Stranger Things season 5 cast: Full guide to actors
Here’s your guide to the main nerds and newbies in Stranger Things season 5.
After almost a decade since the first season premiere, Stranger Things season 5 is finally upon us with the first four episodes. The fifth and final season of the Netflix show welcomes are favourites heroes back for one final battle against big bad Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). But with his whereabouts and plans unknown, and Hawkins under lockdown, this is far from an easy task. With countless plot threads and characters to do justice in season 5, fans will be pleased to hear that the Duffer Brothers have focused on this in season 5 rather than adding in loads of new additions to the cast. "We're doing our best to resist [adding new characters] for season 5," Matt Duffer previously told Indiewire. "We're trying not to do that so we can focus on the OG characters, I guess." However, there are some new faces in season 5, including Linda Hamilton as the mysterious new character, Dr Kay, and Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow. So as we wait patiently for volume 2 to drop later in December, read on for everything you need to know about the returning and new cast members in Stranger Things season 5. Stranger Things season 5 cast: Full guide to actors and characters The following cast members are in Stranger Things 5. David Harbour as Jim Hopper Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven / Jane Hopper Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers Noah Schnapp as Will Byers Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield Joe Keery as Steve Harrington Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman Jamie Campbell Bower as Henry Creel / One / Vecna Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow Linda Hamilton as Dr. Kay Sherman Augustus as Lt Colonel Sullivan Alex Breaux as Lt Robert Akers Sherman Augustus as Lt Colonel Sullivan Amybeth McNulty as Vickie Joe Chrest as Ted Wheeler Clayton Royal Johnson as Andy Hunter Romanillos as Chance Randy Havens as Scott Clarke Stranger Things season 5 cast: Who are the new characters? Linda Hamilton plays Dr Kay Who is Dr Kay? A hyper-intelligent and intimidating government agent overseeing the military occupation in Hawkins, head scientist Dr Kay is taking on Dr Martin Brenner’s (Matthew Modine) work following his death º and hunting Eleven (Brown) in the process. What else has Linda Hamilton been in? Actor Linda Hamilton is the latest in a long line of iconic '80s stars to join the behemoth Netflix sci-fi show. She’ll be instantly recognisable to fans for her work across both TV and film – most notably for her role as Sarah Connor in James Cameron’s Terminator franchise. She has also starred in NBC’s spy comedy Chuck as CIA agent and Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Ellie’s (Sarah Lancaster) estranged mother and the 1987 TV series, Beauty and the Beast Alex Breaux plays Lt Robert Akers Who is Lt Robert Akers? Despite his military title, Lt Akers functions chiefly as one of Dr Kay’s (Hamilton) henchmen, working at her side in the lab while tracking down Eleven (Brown). What else has Alex Breaux been in? With previous experience in the Stranger Things universe playing a younger Dr Brenner in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway, Breaux has also starred in American Primeval and See. Jake Connelly plays Derek Turnbow Who is Derek Turnbow? A classmate of Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher), he’s a bully and a rude, spoiled kid who is the son of the Turnbow family, real estate owners in Hawkins. With the third episode titled "The Turnbow Trap", expect him to feature heavily in this one! What else has Jake Connelly been in? The latest young newbie in Hawkins, this is Connelly’s first major acting role. He’s previously featured in Juan C Linares’s short Between the Silence. Stranger Things season 5 cast: Who are the returning characters? Millie Bobby Brown plays Eleven/Jane Hopper Who is Eleven? A telekinetic girl who mysteriously arrived in Hawkins in the first season and soon proves herself to be the only match for the creatures of the Upside down. Across the first three seasons she is taken in by Hopper and forms a romantic relationship with Mike, but at the end of the third season, she loses her powers. Following the reveal of her ties to Henry Creel (Bower) and how she inadvertently created Vecna, she’s bracing for the upcoming showdown with her former ‘friend’ following the opening of the Rifts at the end of season 4. What else has Millie Bobby Brown been in? Stranger Things was a breakout role for the young actor – although she had already had a prominent part in the BBC miniseries Intruders. Since then she's starred as Madison Russell in the MonsterVerse film series, plays the title role in the Enola Holmes films, along with other Netflix films Damsel and The Electric State. Winona Ryder plays Joyce Byers Who is Joyce Byers? Will and Jonathan Byers' mother, Joyce is a caring, strong-willed woman who works as a retail clerk. A lifelong Hawkins resident, she has been more affected than most by the strange events in the town – from the disappearance of her son Will in season one to the death of her love interest Bob in season 2. She also reunites with Hopper – who appeared to die at the end of season 3 – teaming up with Murray (Brett Gelman) to travel to Russia and rescue him. Joyce and her family return to Hawkins in the final adventure, following their move to California in season 4. What else has Winona Ryder been in? After breaking through with a succession of hit roles in the late '80s – including Beetlejuice and Heathers – Ryder become one of the biggest Hollywood stars in the '90s, appearing in a succession of big films such as Bram Stoker's Dracula, The Age of Innocence, Little Women, The Crucible, Alien: Resurrection and Girl, Interrupted. Other big-screen credits have included Star Trek and Black Swan, while her TV work also includes a main role in the acclaimed 2020 series The Plot Against America. Noah Schnapp plays Will Byers Who is Will Byers? The most timid member of the party, Will is taken prisoner in the Upside Down during the events of the first season, and after he is freed finds himself possessed by the Mind Flayer in season 2. Despite Will’s direct connection to the shadow dimension falling to the wayside in seasons 3 and 4, it looks like it’ll be front and centre in season 5 – with Vecna declaring "William, you are going to help me one last time". What else has Noah Schnapp been in? Stranger Things has been Schnapp's most prominent role to date – but he had a small role in Adam Sandler’s Hubie Halloween, Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies and also starred in Waiting for Anya and Hubie Halloween. Finn Wolfhard plays Mike Wheeler Who is Mike Wheeler? An intelligent but snarky teenager, Mike is close friends with Lucas, Dustin and Will and usually plays the role of Dungeon Master during their games of Dungeons & Dragons – until they join the Hellfire Club. He develops feelings for Eleven soon after she first arrives in town and the two eventually start a rocky relationship. With season 4 splitting The Party between Hawkins and California, Mike is firmly back in ‘leadership mode’ for their mission to hunt down Vecna in season 5, according to star Wolfhard. What else has Finn Wolfhard been in? Before starring in Stranger Things, Wolfhard had appeared in only minor TV roles – but he's since gone on to pick up some impressive film credits, including It, Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Gaten Matarazzo plays Dustin Henderson Who is Dustin Henderson? Another member of Mike's friendship group, Dustin is an enthusiastic science nerd who is obsessed with monsters and has the most extensive knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons. He forms an unlikely but endearing friendship with Steve in season 2 and also Hellfire Club DM Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn) in season 4. However, following Eddie’s tragic sacrifice in the Upside Down at the end of season 4, Dustin is still grieving his friend while trying to track down Vecna in season 5. What else has Gaten Matarazzo been in? Matarazzo first found fame as a Broadway child actor – playing Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and as Gavroche in Les Misérables – but starring as Dustin is what really made his name. He’s also starred in the film Honor Society, along with tallying up a number of impressive voice roles in Cartoon Saloon's My Father’s Dragon, Andy Serkis's Animal Farm and Lego Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy. David Harbour plays Jim Hopper Who is Jim Hopper? The Hawkins chief of police, Hopper has lived in Hawkins nearly all his life and was at school with Joyce. A recovering alcoholic, he forms a close bond with Eleven and takes her in as his daughter after saving Will from the Demogorgon. He was seemingly killed by an explosion caused by a Russian machine used to open a portal to the Upside Down at the end of the previous run, but Joyce (Ryder) and Murray (Brett Gelman) rescue him from a Russian jail as he’s going toe-to-toe with a Demogorgon in season 4. They return to Hawkins and he’s helping train Eleven (Brown) for her upcoming fight with Vecna. What else has David Harbour been in? Hopper has become Harbour's most well-known role, but he's also become a fan favourite in the MCU thanks to his loveable turn as the washed up Red Guardian in Thunderbolts and Black Widow. He’s also played the title character in the 2019 Hellboy reboot and starred as none other than Santa himself in Violent Night. Caleb McLaughlin plays Lucas Sinclair Who is Lucas Sinclair? Another close friend of Mike, Will and Dustin, Lucas is initially sceptical of Eleven when she arrives in Hawkins but soon learns to trust her. He is known for his excellence when it comes to the slingshot – which proves to save the gang in season 3 – and has been in an on-off relationship with Max since season 2. However, she was nearly killed by Vecna in season 4, and remains at her bedside in hospital as she’s in a coma. Season 4 saw him become the school’s basketball star, scoring the final points to win the match for the Hawkins Tigers. What else has Caleb McLaughlin been in? Before he started playing Lucas, McLaughlin had starred as Young Simba in the Broadway production of The Lion King and he's also had roles in the films High Flying Bird and Concrete Cowboy. Sadie Sink plays Max Mayfield Who is Max Mayfield? An avid skateboarder and tomboy who arrives in Hawkins with her aggressive older brother in season 2, Max soon befriends Mike, Will, Lucas and Dustin and eventually begins a relationship with Lucas. She also becomes close friends with Eleven, especially in the third run. Following the death of her step-brother Billy Hargrove – who was possessed by the Mind Flayer in season 3 – she finds herself a target of Vecna, who almost kills her. She’s currently in the hospital in a coma with Lucas (McLaughlin) by her side. What else has Sadie Sink been in? Sink starred as Ziggy Berman in the Netflix Fear Street trilogy in 2021, a year that also saw her take on a key role in Taylor Swift's All Too Well: The Short Film. She's also starred in Annie and The Audience on Broadway, along with films Dear Zoe, The Whale and O’Dessa. She’s also set to make her West End debut next year in Robert Icke’s take on Romeo and Juliet. Natalia Dyer plays Nancy Wheeler Who is Nancy Wheeler? Mike's older sister, Nancy was initially in a relationship with Steve, but soon finds herself falling for Jonathan instead. She is very handy with a gun and has aspirations to be a journalist, working alongside Jonathan as an intern at the Hawkins Post in season 3 – which eventually leads to her making key discoveries about the Mind Flayer. In season 4, she went toe-to-toe with Vecna in the Upside Down, alongside Steve (Keery), Robin (Hawke) and Eddie (Joseph Quinn). What else has Natalia Dyer been in? Dyer's screen credits include the films Hannah Montana: The Movie, Velvet Buzzsaw, Yes, God, Yes, Things Heard & Seen and horror film, All Fun and Games. Charlie Heaton plays Jonathan Byers Who is Jonathan Byers? Will's brother, Jonathan is an outsider who eventually begins a relationship with his long-term crush Nancy, with whom he becomes an intern at the Hawkins Post. He leaves Hawkins with the rest of his family at the end of season 3 – but helps rescue Eleven from the clutches of Lt Colonel Sullivan in the desert at the end of season 4. With the shadow dimension infiltrating Hawkins, he teams up with his old gang to help in their final fight with Vecna. What else has Charlie Heaton been in? Stranger Things is Heaton's most well-known role – but he's also appeared in films such as Marrowbone, The New Mutants, The Souvenir Part 2 and alongside Al Pacino in Billy Knight, in addition to an episode of the anthology series Soulmates. Joe Keery plays Steve Harrington Who is Steve Harrington? A popular student at Hawkins high school, Steve is first introduced as Nancy's boyfriend, but the pair split up in season 1. Despite initially being a minor villain, he becomes far more sympathetic from the second season onwards, forming a close bond with Dustin, acting as a protector of the kids and helping in the fight against the Demogorgon. While working at ice cream shop Scoops Ahoy in season 3 he develops feelings for his co-worker Robin – although is rebuffed when she reveals she's a lesbian. In season 4, he took on Vecna (and a whole host of demobats!) alongside Nancy and Robin, and in season 5, he looks to help support his grieving friend Dustin. What else has Joe Keery been in? Keery had relatively few credits to his name before starring in Stranger Things, but he's since gone on to have roles in the films Molly's Game, Spree and Free Guy in addition to the Netflix specials Death to 2020 and Death to 2021. He’s also starred in season 5 of Noah Hawley’s much loved TV series Fargo. Maya Hawke plays Robin Buckley Who is Robin Buckley? Introduced in season 3 as Steve's co-worker at Scoops Ahoy, Robin hates her job but is able to help the gang when she decodes the Russian radio message and finds the base along with Steve, Dustin, and Erica. She has been in a band for 12 years and is a lesbian – which is revealed due to the influence of truth serum. She then teamed up with Nancy and Steve to stand against Vecna in Season 4, severely injuring him. What else has Maya Hawke been in? The daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, Hawke's first major role was as Jo March in the BBC adaptation of Little Women in 2017, while she's also had some very impressive films roles in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, Bradley Cooper's Maestro and voicing Anxiety in Disney and Pixar’s sequel, Inside Out 2. Brett Gelman plays Murray Bauman Who is Murray Bauman? Murray is a private investigator and conspiracy theorist who helps Nancy and Jonathan in their mission to shut down Hawkins National Laboratory in season 2, and helps Joyce and Hopper infiltrate the secret underground base in Starcourt Mall in season 3. He also teams up with Joyce as they rescue Hopper from a brutal Russian prison in season 4, and is set to help the gang in their final fight. What else has Brett Gelman been in? Gelman famously played the role of Martin in Fleabag, and has also had roles on Eagleheart, Go On, and Twin Peaks. On the big screen, he's appeared in The Other Guys, The Disaster Artist, Without Remorse and Boy Kills World. Priah Ferguson plays Erica Sinclair Who is Erica Sinclair? You can’t spell America without Erica! Lucas' super sassy (and scene stealing) younger sister, Erica plays a key role in helping Dustin, Steve, and Robin infiltrate the Russian base beneath Starcourt Mall in season 3 and further helps the gang rescue Steve, Robin, Nancy and Eddie from the Upside Down. She briefly joined the Hellfire Club in their final session as Lady Applejack, a level 14 chaotic good half-elf rogue. What else has Priah Ferguson been in? Child actor Ferguson has appeared in TV series The Curse of Bridge Hollow, as well as episodes of Atlanta and Mercy Street. Her film credits include Perfectville, The Oath and The Curse of Bridge Hollow. Cara Buono plays Karen Wheeler Who is Karen Wheeler? Nancy and Mike's mother, Karen is loving and doting but isn't always aware of what her children are getting up to – and sometimes appears bored with family life, until she considers having a fling with Billy (Montgomery) in season 3. In the fifth season, she’ll be facing a Demogorgon, alongside daughter Holly (Fisher), as it breaks into the Wheeler family home. What else has Cara Buono been in? Buono has appeared in some of the most acclaimed TV shows of all time – playing Dr Faye Miller in Mad Men and Kelli Moltisanti in The Sopranos. Film roles include Hulk, Let Me In and Monsters and Men. Nell Fisher plays Holly Wheeler Who is Holly Wheeler? The youngest Wheeler sibling, Holly has been there from the start, witnessing the Demogorgon bending the walls of Joyce’s house back in season 1. While she’s played a more background role in the show so far, that’s all going to change with season five, as she “finds comfort in an imaginary friend” – with signs pointing to a certain big bad. She’ll also face a Demogorgon alongside her mother Karen, in a tense underwater scene. What else has Nell Fisher been in? Fisher has most notably starred in Evil Dead Rise, the fifth entry in the iconic horror franchise, as the youngest sister Kassie. She’s also starred in the films Bookworm and Choose Love. Jamie Campbell Bower plays Vecna Who is Vecna? The major big bad unveiled in season 4, Vecna is pulling all the strings in both the shadow dimension and Hawkins, murdering the town’s children and opening rifts in the process. Revealed to be Henry Creel (aka 001), the first child with telekinesis to be taken by Dr Brenner (Modine), he was sent to the Upside Down by Eleven, who opened the first gate. He seeks to destroy Eleven and merge the two dimensions, creating a whole new (terrifying!) world. What else has Jamie Campbell Bower been in? Bower has starred in several blockbuster franchises including The Twilight series, Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts and Mortal Instruments. Stranger Things season 5 premieres on Netflix UK on Thursday 27th November. Add Stranger Things 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.
Stranger Things season 5 release date and latest news
Hawkins's final battle is fast approaching.
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is finally upon us, with the first four episodes available to watch now. But with the show having been running for almost a decade, there are countless storylines to conclude and characters to do justice. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, the Duffer brothers previously explained how they studied their favourite finales to try and work out how to approach the ending of Stranger Things. "We looked at Six Feet Under, which is one of the great finales that I've ever seen. We looked at Breaking Bad, we looked at Friday Night Lights, so there was definitely a handful of them that we looked and studied. Not for the plot specifically, but just like, why did that work for us and other fans of those shows?" Matt Duffer added of the Stranger Things finale: "There's a sense of inevitability. When you're looking at shows that don't work, or the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." It looks as if season 5 could well live up to expectations, however, if the dazzling Stranger Things trailers – which have generated enormous chatter about who might die in the finale – are anything to go by. Are you excited to learn all the secrets that Stranger Things season 5 has in store? Fear not: we've got everything you need to know about the upcoming run, which is dropping in three epic volumes. Stranger Things season 5 release date: When is it coming out in the UK? The first four episodes of Stranger Things season 5 (aka Volume 1) landed on Wednesday 26th November in the US and on Thursday 27th November in the UK, meaning they're available to watch now. The next three episodes (aka Volume 2) will be released on Christmas Day (Thursday 25th December) in the US and on Boxing Day (Friday 26th December) in the UK. And the grand finale will cap things off on New Year's Eve (Wednesday 31st December) in the US and on New Year's Day (Thursday 1st January 2026) in the UK. Each volume releases at 5pm PT, which equates to 1am here in the UK. The two-hour finale will also be shown in over 350 cinemas in the US and Canada at the same time as it drops on Netflix. Alas, the episode does not appear to be getting a theatrical run in the UK. How many episodes are in Stranger Things season 5? Stranger Things season 5 will consist of eight episodes. This is the same number of episodes as seasons 1 and 3, but one less than seasons 2 and 4. Regardless, this is likely to clock in as one of the longest entries in the saga due to the extensive runtimes already announced (more on that below). What are the Stranger Things 5 episode titles? Netflix has revealed the titles to all eight episodes in Stranger Things 5, and they have stirred up plenty of speculation among the fanbase. Here's an overview of all the episodes in Stranger Things season 5 and their runtimes: Episode 1 - The Crawl (1 hour and 8 minutes) Episode 2 - The Vanishing Of... (54 minutes) Episode 3 - The Turnbow Trap (1 hour and 6 minutes) Episode 4 - Sorcerer (1 hour and 23 minutes) Episode 5 - Shock Jock (TBC) Episode 6 - Escape From Camazotz (TBC) Episode 7 - The Bridge (TBC) Episode 8 - The Rightside Up (approx. 2 hours) The title of the second episode has left people particularly intrigued over who exactly will be "vanishing" this time around. (It also serves as an homage to the first ever episode, The Vanishing of Will Byers.) In an Instagram post (below), Stranger Things co-creator Ross Duffer described The Crawl as the "most eventful first episode since season 1" and said that The Vanishing Of... boasts the "craziest cold open we've ever done". When is Stranger Things season 5 set? Stranger Things season 5 will feature a time jump to explain why the appearances of the young cast have changed, bringing the characters' ages in line with those of the cast. A brief description of Stranger Things season 5, released along with the episode titles, stated that "in the fall of 1987, one last adventure begins" – confirming that this story will take place roughly one year after the fourth. Who stars in Stranger Things season 5? Of course, it wouldn't be Stranger Things without the original 'kids' (now all grown up), with a behind-the-scenes clip during production teasing more scenes of them together after season 4 split them up. That means you can look forward to more scenes of Noah Schnapp (Will), Finn Wolfhard (Mike), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin), Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas) and Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven). For Schnapp, this included shooting season 1 flashbacks of his younger self lost in the Upside-Down, which relied upon a body double and state of the art 'de-aging' technology to recreate his childhood look. Brown had previously gone through the process for Stranger Things 4, which revealed Eleven's backstory in greater depth, and so Schnapp asked his co-star for advice on how to achieve the best result. "It was fun to step into those director shoes that we don't really get the chance to do on the show," he told Deadline. "And think introspectively and reflectively of how I act and how I did act and move and breathe and turn and look and kind of relay that onto this little kid, who was so cute." In terms of the scenes themselves, which see a young(er) Will going toe-to-toe with a Demogorgon, he added it was "gratifying" to find out what happened between the scenes in season 1, and teased that his character is "stronger than we may have believed". Sadie Sink is also back as Max Mayfield, who befriended the group in season 2 and has since grown particularly close to Lucas, but the nature of her role remains unclear for the time being. Max had a close brush with death in season 4, which left her comatose and potentially braindead. The first Stranger Things 5 trailer only featured her in an unconscious state, although Sink has previously teased that she may have more action to come. Other returnees include Winona Ryder as Will's mother Joyce, David Harbour as Eleven's adoptive father Hopper, plus Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton and Joe Keery as love triangle trio Nancy, Jonathan and Steve. Here's a list of the confirmed Stranger Things 5 cast – read on for more on the additions and absences in the line-up. Noah Schnapp as Will Byers Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers David Harbour as Jim Hopper Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven/Jane Hopper Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield Natalia Dyer as Nancy Wheeler Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers Joe Keery as Steve Harrington Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley Brett Gelman as Murray Bauman Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair Paul Reiser as Dr Sam Owens Jamie Campbell Bower as Peter Ballard/Henry Creel/One/Vecna Cara Buono as Karen Wheeler Gabriella Pizzolo as Susie Linda Hamilton as Dr Kay Nell Fisher as Holly Wheeler Jake Connelly as Derek Turnbow Alex Breaux as Lt Akers Amybeth McNulty as Vickie Joining the line-up as a newcomer is Terminator icon Linda Hamilton, whose casting was announced at a TUDUM fan event. She said at the time: "I don’t know how to be a fangirl and an actress at the same time. I'm gonna work on that." More recently, child actors Nell Fisher (Evil Dead Rise) and Jake Connelly have joined the Stranger Things family, alongside Alex Breaux, who recently played a young Dr Brenner on Broadway's edition of stage play The First Shadow. As for the show's Dr Brenner, it seems unlikely that he'll be returning after his expanded role in season 4 ended in calamity, despite actor Matthew Modine positing that his character might have survived (again). Another character who won't be returning is Eduardo Franco's Argyle. Introduced in season 4, Argyle was a stoner friend of Jonathan Byers (played by Charlie Heaton), who quickly became a key part of the season. He rescued Jonathan, Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Agent Harmon (Ira Amyx) before helping Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) fight Vecna at the pizza parlour where he worked. However, when asked if he'll be part of the final season on the Steve Varley Show, he said: "It's nice to hear that there's, you know, concern or something, you know what I mean? But I never got a phone call. So I think, yeah, I think that's it." What will the plot of Stranger Things season 5 be? Stranger Things season 5 will follow the final battle for Hawkins – and the world – after season 4 saw the barrier between our reality and the Upside-Down seemingly rupture for good. The official synopsis for Stranger Things season 5 reads: "The fall of 1987. Hawkins is scarred by the opening of the Rifts, and our heroes are united by a single goal: find and kill Vecna. But he has vanished – his whereabouts and plans unknown. "Complicating their mission, the government has placed the town under military quarantine and intensified its hunt for Eleven, forcing her back into hiding. As the anniversary of Will's disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread. "The final battle is looming – and with it, a darkness more powerful and more deadly than anything they've faced before. To end this nightmare, they'll need everyone – the full party – standing together, one last time." Co-creator Matt Duffer told The Hollywood Reporter in a recent interview that season 5 sticks to the "north star" ending that the team have had in mind for "a really long time," but allowed room for added detours that "often surprised" even them. "Really the way we approach every season... was as if every season was a movie. Let’s not leave anything on the table," he explained. Expanding further in an interview with RadioTimes.com, the Duffers revealed that they had studied past series finales in an attempt to avoid the pitfalls of the most infamous misfires. "When you're looking at the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different," theorised Matt. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for," he continued, citing Breaking Bad, Six Feet Under and Friday Night Lights as influential success stories. In keeping with earlier seasons, we know this is going to be an emotional one. While promoting Deadpool & Wolverine, producer Shawn Levy said: "It's not too far away but also not soon enough... When the Duffers pitched the story of season 5, nobody wasn't crying, including me. Not a dry eye in that room." Stranger Things season 5 trailer A full-length trailer has now been released and, as you probably already guessed, it looks like our heroes are really going to be put through the wringer this season as Vecna emerges from the darkness. Watch for yourself below: View Green Video on the source website A second trailer focused on Volume 1 (consisting of episodes 1-4) followed, which had a more fun and optimistic tone – but still carries foreboding signs of trouble ahead. You can watch it on YouTube. Will Stranger Things season 5 be the final season? Yes, it's true! When season 5 was announced, it was confirmed that it would be the final season of the show. However, spin-offs are in the works at Netflix, with an animated series titled Tales of '85 being first up, followed by a live-action anthology influenced by the unique style of Twin Peaks (via Deadline). It's unclear just how involved the Duffer brothers will be in the latter project, given they recently closed a film and television deal with rival media giant Paramount. Explaining the shock pivot, the filmmakers said that they were keen to release features for the big screen and support the embattled cinema experience, while Netflix's model is primarily focused on home viewing. Speaking to RadioTimes.com at the premiere, producer Shawn Levy said that he'd love to see a Stranger Things spin-off focused on odd couple besties Dustin and Steve, but made no promises that such a project would become a reality. Previously, Dustin actor Matarazzo has suggested that he would consider reprising the role, but only after a break to pursue other opportunities – understandable after committing about a decade to Stranger Things. He said: "If you were to ask me a year from now if I wanted to come back, I'd probably be like, 'I’m gonna do some other stuff for a bit initially,' but who knows what it's going to be like?" "I would love to see, potentially, if there's a continuation of Dustin after [season] 5, if any of us make it up to that point, I would love to see what would happen, what Dustin would be like as a 30-year-old." Stranger Things seasons 1-4 are available on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things 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. 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Stranger Things season 5 soundtrack: All the songs in volume 1
*Warning: Spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 episodes 1-4.* After a three-year hiatus, Stranger Things is finally back with its hotly-anticipated fifth and final instalment. Musically, season 5 has a lot to live up to after season 4's iconic scene involving Max (Sadie Sink) coming face-to-face with Vecna - to the tune of Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill - went viral and resulted in the track becoming a global hit decades after its release. And well, fortunately, the new instalment doesn't disappoint. So far, in volume 1, we've seen the return of Kate Bush, with ABBA, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and The Chordettes also featuring. Matt and Ross Duffer, the show's creators, carefully chose the music alongside music supervisor Nora Felder. While we wait patiently for volume 2 and 3, which will no doubt be filled with more bangers, grab your Walkman (or streaming service of your choice) and read on for the Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 tracklist! Alternatively, if you've already raced through Stranger Things, check out our ending explained! All the songs on the Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 soundtrack Episode 1 – The Crawl Rockin' Robin - Michael Jackson Pretty in Pink - Psychedelic Furs Upside Down - Diana Ross Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - Kate Bush Upside Down - Diana Ross (end credits) Episode 2 – The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler Fernando - ABBA Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - Kate Bush Mr Sandman - The Chordettes (end credits) Music supervisor Felder recently opened up about the striking use of ABBA's Fernando in season 2, which soundtracked Karen Wheeler's (Cara Buono) fight against the Demogorgon. “I particularly enjoy how ABBA’s Fernando not only feels so perfectly Karen as she preps for her bath time, but it also builds in a unique way that heightens the accelerating terror that plays out through the horrific scenes that follow,” Felder told Tudum. The song wasn't the first choice for the scene, but, after it proved impossible to secure the rights to another track, Fernando became the perfect option. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/StrangerThingsS50099R-5de334a-e1764497938532.jpg" width="2700" height="1800" alt="Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, and Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things season 5" title="Joe Keery as Steve Harrington, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, and Charlie Heaton as Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things season 5" /> Episode 3 – The Turnbow Trap To Each His Own - Freddy Martin I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany Oh Yeah - Yello I Think We're Alone Now - Tiffany (end credits) Episode 4 – Sorcerer Premature Plans - Elmer Bernstein (from The Great Escape) Sh-Boom - The Chords Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) - Kate Bush How to listen to the Stranger Things season 5 soundtrack The Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 soundtrack was released digitally on 28th November. The full season 5 soundtrack will be available to purchase in hard copy (CD, vinyl, and red-coloured cassette formats) from 30th January. It's available for pre-order now. Who composed the score for Stranger Things season 5? Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein compose the score for Stranger Things, and are the brains behind the signature synth-heavy sound of the show – including the spectacular score for season 5. Stein previously opened up to MusicTech.com about the score for season 5, teasing: “[Sonically] it has a lot of ties to the last season. It’s kind of a continuation, but it also definitely feels like it’s arching back to earlier seasons as well. “We’re always trying to reinvent how we approach various scenarios. If we’re revisiting themes, then we want to make them new." Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is available on Netflix now. Further episodes follow on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin TV. Add Stranger Things 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.
