reliably entertaining as Blanc, while O’Connor and Glenn Close provide stand-out support from the ensemble cast. With a typically convoluted but satisfying narrative powering things along, it all adds up to what might be the best entry so far in this hugely likeable series. – Patrick Cremona 7. A Real Pain Where to watch: Disney+ Jesse Eisenberg writes, directs and stars in this touching comedy drama, loosely inspired by his own family history. He plays an uptight New Yorker who embarks on a tour of Poland with his cousin (Kieran Culkin), intending to honour their late grandmother, who survived the Holocaust. Eisenberg’s sharp script expertly teases out an emotionally complex history between the cousins, while an Oscar-winning Culkin is in fantastic form as the brash, likeable but deeply troubled Benji. Despite the subject matter, it’s a breezy film with an admirably light touch. – Patrick Cremona 6. Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy Where to watch: NOW After something warm and fuzzy this season? The fourth outing for Helen Fielding’s beloved heroine isn’t a bad place to start. Mixing gentle jokes with daring darker moments, we find Bridget as a widowed mother of two, tentatively embracing life again – something that initially involves a Tinder dalliance with a 29-year-old. However, when she volunteers on her son’s school trip, things start falling into place. Reliable gags land in a fresh setting, but it’s the familiar faces, Bridget’s spirit and some genuinely festive moments that make this an ideal Christmas comfort film – Alex Berry 5. Sinners Where to watch: Rent/buy Director Ryan Coogler follows up his Black Panther films with a muscular original feature that offers a mash-up of history and horror. Bootlegging twins Smoke and Stack (both Michael B Jordan) return to Mississippi where they plan to set up a juke joint. But opening night is interrupted when a silver-tongued white man (Jack O’Connell) wants an invitation to the party. This is an ambitious movie that asks prickly questions about creativity, assimilation and culture. But its great cast (including Hailee Steinfeld and Delroy Lindo) and confident pace keep it deftly entertaining. – Sean McGeady 4. Frankenstein Where to watch: Netflix A work of gothic fiction that has fascinated film-makers for as long as cinema has existed, Mary Shelley’s 1818 tale of the Modern Prometheus gets its most faithful movie adaptation to date, courtesy of horror maestro Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water). Oscar Isaac is the pioneering scientist who harnesses Mother Nature, modern physics and the patronage of an arms trader (Christoph Waltz) to bring to life a creature (Jacob Elordi) stitched together from body parts. With a script in thrall to old-fashioned movie storytelling, this is elegantly made and beautifully crafted by del Toro’s usual team of collaborators. Isaac hovers just on the right side of madness, while Elordi finds brooding poetry in a near-silent performance. Gory and grim it may be, but this is a tragic tale told with captivating style. – James Mottram 3. The Brutalist Where to watch: NOW An Oscar winner for its score, cinematography and haunted lead performance from Adrien Brody, this epic, 215-minute drama is far from a flag-waving take on the American Dream. It’s the story of fictional architect László Tóth (Brody), who survives the Holocaust and reaches New York, eventually meeting a wealthy patron (Guy Pearce) who commissions László to work on a mammoth project. It’s a low-budget but rich and grandly scaled film that captures the uneasy relationships between art and commerce, and America and immigration. The cast is flawless. – Emma Simmonds 2. Nickel Boys Where to watch: Prime Video This audacious, Oscar-nominated adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s novel is an original work of innovation and power. Director RaMell Ross adopts a point-of-view visual style to tell the story of Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a black teenager wrongly arrested and sent to a racially segregated reform school in 1960s Florida. There, he strikes up a bond with rebellious Turner (Brandon Wilson). The unique shooting style creates a tactile and immersive experience, while Ross adds some beautiful flourishes and well-placed flash-forwards, all performed perfectly by a fantastic cast. – Patrick Cremona 1. One Battle After Another Where to watch: Buy/rent This terrific film from Paul Thomas Anderson is loosely based on Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel Vineland. The auteur expertly borrows elements and crafts them into something his own, keeping the book's rebellious spirit, absurdist comic tone and thematic weight intact. Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a former member of resistance group the French 75, now completely sapped of his revolutionary spirit. But when his old nemesis (a sensationally odious Sean Penn) re-emerges, Bob must rediscover his fight so he can protect his teenage daughter (Chase Infiniti, a revelation). The resulting chase is thrilling, uproarious and perfectly paced, with DiCaprio excelling as a frustrated layabout thrust back into the fold. Anderson stages the film's set pieces in unpredictable, inventive ways, with Jonny Greenwood's frantic, piano-led score the perfect complement. The film feels urgent and timely, with Anderson's choice to put a touching father/daughter relationship front and centre amid the thrills giving it undeniable emotional heft. – Patrick Cremona Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Fallout season 2 will see Lucy's moral compass "eroding" amid surprising choices, reveals Ella Purnell
She may be fighting monsters in a post-apocalyptic world in US video-game adaptation Fallout, but all British star Ella Purnell wants is an early night and a cup of tea.
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Fallout is one of those shows that lays waste to your sleep schedule; a big-budget, post-apocalyptic adventure that’s far more fun than the end of the world has any right to be, and almost impossible to turn off. But as you’re halfway through a late-night binge, watching Lucy MacLean fight mutants and dodge bullets, the woman who plays her, Ella Purnell, will already be asleep. “I’m like an old lady who’s in bed at nine o’clock every night,” the 29-year-old actor laughs. “If you’d told me that ten years ago, I’d have said, ‘No way.’ But now, it’s a foam roller and a cup of tea. That’s all I need.” It’s a far cry from her on-screen antics, but Purnell could be forgiven for wanting to slow down after filming Amazon’s high-profile adaptation of the video game franchise Fallout. Since 1997, that game has seen more than 50 million players explore a post-nuclear-war America, trading bottle caps for currency, fighting off irradiated monsters and aligning with – or avoiding – the warring factions formed by survivors. But for all its fanfare, the TV version of Fallout landed in Purnell’s inbox like any other role. She’d never wandered its wastelands, strapped on a Pip-Boy computer or even heard of the game. “I really didn’t know much about the project,” she admits. “I was bad, and didn’t even google it, because I was busy filming [the US survival drama] Yellowjackets.” So what convinced her wasn’t Fallout’s mythos or millions of fans, but the human nature of Lucy MacLean, the show’s sheltered yet spirited lead, exploring this wild new world after growing up in an underground bunker (called a Vault). “They said to me she’s the kind of person that could star in a toothpaste commercial, but also could maybe kill you,” says Purnell. “And I was, like, yeah, that sounds like me.” Of course, once she signed on, everything became real. “It wasn’t until I got the job, and I started doing my research and my prep for the character, that I really understood exactly what I was getting myself into. That actually, this was quite a big deal and you really want to do that justice.” View oEmbed on the source website It paid off: despite telling an all-new story with new characters not before seen in the games, season one aired to critical acclaim from longtime fans and new audiences alike. And Purnell, suddenly a breakout star, faced an outpouring of affection for her endearing portrayal of Lucy. “It’s really touching to me that people love this character,” she says, smiling. “She’s so naive because she’s literally lived in a bubble her whole life. She’s never felt the wind before. She’s never looked at long distances before. I found a lot of enjoyment thinking about all the things that we take for granted, that she would have been like, ‘Wow!’” In many ways, Lucy’s sheltered life reflects Purnell’s own childhood. Growing up in London, she began her career as a baby model – “so ridiculous,” she interjects with a laugh – after a friend of the family needed a baby for a clothing shoot, and Purnell’s mum simply volunteered her “cute kid”. From there, photoshoots became commercials, commercials became theatre, and before long, Purnell was a successful teenage actor in films like Kick-Ass 2 and Maleficent. It’s an environment with clear parallels to the Vault: both carefully controlled, make-believe worlds, shielded from real life. But Purnell sees it another way. “I feel more like a child now than I did when I was a child,” she says. “Now, in the space between ‘action’ and ‘cut’, I’m free, and I’m completely playful. But as a child working, I didn’t feel like that. I was terrified, I was nervous and I didn’t know what was going on or what I was doing. “As an adult, I love these people. I love this set. I feel like I can speak my mind. I feel like I’m protected. That’s how Lucy feels in the Vault: she has a purpose, she has structure. When she leaves the Vault and all of that falls away, and she’s in completely unfamiliar surroundings and she doesn’t know the rules – that’s how I felt as a child actor.” It’s an interesting inversion. As Purnell’s celebrity has grown – with the Paramount+ series Yellowjackets, animated Netflix series Arcane and now Fallout – her world has become smaller, safer, more intimate. “In the last couple years, I’ve come home to myself a little bit more. The bigger work gets, the smaller my life gets, and that feels right for me. I still live in the same flat, I still drive the same car, I have my friends, my family, my garden. I knit. And I like that.” “I think if I was one of those people, like Justin Bieber, who became an overnight success, it would’ve really messed with me, and I’m glad that I got a longer, slower build over the course of 20 years.” That long arc has yielded a new kind of confidence – “I have a little bit more trust and faith that as long as I keep picking projects that I really care about, that’s going to come out in the performance” – as well as an appetite for morally ambiguous characters, like the murderous Rhiannon in Sweetpea, which aired on Sky Atlantic last year. “In my real life, I need things to be black and white. So I’ve noticed in my work, I’m really drawn to the grey area, and I wonder if it’s my safe, exploratory way of figuring that out, and becoming OK with it in my real life. I love when I can’t say whether a character is good or bad.” If anything, Fallout is the perfect sandbox for that exploration; in a world where everyone fights to survive, monsters are a matter of perspective. Take Lucy, Purnell says. “Yes, she has a good heart, and she cares about doing the right thing. But she’s spoilt and she’s privileged, and she can be very ignorant and stubborn. And that’s life.” So what can we expect from, and for, Lucy in season 2? Purnell grins. “Oh my God, there’s so much in store. You’re going to see sides of Lucy that I did not see coming. She makes some very surprising choices, and her moral compass is just eroding. The entire fabric of her being is suddenly unravelling. Everything she thought she knew is now coming into question. What does that do to a person?” And if Ella Purnell were to find herself at the end of the world? “I like to think I’d be Lara Croft, all the gear and great arms, but in reality, that just wouldn’t be me. I am very non-confrontational, I’m very organised, I’m very Type A.” She smiles mischievously. “I’d organise everything instead. You know, if I have access to an Excel spreadsheet, it’s game over for you. I’m going to conquer the world.” The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here. Season one of Fallout is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Season 2 will premiere on Wednesday 17th December. Add Fallout to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Good Omens' Michael Sheen teases how fans will react to upcoming finale and argues it "should have been 6 episodes"
"Brilliantly directed, beautiful performances, fantastic new looks, incredible work all round."