Best series to watch on Netflix right now – updated (December 2025)
Some of the best series on Netflix right now include Stranger Things, The Beast in Me and Interview with the Vampire.
With starring roles in Homeland, The Essex Serpent and Fleishman Is in Trouble, Claire Danes is no stranger to a multi-layered leading character. Well, she remains committed to form in Netflix's The Beast in Me, as she tackles the role of Aggie Wiggs, a grieving author who should be working tirelessly to get one book finished. However, when a new neighbour moves in next door, she becomes fascinated with him and starts to wonder if he had anything to do with the murder of his wife. The enigmatic neighbour, Nile Jarvis, is played by Matthew Rhys (The Americans) and it's a tense drama that really does put the cat-and-mouse nature of this pairing centre stage. While it's certainly the season to get stuck into a knotty thriller, we can't talk about recent releases without acknowledging the streaming juggernaut that is the return of Stranger Things. The final season of has now kicked off with four new episodes, with Volume 2 landing on Christmas Day and then the anticipated finale at the end of December. The fifth season has already smashed Netflix's viewership record, achieving 59.6 million views in its first five days on the platform and making it the streamer's biggest English-language debut ever. As for what the fateful final episode will include, Matt Duffer told RadioTimes.com: "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." If you're looking for something with a different kind of warm and fuzzy feeling then there's also the latest season of Nobody Wants This, with season 3 having already been confirmed. In terms of dramas and Netflix originals, there's also Steven Knight's House of Guinness, military drama Boots and animated series Long Story Short, while action thriller Special Ops: Lioness and period horror Interview with the Vampire are acquired highlights. If you can't quite decide which to pick, scroll on for our latest suggestions of the best TV series on Netflix, so you can stop searching and start watching ASAP. Alternatively, check out our line-up of the best Netflix movies for other recommendations. You can also tweet us @RadioTimes if we've missed your favourite off the list – otherwise, happy streaming! Best series to watch on Netflix right now The Beast in Me Emmy winners Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys take centre stage in this psychological thriller, which sees two neighbours locked in an antagonistic relationship that also has a more sinister undertone. Danes stars as author Aggie, who is grieving the loss of her son and lives a life fuelled by work and rage. But that only notches up further upon the arrival of her new neighbour, Nile (Rhys). A wealthy real estate mogul, Nile is also the prime suspect in his wife's murder some years prior – but did he do it? With Aggie trying to understand Nile better, it offers up more questions than answers, but also an avenue to channel her energy into. This is a series that will keep you guessing till the end and while the melodramatic nature of it all may not be to everyone's tastes, if you're looking for storytelling with plenty of twists throughout, then add this one to your watchlist. Stranger Things This '80s-set-and-inspired sci-fi drama turned Netflix’s Original series output Upside Down (sorry), becoming a pop culture touchstone and genuine word-of-mouth hit as fans around the world become obsessed with the strange happenings in Hawkins, Indiana. The meme-ification of this series can sometimes distract from just how warm, fun and scary Stranger Things can be, full of plucky kids, terrifying monsters and laugh-out-loud moments from the outset and continuing through its second, third, fourth and now fifth seasons. Originally following the threat of a single monster slipping through from another dimension and facing off with a telekinetic young girl called Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), the scope of Stranger Things has widened over the years to take in telepathic Mind-Flayers, teen romance, puberty, fashion, grief AND dastardly Russians. – Huw Fullerton One Shot with Ed Sheeran After making a global impact with his hard-hitting miniseries Adolescence, it's hard to imagine a more different follow-up project for Philip Barantini than One Shot with Ed Sheeran. Variety is the spice of life, as they say. This musical special retains Barantini's preferred single-take shooting style – as seen in Adolescence, Boiling Point and lesser known 2023 film Accused – applying it to a whistle-stop tour of New York City with the celebrated singer-songwriter. Viewers will follow Sheeran as he traverses the bustling streets and subway carriages of the iconic metropolis, meeting fans along the way and breaking into live performances for any lucky passers-by. Ultimately, it serves as both an early dose of schmaltz for the festive season, plus an engaging piece of promo for Sheeran's album and forthcoming tour; needless to say, your enjoyment will rest largely on how much you like his music and personality. However, film buffs might also get a kick out of Barantini's impeccable command of the camera, which remains as buttery smooth and seamless as ever in a challenging shooting environment. – David Craig Mr Mercedes While It: Welcome to Derry is scaring up a storm over on Sky Atlantic and NOW, Netflix has acquired its own adaptation of legendary horror novelist Stephen King – and viewers are loving it. Despite boasting acclaimed Irish actor Brendan Gleeson (The Banshees of Inisherin) in the main role, you could have easily missed Mr Mercedes when it first premiered back in 2017. In the US, it could be found on the somewhat obscure Audience network, while UK rights went to the now-defunct streaming platform StarzPlay (briefly known as Lionsgate+). Suffice to say, the crime drama wasn't set up to capitalise on the pedigree of its cast and source material, but that appears to be changing now that it's climbing the ranks of Netflix UK's top 10. Gleeson plays the lead role of Bill Hodges, a retired detective haunted by the one case he couldn't close – an atrocity at a local jobs fair, in which 16 people were killed by an unknown individual who mowed them down in a stolen Mercedes (hence the titular pseudonym). Years later, the culprit begins contacting him tauntingly, and a classic game of cat and mouse begins. In addition to Academy Award nominee Gleeson, Mr Mercedes hosts a slew of familiar faces, including Succession's Justine Lupe, When They See Us alum Jharrel Jerome and The Morning Show's Holland Taylor. – David Craig The Feud Having first aired on 5 earlier this year, The Feud has found a new home on Netflix and has immediately taken viewers interest, reaching number one on Netflix's Top 10 in the UK list. Starring Jill Halfpenny and Rupert Penry-Jones as couple Emma and John, the pair lead a rather quaint life, that is until Emma decides she wants to expand her kitchen, and things soon get nasty between her and her neighbours. But it's clear from the beginning that something bad has happened prior to the suggested expansion, which will you keep you hooked in its opening minutes. - Katelyn Mensah Nobody Wants This This charming romantic comedy series returns for season 2 and stars Kristen Bell as an agnostic podcast host, Joanne, and Adam Brody an unconventional rabbi, Noah, who meet at a party and find sparks flying. However, their differing outlooks on life and their sometimes well-meaning, sometimes sabotaging families get in the way. While the show may not lean as hard on its central premise as some viewers might expect, the relationships are delightful to follow, with warm, engaging performances from Bell and Brody, who have a winning chemistry together. Justine Lupe and Timothy Simons make for a terrific supporting duo, and the show is consistently funny. It may not be the most original of set ups or formulas, but fans of romcoms are likely to be delighted that they seem to be going through a bit of a renaissance on TV right now. – James Hibbs Fearless There's just something about a six-part British crime drama that is perfect for the long and colder nights and Fearless couldn't have come at a better time on the streaming platform. The series centres on the late Helen McCrory as human rights lawyer Emma Banville, who is known for taking a punt on seemingly lost causes. This time round, she's faced with the case of Kevin Russell (played by Sam Swainsbury), a 37-year-old man that was convicted of the murder of schoolgirl Linda Simms 14 years earlier. Whilst most think that Kevin is indeed guilty, Emma starts to uncover plenty of dark truths that point to a wider miscarriage of justice. There's plenty of twists in this well-paced drama, with a slew of familiar faces – like Wunmi Mosaku, John Bishop, Michael Gambon and Jamie Bamber – all starring in the series. Interview with the Vampire Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles books are wonderfully reimagined in this cult hit, which has quietly established itself as one of the best fantasy shows on television today. Viewers of the Brad Pitt/Tom Cruise film of the same name may recall the premise, but rest assured that this new adaptation stands head and shoulders above that earlier attempt. Interview with the Vampire explores the life of Louis de Pointe du Lac (played by Game of Thrones alum Jacob Anderson), who recounts his eternal youth as a blood-sucking monster to journalist Daniel Molloy (Eric Bogosian). Much of it revolves around his intense and steamy relationship with Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid), who turned him into a vampire back in 1910. Critics have heaped praise on this lavish retelling of Rice's story, with plaudits going to the main performances and elegant style as well as the nuanced writing led by Perry Mason's Rolin Jones. There's no doubt that Interview with the Vampire is a must-watch for fans of gothic fantasy and romance – just ignore the botched bid for a shared universe with Mayfair Witches, which is not up to par. Special Ops: Lioness Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has built up such a name for himself in the world of TV, that A-list stars seem to be flocking by the dozen to work with him. Case in point, Special Ops: Lioness, the first season of which is now available to stream on Netflix. The series is led by Oscar-winner Zoe Saldaña, while key supporting roles are played by Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Kelly. The spy thriller show, each season of which is made up of eight episodes, follows Saldaña's Joe, the leader of a CIA team of female operatives who go on undercover missions as part of the War on Terror. The show's second season, which is available to stream on Paramount Plus, was its stronger outing thus far, so here's hoping it will be added to Netflix soon too, but viewers should know this is not an authentic, realistic, down-to-Earth look at the work of the US special forces. Instead, it is an entertaining thriller, with well-staged action and a superb cast to bring it all together in the more emotional beats. - James Hibbs Black Rabbit This New York-based thriller series follows Jake, the owner of a restaurant and VIP club in New York, called the Black Rabbit. When his brother Vince shows up again bringing trouble in his wake, the two brothers must work together to try and clean up the mess and stay ahead of the danger. The series has proved a big hit with Netflix viewers, thanks in large part to three elements. Firstly, you've got a real, authentic sense of place, as the show delves into the the real underbelly of New York, as well as the nightlife scene. Secondly, there's the stellar performances from leads Jude Law and Jason Bateman, who have an instant and winning chemistry as the two brothers, and sell their plight entirely. Third, and perhaps most crucially, you've got the tension. This series may be something of a slow-burn to start with, but once the tension starts ratcheting up it doesn't stop, as the net closes in on Jake and Vince and the stakes only get higher and higher. There are some issues with pacing, sure, and it may not be the most innovative series out there. However, there's something refreshing about a limited series which is really designed to be just that, meaning you know that as you had towards the climax, there is nothing off the table. - James Hibbs House of Guinness Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has a somewhat spotty track record, spanning some of the most celebrated work of recent years to some disappointing duds (we're looking at you, Great Expectations). Fortunately, House of Guinness falls firmly in the former category – and might just be his best work since Tommy Shelby first graced the streets of Birmingham. The series introduces us to the Guinness family – owners of the world-famous Irish brewery – at a crucial time for their business, after patriarch Benjamin has passed away, leaving a controversial will that stokes tension between his children. Anthony Boyle (Say Nothing), Louis Partridge (Enola Holmes), Emily Fairn (The Responder) and Fionn O'Shea (Masters of the Air) portray the real heirs to the empire, whose stories are semi-fictionalised for this eventful series, set in the mid-to-late 1800s against the backdrop of Ireland's tumultuous political landscape. Happy Valley's James Norton is a standout among the starry supporting cast as brewery foreman Sean Rafferty, but performances are stellar across the board, along with production value and stylistic flair, which layers contemporary elements (such as modern music) over the period setting to striking effect. If you were enraptured by the likes of Peaky Blinders, A Thousand Blows or SAS Rogue Heroes, this lates offering from Knight certainly stands shoulder-to-shoulder with those that came before. – David Craig Long Story Short <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/08/Long-Story-Netflix-5a1e078.png" width="1589" height="1060" alt="Paul Reiser as Elliot Cooper, Ben Feldman as Avi Schwooper, Angelique Cabral as Jen, Lisa Edelstein as Naomi Schwartz, Max Greenfield as Yoshi Schwooper, Abbi Jacobson as Shira Schwooper and Nicole Byer as Kendra, sat around a dinner table" title="Long Story Short" /> This latest animated series from BoJack Horseman creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg shows that he hasn't lost his touch. This show may be a very different beast than BoJack, but what it does retain is that series's complexity of characters, depth of message and real, big, silly laughs. The series centres on the Schwooper family, and tells the story of the different family members over a number of decades, jumping back and forth to different tales and different times. The voice cast are all phenomenal here, in a series which has real insight – you will feel like you have met these people before and understand them innately, even after just one episode. As each one builds them out the tapestry gets richer. At its heart, the series is also an exploration of Jewish identity and the different ways the members of the family interpret their faith and their heritage. It also tackles the Covid pandemic better than almost any other media we've seen thus far, reflecting deeply and sensitively on a difficult time that so many films and series seem desperate to gloss over and forget. It has already been renewed for a second season, meaning viewers should have no fear that they'll be left hanging after these 10 episodes. - James Hibbs The Killing Kind This psychological thriller may have passed you by upon its initial release – coming and going without much fanfare on Paramount Plus back in 2023 – but it has found a healthy new lease of life since its arrival on Netflix. Emma Appleton leads the cast as barrister Ingrid Lewis, who makes the mistake of getting a little too close to her client, John Webster (Colin Morgan), after she successfully secures him a 'not guilty' verdict. Resembling a modern-day, gender-swapped Fatal Attraction, John's interest in Ingrid spirals into an obsession – and when he re-emerges after the suspicious death of her colleague, it raises the question of whether he was innocent to begin with. Zara Hayes and Jonathan AH Stewart adapt the story from a novel by Jane Casey, peppering each episode with enough twists and reveals to send you straight onto the next. The only downside to The Killing Kind is that it may test your suspension of disbelief, with Ingrid making increasingly preposterous decisions as her personal crisis deepens – which might well test your sympathy for her. Nevertheless, if you're looking for an intriguing and easily digestible thriller, The Killing Kind fits that bill quite nicely. – David Craig Wednesday With reboots, remakes and revivals reigning supreme in the world of TV, it was only a matter of time before the Addams Family were dusted off and resurrected. Thankfully, Netflix brought in the king of gothic whimsy, Tim Burton, to lead coming-of-age horror-comedy Wednesday. Gen Z scream queen Jenna Ortega was an inspired choice to play the titular deadpan teenager, who is sent to the Nevermore Academy after unleashing a pack of piranhas on bullies targeting Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez). While Wednesday was initially unimpressed with the school for supernatural students, she soon became tied up in tracking down a murderous monster, channelling her own psychic abilities and absolving her parents, the loved-up Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Gomez Addams (Luis Guzmán), from a crime they're suspected of committing whilst at the school themselves. At times, Wednesday certainly leans too far into the teen drama genre that's been desecrated by the likes of Riverdale, but the show's aesthetic, overall tone and Ortega's excellent performance are Burtonesque enough to make this an eye-catching and entertaining watch. Season 2 has just landed in full, so now is the perfect time to get caught up! This time around, Wednesday is back at Nevermore and as she's trying to build her psychic abilities more, she has a new tormenter to battle, too, plus Pugsley's enrolling at school. Oh, and Lady Gaga has a starring role in the latest season, so it's unmissable. Fisk If you were as disappointed by The Office Australia as we were, you'll find a lot more joy in this far superior workplace comedy courtesy of our friends Down Under. Fisk begins by introducing us to the title character – lawyer Helen Tudor-Fisk (Kitty Flanagan) – at a low point in her life, having suffered consecutive life and career knocks in the form of a divorce and the loss of her high-flying job in Sydney. She moves back to her hometown of Melbourne for a new start, taking a downgraded position at a small local firm specialising in wills and probate. Suffice to say, Gruber & Gruber isn't the slick, professional environment that Fisk is used to navigating. Between her strange new colleagues and even stranger clients, Fisk will have her work cut out for her to make a success of this next chapter. And that's before you factor in her eccentric father. Fisk star and co-creator Flanagan is integral to the show's success, crafting a charmingly grounded and straight-talking lead character, whose acerbic wit provides a refreshing dose of sanity in a surreal world. But the more outlandish performances of co-stars Aaron Chen and Julia Zemiro, among others, also provide their fair share of standout moments, with strong chemistry shared across the group. Between Fisk and Colin From Accounts, it's clear that Australia's comedic muscle is not to be underestimated – but its broadcasters should perhaps stick to originals instead of rehashing older formats. Fisk seasons 1-3 are streaming now. – David Craig Untamed Coming from Mark L Smith, whose earlier projects include such visceral stories as The Revenant and Netflix's own American Primeval, it should come as no surprise that Untamed isn't your typical detective drama. The story follows federal agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) as he investigates the murder of a woman, whose body is found one day in Yosemite National Park. While the narrative is stretched conventionally over six intriguing episodes, Untamed's fittingly no-holds-barred approach adds an unpredictable element that helps it carve out a niche in this admittedly crowded genre. The team make superb use of Yosemite itself, a sprawling expanse in California, the vast majority of which is wilderness providing homes for black bears, coyotes and cougars among a long list of other animals. Although cliché to say, the location is unmistakably a character of its own in this miniseries, which is tailored around its sights, obstacles and dangers. Jurassic Park's Sam Neill, Daredevil: Born Again's Wilson Bethel, The Boys star Rosemarie DeWitt and La Brea's Lily Santiago round out the supporting cast of Untamed, but Bana carries the piece, proving he still has that leading man charisma after decades working in the business. Too Much Lena Dunham has returned to the realm of television comedy with Too Much, a new series loosely inspired by her own life. The story follows American marketing executive Jess (Hacks breakout Megan Stalter) and British musician Felix (A Real Pain's Will Sharpe) as they embark on a whirlwind romance, which begins mere hours after the former touches down in London. Too Much's early episodes get some good material out of the culture clash between the Anglophile and her British beau, who introduces her to the mundanities of UK life beyond the classic literature, period dramas and detective shows she's consumed. Elsewhere, though, Dunham takes the humour to broader and more outlandish places, usually fuelled by Stalter's character, who yells and rambles her way through a fire-related accident, social media hysteria and an unwisely high dose of ketamine. In a possible nod to the title, Jess and her colleagues in London's marketing elite can be too much to handle at times, veering far away from charmingly eccentric to become overtly annoying. Overall, though, there is enough fun, romance and soul searching to keep us on the side of the central couple, although Too Much's lighter, more schmaltzy touch may take Girls fans by surprise. – David Craig Squid Game If you're one of the few people on Earth who are yet to see viral sensation Squid Game, then you are in for one wild, violent and thought-provoking ride. The breakout South Korean series follows several indebted individuals who are given the chance to compete for 45.6 billion won prize, and all they have to do is play popular children's games. While it may sound like a piece of cake, with a cash prize that's so staggeringly high, the games are far from easy – and lead to any losers being brutally murdered in their hundreds. The first season of Squid Game grew into one of the streamer's biggest shows of all time, with the second season following suit with quite the twist. It's now time for fans to get stuck into the third and final instalment of the series, with the stakes set to be ever higher. It's easy to see why the series has continued to prove popular: Squid Game is simply great television that is well acted, tightly written, sharply directed and acts as a critique of the predatory competition a capitalist society inspires. But even those not looking for a social commentary will find something to enjoy, with plenty of white-knuckle survival sequences – made all the more effective because the compelling, character-driven nature of the series means we actually care about the contestants involved. - Daniel Furn/Morgan Cormack Ginny and Georgia It was a long time coming, but Ginny and Georgia season 3 did not disappoint, picking up days after season 2's jaw-dropping finale. Led once more by Antonia Gentry and Brianne Howey, the duo continue to grip viewers as Ginny finds herself stuck in limbo between wanting to live life as a normal teenager while being caught up in her mother's drama. And drama is putting it lightly. While there's a lot of heart between the dysfunctional Miller family, there is a whole lot of pain within the household and for those affected by their actions on the outside. From angsty teen drama and romance to a mother who'll do anything to protect her kids, it's no shock that Ginny and Georgia season 3 has risen up on Netflix's top 10. - Katelyn Mensah Dept. Q If you're a fan of Slow Horses on Apple TV+, this Netflix original series might help pass the time between seasons of the hit thriller. Dept. Q imagines a similar premise, but instead of the outcast spies of Slough House, it follows misfit detectives based out of a dingy basement office in Edinburgh and taking on the cold cases that nobody else wants to touch. Matthew Goode (A Discovery of Witches, Watchmen) leads the cast as Carl Morck, a PTSD-stricken sleuth whose first case with his new team involves the ominous disappearance of a barrister. With an experienced supporting cast including Line of Duty's Kelly Macdonald, Guilt's Mark Bonnar and Bridget Jones star Shirley Henderson, there are plenty of striking characters to get acquainted with as the investigation unravels across nine episodes. Arguably, co-creators Scott Frank and Chandni Lakhani stretch this first case out a little longer than it needs to be, with writing that isn't quite as punchy as their Gary Oldman-led rival series. Nevertheless, this is above-average crime drama that fans of the genre should gel with. – David Craig Forever Coming from the mind of Mara Brock Akil – who we have to thank for seminal sitcom Girlfriends – and inspired by Judy Blume's novel of the same name, Forever was always destined to be a streaming hit. Well, now having been renewed for season 2, there's no better time to get acquainted with the series that will leave you kicking your feet and reminiscing about teenage love. Following Keisha and Justin, they cross paths after spending preschool together and embark on a whirlwind of first love. Joys and heartaches flutter about in equal supply here, with Forever also digging into the complications of being a teenager just trying to figure life out. – Morgan Cormack Black Mirror It's a series that almost needs no introduction but it's hard to believe that after many years and plenty of episodes that are still talked about today, Black Mirror is back for its seventh season. Six new stories, an impeccable cast and even the show's first ever sequel, the Charlie Brooker series is most certainly back with a bang. Boasting the likes of Emma Corrin, Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross, Paul Giamatti and Peter Capaldi (to name just a few), this season is rooted in the emotional side of things. Black Mirror has always done heartfelt very well – just look at the likes of Be Right Back, San Junipero or Beyond The Sea – and this season is a testament to the show's ability to weave in dystopian technology with feelings and stories we can all relate to. As our season 7 review states: "A testament to everyone involved, season 7 is home to instant classics aplenty that you'll want to devour in no time at all and will stand the test of time, standing tall against many of Black Mirror's episodic greats from seasons past." You'll be left laughing, shedding a tear or two or simply, may just want to stare at a blank wall for a bit but so is the effect of near-flawless storytelling in this Black Mirror instalment. One not to be missed. – Morgan Cormack Years and Years <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2019/04/17879799-high--41eb819-e1744627229194.jpg" width="3330" height="2220" alt="Daniel (Russell Tovey), Ruby (Jade Alleyne), Edith (Jessica Hynes), Rosie (Ruth Madeley), Muriel (Anne Reid), Stephen (Rory Kinnear), Celeste (T'nia Miller) and Bethany (Lydia West) in Years and Years gathered in a living room" title="Years and Years generics" /> This dystopian series from Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies charts the lives of one family across the years, spanning from its year of release on BBC One, 2019, right through to 2034. As well as delving into their personal lives and turmoils, it also grapples with how they interact with ever changing politics and tech. The show has a stand-out cast featuring the likes of Rory Kinnear, Russell Tovey, T'Nia Miller and Jessica Hynes, while Emma Thompson is excellent as populist politician Vivienne Rook, who is seen growing in stature and popularity as time passes, going from a fringe figure firmly into mainstream. Given the enormity of the topics its tackling, and the amount it takes on, Years and Years doesn't