Good Omens fans have been patiently waiting for some kind of update on season 3, AKA the finale episode, for months – and, now, star Michael Sheen has delivered! The Aziraphale actor revealed that a screening of the finale took place this week, admitting that he "laughed and cried" at the "beautiful" ending to the story. Responding to a fan who said that a "little bird was singing" about a screening that had happened, Sheen wrote on X: "So this is a big bird saying - we had a screening last night. I laughed and I cried." He added: "There’ll be bits you absolutely love and there’ll be things you’ll argue about of course. It should have been 6 episodes but it’s not. Thank God for what it is. Brilliantly directed, beautiful performances, fantastic new looks, incredible work all round. And there’s nightingales." The 90-minute finale episode will wrap up the story of Sheen's angel Aziraphale and David Tennant's demon Crowley, who decide to team up to prevent the Apocalypse. Last season saw the pair's relationship develop into a romantic connection, with the two of them sharing a kiss – and fans are desperate to see how things pan out. View oEmbed on the source website As Sheen mentions, Good Omens season 3 was originally planned to be six episodes long, but was shortened to one 90-minute finale last year, with Neil Gaiman, co-author of Good Omens, exiting the TV series after he was accused of sexual assault, which he has strongly denied. He contributed to writing the Good Omens finale but he did not work on the production and his production company Blank Corporation was not involved. A total of nine women have spoken out against the writer, with their accusations being detailed in a Vulture article published in January 2025, and in a Tortoise Media podcast released in July 2024. Allegations included claims that Gaiman engaged them in "rough" sex and BDSM without their consent. The novelist has firmly denied any non-consensual or illegal conduct in a statement. He said: "As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I don't, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. "I'm far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever." While not many details have bee revealed about the finale, Tennant also spoke about it in an episode of ITV's The Assembly earlier this year, saying: "We're doing Good Omens again. We're going back to do the final. We're doing a final. There's been a slight rejig with the personnel. "But we still get to tell that story which I think it would have been very difficult to leave it on a cliffhanger. So I'm glad that's been worked out." Good Omens seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream now on Prime Video. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The best streaming services in 2025: How to choose between Netflix, Prime and Disney+
We compare Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video and more to help you find your perfect streaming match.
Streaming has never been bigger – or more confusing. In the years since Netflix first revolutionised how we consume film and TV, a whole host of rival platforms have launched to the point that it can now be difficult to know where to begin. From Disney+ – which arrived for UK audiences in March 2020 – to Apple TV, which has amassed a highly impressive catalogue of original films and shows in a relatively time span, there really is a wealth of options. But which is the best of the bunch? To answer that question, we’ve tested and compared the top streaming services available in the UK, breaking down price, the best shows and what kind of TV fan each one’s is suited to. With the help of our comprehensive guide below, you'll be far better qualified to select the ideal streamer for you and your family's viewing needs. Which streaming services are available in the UK? Amazon Prime Video: Budget-friendly all-rounder Apple TV: Big-budget dramas and kids' shows DAZN: Sports and boxing fans Disney+: Families and Marvel and Star Wars lovers Hayu: Reality TV fanatics ITVX: Bingers of British box sets Netflix: Binge-watchers, film lovers and fans of original content NOW: Prestige TV from Sky & HBO and those wanting blockbuster movies Amazon Prime Video Best for those looking for value on a budget Price: £8.99 per month or £95 annually (with half-price option available for students) Free trial: Yes – there is a 30 day free trial option Max resolution: 4k Streams: Up to 3 Prime Video is a great option if you're looking for a streamer that's relatively low budget – with the £95 yearly cost also including membership to Amazon Prime, with all the usual perks including next day delivery. Although it perhaps lags behind some of the other streamers when it comes to the overall quality of its original programming, the platform nonetheless has some major hits – including The Boys and Fallout – and has also kept viewers happy with a range of highly successful young adult fare, including the mega-popular The Summer I Turned Pretty It's also worth mentioning that it hosts possibly the best library of older films of any of the major platforms, while there is also the option to pay an extra monthly fee to sign up to a number of bonus channels – including Mubi, Shudder and BFI Player. Must-watch: The Boys, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Fallout, The Girlfriend, Invincible Radio Times says: Prime Video boasts an excellent and varied selection which – coupled with its comparatively low price and added benefits – makes it the best option for those on a budget. Sign up to Amazon Prime Video Apple TV Best for consistently quality original programming Price: £9.99 per month Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option Max resolution: 4k Streams: Up to 6 Generally speaking, Apple TV has adopted a mantra of quality over quantity, focusing on star-studded big-budget originals with exceptional production values rather than acquiring a back catalogue of older shows. Launching with major shows such as The Morning Show and For All Mankind, the library has gone on to add everything from hard-hitting dramas and experimental comedies to intelligent sci-fi and riveting spy thrillers – alongside a growing range of documentaries, almost always with a household name attached either in front of or behind the camera. Meanwhile, the streamer has also thrown its weight behind some of the world's most prominent filmmakers to fund their latest features, with movies such as Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Ridley Scott's Napoleon and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest all available on the streamer. Must-watch: Slow Horses, Severance, Bad Sisters, Silo, The Studio Radio Times says: Although there have been a few misfires, Apple TV maintains a remarkable consistency when it comes to the quality of its original programming – making it a great pick for fans of prestige TV. Sign up to Apple TV DAZN Best for those looking to catch must-watch sporting events – especially boxing Price: £7.99 a month Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option Max resolution: 1080p HD Streams: Up to 2 While the likes of Netflix and Prime Video are known to all, this streamer is less of a household name – and is definitely more of a niche addition to the market. The platform is devoted entirely to showcasing high quality sporting action both live and on demand, with a huge range of options including everything from American Football to Cycling and everything in between, as well as a host of high profile boxing bouts. Must-watch: Live boxing Radio Times says: This is a specialist option which will only be of interest to sports fans – but if you're big on boxing it's a must. Sign up to DAZN Disney+ Best for those with kids and fans of major franchises Price: £5.99 for Disney+ Standard with Ads, £9.99 for Disney+ Standard, £14.99 for Disney+ Premium Free trial: No Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard Streams: Up to 4 for Premium subscribers, up to 2 for Standard Of course, it's no secret that Disney+ is a treasure trove for fans of big franchises, housing a huge catalogue of Marvel and Star Wars content in addition to a number of animated gems from Pixar and Disney Classics. It's that combination that makes it arguably the best option for those looking to keep their kids happy. But it's more than just the franchises. Given streamer's takeover of 20th Century Fox, there are a whole host of excellent films on the platform, while there's also plenty of original programming and some top shows that initially aired on Hulu for US viewers. Must-watch: Star Wars and Marvel, The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, Alien: Earth Radio Times says: If you've got kids and don't mind spending a little extra, this option is hard to resist – and even for older audiences, there is a huge selection to choose from. Sign up to Disney+ Hayu Best for reality TV obsessives Price: £4.99 per month, £23.99 for 6 months or £43.99 for 12 months Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option Max resolution: 1080p Streams: One If you're a lover of reality TV, chances are you're already familiar with Hayu – but if this is your first time hearing of it, it could well be the option for you. Since its UK launch in 2016, it's become the only streamer devoted entirely to reality TV and there really are a wealth of programmes waiting for you if that's your thing. Most of the shows are acquisitions rather than originals – with the likes of Below Deck and Vanderpump Rules notable examples – but earlier this year, the platform did launch its first ever original commission: The Real Housewives of London. Could that be the first of many? Must-watch: The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck Radio Times says: A must-have if you're a reality TV obsessive, but otherwise probably one to avoid. Sign up to Hayu Sign up to Hayu via Amazon Prime Video ITVX Best for lovers of British TV Price: £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year Free trial: No Max resolution: 1080p HD Streams: Up to 4 You're probably already familiar with the ad-supported free tier of ITVX, which gives audiences to catch-up with all the latest shows broadcast on ITV and some from the archive – but the streamer also has a premium offering, which is one of the cheaper options on the market. As well as allowing subscribers to watch all the content on the regular ITVX without suffering the annoyance of ad breaks, there is also a wealth of material not otherwise available including a huge volume of iconic British box sets from BritBox and an interesting and varied selection of films. Must-watch: Sanditon, Life on Mars, The Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous Radio Times says: If you like your TV classic and homegrown – and without ads – this is a great option, for a relatively small monthly fee. Sign up to ITVX Netflix Best for binge-watchers and original hits Best for those looking for value on a budget. Price: £5.99 per month for Standard with ads, £12.99 per month for Standard, £18.99 per month for Premium Free trial: No Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard Streams: Up to 4 for Premium, up to 2 for Standard The streamer that needs no introduction – and the one that started it all. Netflix produces a wealth of original content – in terms of both films and TV shows – and while perhaps the focus could be said to have shifted towards quantity over quality, there are still some very high highs in the original library. If you want to join in the latest watercooler conversations, this is still probably the one to gravitate towards, with its popularity still dwarfing that of its rivals in relative terms – even as the monthly cost has soared. Meanwhile, a significant catalogue of non-original TV shows and films pads out the platform’s library, so you'll never have a lack of options for your next binge-watch or upcoming movie night. Must-watch: Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Crown Radio Times says: Netflix remains unbeatable for quantity and global hits, though it comes at a premium price. Sign up to Netflix NOW Best for those looking for the top shows from across the pond Price: £9.99 per month for Entertainment Pass and £9.99 per Cinema Pass Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option Max resolution: 720p HD (Full 1080p HD with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month) Streams: 1 (3 with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month) NOW is an excellent place to catch the latest dramas from Sky and HBO, while Sky also broadcasts a number of glossy exclusive shows across a range of genres. If you’re a film fan keen to watch the latest blockbusters soon after they leave the cinema, this might also be the service for you. The films included with a Sky Cinema pass frequently include some of the biggest recent hits, and there’s a decent selection of classics as well. One downside is that, unlike most streamers, you have to pay separately for the TV and Movie options – it's not all one package. Must-watch: Game of Thrones, Succession, Euphoria, The White Lotus and The Last of Us. Radio Times says: A more premium offering, but NOW is a great option if you want to enjoy the best of US TV and some of the latest blockbuster films. Sign up to NOW Editor’s Choice So, what is our overall verdict, then? With various factors taken into consideration, we've come to the below conclusion: Best overall value: Prime Video Best originals: Apple TV Best for families: Disney+ Best budget pick: Prime Video Best prestige TV: NOW Add your favourite shows to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out our best movies on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies. 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Wicked star Jeff Goldblum dishes on working with "sex god" Jonathan Bailey and reacts to Netflix's Kaos cancellation
This article first appeared in Radio Times magazine. Known for starring in blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, The Fly and Independence Day, Jeff Goldblum’s latest role sees him playing one of the most famous characters in film: the Wizard of Oz. He first appeared as the charlatan using smoke and mirrors to rule the Emerald City in last year’s Oscar-winning movie Wicked, an origin story based on the West End and Broadway musical. Now, Goldblum is reprising his role for the sequel Wicked: For Good. Were you a fan of the original 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, or the theatrical version of Wicked, before getting this role? That movie has slayed me since I was a kid. Those songs, and the way Judy Garland sings them: she was so gifted. It’s a foundational fairy tale, and there’s something about that phrase, “There’s no place like home” – which maybe means your subconscious life, or your dream life – it grabs the heck out of me. I saw the Broadway show 20 years ago and I was already mushy just seeing the pictures in the lobby. By the end, I was a mess. You have a fantastic set piece in the new film, singing and dancing with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play Elphaba and Glinda. Was that fun to do? So much fun. I’ve seen a lot of movies made of musicals, and you can really go wrong, but with that number the thrill of a stage show is mashed with cinematic, naturalistic acting and storytelling in a way that I’ve never seen before. The fans will go wild for it, but also I think it has a degree of difficulty –as they say in Olympic gymnastics – that may be underappreciated. Were you nervous about performing with two hugely successful professional singers? There’s a responsibility and some nerves. Everybody cares so much about this phenomenon of a show. It wasn’t the easiest thing to make into a movie, but they found something that hit the bullseye, and people love it so much, so I was very conscientious. I’m always bushy-tailed about acting, but on this one especially, you really don’t want to let the side down. You’re a very musical person, though, aren’t you? I play piano every day of my life, and I’ve snuck it into some movies, and now I play in a jazz band as often as we can. We’ve played at Glastonbury, Ronnie Scott’s [in London]… and we’re on our fourth album. I was on The Graham Norton Show a few years back, the great Gregory Porter was a guest and he asked if I wanted to play piano for him, so I did. I read that you made friends with Stephen Fry, too. Do you like British people? I’m enamoured of them. My first job was The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare, of course. I was in The Tall Guy, which was Emma Thompson’s first movie. Jurassic World: Dominion was shot here. I’ve read all of PG Wodehouse and I met Dudley Moore once. I have a lot of connections and I’m definitely an Anglophile. Your Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s “sexiest man alive”. Back in the day, you were well known for taking part in sexy photoshoots, with your shirt unbuttoned to your navel — have you passed the baton on to him? No, I never had the baton. My humility doesn’t allow me to accept that. Possibly I may be to some people’s taste, but I sit at his feet, he’s a sex god. I have no competition with Jonathan Bailey at all – or anybody for that matter. You’re still the world’s coolest man, though… Well, what is cool? I know I’ve had a fun time playing scientists. Scientists at one time would have been considered uncool, but my dad was a doctor and I always admired that expertise, so it was kind of fun for me to go, “Hey, maybe I can bring some jazz to this.” I don’t try to be cool, but the coolness of jazz thrills me. A lot of people talk about how nice you are in real life – but would you ever like to play someone really bad? Well, I played the devil [in Mister Frost], but I guess he had a bit of jazz hands, huh? I don’t know, I just like to play characters who think and do things that are different from my own personality. But I think my character as the Wizard of Oz is neither all good nor bad. Everybody’s a little complicated. You starred in the drama series Kaos last year, but it has been cancelled by Netflix. Were you disappointed? You never know when something is ready for its time. Martin Scorsese says that some of his movies worked, some didn’t, and it may have been the wrong time, who knows? I liked what we did. I had a ball, and I liked that character and I think we made something good. You have a great CV, but is there still a role on your bucket list? I’m sure there are many parts. There are directors I have a big appetite to work with. A lot of female directors are having a moment: Jane Campion, Lynne Ramsay, Sofia Coppola, Rebecca Miller. I feel like my best work is ahead of me, if I’m lucky enough to get an opportunity or two. I seem to be in a fertile state – unexpectedly, deliciously and gratefully. The latest issue of Radio Times is out on Saturday – subscribe here. Wicked: Part I is available to stream on Prime Video. Wicked: For Good is currently showing in UK cinemas. Add Wicked: Part I to your watchlist on the <a id="OWA8b702c45-bee9-94e4-f018-57518e78041b" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/download-the-app/?af_xp=custom&pid=website&c=editorial_content&is_retargeting=true&af_reengagement_window=30d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-outlook-id="449c28d9-909e-4aab-b6b8-153454f55d5e" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
"Delightful" drama film with the late Dame Maggie Smith and other British acting legends is to air on TV tonight
Be sure to add this to your weekend watch list!