always hit. However, when it does it really does, from the chilling end to the show's first episode through to a heartbreaking mid-season moment which will leave you shaken to your core. This is powerful drama, in a series which was under-watched when it first arrived, but can hopefully now find a whole new viewership on Netflix. - James Hibbs Adolescence This hard-hitting drama from Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne sees Graham re-teaming with his Boiling Point director Philip Barantini for four one-shot episodes. The episodes follow the aftermath of a boy being accused of murdering his female schoolmate, with Graham playing the boy's father, alongside Ashley Walters as the detective investigating the case and Erin Doherty as the boy's clinical psychologist. It's a tough watch, and not something which can be put on in the background - this is urgent, gripping, emotionally confronting TV, which is masterfully put together and performed by some of the finest actors working today. The show asks questions about the rise of toxic masculinity and violence against women and girls, particularly driven by online activists, and does so in a way which doesn't necessarily provide answers, but shines a light on an important topic. It may be uncomfortable viewing, but Thorne, Graham and Barantini have provided us with one of the finest shows of the year thus far. - James Hibbs Toxic Town Following the enormous response to last year's Mr Bates vs The Post Office, another miscarriage of justice is getting a timely and long-deserved examination in this major UK original from Netflix and screenwriter Jack Thorne (The Accident). The four-part limited series brings attention to the Corby toxic waste case, in which several mothers in a Midlands town sought answers after their babies were born with physical deformities. They identified a connection between the birth defects and toxicity from hazardous waste that had been carelessly ferried through the town during the regeneration of a disused steelworks. With acclaimed acting talent like Jodie Whittaker, Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie and Karla Crome at the centre – playing the real-life mothers who tirelessly fought for justice – this shocking case is powerfully depicted in Toxic Town; a series sure to leave viewers equal parts heartbroken, disturbed and furious. Thorne's writing is also deserving of praise, distilling a long story into four concise chapters, all the while giving us a compelling portrait of the families most adversely impacted (and their inspiring tenacity in the face of tough odds). It's not an easy watch, but it's an important one. – David Craig The Capture This techno-thriller series, which has aired two seasons thus far, is one of the best shows to come out of the BBC in some time – a taut, compelling drama exposing very modern fears about mis and disinformation. The series centres around Holliday Grainger's Rachel Carey, a detective inspector who investigates a complex conspiracy surrounding the use of deepfake technology to manipulate the truth. While the first season focuses on the case of a soldier accused of murder, the second surrounds a politician who finds his own views being warped by a digital doppelgänger. Grainger puts in a terrific central performance and is surrounded by co-stars at the top of their game, from Ron Perlman to Callum Turner and Paapa Essiedu. But perhaps the best thing about this series is its pace, with the series never letting up on the thrills and twists. The show has been strangely edited into eight episodes for Netflix, rather than the six it was initially broadcast in, but don't worry - it's still an incredible ride throughout, tapping into some very contemporary concerns and doing so in a way which never speaks down to its audience. - James Hibbs Apple Cider Vinegar In an age of pervasive disinformation, it has never been more important to be careful what you read on the internet – which gives the unbelievable story of disgraced influencer Belle Gibson (Kaitlyn Dever) an oddly prophetic quality. Back in the early-to-mid 2010s – an era that feels more distant from today than a mere decade can explain – Belle was making a name for herself on a then-fledgling social media platform called Instagram. There, she captivated an audience of hundreds of thousands with her remarkable story of fighting brain cancer through diet and wellness, inspiring other sufferers of the illness to consider alternative forms of treatment. There was just one problem: Belle never had cancer. This shocking story is brought to life in Apple Cider Vinegar, Crucial to that success is star Kaitlyn Dever, who has the unenviable challenge of playing Belle; an individual who could politely be described as incomprehensible. On the famously impolite internet, she has been labelled with far less flattering adjectives. Apple Cider Vinegar presents some theories as to what could have driven Belle to do something so unthinkable, without ever using those possible motives as justification for her deception. Importantly, the show doesn't ask you to forgive her – or even especially sympathise – but acknowledges that nothing occurs in a vacuum and so, naturally, there must have been a catalyst to this mind-boggling chain of events. It's largely left up to viewers to make their mind up on whether that might be greed, loneliness, naivety, narcissism, childhood trauma, mental illness, all of the above or another factor entirely – it's unlikely we'll ever know for certain. - David Craig Black Doves Missing Bond? Well, Black Doves may be just the tonic if you're looking for a gripping spy drama, and while it isn't the most cheery of festive watches, it is set in London at Christmas – so it ticks that Yuletide box. The new series boasts a cast full of familiar British acting talent and centres on deep-undercover agent Helen (Keira Knightley), whose life is turned upside down when her secret lover is killed in a targeted assassination. From screenwriter Joe Barton – who is known for Giri/Haji, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and The Lazarus Project – it's safe to say that the writing and tension of this is well-executed, although unevenly paced at times. But for a binge watch that's set to keep you guessing, it sure is the ideal kind of series to get stuck into for these longer evenings. – Morgan Cormack The Diplomat After an acclaimed run on FX's The Americans (now streaming on Disney Plus), celebrated actor Keri Russell has landed herself another hit political thriller with The Diplomat. The series follows Kate Wyler – the newly appointed US ambassador to the UK – as she adjusts to her new life in London, while handling the pressures that her job regularly throws at her. From responding to international crises to forging essential political alliances, she'll have a lot on her plate as a sinister threat from within the British government begins to take root. As discussed in our The Diplomat season 2 review, this is a show that sometimes pushes the boundaries of believability, but it is easily elevated by a stellar cast that includes Russell, Rufus Sewell (Scoop), David Gyasi (Carnival Row), Ali Ahn (Agatha All Along), Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die) and T'Nia Miller (The Haunting of Bly Manor). Academy Award winner Allison Janney joins that ensemble in season 2, which dropped in October, playing the vice president of the United States Grace Penn, who will be causing some major headaches for Kate in the latest run. And good news: a third season is already confirmed! – David Craig Heartstopper This LGBTQ+ romance has captured the hearts of viewers across the globe, telling the story of how schoolboys Charlie Spring (Joe Locke) and Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) go from being friends to boyfriends over the course of a fateful school year. The show dispenses with the drugs and misery of edgier high school fare like Euphoria, in favour of an all-ages approach that makes up for in cuteness what it lacks in dramatic stakes. That being said, the newly released third season does delve into some darker material, as our characters face troubled home lives and mental health concerns among other obstacles. With a brisk 25-minute runtime per episode, this is a series you can easily binge-watch – and if you're a hopeless romantic, then you most likely will. Heartstopper boasts a cast comprised largely of newcomers (along with one A-list cameo), but expect to see plenty more from them in the years to come. In fact, trans actress Yasmin Finney – who plays arty schoolgirl Elle – has already gone on to star in Doctor Who, while co-lead Joe Locke can currently be seen in Marvel's Agatha All Along. – David Craig Brassic In a somewhat surprising move, a select few Sky Originals are now heading to Netflix, with long-running comedy-drama Brassic leading the charge. It's a fitting choice given the enduring success of Joe Gilgun and Danny Brocklehurst's creation, which is tied with Trollied for Sky's longest-running scripted series. The story follows Vinnie O'Neill (Gilgun), whose small-time criminal antics lead to big-time trouble as he tries to scrape by in the declining town of Hawley. The show is full of wacky moments and larger-than-life characters, but also touches on serious themes, including Vinnie's struggle with bipolar disorder and the broader impact of social deprivation. Gilgun has been nominated at the BAFTA TV Awards every year since 2021, but is yet to bag a prize for his performance. Fortunately, with a seventh final season currently airing, he will hopefully have more opportunities to do so. You can catch the first five chapters on Netflix, where the show has found a number of new fans. - David Craig BoJack Horseman Having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, now would be a great time to revisit the jaw-dropping Bojack Horseman – or to finally give it a chance if you've been holding off for any reason. Need more convincing? Well, we reckon BoJack Horseman is the best animated show of all time. Across six wonderful seasons, this zany show about an alcoholic humanoid horse did something very few can manage: it perfectly blended laugh out loud comedy with dark, thought-provoking subject matter in a way that felt both effortless and profound. Will Arnett leads the voice cast as the titular BoJack, a washed up television star living in Hollywood and desperately angling for a comeback at any cost. Throughout the series, we also meet his affable former rival Mr Peanut Butter, his agent and ex-girlfriend Princess Caroline, and two human characters, Todd Chavez and Diane Nguyen, each of whom get numerous chances to shine in both humorous and serious storylines. Tackling issues including the perils of fame, addiction and depression but also containing an incredible range of visual gags and wordplay BoJack Horseman is easily one of the best Netflix originals currently available, and arguably one of the finest TV shows of all time. - Patrick Cremona Supacell This superhero drama, created by Rapman and starring Tosin Cole, follows five seemingly unconnected Black South Londoners who are changed forever when they suddenly, inexplicably develop superpowers. Cole's Michael, who is zapped into the future on the night of his engagement, believes he can save the life of his fiancée if he brings the group of five together. Viewers may be feeling some superhero fatigue, but Supacell cuts right through that, telling a story which feels wholly unique and using the genre the explore themes around race and power, while also feeling truly authentic and specific to its time and place. - James Hibbs Bridgerton Netflix didn't have much of a reputation for period drama - but everything changed in the lockdown Christmas of 2020, when the world needed a little cheer. Santa Claus delivered the most glorious series onto the streaming service on 25th December, just in time for us to binge watch with our tins of Quality Street. Based on Julia Quinn’s popular novels, Bridgerton focuses on eight siblings looking for love in sparkling Regency London. First to meet her match was Daphne, played by Phoebe Dynevor, who started a fake love affair with the smouldering Duke of Hastings, aka breakout star and potential Bond Regé-Jean Page, while season 2 saw the focus shift to Anthony Bridgerton and his relationship with new character Kate Sharma. Now, the focus is on friends-to-lovers Penelope, played by Nicola Coughlan, and Bridgerton son Colin (Luke Newton), whose slow-burn plot line isn't immediately as captivating as previous seasons, but is nonetheless worth the watch. Really, you'll want to tune in to see how the dual identity of Penelope as Lady Whistledown unfolds, especially seeing as the anonymous pamphlet writer is the thorn in Colin's side this season. Fun and fresh, with brilliant performances, lavish costumes and a modern soundtrack, the series is a joyous distraction from everyday life – and has gone down a storm. - Emma Bullimore/Morgan Cormack Big Boys This warm-hearted, funny and emotional sitcom from Jack Rooke has not only just been added to Netflix, but a third season has also been commissioned for Channel 4, meaning there has never been a better time to catch up. Loosely based on Rooke's own life and experiences, it follows Dylan Llewellyn's Jack, a closeted and shy 19-year-old man who starts at university while still grieving the loss of his dad. There he meets Jon Pointing's Danny, a 25-year-old, laddy mature student, who is secretly struggling with his own mental health issues. They form a fast friendship, and the series charts the ups and downs of their time at Brent Uni. Packed with stellar performances, not least from Llewellyn and Pointing, the series has a lightness of touch and is utterly brimming with positivity and a love for its characters. Although it elicits chuckles more frequently than it provides laugh-out-loud moments, its utterly easy watching, with some strong messages behind it and a group of characters you'll want to spend your time with. - James Hibbs Baby Reindeer There's no doubt that many will be speaking about this seven-part drama which, on the face of it, many may think is a comedy – but actually delivers devastating blow after blow as we dig deeper into comedian Richard Gadd's real-life tale. Having created and written the series after performing it as a one-man theatre show, Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian who works in a pub to make ends meet. There, he meets a vulnerable woman called Martha, who starts to develop an unhealthy obsession with him and becomes his stalker. While the unrelenting nature of Martha's constant messaging punctuates this series with a kind of claustrophobia, it is actually the explorations of trauma in this series that make it the kind of watch that will linger with you – and make Gadd a name on many people's lips thereafter. If you've watched I May Destroy You, there are definite similarities to be drawn to the Michaela Coel series – but here, Gadd is unflinchingly reflective on his own past and his own downfalls. - Morgan Cormack 3 Body Problem Coming from famed Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and DB Weiss, and True Blood's Alexander Woo, this series has been anticipated for quite some time now since it was first announced in 2020. Based on the novel of the same name by sci-fi author Liu Cixin, 3 Body Problem sees a young woman’s fateful decision in 1960s China reverberate across space and time into the present day. Across the eight episodes, we follow a group of five scientists who team up with a detective when the world around them stops following the laws of nature. But what's the threat to earth and will they be able to save humanity? Featuring plenty of familiar faces, this glossy new production is sure to be a hit with any fans of the sci-fi genre and will quickly have viewers wondering if there will be more seasons to come. - Morgan Cormack The Gentlemen Country estates, chicken suits and cannabis combine in this latest Guy Ritchie venture, which returns to the TV roots that Ritchie had set out for the project ahead of its release as a film back in 2020. In this new eight-part series, we follow Eddie Horniman (Theo James), who is given quite the shock when he inherits his father's sprawling country manor only to find that it's actually home to a staggering cannabis empire. But things get a lot more complicated when a bunch of dangerous characters want a piece of the operation, leading Eddie to slip further into the criminal underworld that he initially doesn't seem all that cut out for. Featuring well-known faces like Vinnie Jones and Ray Winstone, as well as Max Beesley and Joely Richardson, this a series that is all too easy to tear through. - Morgan Cormack Beef This comedy-drama series comes from film producing powerhouse A24, whose reputation speaks for itself, meaning you know you're in a safe hands. It stars Steven Yeun and Ali Wong and focuses on the aftermath of a road rage incident as two people, Danny and Amy, enter a feud which threatens to destroy their entire lives. The series balances its tones perfectly, with whip-sharp comic dialogue punctuating the darkness of the story. It is at its heart a deeply existential thought-piece about why we need to open up more and talk about our feelings, rather than letting them consume us – and with two terrific central performances, it sells every aspect of that message. In case you don't believe us, Beef emerged from victorious from the Golden Globes 2024 ceremony, with Yeun and Wong winning awards for their performances as the show was named Best Limited Series. - James Hibbs The Crown Of course, the balance between fact and fiction did arguably shift in its later years, but it's still thrilling to get a glimpse behind palace doors and into the private lives of one of the world’s most famous families. Claire Foy and Matt Smith set the tone with their stunning portrayals of a young Elizabeth and Philip, whose relationship had to survive the pressures of duty and the public gaze, and Vanessa Kirby made the world fall in love with a complex Princess Margaret. As the years rolled by, Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter led the cast into a new era of the monarchy, with Josh O’Connor and Emma Corrin bringing to life the difficult marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. For its final two seasons, Imelda Staunton took over in the lead role, while there were key parts for the likes of Dominic West, Elizabeth Debicki and Jonathan Pryce, among others. Nominated for more awards than the producers can count, this show was a game-changer for Netflix, bringing prestige, acclaim and a whole new audience, who were dipping their toes into streaming service waters for the first time just because they wanted to see The Crown. Beautifully acted, lavish and with a huge budget, it offers tantalising insight into a world we thought we knew, and people whose lives we’ve followed so closely, from afar. (Check out our Season 6 part 2 review for more). - Emma Bullimore/David Craig Friends The sitcom which launched a thousand copycats and absolutely took over the '90s and early 2000s, Friends really was like lightning in a bottle. The core cast had such great, undeniable chemistry, and everyone suited their role down to the ground. Everyone has their favourite and there's no objective stand-out. Some may say it dipped off towards the end but, in truth, there was no variation in quality. The show was funny and heartfelt throughout, and while some aspects may now be dated, the series still speaks to timeless themes and a period of life that will be relatable for so many. Friends has been a hugely popular streaming title for many years – hence why HBO Max paid almost half a billion dollars for its exclusive rights in the US – but the sitcom has seen a surge in recent weeks following the tragic death of Matthew Perry. His performance as Chandler Bing will go down in comedy history as one of the all-time greats. - James Hibbs/David Craig Sex Education There's good news and bad news for Sex Education fans. While the series has thankfully returned to our screens for more of its important messaging, perfect comedic timing and relatable explorations of sex, it is the final outing for the series. The fourth season may be the final farewell for Sex Education, but it doesn't mean that the series will be short of twists, character development and emotional goodbyes. In this new season, Otis (Asa Butterfield) and Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) are figuring out what life looks like in their new sixth form and Otis is not only struggling with no longer being the only sex therapist on campus, he also has to contend with being an older sibling and his long distance relationship with Maeve (Emma Mackey). - Morgan Cormack Top Boy The production history behind crime drama Top Boy has been a fascinating one. Originally running for two seasons on Channel 4 in 2011 and 2013, the series was shelved by the broadcaster in 2014 and looked to have run its course – only for Netflix to step in a number of years later, thanks in large part to interest from Canadian rapper Drake. Now, all five seasons of the show are available to stream on Netflix. Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson star as Dushane Hill and Sully Sullivan respectively, with the final season seeing the drug bosses forced to confront the devastating impact they've had on the Summerhouse Estate. It's an absorbing, gritty crime drama that makes the most of its location – brilliantly juggling more intimate personal storylines with grander ambitions. The fast-paced concluding chapter is not to be missed. - Patrick Cremona Narcos If the one-two punch of The Last of Us and The Mandalorian still hasn't satisfied your need for Pedro Pascal content, then perhaps it would be worth circling back to one of the projects that made him a household name. Debuting not long after the finale of Breaking Bad, it was important for Narcos to distinguish itself from what came before – and it did so with incredible results. Unlike Vince Gilligan's fictional saga, this series is partially grounded in fact, unravelling the extraordinary life of notorious kingpin Pablo Escobar (portrayed by Wagner Moura) from the late 1970s up to his death in 1993. Pascal plays Javier Peña, another real figure from the case, who is tasked with bringing down Escobar. It's no easy task, with the series offering plenty of thrills as it chronicles the efforts of his team at the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). A sequel series, titled Narcos: Mexico, followed later. – David Craig Better Call Saul When Better Call Saul was first announced people were understandably sceptical. Prequels have a shaky history and anyway, how could anything measure up to Breaking Bad? The answer of course was by standing on its own two feet, while still honouring the past and delivering some of the most nuanced characters of the decade in TV. Bob Odenkirk puts in masterful work as Slippin’ Jimmy McGill, a character so initially detached from the sleazy Saul Goodman that your heart can’t help but break in the knowledge of what he becomes. The slow-burn series came to an end this year, with legal shenanigans taking more of a back seat to full-on mob warfare. Fans were largely agreed that their long term investment in the series paid off in a big way. - James Hibbs Mindhunter David Fincher's terrific psychological thriller series may only have lasted for two seasons but in that time it certainly made its mark. Jonathan Groff stars as FBI agent Holden Ford, who along with his partner Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) and psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv) aims to interview serial killers in order to understand their mindset and stop similar perpetrators. It's a dark and murky series but it still retains a dry sense of humour throughout, while Groff, McCallany and Torv are all on top form. Fincher has said the series is at least done for now, but here's hoping he eventually changes his mind, because this was a smart, intricately crafted thriller the likes of which we don't see all too often. - James Hibbs Breaking Bad Widely regarded as one of the best series of the 21st century, if not all time, Breaking Bad starts off with a killer premise and then just ramps up and up and up until it reaches one of the most satisfying finales for a long-running series ever. Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Bob Odenkirk - they all put in electric, utterly believable performances as these characters who have all, intentionally or not, got in way over their heads, while Giancarlo Esposito pulls off one of the most memorable villain performances on screen, so much so that it made the star a go-to baddie for huge series such as The Boys and The Mandalorian. - James Hibbs Peaky Blinders Dramas still don't get much more stylish than this. Set in Birmingham between the World Wars, Peaky Blinders follows the exploits of the Shelby crime family – led by Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, who has returned from the trenches to take over Birmingham (and beyond). The show’s writer Steven Knight has built a story around gang warfare, socialism, fascism, poverty, violence, community, class, family, and Tommy Shelby’s constant scrabble to beat his enemies and rise to the top. But no matter how far his journey has taken him, the demons are never far behind. - Eleanor Bley Griffiths The Last Kingdom Game of Thrones fans should feel right at home in The Last Kingdom, an action-packed drama series partly inspired by real British history. Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story) plays fierce warrior Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who was born to a Saxon nobleman but raised among Danish invaders. Torn between these two clashing worlds, he is forced to choose a side as the war for England rages on. Dreymon is the breakout star of the show, with his roguish character embarking on many compelling quests as he strives to reclaim the land that is rightfully his. David Dawson (Year of the Rabbit) also earned acclaim for his performance as the pious King Alfred, who is both friend and foe to Uhtred at various stages in his life. Their complex bond is an electric component of the first three seasons. Based on the popular novels by author Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom began life as a BBC Two drama before later converting to a Netflix original. While it’s never enjoyed the hefty budget of George RR Martin’s fantasy epic, the show has nevertheless orchestrated some ambitious battles across its five-season run – with no shortage of swords, horses and, inevitably, blood. - David Craig Ozark Ozark revolves around Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) and the obstacles he and his family encounter after joining forces with a Mexican drug cartel. The final season found Marty and Wendy on damage control, trying to stop a grieving Ruth from exacting her vengeance on cartel kingpin Javi. Could their time be finally running out? With the tiniest wrong move threatening to finish off the entire Byrde family, this enthralling series certainly keeps you hooked, so why not check out Ozark season 4 on Netflix – if nothing else, you’ll enjoy stellar performances from Bateman and Linney. - Molly Moss Orange is the New Black Orange Is the New Black is not only one of Netflix’s most-watched original series, but also its longest - and if that doesn’t tempt you to it, then allow me to continue. Jenji Kohan’s trailblazing series is famous for breaking boundaries, telling stories of humanity, and its fantastic cast. We follow Taylor Schilling’s Piper Chapman, a 30-something woman who is sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security prison after smuggling drugs. When she arrives at Litchfield Penitentiary, she finds an eccentric bunch of inmates all with very unique and personal stories to tell. Alliances are formed, broken and tested throughout the course of the seven seasons, with Piper constantly at the heart of the story. As you continue through the story, you’ll laugh, cry, and have your heart-broken as the series delves into some hard-hitting topics including corruption, prison privatisation, racial discrimination and sexism. To put it simply, Orange Is the New Black is not only unmissable TV, it’s essential viewing. - Helen Daly Looking for something else to watch? Check out our best movies on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies. Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies.