A "delightful" film starring Maggie Smith alongside a cast of other incredible British actors will be airing on TV tonight. Quartet was released in 2012 and follows Smith's character Jean Horton, a former famous opera singer who is moving into Beecham House, a retirement home for those who were once singers and musicians. Jean's arrival throws the home into disarray due to the fact her former husband Reginald, played by Tom Courtenay, already lives there and is furious he wasn't warned about her arrival. As she settles in, the other residents convince Jean to take part in their yearly concert, where they will be doing a performance of the Bella figlia dell'amore quartet from Rigoletto, however she is apprehensive, fearing her voice is not what it used to be. The film offers a comedic insight into ageing, mortality and the power of music. Those looking to tune in can do so tonight (Friday 28th November) on BBC Two at 11pm with a running time of 94 minutes and will be uploaded to BBC iPlayer shortly after. However, you can also find the film on Prime Video, and it is also available to watch on Sky Cinema. The film also starred Sheridan Smith as the home's doctor, with the actress recently opening up about her experience working with the late Maggie Smith during an appearance on The One Show. She explained: "I was a bag of nerves. There were all these absolute legends, I was so out of my depth, and [Dame Maggie Smith] saw me kind of nearly having a panic attack before this scene, and she just went, ‘Smiths stick together!’” Quartet was the directorial debut from Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman and made $59.5 million at the box office against a budget of $11 million. Those who have seen it ushered their praise of the feature length, saying: "Dustin Hoffman's first film as a director is a treat for the actors involved, and what actors they are. Hoffman has cast his actors in roles that fit them well and they reward him with fine performances. "It's a delightful film that touches on themes of ageing and the enduring importance of art. And the film's location, Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire, plays a character in its own right, adding splendour to the warmth." Alongside both Smiths and Courtenay, the star-studded cast also boosts the likes of Scottish royalty Billy Connolly, Dumbledore actor Michael Gambon, and Pauline Collins of Upstairs, Downstairs fame. Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Maxton Hall season 3: Release date speculation and latest news
Will Ruby and James return for more drama?
Maxton Hall is officially returning for season 3. Back in June, Ruby and James stars Harriet Herbig-Matten and Damian Hardung confirmed the news in a video captioned "Maxton Hall calling… season 3 is happening" wearing smiles and holding the scripts in their hands. The Prime Video hit is based on Mona Kasten's trilogy, so a third instalment was always on the cards. And after that season 2 ending (more on that in a moment), it would've been a real hammer blow for fans not to reunite with Ruby and James. So, when can we expect it? Who's likely to return? And what might go down next? Here's everything you need to know about Maxton Hall season 3. When will Maxton Hall season 3 be released? Seasons 1 and 2 landed in 2024 and 2025 respectively, so we'd expect the new episodes to arrive in 2026 – likely sometime in the mid-to-late part of the year. Watch this space for updates. Who will be in the Maxton Hall season 3 cast? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Ruby-MH-7a88809.jpg" width="1095" height="730" alt="A woman with light skin and long brown hair stands outdoors, looking intently at a man who faces her with his back to the camera. She wears a light, ruffled blouse with soft pink and white tones, while the man wears a light blue shirt. The setting is bright and natural, with greenery and a body of water blurred in the background. The woman’s expression appears emotional and serious, suggesting a tense or heartfelt moment between the two." title="Maxton Hall" /> It wouldn't be Maxton Hall without Harriet Herbig-Matten as Ruby Bell and Damian Hardung as James Beaufort. Other characters who could return are: Sonja Weißer as Lydia Beaufort Fedja van Huêt as Mortimer Beaufort Justus Riesner as Alistair Ellington Ben Felipe as Cyril Vega Andrea Guo as Lin Wang Esmael Agostinho as Wren Fitzgerald Runa Greiner as Ember Bell Gina Henkel as Helen Bell Martin Neuhaus as Angus Bell Hyun Wanner as Percy And there's always the opportunity for other returnees and new additions, too. What might happen in Maxton Hall season 3? At the end of season 2, Ruby was left completely shattered after being barred from sitting her exams due to her suspension – in turn destroying her dream of studying at Oxford. A photo had surfaced of her with Sutton (the teacher who got Lydia pregnant) at the welcome party — a moment she rightly insisted was "a completely harmless situation". But her protests fell on deaf ears. Read more: Maxton Hall season 2 ending explained: The scandal that sabotages Ruby and James’s happy ever after Although Sutton was arrested, he still chose to drag Ruby into the mess, leaving her future hanging by a thread as she broke down in James's arms. Prime Video hasn't released an official synopsis for season 3 yet, but we do have the blurb for Kasten's third book — and it gives us a solid idea of what's coming, including Ruby and James's relationship being pushed to the brink once again. "Ruby is in shock: her worst nightmare has come true, and now Oxford and all her dreams that finally seemed within reach are at risk," it reads. "Worst of all, everything points to James as the one responsible, even after everything they've been through together. Ruby thought she had met the real James — the one who has his own dreams, the one who makes her laugh and makes her heart beat faster with a single glance. "However, after an explosive fight between the two, they discover a terrible truth. "Together, Ruby fights to graduate, as James tries to clear her name at school. But that means James must once again challenge his father and the expectations placed on him. "And despite everything, James still threatens to break under the weight of his family obligations. Ruby and James must ask themselves whether their worlds are simply too different, or if they can finally find their way back to each other.” Is there a trailer for Maxton Hall season 3? No – as trailers usually arrive in the month leading up to the premiere. But there might be some teasers prior to that. As soon as they arrive, we'll update this page. Maxton Hall—The World Between Us streams on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime. Add Maxton Hall—The World Between Us to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Maxton Hall season 2 ending explained: The scandal that sabotages Ruby and James's happy ever after
School's back in session at Maxton Hall, where a scholarship student and the entitled rich kid must fight to overcome the world between them and make their love work. Based on Mona Kasten's best-selling book Save Me, the first season of MaxtonHall had the most successful series launch of any non-American Prime Original ever upon its release. Things weren't looking so good for Ruby and James, however, as season 1 ended in tragedy. Just as their romance finally got back on track, James and his sister Lydia were confronted with the worst news imaginable. Their mother Cordelia had died after suffering a stroke. Season 2 kicked off with James spiralling so much that he wrecked his relationship with Ruby entirely. But Maxton Hall being Maxton Hall, it wasn't long before the pair reconciled. As such, the drama came instead from James's awful father, who continues to make his son's life as hard as possible, with Ruby often taking the brunt of his cruelty. The only thing crueller is us being forced to sit through this schlock in the first place. That's not all though. Beyond this family strife, another controversy brewed, one that takes centre stage at the end of season 2 in what must be one of TV's weirdest, most uncomfortable developments of 2025. Read on to find out how Maxton Hall season 2 ends and see just what we're on about. Maxton Hall – The World Between Us season 2 ending explained The previous episode ended with Maxton Hall's Principal discovering that one of his teachers, Graham Sutton, has got Lydia pregnant. This plotline is all kinds of gross and icky by the way, especially because of how the writers romanticise it – and in a teen show, no less. James's sister and the professor are in love, which apparently makes this power dynamic something worth rooting for? Or at the very least, something we shouldn't be condemning outright? The head has the right response though, dramatically looking into the distance with sheer horror in his eyes (even if he's only thinking of himself). Season 2's finale starts in much the same way, this time with him dramatically ending a call about the same problem, eyes still agape in camp disbelief. Meanwhile, James is skipping out on a vital investors meeting to play lacrosse. It's an important match to be fair, make-or-break for the championship, and his dad sucks, so leaving him in the lurch like this is definitely the right call. The game between Eastview and Maxton Hall is shot like a clash of the titans on Mount Olympus. With every fall and every tackle, the camera shakes and the ground seems to shake with it in booming magnitude. It's silly and over the top in ways that don't fit the show in any shape or form, but it's not like logic has ever held the writers of Maxton Hall back before. Lydia runs off to the bathroom when gossip around Mr Sutton and his mystery lover starts making the rounds. Back at the investor meeting, one of the head business guys runs off too, enraged that James didn't bother showing up. "I will not entrust a man who can’t even handle his own son with another penny." Mortimer is not best pleased. But hey, James was needed at the game because the teams are drawing and there's only ten seconds left on the clock. This is the kind of original, daring storytelling that Maxton Hall has become known for, and I for one am happy to see it continue now in season 2. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/maxton-83afb2d.jpg" width="2000" height="1333" alt="A young man and woman stand on an outdoor sports field, appearing tense. The man, in the foreground, wears a white tank top and grey sweatpants, holding lacrosse gear in one hand while looking ahead with determination. Behind him, the young woman wears a school uniform consisting of a purple blazer, white shirt, and light grey pleated skirt. She carries a brown satchel and watches him with a concerned or serious expression. The scene suggests an emotional or dramatic moment set after a sports practice or game." title="Maxton Hall" /> As if that wasn't dramatic enough, blame at the meeting inevitably brings up Mortimer's dead wife yet again. "I’m glad Cordelia didn’t have to see this," says someone for the umpteenth time, giving her more screen time now she's dead than the show ever bothered to give Cordelia when she was alive. Mortimer blames Ruby Bell, obvs, as does Cyril when Maxton Hall loses the game. Sure, why not? Sutton and Lydia meet to talk about the scandal growing around them. She reckons Cordelia is leaving the family business to her and James in the will reading that's about to happen, so the Professor offers to be a stay-at-home dad to look after their baby. "Seems I’m gonna have a lot of time on my hands soon…" adds Sutton. You know why that is? Because he's going to get fired for impregnating one of his students. Ew. James and Ruby text each other with quick updates on their lives, signing each text with their initials like they're pensioners writing letters from war rather than the 18-year-olds they're supposed to be. James's voiceover uses big terms like "cognitive consistency", which aren't particularly interesting or relevant, feigning intelligence for both him and the writing at hand. At the will reading, it's revealed that Cordelia has left all of her assets and shares to her husband, Mortimer. He's super smug about it, revelling in his children's misfortune. James gets all up in his face, threatening to ruin his father. Sure, James. Good luck with that. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Ruby-5681b2f.png" width="1278" height="852" alt="A woman with light skin and long brown hair stands in a softly lit, elegant setting, wearing a deep blue, textured dress. She looks directly toward the camera with a composed, thoughtful expression. Behind her, several people dressed in formal black-tie attire are visible, slightly out of focus. A large crystal chandelier glows above, casting a warm light that contrasts with the cool blue tones in the background. The atmosphere suggests a formal or sophisticated event." title="Maxton Hall" /> There's a scene where Ruby's family starts singing the "Be Happy" song to lift each other's spirits after her mum's bad news. I mention this here, not because it's relevant, but because it's a perfect encapsulation of just how silly this show really is. I can't possibly convey how cheesy this all plays out on screen. Words do not do it justice, I'm afraid. James goes to Alice, the woman who revoked Ruby's scholarship grant a few episodes prior when Mortimer asked her to do so. He tries his mother's memory to guilt her into doing the right thing, to turn against his father, but Alice points out that Mortimer's financial support helps her do a lot of good in this world through charity. Things aren't looking good, but there's still some hope that Ruby can pass her scholarship exams and get into Oxford. She holds onto this hope pretty strongly in some weird slow-motion scenes where – I kid you not – actual butterflies dance around her. But then it all comes crashing down again. When Sutton is called in to explain himself to peers, he explains that he and the student under his care "have fallen in love with each other". Mortimer is randomly there too because he's on the school board, apparently. "I’m curious what her parents will have to say about it," he mentions, which is kind of weird because his daughter Lydia is the one who is directly involved. Sutton is understandably confused, and so are we. That is, until Ruby is suddenly called to the headmasters' office just before she heads into the exam. Her mother arrives, also confused, and then it happens. The head reveals the photo everyone's been talking about, but that's not Lydia in the picture. It's Ruby in a photo that was taken of her with Sutton at the welcome party last season. "That was a completely harmless situation," Ruby points out, and she's right to say it. Still, that doesn't stop the headmaster from rather cruelly suspending her with immediate effect. "No diploma, no studies… Oxford? you can forget about it." <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Ruby-MH-7a88809.jpg" width="1095" height="730" alt="A woman with light skin and long brown hair stands outdoors, looking intently at a man who faces her with his back to the camera. She wears a light, ruffled blouse with soft pink and white tones, while the man wears a light blue shirt. The setting is bright and natural, with greenery and a body of water blurred in the background. The woman’s expression appears emotional and serious, suggesting a tense or heartfelt moment between the two." title="Maxton Hall" /> Ruby then runs out crying in slow motion as a police car picks Sutton up from the university. James and Lydia look on in confusion, but the gross professor gives her a reassuring nod as he climbs into the vehicle. Yep, it looks like Sutton didn't correct the teachers in a bid to protect Lydia, thereby ruining Ruby's life in the process. She and James cry in each other's arms as the Snow Patrol song Chasing Cars plays over the credits. Is it a particularly relevant or original choice to end on? Of course not, and that's Maxton Hall in a nutshell. The show brings drama, make no mistake about that, and it's morbidly fun to hate-watch at points. What doesn't sit right though is how this student/teacher relationship is framed as merely misunderstood. Of course Lydia and Sutton are into it, but it's uncomfortable that the show itself seems kind of into it as well. Let's just hope the already-confirmed third season rectifies this somewhat. As it stands now, this ridiculously absurd ending is built on a weird, uncomfortable story arc that isn't being treated with the skill and nuance it deserves. But maybe that's my fault. Maybe I'm asking too much of Maxton Hall, which, two seasons in, remains one of the worst shows on streaming. Maxton Hall – The World Between Us streams on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime. Add Maxton Hall—The World Between Us to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Iconic Neighbours wedding crowned the soap's greatest ever moment ahead of final episode
Here's what fans voted as the Australian soap's finest hour.
The end is nigh for our beloved Neighbours, and during that time there's been an abundance of iconic moments. In 2022, fans were quick to vote the legendary wedding of Scott (Jason Donovan) and Charlene Robinson (Kylie Minogue) as the best ever Ramsay Street moment of all time in our exclusive poll. A selection of iconic stories were compiled by RadioTimes.com, including the scene which saw Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) return from being lost at sea. Years later, he had a spiritual encounter with late wife Madge (Anne Charleston), while the plane crash that claimed the life of his son David also got a mention. Also on the list was canine Bouncer's dream sequence, Hendrix Greyson's (Ben Turland) beautiful proposal to Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone) and that Fake Dee saga. But you had your say, and a huge 49 per cent of you voted for Scott and Charlene's nuptials as the crowning moment! In fact, every other nomination fell below the 10 per cent mark, other than the moment Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne) confronted Karl (Alan Fletcher) over his affair, which took second place with 11 per cent. Scott and Charlene said their vows back in 1987 with two million viewers watching in Australia. In the UK, the episode aired over a year later, netting a massive audience of 20m people! So it's easy to see why the characters' magical moment earned the title in your eyes. Donovan, who reprised his role in what was then deemed the show's final ever episode in 2022, said at the time: "Thank you to all those who’ve voted Scott and Charlene’s wedding the greatest ever Neighbours moment!" Speaking further about being a part of the soap's legacy, he added: "What an honour to be part of an amazing cast of actors who’ve given so much to this show. "A massive thank you to the fans who've supported Neighbours over the years. Without you guys we could never have made television history and ultimately brought entertainment happiness throughout the decades." As the sun sets over Erinsborough once again, the megastars aren't making a comeback. However, a number of fan favourites are staging a return for the last instalment of the current era, which airs in less than two weeks. The show was axed for the third time in 40 years earlier in 2025, with current producers Amazon MGM Media deciding not to renew beyond its 460-episode commission. Filming concluded in July, with executive producer Jason Herbison saying at the time: “Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9,000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter.” Read more: Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as another 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as nine old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guideto find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
What channel is Chelsea v Barcelona Champions League match on? TV coverage, live stream and kick-off time
Check out how to watch Chelsea v Barcelona in the Champions League, including TV channel, radio coverage and kick-off time.