50 best movies to watch on Netflix right now
Some of the best movies on Netflix right now include The Lesson, Priscilla and Jaws. Updated weekly.
With December now underway, it's likely that your usual film-watching habits may have been put on hold to make way for festive viewing – as you race to watch as many Yuletide classics as you can in the run up to the 25th December. Luckily, alongside its collection of newer and rather more disposable options, Netflix has a couple of offerings that should make that task easier. For example, one film that has only just arrived back on the platform is Richard Curtis's star-studded British romcom Love Actually – a divisive film perhaps, but one which is considered mandatory watching for a lot of people every Christmas. Meanwhile, Netflix has also recently added the very best Christmas movie of recent years to its streaming library: Alexander Payne's The Holdovers. The film – which was nominated for a number of awards and includes a trio of spectacular performances from Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and the Oscar-winning Da'Vine Joy Randolph – has all the features of a true Christmas classic. We also have Kate Winslet's festive-themed directorial debut Goodbye June to look forward to later in December, plus, there are a number of other Wintery, Christmas-adjacent films out there on the platform. One of the most obvious go-tos is Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation of Little Women, while chilly thriller Eileen – which is set at the Yuletide period but is not especially Christmassy in its themes – is another great option. If it's not festive fare you're after, we've recently seen the streamer release a host of potential awards contenders from big name directors, such as Kathryn Bigelow's A House of Dynamite and Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, while new additions from Noah Baumbach and Rian Johnson – Jay Kelly and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – are both set to land before the year is out. And of course, alongside all the brand new films, Netflix never fails to add to its platform with a range of options from years gone by, with The Godfather, Vera Drake and Inside Llewyn Davis among the recent additions to the ever-changing library. Read on for our latest picks of the best films on the streaming service right now below – updated weekly – or head over to our guides to the best series on Netflix and best comedies on Netflix. Alternatively, check out our helpful list of Netflix secret codes, which can help you unlock hidden movies and TV shows. Updated: 4th December 2025 Best movies to watch on Netflix right now Love Actually (2003) There can be few films from the 21st century that have been rewatched as much as Richard Curtis's romcom, which has become a staple of festive viewing in millions of houses around the country. Of course, the film includes one of the best casts of British talent ever assembled – with memorable roles for the likes of Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant – and tells numerous intersecting love stories in the run up to Christmas. Although it isn't unanimously loved – and perhaps some aspects of it have aged rather poorly – there's no denying it's impact and influence, and if you're one of it's countless fans there are probably few films better at getting you in the festive spirit. If nothing else, the scene of Thompson's character breaking down in tears to Joni Mitchell is one for the ages. The Holdovers (2023) In recent years, it's become common to ask when the last truly great new Christmas film was released – and now we have a definitive answer to that question. Although Alexander Payne's The Holdovers actually arrived in UK cinemas after Christmas, in January 2024, it's about as close to a festive classic as you could possibly get. Not only is it set over the festive period with a sprinkling of beloved carols on the soundtrack, but it also embraces all the themes we've come to associate with Christmas movies, including redemption, renewal and the power of generosity. Set in the 1970s, the film stars Paul Giamatti as a grumpy teacher at a New England boarding school who is charged with looking after the students who have nowhere to go over the holidays. Gradually, he forms an unexpected bond with troublemaking student Angus (Dominic Sessa) and the school's head cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) as the trio learn there is more to each other than they had initially thought. Randolph deservedly took home the Best Supporting Actress prize at that year's Oscars, while Giamatti was only stopped from winning the Best Actor gong by Cillian Murphy's generational turn in Oppenheimer. Little Women (2019) Approaching beloved, classic literary material for any new adaptation can be tricky, with some fans of the source always ready to be hyper-critical. It's therefore somewhat astonishing that Greta Gerwig managed to pull off what she did, which is an almost universally beloved take on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The film, which received a whole host of awards and nominations upon its release in 2019, was considered both faithful to the original text, yet still adding its own flourishes that made it an enjoyable watch for existing devotees and newcomers alike. The film is certainly helped by having an absolutely stellar cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk and James Norton – I could go on, but we'd be here all day. With gorgeous visuals, a ton of heart and an evocative sense of time and place, it's a truly impressive piece of work that's always worth revisiting. Eileen (2023) The script for this bleak but alluring noir thriller was adapted by author Ottessa Moshfegh (and her husband Luke Goebel) from her 2015 novel, and the feel of the book translates impeccably to the screen. Thomasin McKenzie stars as Eileen, a repressed young woman in 1960s Massachusetts who works as a secretary at a boy's prison. Her dull life is given an unexpected jolt by the arrival of new psychologist Rebecca (a superb Anne Hathaway), and Eileen finds herself immediately entranced. Director William Oldroyd (Lady Macbeth) uses period stylings and Richard Reed Parry's terrific score to craft a richly atmospheric mood, resulting in a film that becomes something of a twisted delight – especially when an ingenious third-act rug-pull nudges the film into far darker territory. That late twist may divide audiences, but those who stay with it will be deeply rewarded. Frankenstein (2025) Guillermo del Toro has long been considered among the finest genre filmmakers currently working, and for almost his entire life there's been one particular story he's been desperate to tell: his own version of Mary Shelley's iconic gothic novel, Frankenstein. After years in development, that dream has now come true – with the film having premiered to some rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival earlier in the year. This adaptation includes all the grandiose set design and sweeping narrative scope we've come to expect from the Mexican director, while the score from composer Alexandre Desplat – his third collaboration with del Toro – is also sublime. Oscar Isaac takes on the lead role of Victor Frankenstein, the eccentric scientist who tries to play God by fashioning a creature from the body parts of corpses and bringing it to life. Meanwhile, the Creature itself is played in an first-rate performance by Jacob Elordi, who provides plenty of heart and sensitivity to the apparently monstrous creation. As ever with this story, the film asks who the real monster is – before answering that question with tremendous visual panache. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) If you were entranced by Oscar Isaac's performance in Frankenstein, you might want to check out – or revisit – arguably his finest big screen role in this 2013 Coen brothers gem. Isaac stars as the titular Llewyn Davis, a folk-singer trying to make a living in the Greenwich Village scene of the 1960 while also struggling with the recent loss of his former musical partner. Partly inspired by the autobiography of folk singer Dave Van Ronk, it's a melancholic tale that follows one week in the central character's life as he moves from apartment to apartment and encounters various acquaintances, including his former lover Jean (played by Carey Mulligan) and eccentric jazz musician Roland Turner (John Goodman). The Coen's expertly capture the look and feel of '60s New York, while the soundtrack – consisting mostly of existing folk songs and standards – is tremendous. And if all that wasn't reason enough to watch it, the film also includes one of cinema's finest cats. It's a wonderful film. Vera Drake (2004) In his decades-long career, Mike Leigh has well and truly earned his place in the pantheon of great British directors, and this 2004 effort is up there with his best. Imelda Staunton won a BAFTA for her performance as the title character – a working-class housewife and cleaning lady in the 1950s who has been performing illegal abortions for women with unwanted pregnancies. When this sideline is discovered, she is reproached by both the law and her own family, and her world begins to fall apart around her. Although Vera Drake is not a real historical figure, Leigh drew on the accounts of backdoor abortionists to create a film that explored a very true – and perhaps overlooked – aspect of British history. Although the tone of the piece is rather dour, Leigh's storytelling instinct is as empathetic and sensitive as always, and Staunton's central performance is strong enough on its own to warrant giving it a watch. A House of Dynamite (2025) Following a limited release in cinemas, this high-stakes political thriller is now streaming on Netflix, marking the welcome return of filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) after an eight-year absence. Film buffs will know she became the first female winner of Best Director at the Academy Awards for her 2008 drama The Hurt Locker. The question now is: can Bigelow become the first woman to win it twice? That's certainly looking plausible right now, with A House of Dynamite earning rave reviews from critics and even ruffling some feathers in the Pentagon. The fictional thriller takes you deep inside the national security infrastructure of the United States, as a nuclear missile is fired at the country from an unknown source. It triggers a pulse-pounding race against time to identify the culprit of the launch and determine how exactly to respond, with Idris Elba's unnamed US President and Rebecca Ferguson's Captain Olivia Walker being key players in the unfolding crisis. Claustrophobic, intense and terrifying in an unnervingly grounded sense, A House of Dynamite is tipped to be a major contender at this year's awards season – check it out now to find out what all the fuss is about. Priscilla (2023) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/01/httpscdn.sanity.ioimagesxq1bjtf4productiona1e7757dec904304ff641bf4819fa4b01dedcce6-8256x5504-5ec5216.jpg" width="8192" height="5461" alt="Cailee Spaney as Priscilla Presley and Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley pose for wedding photos in Priscilla." title="https___cdn.sanity.io_images_xq1bjtf4_production_a1e7757dec904304ff641bf4819fa4b01dedcce6-8256x5504" /> Just a year after Baz Luhrmann's show-stopping Elvis biopic was released to much fanfare in the summer of 2022, Sofia Coppola explored the King of Rock'n'Roll from a very different angle in this excellent, understated drama. As the title suggests, the film unfolds entirely from the perspective of Elvis's wife Priscilla, beginning from their first meeting when she was just 14 years old. Although reckoning with some uncomfortable truths about the Elvis mythology, including his possessive nature and propensity for violent outbursts, Coppola handles the material with a typically delicate touch – exploring both the highs and lows of the pair's often-toxic relationship with great sensitivity. The film's production design is also a marvel, while the piece is anchored by a truly terrific performance from Cailee Spaeny, who won a well-deserved acting award at the Venice Film Festival for her portrayal. It's a fascinating counterpoint to the more theatrical thrills of the aforementioned Elvis, and the films make for an ideal double bill. Steve (2025) Even before his Oscar-winning turn in Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy's presence alone helped to make a film must-see viewing, and that is certainly true here, with Steve proving to be a wonderful showcase for the actor's immense talents. However, it is also more than that. The film, which follows a day in the life of Murphy's Steve, the headteacher at a Reform School for troubled teenagers, is a powerful, propulsive, often chaotic watch, with a sense of realism that few other school-based dramas achieve – even if this is right at the edge of challenging establishments. Beyond this, it also has a real heart to it, not only put across by Murphy's central character, but also by Jay Lycurgo as Shy, a bright young student whose day goes from bad to worse. Lycurgo is just as captivating as Murphy here, a seriously impressive feat. In its stylistic choices and its intense disorder, Steve won't be for everyone, but for those who get on its wavelength, there's something seriously unique and impressive here. The Godfather (1972) In the history of cinema, few films have been lavished with as much praise as Francis Ford Coppola's first two Godfather films – and the entire trilogy of epic gangster movies has recently been added to the Netflix library. The first entry, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, introduced audiences to Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone and his son Michael (Al Pacino) – who's best intentions to not get involved with the family business were always doomed to fail. A landmark of 1970s cinemas and a major box office sensation, the film includes more iconic lines and moments than it's possible to count – from making offers that can't be refused to gruesome incidents involving a horse's head – and looks incredible throughout. Meanwhile the performances, from Brando, Pacino, Robert Duval, John Cazale, James Caan, Tallia Shire, Diane Keaton and more, are all superb. Hugely entertaining, emotionally involving, rivetingly told, visually stunning and thematically rich – there's a reason why this is regarded as one of the finest movies ever made. The Royal Hotel (2023) Julia Garner has had a very busy summer – appearing in both superhero behemoth The Fantastic Four and hugely acclaimed horror hit Weapons – so now's a good chance to check out an underrated entry from her filmography that has recently landed on Netflix: The Royal Hotel. Originally released back in 2023, the film saw Garner reunite with Australian filmmaker Kitty Green – who had previously directed her in The Assistant – for this impressively tense Outback-set thriller. Garner and Jessica Henwick star as Hanna and Liv, American backpackers in Australia who find employment at a remote pub after they run out of money. They soon find that the raucous locals – many of whom appear to be violent, misogynistic men – are not easy customers to deal with, although the pair respond in different ways to the threat. Over the next few days, the toxic situation gradually worsens, with Green expertly crafting a pressure cooker atmosphere that eventually explodes in a memorable finale. It's a taut, engaging film that will perhaps make some viewers think twice about venturing into the Outback. The Running Man (1987) This year, popular writer/director Edgar Wright returned with his latest film – a new adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Running Man, which the prolific author published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982. With that recent release in mind, it's a perfect time to revisit the previous film version of the novel as a primer, and luckily enough Paul Michael Glaser's movie has recently been added to the Netflix library. The film – released in 1987 – saw legendary action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger take on the lead role of Captain Ben Richards, a policeman living in a dystopian USA who is arrested after refusing to comply with barbaric commands from his superiors. Although he initially makes a couple of successful escape attempts, he soon finds himself recruited for the nation's preeminent reality show – The Running Man – which sees convicts forced to battle for their freedom by running from bloodthirsty killers. A dystopian sci-fi with a satirical edge, some fun action sequences and entertaining performances, it's rarely mentioned on lists of the very best King adaptations – but it's still worth a watch, even if just to see how it measures up to Wright's remake. Knives Out (2019) Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest film in Rian Johnson's Benoit Blanc series, is on the way later this year. In anticipation of its arrival, the first movie in the franchise, Knives Out, has now been added back to Netflix. Glass Onion may have been a worthy follow-up, but this original film is still the strongest, with a phenomenal cast including Ana de Armas, Chris Evans and Toni Collette bringing their all to some meaty roles. It also features a fittingly twisty narrative with an unconventional beat in the middle, one that automatically made viewers realise they were in for something special. However, it's really Daniel Craig who was the key piece in the puzzle here, as Johnson clearly picked up given the future direction of the franchise. His Benoit Blanc, Southern accent and all, is so broad as to almost be preposterous – yet somehow, not only does it work, but it absolutely pulls the whole thing together. The Thursday Murder Club (2025) This cosy whodunnit has arrived on Netflix with a huge amount of hype and anticipation. After all, not only does it feature a legendary cast, led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie, but it is also based on Richard Osman's mega-hit best-selling novel of the same name. The film follows the titular quartet, a group of retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. They soon find themselves wrapped up in a case which is very current indeed, however, as an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep. The film doesn't quite reach the heights of the book's charm, and it might not be doing anything hugely innovative, but director Chris Columbus provides a steady hand, the cast are delightful together on-screen, and the whole thing makes for the perfect easy watch if you're looking for some light escapism. ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Choosing the best Steven Spielberg film is a nearly impossible task – but it's hard to have the conversation without giving some serious consideration to this beloved family sci-fi film. Released in 1982, just one year after his equally exemplary Raiders of the Lost Ark, the emotional tale of an alien left behind on Earth was the highest-grossing film of all time for 11 years until it was eventually surpassed by another Spielberg classic, Jurassic Park, in 1993. The film follows 10-year-old Elliot (Henry Thomas), a young boy who takes in and befriends the titular creature, with the pair forming a special bond that helps both stave off loneliness. A magical adventure filled with warmth and heart – but not without its moments of genuine fear – it's hard to think of a better film on the subject of childhood. Meanwhile, Spielberg's legendary directing skills are utilised to great effect – the film is a technical marvel as well as an emotional one. The Iron Claw (2023) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/02/httpscdn.sanity.ioimagesxq1bjtf4production61dab35179cc5e013f2fef728efbc697c91cfabb-8283x5395-e172807.jpg" width="8192" height="5336" alt="As still from the film The Iron Claw showing Zac Efron as Kevin, Holt McCallany as Fritz, Harris Dickinson as David and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry playing American football on some grass" title="Zac Efron as Kevin, Holt McCallany as Fritz, Harris Dickinson as David and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry in The Iron Claw" /> Without a doubt one of the most emotional films of recent years, this true story drama from writer/director Sean Durkin told the tragic tale of the Von Erich family, who dominated the world of pro wrestling in the 1980s before a series of devastating deaths ripped the family apart – and led some to believe a curse had been placed on them. Durkin called on a tremendous all-star cast to bring the story to life, with Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons playing the four brothers. In real life, the story had actually been even more tragic – with one of the brothers left out of the film as Durkin believed that his death was "one more tragedy that the film couldn't withstand". The film is tremendously acted throughout, with a first act that shows the brothers in happier times before everything goes wrong, while the wrestling scenes are also brought together with great verve. But it's the powerful way in which Durkin explores the family's losses that will make this film truly stay with you. Jaws (1975) There are some films that don't need much of an introduction, and it's safe to say that Steven Spielberg's iconic Jaws fits squarely into that category. Not only did the film practically invent the modern blockbuster – and somewhat unfairly alter public perception of sharks – but it remains no less effective a thriller today. The film recently celebrated it's landmark 50th anniversary with a brief cinematic re-release and has now been re-added to Netflix, so now you're able to rewatch – or even watch for the first time if you've somehow never seen it – in the comfort of your own home. Of course, the film features superb turns from Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw as three very different men tasked with hunting and killing the shark that has been terrorising beachgoers on Amity Island. John Williams's legendary score, Spielberg's superbly suspenseful direction and some truly terrific character moments between that trio all combine to make this one of cinema's finest ever productions. The Lesson (2023) This 2023 psychological thriller comes from director Alice Troughton, known for her TV work, including on Doctor Who. It stars Daryl McCormack as Liam, an aspiring writer who gets a job tutoring the son of his idol, JM Sinclair, played by Richard E Grant. The film also stars Julie Delpy, Stephen McMillan and Crispin Letts, but that's the totality of its small cast, with a keen focus on the core characters and devising a sense of claustrophobia around the Sinclair estate. The performances are, as you'd expect from this cast, outstanding, and the narrative keeps you on your toes and guessing throughout. It may not quite stick the landing in the most satisfying manner, but the journey to get there is still well worth it, with the film providing gorgeous visuals, some fantastically knotty plotting and an incredibly tense atmosphere. Oppenheimer (2023) It's been two years ago since Oppenheimer and Barbie were released on the same day, in what proved to be one of the most savvy programming moves in recent memory. While Barbie unsurprisingly had the higher gross of the two, Christopher Nolan's film still managed to amass hugely impressive box office sales, raking in almost a billion dollars. Not bad for a talky, three-hour biographical epic of the father of the nuclear bomb! Of course, aside from it's commercial success, Oppenheimer also proved to be something of a critical darling, met with a glut of rave reviews and going on to win seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan and Best Actor for star Cillian Murphy. It's easy to see why it was on the receiving end of so much praise: the film is a consistently captivating character study stuffed to the brim with memorable performances from famous faces, with Nolan applying a typically non-linear approach that worked a treat. And two years on, the film's devastating final act hasn't lost any of its power. Talk to Me (2023) You know you're always in for an interesting ride with an A24 horror film, but 2023's Talk To Me proved to be a real unexpected thrill ride. The supernatural horror comes from YouTubers turned directors Danny and Michael Philippou, and follows Mia, a young woman who gets involved with a group of friends who have found a mystical ceramic hand, which can grant spirits access to your body. It's an already chilling premise which is only heightened by extremely successful execution. Some of the sequences are so terror inducing and stressful that you'll need a long lie down afterwards, but for those looking for some properly thrilling horror then look no further. Sophie Wilde is hugely impressive in the central role, while the supporting cast all do stellar work. The film's thematic storytelling also hits home come the end, as it explores topics around grief and addiction more successfully than many a drama. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) After first airing on BBC One on Christmas Day, the latest Wallace & Gromit adventure, a full-length film, is now available to watch on Netflix. The film, which for the first time stars Ben Whitehead as the voice of Wallace following the death of Peter Sallis, also features the return of fan-favourite villain Feathers McGraw, as he takes control of Wallace's latest invention, Norbot, an automated robot gnome. The jokes come just as thick and fast as usual, with the franchise keeping up its astounding hit rate. While this outing may not have quite the same impact or staying power as the absolute best (particularly The Wrong Trousers), it is still a phenomenally fun watch for the whole family, with a surprising dose of emotional moments baked in. Prisoners (2013) With fans highly anticipating Denis Villeneuve's third Dune film – and now also his take on the Bond franchise – now could be the perfect time to revisit the director's first English-language film, Prisoners. A dark, gritty and taut thriller, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman as the father of an abducted girl who becomes convinced that Alex Jones, a man with diminished IQ played by Paul Dano, is behind it. Meanwhile, Jack Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, the officer heading up the police investigation. All three lead performers are on top form here, in a film which is at times hard to watch, but always rewarding. At a time where you might believe you have seen every formulation of a crime thriller, Prisoners takes a different approach, while also demonstrating the technical skill that Villeneuve and his frequent collaborator, cinematographer Roger Deakins, have now repeatedly shown. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) The idea of a sequel to Blade Runner always seemed like a risky one. The 1982 film hadn't been a smash hit upon its release, but it had gained a great deal of critical appreciation is subsequent years and amassed a cult following. Thankfully, Blade Runner 2049, released in 2017, didn't disappoint - in fact, it could actually be argued that it exceeded the original. Arguably one of director Denis Villeneuve's finest films, 2049 is a visually gorgeous sci-fi, with compelling themes, a slow yet purposeful and thoughtful pace and excellent world-building. It's all helped along by stellar performances from Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas and a returning Harrison Ford, as well as a clear dedication behind the scenes to tell a new story in this world, rather than simply rehashing the original - a trap far too many legacy sequels have fallen into. Barbarian (2022) Director Zach Cregger's new film Weapons will shortly be in cinemas, meaning now could be the perfect time to catch up with or rewatch his solo directorial debut, Barbarian. A truly original piece of work, Barbarian shakes off an expectations the audience may have time and time again, providing an experience which is wholly unpredictable. It stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård and Justin Long, and follows a woman who books an Air BnB, only to find there is another man already staying there. To reveal anymore would be to spoil the film's many surprises, but it's fair to say that it's an eerie, tense, often gnarly watch, with some phenomenal central performances and a real sense of style. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) The comedy murder-mystery has been enjoying something of a moment in recent years – thanks to everything from British flick See How They Run to hit TV series Only Murders in the Building. But arguably no one has done it better than Rian Johnson, whose two star-studded Knives Out mysteries have both been huge hits, with a third confirmed to follow. The second film is streaming on Netflix and sees Daniel Craig’s heavily accented sleuth Benoit Blanc attempt to unravel another mysterious case – this time a puzzling death on a private island owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). Craig is on terrific form throughout, and the film is as humorous as it is exciting, packed with intriguing twists that keep the audience guessing until the end. Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) Guillermo Del Toro’s first foray into stop-motion animation – alongside co-director Mark Gustafson – is one of many new takes on the tale of the wooden boy to have been released in recent years. It also happens to be, by some margin, the best of the bunch, ingeniously transposing Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to Benito Mussolini’s Italy. Many of the story beats are, of course, familiar: Geppetto makes a puppet that comes to life, with the pair then getting tangled up in adventures alongside a talking cricket. But, this new version also laces its narrative with profound meditations on grief, death, religion, and authoritarianism, adding up to a truly beautiful and visually sumptuous piece of work. The Karate Kid (1984) If you're a Cobra Kai fan itching to get your hands on the three-part final season, consider going back to where the martial arts saga began with this bona fide classic of the 1980s – now streaming on Netflix. A young Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, currently starring in the streaming revival, are the stars of the show, playing teen rivals Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence respectively. Meanwhile, Pat Morita earned an Academy Award nomination as the former's mentor, Mr Miyagi, a war veteran who teaches him karate to ward off bullies and compete in a high-profile tournament. The film remains popular decades on from its release, telling a classic underdog story in an earnest and heartwarming way. It's hardly unpredictable viewing – particularly if you've seen Cobra Kai – but there's still lots of fun to be had from this family flick. Y tu mamá también (2001) Long before he became known to the world as Cassian Andor, Diego Luna starred alongside his fellow Mexcian actor Gael García Bernal in this terrific coming-of-age road trip movie from director Alfonso Cuaron – who would go on to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men and Gravity. Luna and Bernal star as best friends Julio and Tenoch, who have recently graduated high school and boast to the glamorous wife of the latter's older cousin that they intend to embark on a long trek to a fictional beach known as Heaven's Mouth. When she unexpectedly takes them up on their invite to accompany them, they are forced to hurriedly plan a route. What follows is a colourful, occasionally outrageous journey – by turns hedonistic and tender – which slowly morphs into something more profound as the best pals gain new perspectives on friendship, sex and life. It's beautifully performed and expertly directed, with numerous memorable scenes along the route. Manchester by the Sea (2016) Casey Affleck won a deserved Best Actor Oscar for his superb central turn in this intimate, occasionally funny and frequently emotionally devastating drama written and directed by playwright and acclaimed indie filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan. He plays Lee, a janitor living alone in a Boston suburb whose life is unexpectedly transformed after his brother suffers a heart attack and he finds himself caring for his teenage nephew, excellently played by Lucas Hedges. What starts as a somewhat spiky, frosty dynamic slowly but surely becomes tender as the pair spend more time together. Meanwhile we also peel back the layers on Lee's past life before he became the withdrawn shell of a man we first meet in the film, leading up to an extraordinary encounter with his ex-wife, heartbreakingly played by Michelle Williams. Paddington in Peru (2024) Although the general consensus was that this third entry in the Paddington franchise was a slight downgrade on the previous two outings – and especially from the superlative Paddington 2 – this was nonetheless another delightful adventure for the nation's favourite bear. This time around, he and the Brown clan headed back to his homeland of deepest, darkest Peru after getting word that his beloved Aunt Lucy had vanished from the Home for Retired Bears, setting in motion a bold, colourful journey featuring plenty of charm, whimsy and copious quantities of marmalade – as well as scenery-chewing turns from Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. The extra good news is that both previous films are also still streaming on Netflix, so if you're after an especially wholesome triple bill to make you feel warm and fuzzy, there's no better place to look! Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019) Tarantino's most recent film Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood was notable for teaming up two of the world's biggest movie stars, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, while also starring Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, and telling an alternate history version of what, in real life, were the film star's final days. The writer-director's love for the period exudes from the screen and is truly infectious – while there's little in the way of plot here, it's a joy simply to hang out in this world with these characters. Meanwhile, the finale is one of the goriest, but also funniest and most cathartic climaxes Tarantino has ever put on screen. Okja (2017) This South Korean/Hollywood co-production comes from acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, and follows the story of a young South Korean girl who has raised and become best friends with a genetically modified super pig called Okja. When Okja is kidnapped and taken to be used by a meat industry corporation in the US, she tries to track her down and save her. Featuring a winning central performance from young actor Ahn Seo-hyun, along with some heightened turns from the likes of Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, it's a consistently engaging film, even if it can be tonally bumpy at times. However, the best sequences come at the start of the movie, in the smaller-scale set-up, and the end, when the emotional heft of the film really hits home. It would be hard for anyone to watch the final sequences of Okja and not feel moved, as the series turns its attention to the mistreatment and slaughter of animals, as well as the meat industry, not in a particularly subtle way, but in a manner which is effective just the same. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) There have been so many big-screen Spider-Man adaptations now it can be hard to keep track, but this 2018 animated version is arguably the finest of them all. Coming from producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film explores the origin story of a different Spider-Man than the one most fans know, Peter Parker, instead focusing on Miles Morales. However, that's not to say Peter is left out in the cold – in fact, the film explores multiversal storytelling before it became the norm for superhero films, and does so with the greatest effect of any so far. The heartfelt, funny storytelling is matched by the beautiful, unique animation style, which managed to break through the standard Disney-style template which had ruled in Hollywood for so long. It was followed up by another strong entry in the franchise, 2023's Across the Spider-Verse, which is also available to stream on Netflix now, but this remains the height of cinematic web-slinger content. Pig (2021) Although the idea of Nicolas Cage going after the mystery assailants who stole his beloved truffle pig might sound like the basis of a crazed action flick or an absurdist comic romp, this film from 2021 is actually something a little different. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski – who would go on to make A Quiet Place: Day One –Pig is a rather sombre piece of work that deals fairly profoundly with loss, grief and meaning. Cage's performance is far more still, considered and restrained than some of his iconic madcap turns, rarely indulging in the kind of showboating with which he’s often associated, and yet still delivering a very memorable performance. Meanwhile, the confrontation scenes that regularly punctuate the action rarely play out as you’d expect them, serving as chances for the characters to have discussions about topics deeper than just the location of the missing animal. It all adds up to a very touching, but undoubtedly rather gloomy film, that certainly makes for a very rewarding watch. His Three Daughters (2024) One of the best new films released as a Netflix original in 2024, this low-key drama originally premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival before being acquired by the streamer. It stars a terrific trio of Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne, all of whom are in fine form as they play bickering sisters reunited in their family home in New York to care for their terminally ill father. It's a beautiful, painstakingly performed portrait of a family in crisis, as the three sisters struggle to process their grief and hold their tempers while questioning what their connection will be once their father is gone. Writer/director Azazel Jacobs has created something plausible and insightful, taking an approach to confrontation and confessions reminiscent of the work of John Cassavetes – before a late flight of fancy takes the film in a slightly different but no less rewarding direction. The Boy and the Heron (2023) For the last few years, Netflix has been home to the vast majority of the Studio Ghibli catalogue, and now the latest film from the hugely acclaimed and widely beloved Japanese animation studio has been added to the library. The Boy and the Heron saw the legendary Hayao Miyazaki come out of retirement, and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature after having praise heaped upon it by critics. The film opens in Tokyo during the Second World War, and follows a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki) who loses his mother in a fire and subsequently moves with his father to the countryside. There, a creepy talking heron (Masaki Suda) lures the grieving boy into a surreal underworld where he embarks on a bizarre adventure and meets a variety of unusual creatures. Miyazaki's gorgeous hand-painted animation is present and correct, alongside the requisite fearless little girls and cute sprites, while there is also plenty of Princess Mononoke-style blood and guts, plus parakeet soldiers, murderous pelicans and musings on the nature of reality. It's not one to be missed! Rebel Ridge (2024) This crime thriller from Blue Ruin and Green Room writer/director Jeremy Saulnier is one of the best Netflix originals of the year – attracting both impressive viewership numbers and near universally positive reviews from critics. Starring Aaron Pierre as a former Marine who discovers a major cop corruption operation while attempting to post bail for his cousin, it delivers some excellent action choreography and a pointed commentary on policing. Slow-burning but rife with tension, it's a riveting watch that works in large part due to Pierre's excellent presence in the lead role, as his character Terry works firmly but calmly to retrieve his money – using both the skills and philosophy he learned as a close combat expert. There are plenty of impressive supporting turns, too, with Don Johnson excelling as a slimy police chief. It all adds up to an intriguing thriller that carefully builds up to a well-crafted, high-octane finale. Superbad (2007) A film which is wholly representative of an era of American comedy, Superbad still manages to stand out from the crowd as a terrifically well-structured, warm-hearted film with some sequences which have gone down in history and become utterly iconic. The film, from Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, stars Michael Cera and Jonah Hill as two teenagers hoping to lose their virginities before moving on from high school and going to college. While the hijinks, crude humour and gross-out sequences are significant, the film really lives in the friendship between the two central characters – and in the hilarious subplot featuring their friend Fogell, AKA McLovin, and two hugely irresponsible cops. Hit Man (2024) The latest film from acclaimed director Richard Linklater, Hit Man is loosely based on the incredible true story of a man named Gary Johnson– a Houston-native who, over a 10 year spell, was hired to kill more than 60 people while posing as a hitman. Little did his prospective clients know, he was working undercover for the police, and their arrests were secured soon after they had handed over cash. A version of Johnson is played by Glen Powell – who also co-wrote the script with Linklater – with the film using the real tale as a jumping off point to tell a fictional love story that ponders what might have happened if he had become romantically involved with one of the clients. The result is a romcom that sees Gary continue to adopt the fake hitman guise he had used on his first encounter with love interest Maddy (Adria Arjona) – which, unsurprisingly, leads to a couple of issues later down the line. Equal parts farcical screwball comedy and philosophical musing on the nature of identity, the film asks fascinating questions about the capacity of a person to change while never being anything less than brilliantly entertaining. The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is palpable and there are some superbly executed set pieces, leading up to an enjoyably twisted conclusion. Godzilla Minus One (2023) If the increasingly silly tone of Hollywood's monster franchise isn't your cup of tea, then consider trying out this distinct and unrelated Japanese version, which earned acclaim upon release last year. Far from the Saturday morning cartoon-style fisticuffs of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, this feature is an altogether more sombre affair. Taking place after the end of the Second World War, when Japan was still in a state of shock and grief from the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the country is dealt another devastating blow when Godzilla emerges just off the coast. The story unfolds primarily from the perspective of deserter pilot Kōichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki), who is grappling with PTSD and a desperate desire for redemption. Not an easy, popcorn-munching watch by any means, but if you like your sci-fi with a philosophical and emotional edge, Godzilla Minus One is for you. The film also looks utterly dazzling, which is why it took home the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 2024 ceremony. Maestro (2023) Bradley Cooper announced himself as a major new directorial voice with his Oscar-nominated remake of A Star Is Born five years ago, and his second feature Maestro proves that was no fluke. Focusing on one of the most iconic American musicians of the 20th century in Leonard Bernstein (played by Cooper himself), the film shines a light on his sometimes volatile relationship with wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). Filmed in both black and white and colour, it is a consistently gorgeous film to look at and also includes a brilliant soundtrack full of some of Bernstein's finest work. Meanwhile, the performances are superb – with both Cooper and Mulligan correctly emerging as possible frontrunners for major awards attention. The film runs the full gamut of emotions and there are several standout scenes: from a joyous dance sequence during a rehearsal for On the Town and a breathtaking six-minute scene of Bernstein conducting Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, to a blistering argument between Bernstein and Montealegre at their New York apartment and several heartbreaking moments when the latter falls ill. It's well worth a watch. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) More than twenty years after the first film became an instant claymation classic, Ginger, Rocky and the rest of the flock return in this joyous sequel, where we find them on a utopian island paradise following their audacious escape from the evil Mrs Tweedy. But when Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) discover that their intrepid daughter Molly (Bella Ramsey) has set off on her own adventure, old enemies rear their heads and only an expertly orchestrated heist can avert a calamity. The increased scale compared to the original offers director Sam Fell plenty of opportunities to showcase a number of highly innovative and intricately designed set pieces. And, as ever with Aardman, there's also a terrific assortment of verbal and visual gags to delight audiences, while the film crucially retains the handcrafted, eccentric charm that has become synonymous with the studio. Nimona (2023) This animated adventure started its life at Blue Sky Studios only to be shelved following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2021, eventually being picked up by Netflix for release in 2023. And it's a good job it was rescued: it's a rollicking, inventive, and amusing fairytale that deftly touches on LGBTQ+ themes, with some impressive voice performances from the likes of Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed. The film tells the story of Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed) who has to turn to the titular shape-shifting teen (Moretz) for help when he is falsely accused of murdering the Queen. Nimona is the only person willing to help him prove his innocence, but things are somewhat confused by the fact she is also the monster he has sworn to kill. Cue an enjoyable adventure that features all sorts of havoc and makes for top-tier entertainment for the whole family. RRR (2022) The latest work from legendary Telegu filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, RRR became a major international hit upon its release – enrapturing viewers all around the globe. It’s not difficult to see why it resonated so much – across its epic three-hour running time the film packs in all manner of superbly executed action scenes (sometimes involving CGI animals) and splendidly choreographed dance scenes, including one to Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu. Set against the backdrop of the brutal British Raj, RRR is a thrilling tale of revenge. The film chronicles a charming fictional friendship between real-life revolutionaries Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) as they seek to rid the nation of British rule. Marriage Story (2019) Writer/director Noah Baumbach has teamed up with Adam Driver on a number of occasions, but this divorce drama is arguably the peak of their collaboration. The film earned six nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards – winning one – and proved every bit as popular with audiences as it did with critics. Based in part on Baumbach’s own divorce, Driver and Scarlett Johansson star as a director and actor couple whose marriage has reached its end, but things only get more bitter when lawyers are called in to begin divorce proceedings. By turns funny and tear-jerking, this film is a real winner – worth it for a scene that sees Driver singing Stephen Sondheim’s Being Alive alone. The Irishman (2019) There was a time a few years ago when Netflix was gladly giving a number of acclaimed big-name auteurs big budgets and free rein to make their passion projects, and the greatest result of that era was Martin Scorsese’s superb gangster epic. Of course, the great director has famously dabbled in the gangster genre many times before, but what marks The Irishman out from the likes of Goodfellas and Casino is the more sombre, elegiac tone. The film follows Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (Robert De Niro), as he recalls his involvement in the disappearance of his longtime friend Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), whilst also reflecting on a number of relationships, including that with his daughter, Peggy (Anna Paquin). 13th (2016) The title of Ava DuVernay’s searing documentary refers to the 13th Amendment in the US Constitution, which declares: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” The film goes on to draw parallels between slavery and the major flaws in America’s modern-day criminal judgment system, examining the prison-industrial complex and the ways in which the system disproportionately affects Black Americans and other minority communities. The film won huge acclaim on release and secured Netflix its first BAFTA – while it found an audience again following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Uncut Gems (2020) Most of the Adam Sandler films you’ll find on Netflix are of rather dubious quality, but every so often the actor picks a project that shows just how good he can be – and there’s never been a better example of that than Uncut Gems. This unbearably tense, blackly comic offering from the Safdie Brothers was a huge critical hit when it debuted in 2020, with many feeling that Sandler was unfortunate not to nab an Oscar nomination. He stars as a New York City jeweller with a gambling problem, who must risk everything to banish his debts and escape the collectors after him – whilst also balancing his role as a father, a crumbling marriage with his soon-to-be-ex-wife (Idina Menzel) and an affair with an employee (Julia Fox). My Neighbour Totoro (1988) Pretty much the whole Studio Ghibli oeuvre is available to stream on Netflix, giving subscribers a huge range of wonderful animated flicks to enjoy including Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart. And there can be no doubt that this delightfully charming little film – just their third feature – is one of the greatest. It follows two girls who move with their father to the countryside while their mother is ill, where they find themselves having a number of magical encounters with the titular friendly monster and other surreal beings. The story itself is fairly minimalist, but the gorgeous animation and the way the film captures a youthful sense of wonderment make it a must-watch. Streaming services we think you might like... From the best TV like Westworld and Game of Thrones to the latest movies including Spider-Man: Far from Home and Yesterday Start your 7-day free NOW TV trial now Want the very best of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic - plus 30 seasons of The Simpsons all in one place? Try Disney Plus for £5.99 a month The Office USA, The Grand Tour, Outlander, The Man in the High Castle, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and much more... Try Amazon Prime Video Free for 30 days Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our best series on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies. Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies. Slow broadband letting you down? Up your streaming game with the best broadband deals. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Abandons isn't the mess it could have been – but there's a bigger problem with this Western misfire
The Abandons fails to stand-out amidst a glut of Western series.
As the so-called 'streaming wars' march on, it seems some of the participants are in a bind. Do they double down on the areas in which they have become successful and for which they are known, or branch out and try and take one another on at their own games? When it comes to Netflix, at least when it was in the stage of commissioning a few years ago, it seems they opted for the latter. While Paramount+ may have become known as the home of Westerns thanks to Taylor Sheridan's hugely popular Yellowstone, the original streamer clearly wanted a piece of the pie. In fact, it didn't just want one piece, but multiple. In just the past 14 months, we have seen the debuts of Territory, American Primeval and Ransom Canyon – to varying success. Now, it's the turn of The Abandons, a seven-part series which was first ordered in 2022 and which, according to reports, has had quite the troubled path to the screen. We know for sure that this first season was originally meant to be made up of 10 episodes, but the number has shifted repeatedly over the years, now coming in at an irregular seven. We also know that its creator Kurt Sutter, who had been thinking about the series before his previous show Sons of Anarchy even began, left it entirely just three weeks before shooting was set to wrap. When this news broke, Deadline reported that it was due to creative differences. That report also noted that the first episode had to be cut in two and a new cliffhanger created in the middle, due to it originally running for 1 hours and 40 minutes, and that Netflix bosses felt the episodes were "disjointed and not propulsive enough". Naturally, although I attempted to put this history out of my mind when viewing the episodes, there is a part of me which was looking for signs of this apparent dysfunction in the final product, expecting one almighty mess to have been birthed. Thankfully, on that front, I have some good news. While there are elements of this on display, with strange episode lengths and some abrupt endings, for the most part this is a competently put together series. If you didn't know, I doubt you'd know. However, sadly, I have to report there is actually a bigger problem with the series, one which cannot be ignored. For context – the series stars Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson as the matriarchs of two very different families, both living in Washington Territory in 1854. Headey's Fiona heads up a found family – the titular Abandons. She was unable to have her own children, and instead has raised a group of orphans and outcasts. Meanwhile, Anderson's Constance is the head of the wealthy Van Ness family, who is trying to get her hands on the land held by the Abandons, as it is rich in silver. She and her family will use any means to take the land, but the Abandons will not give it up without a fight. Other stars who play key roles include Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers, Lamar Johnson, Natalia Del Riego, Lucas Till and Aisling Franciosi, with all doing sterling work here. So, what's the problem? Well, the truth of the matter is that The Abandons is just really rather dull. The Deadline report noted a concern within Netflix that the series wasn't propulsive enough, and I would say that despite all the apparent scrambling behind the scenes to rectify this, it is still the biggest problem with the series. Having watched all seven episode, once all is said and done, I have to say that very little of substance actually happened. There's an inciting incident, followed by a whole lot of pontificating and really rather mild family drama. In among this, there are a number of different individual stories, each of which works to a greater or lesser extent, but none of which exactly romp through at a quick pace, nor are any of them in any way substantively new. Perhaps the strongest of these storyline is a romance between Nick Robinson's Elias, a member of the Abandons, and Trisha, the Van Ness daughter. It has some sweet moment and some dramatic moments for sure, and both actors give it their all, making it entirely watchable. Yet it's all just so utterly clichéd – if you haven't watched a star-crossed, forbidden lovers storyline you really haven't engaged with any form of art of media. The odd cliché can be overlooked or even enjoyed - sometimes a cliché is a cliché for a reason, because it's a tried and tested form of storytelling that works on a deeply human level. But when almost everything in a series falls into that camp, you start to wonder what exactly the point of it all is - especially when the whole thing is moving at such a glacial pace. I suppose we'll never know what Sutter's original version of this would have been before any behind the scenes changes were made, but this does certainly feel like a Western made by a committee - a series which is desperately trying to capture a zeitgeist and which is therefore playing into every trope imaginable, with little of its own to say. One would think that given it is led by two female leads in their fifties, it would at least have something novel and exciting to explore there. But, alas, there seems to be no interest in exploring what this means, given the time period and setting. The series also takes itself far too seriously, meaning it's not only narratively dull, but also tonally. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/ABANDONS101240517MF03155R-4bb50d2.jpg" width="3600" height="2398" alt="Lamar Johnson as Albert Mason, Diana Silvers as Dahlia Teller, Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan, Nick Robinson as Elias Teller and Natalia del Riego as Lilla Belle in The Abandons, riding horses through a dark field, lit up by trees on fire." title="THE ABANDONS" /> As with most series, there are still elements of worth here to discuss. For one thing, it's visually stunning. It's been reported that the series has been given quite the budget, and that certainly would seem to be the case given the incredible locations and visual splendour on screen. As previously mentioned, there's also the matter of the cast – even if the majority of them, if not all of them, are really rather wasted. Headey and Anderson make for compelling nemeses in their scenes together, and there are glimpses of what this series could have been were there more chances for them to shine, and opportunities for deeper character scenes. Were we allowed to see more of this dynamic, perhaps with a slimmed down cast and more focused gaze, then that also could have helped the series stand out from the crowd. A proper cat-and-mouse game between two matriarchs in the 1800s? That sounds like an interesting show. But as it is, we get snippets of so many stories, most of which we've seen many times in different forms before, all in a backdrop which is sumptuous, no doubt, but which is also well explored within the genre, and at this point more an expectation than a bonus. Maybe Western obsessives will find something to enjoy here – I have to confess that while I am certainly a big fan of a number of Western films and series, I am not a real devotee of the genre. However, I would imagine that even they may find themselves growing tired of the show's langorous pace and its stock characters and plots. The fact that The Abandons is perfectly watchable and seems to be largely unencumbered by its behind-the-scenes shake-ups should be of some comfort for Netflix. However, if they thought this would be their rival to Yellowstone, think again. A franchise-starter this ain't – it's just a pale imitation of one. The Abandons is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Abandons 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Abandons cast: Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson star
The Netflix Western series comes from the creator of Sons of Anarchy.
New Netflix series The Abandons comes from Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter, and it sees an all-star cast bringing a brand-new Western story to life. Set in Washington Territory in 1854, the series follows the matriarchs of two very different families — one wealthy and bound by blood, the other a found family of orphans and outcasts. As the two families find their fates linked by crimes, secrets and star-crossed love, an epic collision takes place. The two matriarchs are played by Game of Thrones star Lena Headey and Sex Education's Gillian Anderson. But who else stars in the series and who do they all play? Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of The Abandons on Netflix. The Abandons cast: Who stars in the Netflix Western series? Here are the main cast members and characters in The Abandons. Read on below for more details about who they all are and where you've seen the actors before. Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness Nick Robinson as Elias Teller Diana Silvers as Dahlia Teller Lamar Johnson as Albert Mason Natalia del Riego as Lilla Belle Lucas Till as Garret Van Ness Aisling Franciosi as Trisha Van Ness Toby Hemingway as Willem Van Ness Michiel Huisman as Roache Michael Greyeyes as Jack Cree Ryan Hurst as Miles Alderton Lena Headey plays Fiona Nolan Who is Fiona Nolan? Fiona is the matriarch of a made-family, consisting of abandoned souls on the fringes of society. They all live on a cattle ranch she built in silver-rich Jasper Hollow, but the powerful Van Ness family are trying to drive them out. Where have I seen Lena Headey? Headey is best known for playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, while she has also had roles in series including Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Danger Mouse, Trollhunters, Masters of the Universe: Revelation, White House Plumbers and Beacon 23, as well as films such as Mrs Dalloway, 300, St Trinians, The Purge, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Fighting with My Family and DC: League of Super-Pets. Gillian Anderson plays Constance Van Ness Who is Constance Van Ness? Constance is the matriarch of the Van Ness family, who is ruthlessly trying to protect and grow the mining fortune she inherited from her husband and then doubled. Where have I seen Gillian Anderson? Anderson is best-known for her roles in The X-Files, The Fall, The Crown and Sex Education, while she has also appeared in series and films such as Bleak House, Johnny English Reborn, Great Expectations, Hannibal, War & Peace, Viceroy's House, Scoop, The Salt Path, Tron: Ares and Trespasses. Nick Robinson plays Elias Teller Who is Elias Teller? Elias is the brother of Dahlia who, when they were both children, was adopted by Fiona. Where have I seen Nick Robinson? Robinson is best-known for his role as Simon Spier in Love, Simon and Love, Victor, while he has also appeared in series such as Melissa & Joey, A Teacher and Maid, plus films including The Kings of Summer, Jurassic World, The 5th Wave, Kong: Skull Island and Damsel. Diana Silvers plays Dahlia Teller Who is Dahlia Teller? Dahlia is the sister of Elias who, when they were both children, was adopted by Fiona. Where have I seen Diana Silvers? Silvers has had roles in films including Glass, Booksmart, Ma, Ava and Billy Knight. Lamar Johnson plays Albert Mason Who is Albert Mason? Albert is a member of Fiona’s family and a natural born leader. Where have I seen Lamar Johnson? Johnson has had roles in series including Your Honour, The Next Step and The Last of Us, as well as films such as The Hate U Give, X-Men: Dark Phoenix and The Wilderness. Natalia del Riego plays Lilla Belle Who is Lilla Beller? Lilla is a member of Fiona's family. Where have I seen Natalia del Riego? Riego has had roles in series including How to Get Away with Murder, The Rookie, NCIS: Los Angeles, Velma and Trolls: Fun Fair Surprise, as well as films such as The Mitchells vs the Machines. Lucas Till plays Garret Van Ness Who is Garret Van Ness? Garret is the younger Van Ness son, but he has been anointed as the heir to the family business. Where have I seen Lucas Till? Till has had roles in films including Hannah Montana: The Movie, the X-Men prequel films and Stoker, as well as the series MacGyver. Aisling Franciosi plays Trisha Van Ness Who is Trisha Van Ness? Trisha is the daughter of Constance and the brother of Garret, who is romantically drawn to Elias. Where have I seen Aisling Franciosi? Franciosi has had roles in series including Vera, Legends, The Fall, Clique, Game of Thrones, Genius, I Know This Much is True and The Legend of Vox Machina, as well as films such as The Nightingale, The Unforgivable, God's Creatures and Speak No Evil. Toby Hemingway plays Willem Van Ness Who is Willem Van Ness? Willem is Constance's eldest son, and the brother of Garret and Trisha. Where have I seen Toby Hemingway? Hemingway has had roles in films including The Covenant, Black Swan and In Time, as well as series such as The Finder, The Crossing and FBI: Most Wanted. Michiel Huisman plays Xavier Roache Who is Xavier Roache? Roache is an outlaw Constance hires to find Willem when he goes missing. Where have I seen Michiel Huisman? Huisman has had roles in series including Nashville, Orphan Black, Game of Thrones, The Haunting of Hill House, The Flight Attendant, Angela Black, Echo 3 and Mayfair Witches, as well as films such as The Young Victoria, World War Z, Wild, The Invitation, The Age of Adaline, Irreplaceable You, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, A Boy Called Christmas and both parts of Rebel Moon. Michael Greyeyes plays Jack Cree Who is Jack Cree? Jack is Constance’s enforcer, who once reported to her late husband, Emmet. Where have I seen Michael Greyeyes? Greyeyes has had roles in series including Charmed, Fear the Walking Dead, True Detective, I Know This Much is True, Home Before Dark, Rutherford Falls and 1923, as well as films such as Firestarter and 40 Acres. Ryan Hurst plays Miles Alderton Who is Miles Alderton? Miles is a member of Fiona's family. Where have I seen Ryan Hurst? Hurst has had roles in series including Rush, Sons of Anarchy, King and Maxwell, Bates Motel, Outsiders, Bosch, The Walking Dead, The Mysterious Benedict Society and SWAT, as well as films such as Saving Private Ryan, Patch Adams, Rules of Engagement and Rango. The Abandons is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Abandons 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
The Western series features some stunning locations.
All seven episodes of new Western series The Abandons are now available to stream on Netflix, and they feature an epic story of warring families led by two matriarchs, played by Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson. The synopsis for the series says: "The matriarchs of two very different families — one of wealth and privilege bound by blood, the other a found family of orphans and outcasts bound by love and necessity — find their fates linked by two crimes, an awful secret, a star-crossed love, and a piece of land with silver underneath. "The collision echoes the American struggle of the haves and have-nots, in a place just beyond the reach of justice." While the classic Western action and the all-star cast may be the biggest draws, viewers will no doubt also be captivated by the stunning locations and sweeping landscapes on display. But where is the series set and where was it actually filmed? Read on for everything you need to know about the setting and filming locations used for The Abandons. Where is The Abandons set? The Abandons is set in 1854 in the Washington Territory. This is the area of land in the US which is now the state of Washington. It existed as the Washington Territory, an organised territory, between 1853 and 1889, before its admission into the Union. Its boundaries shifted over time, and at its largest extent it also included parts of Montana and Wyoming, as well as the entirety of Idaho as it exists today. Where was The Abandons filmed? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/ABANDONS101240517MF03155R-4bb50d2.jpg" width="3600" height="2398" alt="Lamar Johnson as Albert Mason, Diana Silvers as Dahlia Teller, Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan, Nick Robinson as Elias Teller and Natalia del Riego as Lilla Belle in The Abandons, riding horses through a dark field, lit up by trees on fire." title="THE ABANDONS" /> Despite being set firmly in the area known as the modern-day United States, the series was actually filmed in Canada, in the province of Alberta. The show specifically filmed in the Calgary area, with production beginning in May 2024, and lasting through until October of the same year. In terms of what viewers can expect from the series, executive producer Christopher Keyser previously told Tudum: "This first chapter of The Abandons is a classic American story — the frontier, two families both at war and in love with each other, [and] a battle over who owns the land and who makes the rules. "In the middle of murder and revenge and a bit of illicit romance, we get to explore questions we never seem to get away from: What makes a family? How do you stay good in a bad world? And would you change who you are and what you believe in to protect what you love? "But in this case, we do it all through the eyes of Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, as two widowed matriarchs battling to survive. And that… is really something to watch." The Abandons is available to stream now on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Abandons 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 Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Emily in Paris season 5: Release date and latest news
We now have an official release date! ***Contains major spoilers from Emily in Paris season 4 parts 1 and 2***
***Contains major spoilers from Emily in Paris season 4 parts 1 and 2*** Emily in Paris fans have finally been treated to their first glimpse of season 5 ahead of the series arriving on Netflix later this month. Confusingly, the new season won't actually be in Paris anymore and will pick up where season 4 left off, with our titular heroine heading up a new Agence Grateau office in Rome. However, as we can see in the trailer, she soon finds that her ideas aren't translating in Italy. "But Rome wasn't built in a day," she tells Luc (Bruno Gouery), who responds: "And yet it only took you one day to destroy it". Elsewhere in the footage, we also get a glimpse at a shock romance between Emily's ex Alfie (Lucien Laviscount) and best friend Mindy (Ashley Park). On the announcement of season 5 at the end of 2024, series creator Darren Star told TUDUM: "We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!" Explaining that this doesn’t mean the name of the show is changing, Star added: “Emily’s going to have a presence in Rome. It doesn’t mean she’s not going to be in Paris, but she’s going to have a presence in Rome. Sending Emily to Italy to head up a new office was born out of Star’s desire to "stay ahead of the audience and take them to unexpected places," and show that the series "has the ability to have a bigger footprint". Read on for everything you need to know about the future of Emily in Paris. Emily in Paris season 5 release date All 10 episodes of Emily in Paris season 5 are set to be released on 18th December 2025 on Netflix - just in time for Christmas! Production on the fifth instalment began back in May, with the news confirmed with an exclusive sneak peek of Lily Collins enjoying la dolce vita on a vespa – how quintessentially Italian of her. The post was followed up with the caption: "She's starting" so we'll just have to wait and see what dramatic turns await Emily. View oEmbed on the source website Emily in Paris season 5 cast The confirmed cast for Emily season 5 include Collins as Emily, Ashley Park as Mindy, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie, Samuel Arnold as Julien and Bruno Gouery as Luc. Other characters who are returning include Lucien Laviscount as Alfie, William Abadie as Antoine, Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello, Thalia Besson as Genevieve, Paul Forman as Nico, Arnaud Binard as Laurent G), Minnie Driver as Princess Jane, Bryan Greenberg as Jake, and Michèle Laroque as Yvette. One member who we won't be seeing return for season 5 is Camille Razat as Camille. Speaking on her series exit in an Instagram post, Razat wrote: “After an incredible journey, I’ve made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris. It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories.” She continued: “This character has meant a lot to me, and I feel that her storyline has naturally come to an end. It felt like the right moment to explore new horizons.” What is Emily in Paris season 5 about? The official plot synopsis reads: "Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city. But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks. It continues: "Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle, until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities." Season 5 will see Emily and Marcello firmly back on track after a minor bump in the road, and they look set to make a real go of things. “I feel like they have a real spark and a real connection and a real romantic connection. A lot of that’s going to continue to play out next season,” said Star of Marcello. However, in the season 4 finale, it became clear that Gabriel, who has finally earned his Michelin star, isn’t ready to let go of her after all. Will Gabriel win Emily back? And can they finally make a proper go of things now that Camille is out of the picture after deciding to adopt a child on her own? And it looks like Gabriel might not be the only old flame threatening to derail Emily's new romance in season 5. Asked whether there could still be a chance for Emily and Alfie in season 5, Alfie actor Lucien Laviscount told Glamour: "I think that door’s always going to be open. They had such an incredible time together, and they grew so much together as well." He continued: "It’d be foolish to say that love would be off the cards in the long run. I think they’ve got a mutual respect for each other as well, you know. When you greatly respect someone…" Season 5 can’t arrive quickly enough… Is there a trailer for Emily in Paris season 5? Yes, an official trailer for season 5 has been released. You can watch the footage below: View oEmbed on the source website Emily in Paris season 4 parts 1 and 2 are streaming now on Netflix. 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.
Gary Lineker and podcast co-stars confirmed for Netflix 2026 FIFA World Cup coverage - and they will "talk football everyday"
It's good news for fans of The Rest Is Football...
Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards will host The Rest Is Football podcast daily on Netflix during World Cup 2026. Last month, reports suggested that Lineker was set to join up with the streamer for next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico after his early exit from the BBC. Netflix and Goalhanger, the 65-year-old's production company, have now confirmed that the much-loved football podcast will have daily shows on the streaming service throughout World Cup 2026, which will be the biggest ever after the expansion to 46 teams. Not only that, Lineker will be joined by his usual co-stars Shearer and Richards, who have themselves worked on the BBC's coverage of major tournaments in past years. It is not yet clear whether Shearer and Richards will work across both but Goalhanger have confirmed that the trio will be involved in The Rest Is Football's output throughout the entirety of the competition. From a studio in New York, the trio will discuss the big stories from each day at the World Cup, with game analysis, special guests, and interviews, as well as reporters in the England camp and in fan zones. The podcast, which generates more than 7 million monthly streams, partnered with DAZN during the Club World Cup to provide deeper coverage. “We can’t wait to bring The Rest Is Football to Netflix for the 2026 World Cup," said Lineker after the news was confirmed. "It’s a fantastic opportunity for the three of us to do what we love — talk football every day — but on a truly global stage. Expect all the usual analysis, honesty and plenty of laughs… just with a few more cameras pointed at us, all from the Big Apple." The news comes amid reports that Netflix is eyeing a bid for Premier League rights after recently missing out on a deal for coverage of European club competitions. England, Scotland and the rest of the nations that have confirmed their place at the World Cup 2026 will discover their group opponents and schedule in Friday's draw. The tournament starts on Thursday 11th June 2026 and will run until the final on Sunday 19th July 2026. Read More: When is the World Cup 2026 draw? Date, time, pots and how to watch Which 2026 World Cup Kits have been released so far? Check out more of our Sport 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.
Stranger Things season 5 breaks major all-time record for Netflix as series finale runtime confirmed
Stranger Things has officially broken a Netflix record.
Stranger Things has officially broken a Netflix record with the release of season 5 volume 1 – and is it any surprise? As viewers delved into the long-awaited return to Hawkins in the first four episodes, Netflix has reported that the show has racked up whopping 59.6 million views in its first five days. Season 4, in comparison, opened with 287 million hours watched (which was Netflix's preferred metric at the time). According to Variety, that translates to about 22 million views, marking an increase of 171 per cent – although season 4's figure was only across three days as opposed to season 5's five, so these numbers should be taken with a pinch of salt. Either way, it's the best premiere week for an English language series, with the show only being beaten overall by seasons 2 and 3 of Korean series Squid Game, which became an international phenomenon. Now, after a surprise ending to episode 4, which finally saw Noah Schnapp's Will Byers get his moment to shine, fans are not so patiently awaiting volume 2, and the finale, which has been almost a decade in the making. Thankfully, tidbits of information are emerging. In the US, tickets have gone on sale for the Stranger Things finale on the big screen – and it's revealed the last episode's runtime. Clocking in at a massive 2 hours and 5 minutes, it seems there will be plenty of time to wrap up each and every thread. After all, the creators of the show, the Duffer Brothers, have promised that they're going to do every single character justice, with endings that will feel "inevitable" for them. Previously chatting exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Matt Duffer said: "There's a sense of inevitability. When you're looking at shows that don't work, or the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." Star Jamie Campbell Bower, who plays Vecna/Henry Creel, also teased how things end after his dramatic return in season 5. He told us: "As a fan, I'm really, really, really happy and in love with how this ends. It's really beautiful, and it's a very fitting end to a show that we all know and love." Stranger Things is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add Stranger Things 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.
Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching
The year is finishing off in great TV style this time round, with some stellar shows returning or premiering to see out 2025 in spectacular form. As well as the return of The Traitors and The Night Manager, fans have festive specials of all the soaps to look ahead to as well as Christmas episodes of All Creatures Great and Small, Amandaland, Bullseye, Call the Midwife, Death in Paradise and plenty more. It wouldn't quite be Christmas without some fittingly heartwarming one-off specials either, with Julia Donaldson's The Scarecrow's Wedding providing some animated fun for the family, as well as Guz Khan's Stuffed and another comedic offering from Brendan O'Carroll, Shedites. There's also festive specials of some of your entertainment favourites like The Masked Singer, Taskmaster, MasterChef and Strictly Come Dancing, with the latter being the last time we'll be seeing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman helm the series. But there's no use telling you everything to expect, scroll on to find out for yourself what shows will be airing over the festive period and where to watch them. Best Christmas TV for 2025 – your guide to what's worth watching 1. Amandaland Christmas special It's time to return to SoHa, as Motherland spin-off Amandaland is back on our screens for a festive special! Lucy Punch reprises her hilarious leading role as Amanda, with Joanna Lumley as her mother Felicity. But it's a very special reunion this time round as Lumley will be joined by her Absolutely Fabulous partner in crime Jennifer Saunders, who will play her on-screen sister Aunt Joan – described as "a ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster [and] very, very different from Felicity". The synopsis reads: "Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child. "Anne’s in despair at being separated from her family, and Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits. Meanwhile Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret…" The Amandaland Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 9:15pm. 2. The Night Manager season 2 Nine years after the season 1 finale, The Night Manager returns for season 2 as Tom Hiddleston's Jonathan Pine returns for another action-packed mission. This time round, Pine is led to a violent encounter with a new player: Colombian businessman Teddy Dos Santos, played by Diego Calva. Other returning faces include Olivia Colman (The Crown) as Angela Burr, Alistair Petrie (Sex Education) as Sandy Langbourne, Douglas Hodge (Joker) as Rex Mayhew, Michael Nardone (Traces) as Frisky and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) as Daniel Roper. New faces also include Camila Morrone (Daisy Jones & The Six), Indira Varma (Doctor Who), Paul Chahidi (Wicked Little Letters), and Hayley Squires (Adult Material). The Night Manager season 2 will premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Day 2026 (Thursday 1st January) at 9:05pm. 3. All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special "It’s Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war," reads the official synopsis. "With Helen feeling under the weather, it’s fallen on James to take on the Darrowby Nativity play." Elsewhere, "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes's Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief," while Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home the top prize: a turkey, which are in short supply due to the war. The Skeldale housekeeper "wants everyone to practise" to boost their chances, "but an old friend turns up surprising her and Siegfried" – with the vet making "a big decision about his future." Meanwhile, Tristan and Charlotte's relationship continues to go from strength to strength. All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 will air on 5 on Christmas Eve at 9pm. 4. Call the Midwife Christmas specials We're not just getting one Call the Midwife Christmas special this year, but two – and they're set to be their usual dose of heartwarming, emotional and hilarious. While plot details are under wraps for now, we do know that the episodes will feature a Poplar Christmas parade, several great costumes and things being more steady than ever between Trixie and Matthew. Call the Midwife's two specials will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 8:15pm on Christmas Day and 8:30pm on Boxing Day respectively. 5. EastEnders This year's anticipated EastEnders Christmas special will feature a test of motherly love for Kat Moon (Jessie Wallace) as it relates to daughter Zoe (Michelle Ryan), Pam St Clement and Shaun Williamson's surprise returns as Pat and Barry for Nigel's ongoing dementia storyline, Max Branning's (Jake Wood) flash forward to 2027 and a return for Sam Mitchell (Kim Medcalf) being on the horizon. The EastEnders Christmas episodes will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 7:45pm and 9:45pm. 6. Death in Paradise Christmas special It's time to take a trip back to Saint Marie for another festive edition of the fan-favourite detective series. As well as the main returning cast, Josie Lawrence (Outside Edge), Kate Ashfield (Shaun of the Dead), Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who), James Baxter (Waterloo Road), Billy Harris (Ted Lasso), Oriana Charles and Alix Serman are all joining the festivities. This time round, the Christmas spirit will be unfolding in both Saint Marie and Swindon as an office Christmas party takes a very dark turn, with a stranger being found dead in their Caribbean villa. The Death in Paradise Christmas Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 28th December at 8:30pm. 7. Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special This year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will see six couples take to the dance floor in a bid to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion. The episode marks the final stint for long-running hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman but all the judges return once again, so we can expect plenty of praise and criticism from Head Judge Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke. The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 5:30pm. 8. The Scarecrow's Wedding It's become Christmas tradition now for another animated adaptation of one of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's books. This year sees this tale of two devoted scarecrows get the animation treatment, with an all-star cast that includes Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey) as Reginald Rake, Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time) as Harry O’Hay and Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses) as the Narrator. The Scarecrow's Wedding will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3:10pm. 9. Beyond Paradise Christmas special <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Martha-d940585.jpg" width="4284" height="2856" alt="A group of people stand together indoors at a festive gathering, clapping and smiling. A man in a navy suit and a woman in a cream satin dress are at the front, both looking happy and celebratory. Behind them, two older women also clap, surrounded by warm fairy lights, stone walls, and a decorated Christmas tree, creating a cosy holiday atmosphere." title="Beyond Paradise" /> We return to Shipton Abbot for some festive cheer, with the guest cast of this year's episode including Adrian Edmondson (Alien: Earth), James Lance (Ted Lasso) and Jonny Weldon (One Day). "When Esther discovers a man on the steps of the Shipton Abbott police station with no memory, holding a photo of Humphrey, the team gets to work to uncover who the mysterious man is while balancing a flurry of festive cases," the synopsis reads. "At the same time, with the help of Anne, Zoe and a special guest, Martha races to pull off her secret plan while Kelby tries to help a mystery man trapped inside his snowman costume. "But with an influx of unexpected visitors, a slew of holiday crimes to crack, and a heartwarming reunion on the line, can the team juggle it all and still be ready for a life-changing reveal?" The Beyond Paradise Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 21st December at 9pm. 10. Run Away It's become a New Year's Day tradition now to binge-watch a Harlan Coben thriller, and this year is no different as Run Away is set to land on our screens to nurse any annoying hangovers or pre-work blues. The new series assembles a great cast once more with Gavin & Stacey's Ruth Jones and James Nesbitt leading the cast as private investigator Elena Ravenscroft and confused father Simon Greene. "Simon (Nesbitt) had the perfect life: loving wife and kids, great job, beautiful home. But then his eldest daughter Paige ran away and everything fell apart," the synopsis reads. "So now when he finds her, vulnerable and strung out on drugs in a city park, he finally has the chance to bring his little girl home. But it turns out she’s not alone, and an argument escalates into shocking violence. "In the aftermath, Simon loses his daughter all over again, and his search to find her will take him into a dangerous underworld, revealing deep secrets that could tear his family apart forever." Run Away premieres on Netflix on 1st January 2026. 