Chelsea host La Liga giants Barcelona at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. The pair have enjoyed some famous showdowns over the years and given they're only separated by goal difference in the League Phase table, we could be in for another this week. Both will be determined to get back to winning ways in the Champions League after slipping up against less-fancied opposition last time out – Chelsea drew 2-2 at Qarabag and Barca 3-3 at Club Brugge. Watch Chelsea v Barcelona with an Amazon Prime Video free trial It's five games unbeaten, including four wins, for Chelsea but Enzo Maresca faces some selection dilemmas ahead of the Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal on the weekend. Barcelona have built up a head of steam in La Liga in November, winning three times in a row to cut Real Madrid's lead to a point. The visitors are expected to have Marcus Rashford back fit but key midfielder Pedri is among thos still absent due to injury. RadioTimes.com has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch Chelsea v Barcelona on TV and online. Read more football features: Best players in the world | Best players of all time | Live football on TV today When is Chelsea v Barcelona? Chelsea v Barcelona will take place on Tuesday 25th November 2025. Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information. Chelsea v Barcelona kick-off time Chelsea v Barcelona will kick off at 8pm. What TV channel is Chelsea v Barcelona on? You can tune in to watch the game live on Amazon Prime Video from 6:30pm. If you do decide to sign up, Amazon offers a 30-day free trial which means you can also watch all of the Premier League action with the trial, or tune in for documentaries such as All or Nothing: Arsenal or Rooney, plus many more coming to the platform in 2023. Afterwards, a subscription costs £8.99 a month – or £95 per year – and offers free next day delivery on thousands of items, as well as the Amazon Prime Video library. How to live stream Chelsea v Barcelona online The match won't be broadcast live on any terrestrial TV channels. You can still watch full coverage of the game on Amazon Prime Video and stream it via your TV. A host of smart TVs will come equipped with the Amazon Prime Video app, while you can also go via devices such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast. Listen to Chelsea v Barcelona on radio You can listen to the match on BBC Radio 5 Live. BBC Radio 5 Live is available on DAB radio, MW 693 kHz, 909 kHz and 990 kHz, or you can tune into the station via most TV packages. You can also listen to Radio 5 Live online via the BBC website or BBC Sounds app. Advertisement Chelsea v Barcelona odds In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365 has provided the following betting odds for this event: bet365 odds: Chelsea (11/8) Draw (14/5) Barcelona (17/10)* For all the latest football odds and more, visit bet365 today. Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. *Odds subject to change. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org. Note – The bonus code RT365 does not change the offer amount in any way. 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For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to <a id="menurm6o" class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" title="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" href="https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Link The Radio Times Podcast">The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
Everything we know so far about Hazbin Hotel season 3 – from release date speculation and returning cast to plot teasers from creator Vivienne Medrano.
Following the climactic two-part season 2 finale, fans of the hit adult animated musical comedy Hazbin Hotel are already looking to book their next stay in the Hellaverse. Fortunately, the series has already been renewed for two more seasons – and thanks to the reveal from Vox actor Christian Borle at GalaxyCon New Orleans, we know that the cast has finished recording the third instalment, with recording already under way for the fourth. A24 and Prime Video confirmed that Hazbin Hotel seasons 3 and 4 were greenlit back in July 2024, with creator Vivienne Medrano announcing the news during the Amazon Studios animation panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2024. Hazbin Hotel season 3 will see Erika Henningsen return as Charlie Morningstar, while Stephanie Beatriz will also be back as Vaggie. Series creator Vivienne Medrano has also confirmed that Jeremy Jordan will return as Lucifer, who is Charlie's father. So, without further ado, here’s what we know so far about Hazbin Hotel season 3. Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation Fans had to wait for 1 year and 8 months to pass between the finale of Hazbin Hotel season 1 and the premiere of season 2. But with recording already complete for the third season, fans hadn't been expecting to weather another huge gap between seasons. However, when asked recently about the season 3 timeline, Vivienne Medrano gave a disappointing update. In an interview with Collider, she said: “I would say [it will be] a similar wait for Season 3…but less of a wait for Season 4 because they were greenlit together.” Based on this update, season 3 will most likely debut in the summer of 2027. Hazbin Hotel season 3 cast Hazbin Hotel season 3 will once again star Erika Henningsen as Charlie Morningstar, the founder and manager of the titular rehabilitation establishment, alongside Stephanie Beatriz as her girlfriend Vaggie. The third season will also feature the highly anticipated return of Jeremy Jordan as Charlie’s father, Lucifer, as confirmed by creator Vivienne Medrano. Here's an overview of the other key players from Hazbin Hotel season 2, many of whom are likely to return for the third entry: Erika Henningsen as Charlie Stephanie Beatriz as Vaggie Keith David as Husk Kimiko Glenn as Niffty Alex Brightman as Sir Pentious Blake Roman as Angel Dust Amir Talai as Alastor Christian Borle as Vo Joel Perez as Valentino Patrick Stump as Abel Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as Rosie Jeremy Jordan as Lucifer (returning for season 3) Hazbin Hotel season 3 plot theories Hazbin Hotel season 3 certainly set the ball rolling for further exploration of the soul ownership deal between Alastor and Rosie. With that long-awaited reveal of his past life, the series is also set to delve into why Alastor was absent for so long. Medrano recently shared in an interview with Polygon, “The Rosie and Alastor deal is the first stepping stone in a much bigger story that involves so much, moving into season 3. Obviously, that is a perfect question: How is she that powerful? The answer could be many things, but the answer is in season 3. I’m very excited for people to see it.” The third entry is also set to delve deeper into Charlie’s complicated family dynamic, with the exciting return of Lucifer, along with more revelations about the mysterious Lilith, queen of Hell, who Medrano describes as “iconic” to the Hellaverse. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com about the next instalment, Medrano said: “I don't think it’s too much of a spoiler to just say season 3 is really the Morningstar season. Lucifer is one of my personal favourites, so anything to do with him and all the relationships he has that develop throughout the show to me are some of my favourites.” Is there a Hazbin Hotel season 3 trailer? It looks like those pesky demons have been at play again, as unfortunately there's no footage yet - just the seasons 3 and 4 announcement. We'll update this page when that changes. Hazbin Hotel season 2 is available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Malice ending explained: Adam's big reveal is a big anti-climax – but maybe that's the point
We've seen it all before, but does that really matter?
*Warning: Contains major spoilers for all six episodes of Malice.* Speaking to RadioTimes.com ahead of the release of Prime Video's Malice, comedian Jack Whitehall, who plays a man hellbent on revenge, said that viewers might experience a complicated emotional response to its antagonist when all is revealed. "You're left with a very strange feeling as to what you feel about Adam," he said of his character, who pretends to be a tutor-cum-"manny" in a bid to take down David Duchovny's wealthy venture capitalist – and alpha-male douche – Jamie Tanner. "And I think that's quite important, to have those moments of feeling almost sympathetic. Through the back half of the series, you really see him as a true villain, and you're really wanting him to get caught, and really praying for the safety of the family. But then at the end, there's just this... I don't know how to describe it. "It's just this strange note that it's left on with him, where maybe you do [feel sorry for him]. I think some people will feel sorry for him." Killing a kitten and a dog (you b**tard!) certainly doesn't help Adam's case. And there's also the double murder (maybe I should have started with that) – first Damien, whom he thwacks over the head with a cricket bat before dumping his body in the Thames – and finally Jamie, whom he shoots point-blank in the head in Greece, shortly after shooting another man dead. All horrible, obviously. Details of another murder – the death of a kid in Bangkok – are also touched upon briefly. Then there's the plethora of other non-murderous but still terrible acts Adam commits, from poisoning the Tanners' old nanny to his decision not to call off the burglary after learning that the daughter, April, was going to be at the Tanner house when it happened. But his white-hot hatred of Jamie burned too bright to ignore – the reason for which was naturally held back until the finale for maximum impact. Yet the big reveal ended up being a big anti-climax. Malice ending explained You didn't have to be a genius to know what was coming long before we got there. From Channel 5 drama The Catch starring Jason Watkins, to the aptly named Revenge, to the character of Sawyer in Lost, there are countless stories about people avenging their parents – and in Malice, Adam is on a mission to make Jamie pay for what happened to his own, who died in tragic circumstances when he was just a child. Adam's dad, Colin Tilderman, killed Jamie's mother before he then took a load of pills and set fire to the family home. And according to Adam, Jamie was to blame. He had invested £15 million in the family's luggage business, which had been going for 150 years. But everything fell apart when Colin couldn't make his interest payments and, in a short amount of time, Jamie had washed his hands of Adam's dad, whose pride and joy had been left in tatters. Cue fade to black. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Jack-Whitehall-Malice-0603219.jpg" width="1909" height="1273" alt="Two men stand facing each other in a tense confrontation inside a modern, softly lit room. One man, wearing a blue polo shirt, leans slightly against the wall while speaking; the other, in a light green collared shirt, listens intently. The setting features neutral décor, wicker furniture, and a large window in the background." title="Malice" /> It's a desperately sad story, and one that makes sense within the context of the show and this particular genre of TV. But it’s also an uninspired one; we’ve seen that before in various different guises. Yet in hindsight, perhaps the series was never really about the “why”, but the journey getting there – James Wood's script was incredibly moreish – and also what it has to say about grief and the emptiness of revenge. When Adam first boards the boat that will carry him away from the scene of Jamie's murder, he initially looks pleased with himself. He set out to destroy the venture capitalist and he did just that. But as Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah swells – a song that the musician described as "a hallelujah to the orgasm" – it soon becomes clear that Adam isn’t triumphant or relaxed or happy after killing Jamie – his own climax, if you will. Instead, he looks thoroughly miserable, like he could burst into tears at any moment, as it finally dawns on him: Jamie's demise will not resurrect his parents or bring him an ounce of peace or comfort, for the past cannot be undone. While he may have felt satisfaction when he pulled the trigger – who doesn't love it when a plan comes together? – Adam’s parents are still dead, and he remains trapped in the throes of his grief, seemingly forevermore, unable to come unstuck and move forwards. By refusing to ever truly engage with his pain and instead channelling it into destroying Jamie, it has only escalated, becoming all that he is rather than just a part of his life. Read more: Jack Whitehall talks his dark new psychopath role and his plans for an all-new sitcom Malice's Jack Whitehall on the "strange" challenge of playing a villain while adjusting to fatherhood There's also something cruelly ironic about Adam making several children fatherless – Damien's kids will also grow up without their dad – given what he himself has experienced, something which might have crossed his mind in that moment. Some might, of course, argue that Jamie's children are better off without him. But that wasn't Adam’s choice to make, and certainly not in the manner that he did. And who knows what the impact of that will be on the Tanner kids? Will their own grief manifest into something utterly monstrous, like Adam's? So while condoning the actions of Whitehall's character, even with the full extent of Adam's pain laid out before us, isn't an option, those aforementioned comments do ring true. It's difficult not to feel sorry for him – and not just because of the manner in which he lost his parents, and at such a young age, but also because of the person that he has become in the aftermath of their deaths. And that's also particularly sad given the moments when we get a glimpse of the man he could have become, particularly during his interactions with sweet Dexter, the youngest Tanner, if he hadn't withdrawn into himself and allowed revenge to consume him. For all that is darkly fun and entertaining about Malice, the moment when Dex asks his mum if his dad is "coming soon" while police sirens wail in the distance — blissfully unaware that anything is wrong as he enjoys his ice cream — leaves you cold. Malice is streaming now on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Plus, read our guides to the best Amazon Prime series and the best movies on Amazon Prime. Add Malice to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Neighbours finale week: Tragedy strikes as another 9 old faces return to say goodbye to Ramsay Street
The last ever episode airs in three weeks.
The end of an era is fast approaching, as Neighbours' final ever episode hits our screens in just three weeks. It comes following the news that the show had been axed for the third time in 40 years, with current producers Amazon MGM Media deciding not to renew beyond their 460-episode commission. Filming concluded in July, with executive producer Jason Herbison saying at the time: “Neighbours is a special show and it's been a privilege to make the recent seasons for our loyal viewers around the world. We have added 460 episodes to our legacy of over 9,000 episodes, something we all feel proud of. "Once again, we will be resting the residents of Ramsay Street on a hopeful note, with some tantalising possibilities for a future chapter.” We now know that the street is set to be demolished to make way for a new freeway development, but the residents aren't giving up without a fight. As a campaign gets under way to save the Melbourne cul de sac, legacy character Shane Ramsay (Peter O'Brien) comes back to offer an alternative – everyone should move to a new development in the countryside. However, his old pal Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) has other ideas, and as new spoiler pictures show, he whisks his neighbours – past and present – off to the city for a look at another site. But what will the outcome be? Will Ramsay Street be saved, or will everyone choose to pack their bags and start afresh? The answer to that question remains to be seen, and with a whole host of other dramas reaching a head in the last four episodes, it won't be an easy decision to make. Firstly, the Linwell brothers make one final strike towards the Varga-Murphys by kidnapping young JJ (Riley Bryant), while Holly Hoyland (Lucinda Armstrong-Hall) rushes down Power Road and falls to the floor. Later, she has a tearful conversation with lover Andrew Rodwell (Lloyd Will) in hospital. What does this mean for their unborn child? Surprisingly, his wife Wendy (Candice Leask) is also by the bedside. Meanwhile, Krista Tanaka (Majella Davis) makes a shock announcement, which is followed by a big decision, and Paul throws some form of romantic ceremony for partner Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) in their backyard. Romance is clearly in the air as Jane Harris (Annie Jones) contemplates her future with Clint Hendry (Jason Wilder), and in the final instalment, the Robinson/Ramsay feud is reignited between Paul and Shane. Alongside the previously announced returnees; Shane, Sam Kratz (Richard Grieve), Annalise Hartman (Kimberley Davies), Sue Parker (Kate Gorman), Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone), Haz Devkar (Shiv Palekar), Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major), Levi Canning (Richie Morris) and Remi Varga-Murphy (Naomi Rukavina), another nine familiar faces are set to be around as the sun sets over Erinsborough for the final time. Here's a look at everyone else confirmed to be returning: Ramsay Street residents reunite as a further 9 returns are confirmed 1. Melanie Pearson (Lucinda Cowden) Without a doubt, Melanie is the name (and laugh) that everyone wants to see back. It was a crime that she ever went, really. Cowden first appeared during Neighbours' heyday in 1987, and is one of a few actors to have had episodes throughout every decade of the show. It's the moment everyone's been waiting for since she chuckled her way out in March, and now she's finally back, pictured alongside cast and crew in a special behind the scenes snap. 2. Nell Rebecchi (Ayisha Salem-Towner) It hasn't been too long since we last saw Nell – having departed alongside dad Toadie (Ryan Moloney) in September. She's seen joining in with Paul's recce to the city, but it's likely that she comes back to attend Paul and Terese's celebrations. 3. Jimmy Williams (Darcy Tadich) Jimmy's had somewhat of a growth spurt since he last treaded Australian soil. The grandson of Paul, he accompanies his family to Melbourne and like Nell, later joins in the party atmosphere. Darcy originally played Jimmy between 2015 and 2018, returning for guest appearances the following year and on New Year's Day 2020. 4 and 5. Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson) and Rhett Norman (Liam Maguire) Aaron made a rather hasty departure in September, deciding to start a new life on the other side of the country so he could be closer to his sister, who has Huntington's disease. Pictures show him enjoying brekkie with the Harris-Stone clan, alongside another old face... Rhett! His circumstances were another reason for Aaron's move to Adelaide. They'd just made things official, when the mother of Rhett's daughter announced her plans to leave Melbourne. Could they be deciding to swap states in the show's final days? 6. Kiri Durant (Gemma Bird Matheson) Kiri was a regular during Neighbours' final months in 2022, moving off screen to Magnetic Island to live with her estranged dad Glen Donnelly (Richard Huggett). She enjoyed a brief romance with Nicolette Stone (Hannah Monson), and made a short return last year. Could they have a happy ending together? Matheson has continued contributing to the soap off-screen as a writer. 7. Ned Willis (Ben Hall) Ben Hall is another ex-cast member coming back, with his last appearance as Terese's former stepson Ned being in 2022. As a regular for six years, he has plenty of ties to the locals that will see him jump straight back into the action. 8. Byron Stone (Xavier Molyneux) Byron went to live with former housemates Mack and Haz in Paris in August. Molyneux had signed on the dotted line for the titular role in Amazon's new Viking drama Bloodaxe, but has made time out of his undoubtedly hectic schedule to wave off the show that kickstarted his career. Fans will notice he's now sporting an impressive beard as a result of his Nordic adventures... 9. Roxy Canning (Zima Anderson) Foxy Roxy is back! The fan favourite briefly came back for 12 episodes earlier in the year, and it wouldn't be right to say goodbye to Neighbours without her there. Wherever Roxy goes, trouble follows... and something tells us she won't be happy to see Ramsay Street under threat. Read more: Neighbours spoilers reveal finale story as nine old characters return to Ramsay Street Neighbours wraps after 40 years - as boss drops hint of "hopeful" future Neighbours star teases Terese and Paul's future and 40th anniversary cast comebacks Neighbours star reveals whether they think axed soap can be saved again Neighbours is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Check out more of our Soaps coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Reacher season 4 finally gets major production update after "addictive" series praised by author Lee Child
Reacher season 4 has officially wrapped filming. The upcoming fourth instalment, which adapts Lee Child’s 13th Reacher novel Gone Tomorrow, will follow Jack Reacher (Alan Ritchson) as he unravels a conspiracy that starts on a fateful night on the subway. Instead of filming in New York City, where Gone Tomorrow is set, the production has rewritten the setting to take place in Philadelphia, where filming began in June. The news that filming has wrapped was revealed on Instagram by a production team member who posted a celebratory message, which read: “Looks like Reacher Season 4 has officially wrapped! It’s been a long run. Great work to all the cast and crew. Thank you so much Alan… "Looking forward to Reacher Season 4 based on Lee Child’s 13th Jack Reacher book Gone Tomorrow.” Speaking about the TV show, which was developed by Nick Santora, author Child recently explained why it's an "addictive" adaptation. Praising the “relentless non-stop pace” of the streaming format, he said in an interview with the ShortList: “That was the huge attraction, doing the long-form narrative that season-long TV gives you." He continued: “In the books, Reacher is fleshed out, he is a fully rounded character as much as he can be. With light and shade and loud and quiet. In the books, that’s obvious, but of course for a short-format adaptation that gets compressed and misses a lot, but we had the time to show it all and that was one of the things that I was most excited about and also makes it all the more effective.” Child went on: “My theory is that if you have relentless non-stop pace that’s the same thing as having no pace at all. What you need is to show the differences, the quiet parts make the action parts even more effective. And so that was the thrill and the fun of doing a whole season on one story." He added: “I think it is addictive for a novelist. I can guarantee that if streaming television had been around before, no novelist would ever have chosen anything else, because this works so much better.” Reacher seasons 1-3 are streaming on Prime Video – you can sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox's plan succeed?
Vox’s plan to take over Heaven nears completion, but does he succeed?
**Warning: Contains spoilers for the Hazbin Hotel season 2 finale.** The tempestuous conclusion to Hazbin Hotel season 2 is upon us. Although Heaven is no longer a threat, Vox has whipped Hell up into a frenzy. Determined to become a god, he’ll seemingly stop at nothing to achieve his goals. With Lucifer trapped inside the very weapon Vox manipulated Carmilla Carmine into building, victory is within his grasp. Using Lucifier as his power source, Vox blows the pearly gates off their hinges and leaves heaven exposed. Charlie was already feeling the pressure, but with Alastor captured and Angel Dust missing, Hell’s princess is on the back foot trying to stop a holy war. But all isn’t lost, for the hotel’s ragtag gaggle of guests has a plan: to broadcast proof of Sir Pentious in Heaven. Once sinners see the truth, surely they’ll stop supporting Vox? Heaven is more than ready to assist, with Sera still desperate to atone for her past mistakes. Unfortunately, to create a broadcast link, the gang needs to break into V Tower. As if that wasn’t already dangerous enough, they also need to rescue Angel while they’re inside the belly of the beast. In short, this last stand against Vox is a monumental undertaking. Without further ado, it’s time to delve into the nitty gritty details of the Hazbin Hotel season finale. Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Does Vox take over heaven? Vox’s transformation into the foreboding antagonist of season 2 has been impressive. As this season has progressed, his obsessive need for power has continuously secured him victory over Charlie. But as his ambitions have grown, so too have the risks, and in the final episode, hubris comes back to bite Vox. Unable to resist being the strongest sinner in all of hell, Vox inadvertently helps free Alastor, with the Radio Demon now having a score to settle with his captor. As much as Vox wants to rule over Hell and Heaven, he really wants to beat Alastor, which ends up being his downfall. Overtaken by his own arrogance, Vox transforms into a spider-like monster. Yet, he still proves to be weaker than Alastor now that Al has his full strength back. Vox, however, has one more trick up his sleeve: Shock.wav. He calls for his pet to save him, helping to keep Alastor busy while Vox uses Carmilla’s weapon to aim, not at Heaven, but at Alastor. The sinners he was so passionate about protecting quickly become irrelevant, with Vox hellbent on destroying everything, even if it ends up taking out half of Pentagram City. All looks lost, until Velvette attacks Vox. This opening gives Val enough time to confront his business partner/lover. Angry that Vox would risk killing them all over “that stupid deer”, Val lets out his frustration by ripping Vox’s head from his body. Although Vox has finally been subdued, the weapon is still ready to blow, and there doesn’t seem to be any way of stopping it. Is Pentagram City saved? One threat is down, but an arguably worse one has replaced it. As Carmilla explains, “It’s no use, we won’t get clear in time.” It looks like the end. Yet Emily, now injured by Vox’s weapon after getting caught in the crossfire, refuses to give up. Stumbling towards the machine, she tries to use her power to silence the weapon for good. Her bravery is the match that lights the fuse by encouraging everyone else to help. Slowly, the characters combine their strength in a last-ditch show of hope and unity. Even the Vees join in. This combined power lifts the weapon to a safe distance before it explodes, ensuring that Pentagram City is saved. But what of Lucifer? He was trapped inside the weapon, unbeknownst to Charlie. Thankfully, he survives, though he’s pretty banged up. With Alastor and Lucifer destined to have a “unique” relationship, it makes sense that the King of Hell has avoided death. Does Alastor break free of his deal? Once a powerful overlord, Alastor has been reduced to quite the pet this season. When he allowed himself to get captured by Vox, fans were left wondering what the clever deer had in mind. Well, his grand plan has finally been revealed. Upon making his deal with Vox, Alastor stated two conditions: Nifty and Husk needed to be spared, but more importantly, Vox wasn’t to lay a hand on Charlie Morningstar. As we know, Vox is a very tactile individual, which is what Alastor’s been banking on. But first, Vox needs the right encouragement to touch Charlie. This is where Alastor’s deal with Rosie comes into play; if you remember, Alastor wanted to be the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. Yet, now captured, Vox has amassed power that rivals Alastor’s own; he just needs someone to say it. Charlie is the key here. Broken and embarrassed, Vox seizes the chance to humiliate her further by asking her to admit that he’s now the most powerful sinner in all of Hell. She’s reluctant to do so until Alastor asks her to do a small favour for him, referencing the deal the two made in season 1. Forced into a corner, Charlie admits, on camera, that Vox is the strongest. And right on cue, Alastor’s chains binding him to Rosie are broken. Blind to what’s happening, Vox is so overjoyed that he places his hands on Charlie’s shoulders, thus releasing Alastor from his deal with Vox. What happens to Angel Dust? Despite Husk and Cherri coming to his rescue, Angel has to grapple with the reality that he’s been a spy for Vox. As if that isn’t upsetting enough, Angel almost strangled Cherri to death when she tried to rescue him because Val ordered him to. While Angel eventually came to his senses, with a little encouragement from Husk, the guilt he feels is enough to keep him bound to the Vees. Consequently, Angel leaves the hotel, returning to V Tower with the Vees, much to the twisted delight of Val. In Angel’s own words, “You’re not safe around me.” As Angel leaves, Husk quietly begs him to come back. Does Charlie hear from Lilith? All season, Charlie has been leaving voicemails for her mum, only for the Queen of Hell to ignore them. It’s been a source of great anguish for Charlie, but in the aftermath of Vox’s defeat, Charlie seems to have come to terms with her mum’s estrangement. In a closing call to her mother, she explains that she’s there for her mum whenever she’s ready to get in touch. No sooner has she put the phone down, Lilith calls a shocked Charlie back. Hazbin Hotel seasons 1-2 available to stream on Prime Video – try Amazon Prime Video for free for 30 days. Add Hazbin Hotel to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.