11. Coronation Street Once again, this year's Corrie Christmas storyline is concerned with the icon that is Gail Platt (Helen Worth) and while the character did leave the cobbles last year, she's set to return (albeit on a video call) in a very special cameo. Elsewhere, there's secrets and lies aplenty at the Rovers Return as Eva wrestles with the guilt of keeping a big secret, the Websters are set to be left reeling following a tragic death and also, Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) edging closer to discovering the abuse that Todd Grimshaw (Gareth Pierce) is facing at the hands of his boyfriend Theo Silverton (James Cartwright). The Coronation Street Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 7:15pm. 12. Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/Sally-0e6b252.jpg" width="4800" height="3200" alt="A smiling woman stands indoors in front of a decorated Christmas tree with glowing lights. She is wearing a black, sheer, long-sleeved top with a dotted pattern and has her blonde hair styled up. She is holding a large, ornate, floral-patterned chest with gold accents placed on a green velvet-covered table. The setting appears festive and elegant, with detailed wall decorations in the background." title="The Madame Blanc Mysteries: Christmas Special (2025)" /> In this two-hour Christmas special episode, Jean, Dom, Judith and Jeremy attend an exclusive Christmas Eve event at the Musée de Sainte Victoire. As per the synopsis: "Jean is invited to authenticate a newly acquired treasure – a rare Ormolu box once owned by Marie Antoinette. But the festive mood turns dark when Jean discovers a ticking bomb hidden inside. "With just 90 minutes until detonation, the museum is sealed shut, the security guard is dead, and the race is on. Jean and the gang must crack the code and defuse the bomb before time runs out. This is Jean’s most perilous challenge yet – can she save the day?" The Madame Blanc Mysteries Christmas special will air on 5 on 23rd December at 8pm. 13. Red Eye season 2 Red Eye returns on New Year's Day, with the new season marking the return of Jing Lusi as DS Hana Li, while Line of Duty's Martin Compston joining the cast as Head of Embassy Security Clay Brody. One of ITV's top 10 dramas of last year, this new season will follow DS Hana Li and Compston's guest character, who are forced to "set aside past differences to solve a new high-stakes conspiracy". Red Eye will premiere on New Year’s Day on ITV and STV and will be available for streaming on ITVX and STV Player. 14. Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 and finale The final instalments of the anticipated fifth season of Stranger Things are set to be released over Christmas Day and New Year's, wrapping up the year in a decidedly dramatic fashion, we're sure. New characters have already been introduced for the final season, from Linda Hamilton's Dr Kay to Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow, while Nell Fisher stuns in her role as Holly Wheeler. But what do the final four episodes have in store for the cast? We'll just have to wait and see. Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 premieres on 25th December (26th December in the UK) on Netflix, with the finale premiering on 31st December (1st January in the UK). 15. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off The Great British Bake Off is returning with a Christmas special later this year, and there are some familiar faces amongst the festive line-up. Stars of the multi award-winning sitcom Peep Show are actually headed into the iconic tent as they swap awkward encounters for icing sugar as fan favourites David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King and Sophie Winkleman reunite for the first time since Peep Show wrapped in 2015. The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off is coming to Channel 4 this Christmas. 16. Dear Father Christmas The story of this one-off film follows 16-year-old Chris (Lenny Rush), who refuses to believe that Father Christmas isn’t real. With his dad (James Buckley) determined to “have the talk”, Chris’s mission to prove Father Christmas exists leads him on a hilarious and heartfelt adventure – complete with a star-studded ensemble cast including Greg Davies, Stephen Fry, Asim Chaudhry, Hannah Fry and more. Dear Father Christmas will air on Channel 4. 17. The Hunting Wives This US drama previously aired on Netflix stateside in July but has now found a home on ITV in time for some festive binge-watching. It's already been renewed for a second season, meaning that there's plenty more to look forward to in the dramatic series. Based on the novel by Mary Cobb, the series follows a woman as she and her family move from Boston to Texas. There, she grows close to a socialite — maybe too close — and becomes consumed by obsession, seduction and murder. The Hunting Wives will arrive on ITVX on Saturday 27th December 2025. 18. Amadeus Reimagining the legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Will Sharpe stars as the musical genius, with the six-part series exploring the genius composer’s extraordinary career and his imagined rivalry with Salieri. Paul Bettany (WandaVision) stars as the envious court composer Antonio Salieri, while Gabrielle Creevy (In My Skin, Black Doves) plays Constanze Weber, Mozart’s fiercely loyal wife. Amadeus will launch on Sky and NOW on 21st December. 19. Two Doors Down Christmas special Beloved sitcom Two Doors Down is returning to our screens this Christmas, with the full cast of the Scottish series to reunite for a brand new festive episode. The cast for the episode includes Cathy (Mackichan), Christine (Elaine C Smith) Colin (Jonathan Watson), Alan (Graeme Stevely), Michelle (Joy McAvoy), Ian (Jamie Quinn) and his fiancé Gordon (Kieran Hodgson). Two Doors Down returns to BBC One and iPlayer this Christmas on Christmas Eve at 10pm. 20. The Masked Singer Christmas special It's everyone's favourite bonkers musical talent competition, with this year's festive special of The Masked Singer set to be just as good as previous iterations. There's set to be four brand new celebrities taking to the stage to try and wow the judges but as for who will be behind the masks, we'll just have to tune in and see. Joel Dommett returns as host of this year's Christmas episode, along with judges Mo Gilligan, Jonathan Ross, Davina McCall and Maya Jama. The Masked Singer Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX. 21. Here We Go – Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/Here-We-Go-8b1b35d.jpg" width="3882" height="2588" alt="Jude Morgan-Collie as Sam, Freya Parks as Amy, Katherine Parkinson as Rachel, Alison Steadman as Sue, Jim Howick as Paul, Tom Basden as Robin and Tori Allen-Martin as Cherry in Here We Go. They are stood raising champagne glasses for a photo, which is framed by gold tinsel and baubles, in front of a red background." title="Here We Go" /> Jim Howick (Ghosts) and Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) return to lead the cast of this festive special, with Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey), Freya Parks (The School for Good and Evil), Jude Morgan-Collie (Good Girl’s Guide to Murder), Tori Allen-Martin (London Kills) all reprising their roles. The synopsis reads: "New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and this year Rachel is very keen to throw a massive party. Paul, less so: he’d much prefer a nice quiet holiday cottage with a sauna so he can sweat out the massive boil that’s recently appeared on his cheek; two quite different visions for seeing in the new year. "So begins a typically chaotic Jessop Family holiday, featuring a road trip, a missing dummy, and a large crate of unlicensed fireworks Paul picked up from a police auction." Here We Go – Our New Year’s Fireworks Fantasaganza will air on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Eve at 8pm. 22. Emmerdale There's set to be plenty of drama in the Dales as a festive special for Emmerdale is set to be an ITV highlight again this year. While fans of the series will be looking forward to plenty of action to unfold for many of the soap's characters, it looks as though times will continue to grow bleak for characters like Celia (Jaye Griffiths), Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) and Kim (Claire King). Charity's (Emma Atkins) secret is also set to come to light but will her pregnancy come to light? The Emmerdale Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 6:15pm. 23. Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off While this year has already seen the celebrity version of MasterChef, this Christmas will see fresh-faced hopefuls taking to the kitchen to see if they have what it takes in the cooking stakes. This episode will see one lucky cook take home the Golden Whisk trophy, with GK Barry, Kola Bokinni, Nikki Fox and Iain Stirling all vying for the coveted prize. They'll have two tasks to impress, with the judges having also called in the help of last year’s Celebrity MasterChef winner, Vito Coppola. Celebrity MasterChef Christmas Cook Off will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 22nd December at 8pm. 24. MasterChef Festive Extravaganza – Champion of Champions What do you get when you take MasterChef former champions and re-enter them into the kitchen that propelled their careers? Well, you get Champion of Champions, a fierce kitchen battle to see if they have what it takes to take the Golden Pan trophy home. This episode sees 2013 champion Natalie Coleman, 2023’s Chariya Khattiyot, 2020's Thomas Frake and 2024's Brin Pirathapan going head-to-head to see if they can come up with plates that will impress the judges and revered restaurant critic, Tom Parker Bowles. MasterChef Festive Extravaganza – Champion of Champions will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday 29th December at 8pm. 25. Bullseye Christmas special Freddie Flintoff returns as host of the rebooted version of Bullseye, with the classic darts-based show set to bring some cheer to the TV line-up. As of now, we don't know who will be competing but last year's special featured champion Luke Littler, so we'll just have to see who the show has under their sleeves. Bullseye Christmas special will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Day at 8:15pm. 26. Stuffed Guz Khan is used to making audiences laugh in the likes of Man Like Mobeen but here, he takes on a different kind of role in Stuffed as Arslan Farooqi. The 60-minute special sees Arslan receive a £8000 Christmas bonus and set off for a trip of a lifetime with his multi-faith family. As per the synopsis: "His wife Hannah (Morgana Robinson), his two daughters and brother-in-law Jamie (Theo Barklem-Biggs) are all set for the ultimate festive adventure. However, when office worker Arslan discovers the bonus was a mistake and must be repaid immediately, Christmas chaos ensues - and disaster follows the family at every turn. "Together with new holiday friend Lily (Sue Johnston), they must find a way out of this predicament and hope for a Christmas miracle that can save Arslan’s job and the family’s livelihood. Stuffed is a modern-day Christmas caper for the whole family to enjoy this yuletide season." Stuffed will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Tuesday 23rd December at 9pm. 27. Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas Fresh off the nationwide success of Celebrity Traitors, Alan Carr returns to our screens once again with his friend Amanda Holden as they venture off to Spain. Returning to the village of Moclín in southern Spain, the pair set out to throw a spectacular festive party as a heartfelt thank you to the locals who helped them along the way. They're set to bring their usual chaos and hilarity as they dive into Spanish Christmas traditions, making homemade treats and more. Amanda and Alan's Spanish Christmas will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 27th December at 5:45pm. 28. The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas special Set to make its return for two brand new festive episodes, The Celebrity Apprentice will be taking this batch of celebrities to Lapland for a challenge that's set to be tougher than ever – and will be able to be sampled by the general public. In aid of Children in Need, the candidates will be split into two groups and sent to Lapland to develop their own gingerbread biscuits. Celebs taking on the task this year include TV presenter AJ Odudu, broadcaster Angela Scanlon, Radio 1 DJ Charlie Hedges, comedian Eddie Kadi, EastEnders actor Jake Wood and more. The Celebrity Apprentice Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on 29th December at 9pm, with the second and final episode coming the next day, also at 9pm. 29. The Good Ship Murder Christmas special Just like last year, we're set to return to the seas as The Good Ship Murder returns for its Christmas special for 2025. While plot details remain under wraps for now, we can expect plenty more drama as Catherine Tyldesley and Shayne Ward are reunited as First Officer Kate Woods and detective Jack Grayling. As per the synopsis, we're set to go to Alicante for this episode. It continues: "Donna, a woman claiming to suffer from a life-changing illness, boards the ship with her loyal friend Bernie. As the festive voyage begins, Donna charms fellow passenger Gary and yearning for a Christmas miracle, visits a remote monastery. There she meets Rodriguez, a mysterious man of the cloth, and Thomasina, an enigmatic nun. But the holiday cheer turns dark when Bernie is found dead. "With Gary, Rodriguez, and Thomasina each under scrutiny, the hunt for the truth leads deep into a web of deceit and desperation. When the real story finally comes to light, it upends everything the crew thought they knew about the tragedy. "Meanwhile Jack, recently sacked from the ship, is lying low performing to half-empty rooms in a grimy dive bar. The monastery murder draws Kate back to him, and with Jamil’s help, will the two finally rekindle their romance?" The Good Ship Murder Christmas special will air on 5 on 29th December at 9pm. 30. The Great Festive Pottery Showdown <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/777981S4-Embargo-0001-Tuesday-25th-November-The-Great-Celebrity-Pottery-Throw-Down-2025-3-ed7cb9d.jpg" width="5472" height="3648" alt="Sarah Hadland, Tim Vine, Colin Murray, Amber Gill, Siobhan McSweeney, Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller sat and stood next to each other, smiling ahead in front of a Christmas backdrop." title="77798_1_S4_- Embargo 0001 Tuesday 25th November - The Great Celebrity Pottery Throw Down 2025-3" /> Comedian Tim Vine, actor Sarah Hadland, broadcaster Colin Murray and reality star Amber Gill are all taking on the pottery wheel for this year's festive-themed episode. While we'll just have to watch and see who has got what it takes when it comes to crafting amazing bowls, trinkets and the like, we do know that Siobhán McSweeney will host the celebrity festive edition. Judges Keith Brymer Jones and Rich Miller also return, tasked with deciding whether the results of the wheel should be displayed with pride or not. The Great Festive Pottery Showdown will air on Channel 4 on 26th December at 7:45pm. 31. Taskmaster: Champion of Champions Alex Horne and Greg Davies are set to put former Taskmaster champions to the test, with an expectantly fierce battle for the overall title. This year, Sam Campbell, John Robins, Andy Zaltzman, and Mathew Baynton return to see if they have what it takes to concur a whole new batch of tasks, that will likely be a lot more difficult and far-fetched than their previous stints. Taskmaster: Champion of Champions will air on Channel 4 on 22nd December at 9pm. 32. Taskmaster's New Year Treat Taskmaster fans are being treated in plentiful supply this year, with not just Champion of Champions but also the annual New Year Treat. An eclectic mix of five famous faces from all corners of the entertainment world will take on a raft of challenges, with those including BAFTA-winning TV chef and musician Big Zuu, former footballer Jill Scott MBE, actress and presenter Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE, BRIT-nominated singer and musician Sam Ryder, as well as lexicographer, etymologist and presenter Susie Dent. Taskmaster's New Year Treat will air on Channel 4. 33. The Family Next Door If there's one thing that Australian dramas know how to do, it's build tension – so if you're looking for a gripping new series, look no further than The Family Next Door. This series follows enigmatic Isabelle as she moves into a small seaside cul-de-sac. There, her obsessive drive to solve a mystery casts suspicion on four neighbouring families but will she be able to get to the bottom of this case that she can't seem to let go of? The Family Next Door will air on ITVX on 21st December. 34. Gladiators: Celebrity Special Joe Wicks will be taking on presenter Sam Thompson while boxer Nicola Adams will be taking on podcaster Vogue Williams in this celebrity special of Gladiators. The BBC series has continued to go from strength to strength since it was rebooted for the BBC and there's a reason it's known as the toughest show on TV. Who will come out triumphant after the selection of challenges? We'll have to see. Gladiators: Celebrity Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Day at 3:35pm. 35. The Repair Shop at Christmas There's a raft of very special faces set to enter the repair shop this Christmas including Dame Helen Mirren, who wishes to repair a broken cello that has come into her possession. Now belonging to a care home of which Dame Helen is a supporter, she's intent on getting it fixed for the residents and their families to enjoy. Elsewhere, author Julia Donaldson and Rob Brydon also want to repair toy farmhouse, which has helped inspire some of Julia’s best-loved books. The synopsis adds: "The team also fix a remarkable mechanical reindeer, a broken sledge, and a dilapidated carol book that plays a central role in a much celebrated Sheffield Christmas tradition." The Repair Shop at Christmas will air on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 26th December at 7:30pm. 36. The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas The vets and nurses throw themselves into a festive fundraising challenge to support charities close to their hearts. The Dogs Trust slogan, “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”, may be nearly 50 years old, but Peter Wright is determined to make a real difference this year. He and Julian Norton each lead rival teams in a series of sponsored events packed with fun and festive spirit. The Yorkshire Vet at Christmas will air on 22nd December at 8pm. 37. A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower Mark Gatiss returns with another Ghost Story for Christmas, this time being led by Dame Joanna Lumley and Tobias Menzies. Marking Gatiss's eighth Christmas story for the BBC, this one is set in the inter-war years and sees Roger Winstanley being haunted by an unsettling, recurring dream for the past 15 years. The dream itself involves an invitation to spend the night in the house of an acquaintance, where an unseen terror lurks and the figures who populate the dream seem to age in real time. However, as per the synopsis: "Nightmare and waking life seem to finally collide when an invitation to the dreaded room in the tower becomes all too real…" A Ghost Story for Christmas: The Room in the Tower will air on BBC Two and iPlayer on Christmas Eve at 10pm. 38. Sister Boniface Christmas special <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/09/Sister-Boniface-Mysteries-season-4-c974a8a.jpg" width="2855" height="1903" alt="Ruth Felix Livingstone, Sister Boniface, DI Sam Gillespie and WPC Peggy Button in a grassy green with a church and blue sky in the background all looking at the camera, as Sister Boniface holds out a magnifying glass." title="Sister Boniface Mysteries season 4" /> Lorna Watson returns as Sister Boniface for another Christmas special set to be full of mystery, intrigue but also heartwarming moments. While plot details are currently under wraps, we can expect the kind of cosy crime plot that will leave us feeling all warm inside for the season. Last year's episode was centred around a fittingly festive panto but we'll just have to wait and see what Sister Boniface and her team are set to face. Sister Boniface Christmas special will air on BBC One and iPlayer. 39. Mrs Brown's Boys Christmas and New Year specials Brendan O'Carroll reprises his leading role for two Mrs Brown's Boys specials set to air across Christmas and New Year's. The first, Mammy's Bottles, sees Mrs Brown "rediscover the meaning of family as she gathers those closest to her together for a Christmas photo. Buster unveils another of his signature Christmas trees with maximum impact and Cathy frets about what presents to buy everyone". As for the New Year episode, Stormin' Mammy, "tensions are high as Agnes and the gang prepare for an incoming storm. Buster’s flying high as he nervously awaits his birthday parachute jump. Winnie receives a shock to the system and a lost Nun looks for help". Mrs Brown's Boys will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 10:15pm on Christmas Day and 10:05pm on New Year's Day. 40. Shedites <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/12/shedites-cf82623.jpg" width="4214" height="2809" alt="Shane Casey as Paul, Brendan O'Carroll as Jimmy, Deidre O'Kane as Councillor Orla, Alan Wilson as Postman Padraig, Danny O'Carroll as Cheesy, Phil Davis as Harry, Simon Delaney as Gavin and Paddy Houlihan as Paddy the Liar all crowded round a laptop and wooden desk, looking surprised." title="545616,TITLE:Shedites" /> Also from the Mrs Brown's Boys team, Shedites is a new half-hour comedy that is set in and around the men’s shed in a village in Ireland. The synopsis reads: "It’s a place where men make themselves useful building and repairing things, and along the way find company through unlikely friendships, a sense of purpose, and a mug of strong tea. For many, the men’s sheds offer a new lease of life, and the Rathbowen shed is no exception." Shedites will air on BBC One and iPlayer on New Year's Day at 10:35pm. 41. The Traitors season 4 After the monumental success of The Celebrity Traitors that only just finished airing, it doesn't seem as though the gap between Traitors action is all that bad any longer. Still, nothing quite beats seeing a raft of civilians trying to suss out who is a Traitor or Faithful in the fittingly moody castle setting, with Claudia Winkleman providing plenty of meme-able moments in due course, we're sure. The Traitors season 4 will premiere on New Year's Day on BBC One and iPlayer at 9:05pm. 42. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year What's better than lounging on the sofa after Christmas, with your hand in a chocolate selection box and angrily answering some general knowledge questions relating to the rollercoaster of the year we've all had? Nothing really – so it's a good thing that Big Fat Quiz of the Year is returning for another edition. This time, host Jimmy Carr is joined by Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Roisin Conaty and Lou Sanders. The Big Fat Quiz of the Year will air on Channel 4. 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.
Sean Combs: The Reckoning on Netflix - where is Sean 'Diddy' Combs now?
The streaming service has just released a documentary about the disgraced music mogul.
Sean Combs: The Reckoning has finally been released on Netflix, after almost a year since it was announced for the streamer. The four-part docuseries examines the disgraced music mogul, and his rise to fame and subsequent fall from grace. Combs's spokesperson has criticised the new documentary, saying in a statement: "Netflix is plainly desperate to sensationalise every minute of Mr Combs's life, without regard for truth, in order to capitalise on a never-ending media frenzy. "If Netflix cared about truth or about Mr Combs's legal rights, it would not be ripping private footage out of context – including conversations with his lawyers that were never intended for public viewing. No rights in that material were ever transferred to Netflix or any third party." However, director Alexandria Stapleton has insisted to The Hollywood Reporter that "the footage was obtained completely legally", also telling Tudum of the footage: "It came to us, we obtained the footage legally and have the necessary rights. "We moved heaven and earth to keep the filmmaker’s identity confidential. One thing about Sean Combs is that he’s always filming himself, and it’s been an obsession throughout the decades. "We also reached out to Sean Combs’s legal team for an interview and comment multiple times, but did not hear back." Each episode focuses on a different part of Combs's life, with the first detailing his origins and becoming 'Puff Daddy'. The subsequent episodes dive into his rivalry with Death Row Records, the death of The Notorious B.I.G. and Combs's 2024 arrest and high-profile trial. But what was the outcome of that trial and, with Combs not featuring in an interview for the documentary, where is he now? Read on for more information. Where is Sean 'Diddy' Combs now? In October, Sean Combs was sentenced to four years and two months in prison after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act. He was acquitted of the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Before Judge Arun Subramanian delivered his sentence, Combs apologised to his victims, specifically Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and Jane, the latter of whom testified under a pseudonym. "My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick," he said. "I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego." He is currently serving the sentence in New Jersey and is set for release in May 2028. Sean Combs: The Reckoning is available to watch on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Documentaries 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.
Friends and The Big Bang Theory set to leave Netflix UK – and it's happening very soon
Fans will only have a matter of days to watch the series on the streamer...
Beloved sitcoms Friends and The Big Bang Theory will be leaving Netflix in the UK this month. Both series have been a mainstay of the streamer’s catalogue for years, but fans will only have a matter of days to binge-watch all seasons. The shows will be leaving the streamer due to the expiration of licensing agreements. After arriving in 2018, all 10 seasons of Friends are scheduled to leave Netflix UK on 30th December. The Big Bang Theory, which was first added to the streamer in February 2016 with subsequent seasons released annually until the show ended in 2019, will also be taken down from the platform that day. Friends, which ran between 1994 and 2004, followed six friends in their 20s and early 30s living in Manhattan, New York City. The show starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc and the late Matthew Perry. The Big Bang Theory ran between 2007 and 2019 and starred Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch. The series followed the lives of four socially-awkward scientists, and their neighbour, as they navigated their careers and love lives – or lack thereof. Over the years, both shows won numerous awards and became two of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Both series maintained cult followings well after their series finales. The Big Bang Theory might have come to an end back in 2019, but the show's success has already spawned two spin-offs: Young Sheldon and Georgy & Mandy's First Marriage. Read more: More Peter Kay tickets live now as 11 new 2026 tour dates added Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne confirms reunion with Catherine Tate for exciting new project And a third is on the way in the form of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, production on which began in September. The spin-off will see Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie reprise their roles as Stuart, Denise, Bert and Barry, respectively. Friends and The Big Bang Theory are now streaming on Netflix. Check out more of our Comedy 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.
Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained: What happened to Will and who does [spoiler] have prisoner?
Your ultimate breakdown of every twist and turn in Stranger Things season 5 volume 1. Buckle in and beware of spoilers.
*Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 episodes 1-4.* The wait is officially over, and Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is here – with a jaw-dropping ending that has left fans desperate for the next instalment. The final battle has begun, with Vecna/Henry (Jamie Campbell Bower) targeting the children of Hawkins, starting with Holly Wheeler (Nell Fisher), and the gang desperately attempting to stop him for good. Meanwhile, Linda Hamilton's Dr Kay has been holding a very important person from Eleven's (Millie Bobby Brown) past prisoner, with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) having some incredible powers to stop the Demogorgons from massacring his friends. So, as we embark on the wait for the new episodes and the highly anticipated finale, here's the ending to Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 broken down. Alternatively, delve into the show's epic soundtrack, or revisit everything you need to know from season 4. Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 ending explained with full spoilers What happened to Will Byers and how did he stop the Demogorgons? The final scene of episode 4 shows Will using his connection to Vecna to stop the Demogorgons in their tracks and prevent them from killing his friends, leaning on happy memories with his loved ones Intriguingly, the final shot of the episode shows Will's nose bleeding in the same way that Eleven's does when she uses her powers, indicating that he's adopted some similar powers to her. Will we see Will and Eleven defeat Vecna together? Stranger things have happened... The final scenes of episode 4 show Will, Joyce and co's mission to rescue the targeted children thwarted, as they face up to not only the military, but also a swarm of Demogorgons and, eventually, Vecna himself. As the Demogorgons raise hell, Vecna paralyses Will and taunts him, telling him he was easy to break. But this time, Will is able to fight back. The first scene of episode 1 made it clear that Will and Vecna have been connected since his disappearance in season 1. Throughout season 5, Will has also felt a connection to the Demogorgons, literally seeing through their eyes and even feeling their emotions. By the end of episode 4, and with Robin's (Maya Hawke) help, Will has strengthened that connection to the point that he can actually control them. Clearly, Will's journey to accepting himself and the strengthening of his powers is linked. So far, season 4 has seen him and Robin bond over feeling like outsiders, with the pair of them both having struggled with their sexualities (although that remains unspoken on Will's side of things). As Will prepares to fight back against Vecna and the Demogorgons, a montage of his happiest childhood memories plays out, over Robin telling him that he's had the answers all along – and that's when he manages to stop the Demogorgons. Perhaps Will's growing confidence, which may lead to the strengthening of his powers, is the key to defeating Vecna for good. Indeed, Ross Duffer told Tudum: “One of the earliest ideas in [Season 5] is, ‘What if Will were able to harness this connection and use it against our villains?’ "We also felt it very natural to re-center the story on Will. He was the kid who was taken in Season 1, so it felt right for the story to come full circle. If anyone [was] going to be the key to ending Vecna, it needed to be Will.” Either way, Will's new powers have huge implications for the rest of the season. If Will can stop the Demogorgons, he might just be able to eliminate one of the biggest threats to the people of Hawkins. And if he can actually control them? He can use them against Vecna, forcing the foot soldiers to turn against their master, and hopefully ridding Hawkins of the villain for good. Who is Kali – AKA Eight – and why is Dr Kay holding her prisoner? It's revealed that Dr Kay is holding Kali, AKA Eight, prisoner in the Upside Down, and seems to be using her to create the Kryptonite that stops Eleven from being able to use her powers. Dr Kay is woefully ill-informed about the events in Hawkins, believing that Eleven has taken Holly and the other missing children. She seems to believe that if she tracks down Eleven, she'll find the missing children. Kali (played by Linnea Berthelsen) was introduced way back in season 2, and is another of the children experimented on as test subjects at Hawkins Lab. Like Eleven, she developed powers – but Kali's are psychic rather than telekinetic, allowing her to warp the perception of others. Following her escape from Hawkins Lab, Kali sought revenge on those who had hurt her. When Eleven tracked her down in Pennsylvania, she was living as part of a gang that would punish people from their pasts for wronging them. Eleven eventually had to leave Kali and her gang to return home to help her friends, but Kali played a key part in Eleven's journey, teaching her about the importance of her emotions in harnessing her powers. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2025/11/wvpublicitypostlaunchstill26.000001-5abd8fb-e1764675810617.jpg" width="5573" height="3720" alt="Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven and Linnea Berthelsen as Kali in Stranger Things season 2. Eleven is holding her arm out to use her powers as Kali looks on, egging her on" title="Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven and Linnea Berthelsen as Kali in Stranger Things season 2" /> During their siege on the military facility in the Upside Down while looking for Vecna, Eleven and Hopper find Kali. It's unclear how Dr Kay got her hands on Kali, or what exactly she's done to her, but it seems that Eleven and Hopper (David Harbour) are about to rescue her – if they can escape from the facility alive, that is. What happened to Max Mayfield, and is she alive? Yes, Max is still alive and exists simultaneously in a coma in Hawkins General and in a prison of Vecna's/Henry's memories. She appears to Holly at the end of episode 3 and, in episode 4, explains exactly what's happened to her. She says that she should be dead, and, for a moment she was. Then, she felt something calling to her and woke up in Vecna's memories, including seeing his experiences at high school (which links season 5 to the play The First Shadow) - and even witnessing the moment he "cursed" her. However, she still has a connection to the outside world, as she's able to hear the music that Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin) plays her in the hospital when he comes to visit – a callback to the iconic Kate Bush moment in season 4 – and even feels his hand on hers as she gets close to escaping. Tragically, she is almost able to escape Vecna's prison, with the music leading her to a gateway back to the outside world – before the music suddenly cuts off and the gateway closes. Soon afterwards, Vecna finds her, chasing her through his memories, until she reaches a cave that he seems terrified of and won't step foot in, leading her to build a home for herself there. While she had given up on finding a way to escape, Holly's arrival has spurred her on to create a new plan. For now, Holly needs to return to the Creel house to bide her time and convince him that nothing is out of the ordinary. Why is Vecna/Henry afraid of the cave? This isn't explained in the show, but is in the Stranger Things play The First Shadow – so beware, spoilers for it below! When Henry was a child, he grew up near those caves in Nevada, and close to a military base that experimented on objects inside the caves, trying to make them invisible. One day, Henry entered the cave and found some technology that sent him to Dimension X (the original Upside Down) for 12 hours. While he managed to escape, he was left terrified of the caves and refuses to enter them. While Max isn't yet aware of this, she's already using it to her advantage. What does Vecna want with Holly and the Hawkins children? Vecna says he has targeted the children of Hawkins to reshape the world, due to the weakness of their bodies and minds, making them easy to control – "the perfect vessels". He taunts Will, telling him that he was the first pawn in his plan and that he broke "so easily". It's unclear why Vecna started with Holly – perhaps due to her proximity to Will, being Mike's (Finn Wolfhard) younger sister. However, evidently his plan doesn't end with her, as he also targets multiple other children, including Derek Turnbow (Jake Connelly) who helps the gang to fight back. Unfortunately, the military have figured out the pattern of kids going missing, rounding up the children and holding them at the MAC-Z – however, the gang work that to their advantage, sending Derek right into the heart of their operations and planning to tunnel underneath to rescue the children that Vecna has targeted – a la The Great Escape. Meanwhile, Nancy (Natalia Dyer), Jonathan (Charlie Heaton), Steve (Joe Keery), and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) are tracking a Demogorgon through the Upside Down, hoping it will lead them to Vecna, and therefore Holly – although they might be needed in aiding with Eleven and Hopper's escape from the military facility. One major flaw in Vecna's plan is that he's clearly underestimated the children of Hawkins, as well as Will. As shown throughout the four episodes in volume 1, Will has learnt a lot more about his connection to Vecna, and is now on the front foot as he learns to fight back. The younger children are also clearly keen to fight back, with Derek showing a huge amount of courage by marching into the MAC-Z and feeding information to our gang of heroes, convincing the other children to subtly escape through the tunnel created by Joyce (Winona Ryder), Will and co. Perhaps that will be Vecna's fatal flaw, and what will ultimately lead to his downfall. To know for sure, though, we're going to have to wait patiently for volume 2, but actor Campbell Bower has given us a hint of what to expect. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, he said: "I feel like there's unfinished business between [Vecna] and Will. And so whilst I can't give anything away as to how that might be used, I am certainly looking forward to people experiencing it." He added: "As a fan, I'm really, really, really happy and in love with how this ends. It's really beautiful, and it's a very fitting end to a show that we all know and love." Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is available on Netflix now. Further episodes follow on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin TV. Add Stranger Things 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.
Stranger Things season 5 release schedule and runtimes: When are new episodes out?
With Stranger Things season 5 finally upon us, fans are not so patiently waiting for volume 2 to drop later this month. After 3 years, we've finally welcomed our heroes back onto our screens, with Netflix offering up four new episodes – complete with a jaw-dropping final scene. As we suspected from the first five minutes (which were made available by Netflix before release date), Noah Schnapp's Will Byers comes into his own in season 5, while volume 1 also gave us quite the unexpected character return. New characters are also introduced, from Linda Hamilton's Dr Kay to Jake Connelly's Derek Turnbow, while Nell Fisher stuns in her role as Holly Wheeler. Much of the speculation before the show's release centred on the episode runtimes – and we haven't been left disappointed, as the first four episodes are absolutely monumental in length. So, how long are each of the episodes and when can we expect more? Read on for everything you need to know about the Stranger Things season 5's episode runtimes, as well as the full release schedule and episode titles. Want more from Stranger Things? Check out our review on season 5, or delve into the epic soundtrack that we'll be bopping along to for weeks. Stranger Things season 5 episode runtimes The Duffer Brothers revealed the runtimes for episodes 1-4 before release. There are some runtimes being reported for volume 2, but they're unconfirmed - so take them with a pinch of salt. Here's what we're looking at so far: Volume 1 Chapter One: The Crawl - 1 hour and 8 minutes Chapter Two: The Vanishing of Holly Wheeler - 54 minutes Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap - 1 hour and 6 minutes Chapter Four: Sorcerer - 1 hour and 23 minutes Volume 2 Chapter Five: Shock Jock - reportedly 1 hour and 17 minutes Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz - reportedly 58 minutes Chapter Seven: The Bridge - reportedly one hour and 37 minutes The finale Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up - about two hours Stranger Things season 5 release schedule Stranger Things season 5 will be released in three parts. Volume 1 is out now and was released on 26th November (27th November in the UK), Volume 2 will arrive on 25th December (26th December in the UK due to time differences) and the finale will be here on 31st December (1st January in the UK due to time differences). That means the release schedule is as follows: Volume 1 Chapter One: The Crawl - 26th November (27th November in the UK) - out now Chapter Two: The Vanishing of... - 26th November (27th November in the UK) - out now Chapter Three: The Turnbow Trap - 26th November (27th November in the UK) - out now Chapter Four: Sorcerer - 26th November (27th November in the UK) - out now Volume 2 Chapter Five: Shock Jock - 25th December (26th December in the UK) Chapter Six: Escape from Camazotz - 25th December (26th December in the UK) Chapter Seven: The Bridge - 25th December (26th December in the UK) The finale Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up - 31st December (1st January in the UK) Stranger Things season 5 release time Usually, Netflix releases arrive at 8am UK time, but Stranger Things season 5 will buck this trend, with episodes dropping at 1am GMT. Here's what time that works out to some time zones around the world: 2am CET (Central Europe) 10am JST (Japan) 5pm PST (United States) 8pm EST (United States) 12pm AEDT (Australia) Netflix also has a comprehensive list of when the episodes will be released depending on which country you're in. What will happen in Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 and the finale? While the Duffer Brothers have kept tight-lipped about what to expect from the next episodes, including who might meet their demise. However, recently speaking to RadioTimes.com, the pair did offer up a clue about how things are going to end. Matt Duffer explained: "There's a sense of inevitability. When you're looking at shows that don't work, or the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." We're also going to see a lot more of Vecna's memories, with the Duffer Brothers calling that thread their new "Russia storyline" (indicating that a fair amount of time is going to be spent with our big bad). Meanwhile, the pair also teased that season 2 might not be as bloody as some have come to expect. Asked whether season 2 will get "bloodier", Matt Duffer told Variety: "I’ve said this before: The show is not Game of Thrones. I’m hoping it surprises people. But there’s no Red Wedding, if that’s what you’re asking. That would be depressing." Stranger Thing season 5 volume 2 premieres on 26th December 2025. Add Stranger Things 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.
Peter Kay reveals Netflix wanted Phoenix Nights on streaming service and why he turned them down
There was one condition that Kay couldn’t accept.
Peter Kay has claimed he turned down a Netflix offer for Phoenix Nights because there was one condition that he couldn’t accept. The comedian and TV writer co-created and starred in the 2000s comedy, which followed the highs and lows of the staff and customers at the fictional titular working men’s social club, and soon garnered a cult following. But the series reflected various attitudes and tropes of the late 1990s and early 2000s. And speaking recently on Capital Breakfast, Kay said that Netflix wanted to include a trigger warning making people aware of this at the start of every episode. "They got in touch with me last year, they wanted to put Phoenix Nights on Netflix. They rang me up and said, 'Can we license some of your shows to put on Netflix?'" he shared. "I said 'Oh'. Anyway, they sent me a load of paperwork. Basically, it’s not very politically correct now. This was made in a [different] time, do you know what I mean? "I just said I’m not keen on that, I don’t really want a warning before it. "So I just said, 'No I'll leave it'. Anyway they sent me an airfryer. I think that was trying to sweeten me." Read more: More Peter Kay tickets live now as 11 new 2026 tour dates added Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne confirms reunion with Catherine Tate for exciting new project RadioTimes.com has reached out to Netflix for any comment. Elsewhere in the interview, Kay said he is thinking of adapting Phoenix Nights into a film. He said: "I’m waiting for the de-aging process to come into fruition. Because the storyline involves a lot of flashbacks to the past, and I don’t want to be using really bad make-up to make people look young." Check out more of our Comedy 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.
P Diddy documentary on Netflix - When is Sean Combs: The Reckoning released?
The series will be released on Netflix soon.
Over a year since it was first announced, Netflix’s documentary focusing on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs will be released on the streamer tomorrow. Executive produced by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, the four-part documentary has been described as a "staggering examination of the media mogul, music legend and convicted offender". Netflix hadn't previously responded to speculation that it was involved in the documentary, after Jackson had said the streamer won "the bidding war". Read on to learn more about the documentary and when viewers can tune in. When is Sean Combs: The Reckoning on Netflix? All four episodes will be released on Tuesday 2nd December on Netflix. What is Sean Combs: The Reckoning about? As per Netflix, the documentary will tell the story "of a powerful, enterprising man and the gilded empire he built – and the underworld that lay just beneath its surface". The full synopsis reads: "Born with an insatiable drive for stardom and a knack for spotting talent, Combs made a quick ascent through the ranks of the music industry with Bad Boy Entertainment and was crucial in bringing hip-hop to the pop masses and launching the careers of dozens of generation-defining artists like The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and Danity Kane. "But along the way, and as detailed by his former associates, childhood friends, artists, and employees, something darker began to colour his ambitions. Through explosive, never-before-seen materials, including exclusive interviews with those formerly in his orbit, this documentary tells the story of a powerful, enterprising man and the gilded empire he built – and the underworld that lay just beneath its surface." In October, Sean Combs was sentenced to over four years in prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges involved two of his ex-girlfriends. Before Judge Arun Subramanian delivered his sentence, Combs apologised to his victims, specifically Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura and Jane, the latter of whom testified under a pseudonym. "My actions were disgusting, shameful and sick," he said. "I got lost in excess, I got lost in my ego." Is there a trailer for Sean Combs: The Reckoning? Yes. Netflix has released the trailer for the documentary, just hours before it is due to be released on the streamer. You can watch the fill trailer below. View oEmbed on the source website Sean Combs: The Reckoning will be available to watch on Tuesday 2nd December on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Documentaries 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.
Harlan Coben's new Netflix thriller starring Gavin & Stacey icon releases chilling first look trailer
It's almost that time of year for another Harlan Coben thriller to binge-watch.
It's almost become streaming tradition now that upon the dawn of a new year also means we get a brand new Harlan Coben thriller to get obsessed with. This time round, we have Run Away – and at long last, we have a trailer for the gripping new series. Released today, the trailer not only gives us a glimpse at the leading cast of Run Away but also gives us a window into the drama to come. As we see in the trailer, things were pretty much picture perfect for Simon (James Nesbitt) and his close-knit family. The trailer kicks off as they drop off their daughter Paige (Ellie de Lange) to university, with Simon being the typically embarrassing father and Minnie Driver starring as Paige's mother Ingrid, excitedly taking pictures of her daughter as they embark on this new chapter of her life. However, as we soon see, things don't quite go as expected as we get brief snapshots of what's to come: Paige trying to push past her father to leave the house, lots of shouting and the police getting involved. We're then introduced to Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones in the role of private investigator Elena Ravenscroft, who attends a crime scene and reveals she's working alongside the police on a case. That's when we realise the crossover between the two lead characters, as Elena seems intent on finding Paige for her case, something that Simon obviously can't really help her with as he doesn't know the whereabouts of his daughter. You can watch the trailer for yourself below. View oEmbed on the source website As the chilling trailer reveals, it's quite a convoluted web of secrets and crime, as Paige's boyfriend is soon found dead, with Simon intent on still finding his daughter. As well as first looks at Nesbitt and Jones in their leading roles, the trailer also gives us glimpses into the character of Detective Isaac Fagbenle, who is played by Alfred Enoch, and also Jon Pointing (Big Boys). The official synopsis for the series reads: "Simon (Nesbitt) had the perfect life: loving wife and kids, great job, beautiful home. But then his eldest daughter Paige ran away and everything fell apart. "So now when he finds her, vulnerable and strung out on drugs in a city park, he finally has the chance to bring his little girl home. But it turns out she’s not alone, and an argument escalates into shocking violence. "In the aftermath, Simon loses his daughter all over again, and his search to find her will take him into a dangerous underworld, revealing deep secrets that could tear his family apart forever." The rest of the Run Away cast includes Gangs of London alum Lucian Msamati, Tracy Ann-Oberman (Code 404), Annette Badland (Ted Lasso), Finty Williams (The A List), Joe McGann (Kaos) and Ingrid Oliver (Sweetpea), as well as Adrian Greensmith (of Coben's Prime Video series Shelter), Ellie Henry (Hollyoaks), Maeve Courtier-Lilley (Silent Witness) and Amy Gledhill (Alma's Not Normal). Run Away is coming to Netflix on 1st January 2026. 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.
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. Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies. Here are all the best series on Apple TV and best Apple TV movies. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
New on Netflix UK December 2025: All the upcoming shows and films
It's another busy month for the streaming service.
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and as we head into December, Netflix has a whole host of presents set to be released to its subscribers. There are star-studded films such as Jay Kelly, Wake Up Dead Man and Goodbye June on the way, as well as hit returning series including Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft and Emily in Paris, back for new runs. Meanwhile, those looking for laughs this festive season can look forward to Rowan Atkinson's return as Trevor Bingley in Man vs Baby, and for Ricky Gervais's latest stand-up special, Mortality, which is arriving at the end of the year. Last but not least, after volume 1 left things on a monumental cliffhanger, Stranger Things season 5 is back for volume 2 this month - before the finale arrives on 1st January 2026. In the meantime, scroll on to find out more about what's coming to Netflix in December 2025. New on Netflix UK in December Monday 1st December All the Empty Rooms (2025) – Short documentary film will sees journalist Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp travel across the US to memorialise the bedrooms of children lost to school shootings. Beyond the Mask (2015) – Action-adventure film set during the American Revolution and starring John Rhys-Davies. Cocomelon Lane season 6 – Sixth run of the animated children's series. Love Is Blind: Italy season 1 – New Italian version of the hit reality dating series. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) – Romantic thriller film directed by Rose Glass and starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. My Next Guest With David Letterman and Adam Sandler (2025) – Letterman interviews actor Adam Sandler for this new instalment of his talk show format. Rob Delaney: Jackie (2020) – Stand-up comedy special from Rob Delaney. Talamasca: The Secret Order season 1 – New series in the Immortal Universe of shows based on Anne Rice's books, this one starring Celine Buckens and Elizabeth McGovern amongst others. Taskmaster season 18 – 2024 season of the hit Channel 4 comedy competition show, with the line-up including Andy Zaltzman, Babatunde Aléshé, Emma Sidi, Jack Dee and Rosie Jones. Troll 2 (2025) – Norwiegan film and sequel to the 2022 monster film Troll. WWE Survivor Series (2025) – Return of the annual WWE event. Tuesday 2nd December A Big LEGO Christmas (2016) – Documentary film about the opening of a LEGO store in London at Christmas. Inside LEGO at Christmas (2020) – Documentary showing the staff at LEGO preparing for Christmas. Matt Rife Unwrapped: A Christmas Crowdwork Special (2025) – Stand-up comedy special from Matt Rife. Sean Comb: The Reckoning (2025) – Documentary about rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs who was jailed earlier this year, produced by 50 Cent. Wednesday 3rd December The Good Karma Hospital seasons 1-4 – All seasons of the ITV medical drama set in India, starring Amanda Redman, Amrita Acharia and Neil Morrissey. My Secret Santa (2025) – Romantic comedy Christmas film about a desperate single mother who disguises herself as an elderly man to get hired as a ski resort's Santa Claus. With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration (2025) – Christmas special of the reality series hosted by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Thursday 4th December The Abandons season 1 – Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson lead the cast of this new Western series, as two matriarchs of warring families in the 1800s. The Believers season 2 – Second season of the Thai crime drama. Catch Me If You Can (2002) – Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks lead the cast of this acclaimed caper, based on a true story, directed by Steven Spielberg. I Wish You Had Told Me (2025) – Filipino drama film about a young missionary who travels from the Philippines to Spain to meet his late father's forbidden love. Lali: Time to Step Up (2025) – Argentinian music documentary about pop star Lali. Friday 5th December Call Me Dad (2025) – Emotional Indonesian drama film. Jay Kelly (2025) – George Clooney and Adam Sandler star in this comedy-drama about a Hollywood star and his manager, directed by Noah Baumbach. Love and Wine (2025) – South African romantic comedy film. The New Yorker at 100 (2025) – Retrospective documentary about The New Yorker as the publication marks its 100th anniversary. Owning Manhattan season 2 – New season of the reality show about high end property realtors. The Price of Confession season 1 – Korean thriller series about a woman who is accused of killing her husband, but is offered a way out by a mysterious stranger if she commits a different murder. Stephen (2025) – Indian Tamil-language crime thriller film. Sicily Express – Italian Christmas comedy series. Saturday 6th December The Night My Dad Saved Christmas 2 (2025) – Spanish Christmas comedy film and sequel to the 2023 film. Monday 8th December Elmo & Mark Rober’s Merry Christmas (2025) – Children's Christmas special in which Elmo and the Sesame Street gang team up with former NASA engineer turned YouTuber Mark Rober. Murder By Medic season 1 – British crime docuseries about medical practitioners who have committed murders. Tuesday 9th December Badly in Love season 1 – Japanese reality dating series. Masaka Kids: a Rhythm Within (2025) – Short documentary about children at a Ugandan orphanage who make viral dance videos. Wednesday 10th December The Accident season 2 – Second season of the Mexican thriller series. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) – Beloved comedy film about a TV news anchorman, starring Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd and David Koechner. Thursday 11th December The Fakenapping (2025) – Saudi comedy film. Had I Not Seen the Sun part 2 – New batch of episodes from the Taiwanese coming-of-age romantic thriller series. Lost in the Spotlight (2025) – Indonesians comedy film. Man vs Baby – Rowan Atkinson reprises his role as Trevor Bingley from Man vs Bee, in this series which finds him left with an abandoned baby while also house sitting at a luxury apartment. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft season 2 – New season of the animated Tomb Raider series featuring the voice of Hayley Atwell. Friday 12th December City of Shadows season 1 – Spanish crime mystery series. Home for Christmas season 3 – Third season of the festive Norweigan romantic comedy series. Single Papa season 1 – Indian Hindi-language Series comedy drama series. Wake Up Dead Man (2025) – Daniel Craig returns as Benoit Blanc for this third instalment in Rian Johnson's Knives Out murder mystery film franchise. Monday 15th December The Creature Cases chapter 6 – Sixth season of the animated children's series. Tuesday 16th December Culinary Class Wars season 2 – New season of the South Korean cooking competition show. Wednesday 17th December Murder in Monaco (2025) – Documentary about the murder of billionaire banker Edmond Safra in 1999. Thursday 18th December 10Dance (2025) – Japanese romantic drama film about dancers. Emily in Paris season 5 – Lily Collins returns for this new season of the romance series as the titular Emily, who this time is headed to Rom to set up an Italian office for the agency. Friday 19th December A Time For Bravery (2025) – Mexican action comedy film. Breakdown: 1975 (2025) – Documentary about the era of groundbreaking American movies that were inspired by an era of social and political upheaval, beginning in 1975. The Great Flood (2025) – Korean sci-fi film. Saturday 20th December Jake vs Joshua (2025) – Live heavyweight boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua. Record of Ragnarok season 3 – Third season of the Japanese anime series. Monday 22nd December Elway (2025) – Documentary film about American football legend John Elway. Tuesday 23rd December King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch season 3 – Third season of the reality series following Ken Goldin and his team who run a leading auction house. Wednesday 24th December Goodbye June (2025) – Emotional Christmas drama film directed by and starring Kate Winslet, alongside Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall and Helen Mirren. Tom Segura: Teacher (2025) – Stand-up comedy special from Tom Segura. Thursday 25th December Christmas Gameday: Cowboys vs Commanders (2025) – Live Christmas NFL game, with the Dallas Cowboys facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs. Christmas Gameday: Lions vs Vikings (2025) – Live Christmas NFL game, with the Detroit Lions facing off against the Minnesota Vikings. Friday 26th December Cover Up (2025) – Documentary film about investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 – The hit sci-fi series returns for three more episodes from its final season, with the party's battle against Vecna intensifying. Tuesday 30th December Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story (2025) - True crime documentary about the case of Utah therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Ricky Gervais: Mortality (2025) – New stand-up comedy special from Ricky Gervais. Read more: What to watch on TV this week Best films to watch on TV today, tonight and this week New on Disney Plus UK December 2025 – every new film and show this month Best movies to watch on Netflix right now Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out our Streaming Guide for more recommendations on what to watch, or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Why was Holly Wheeler recast in Stranger Things season 5? Nell Fisher character explained
The youngest member of the Wheeler family is finally getting her time to shine.
Following almost 10 years of D&D campaigns, duets and a discovery of Eggo’s, the final adventure in Hawkins is upon us – and fans have not been left disappointed by the showdown in Stranger Things season 5 volume 1. With the town under military quarantine, multiple rifts opening up and Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) still looming large. the party members are going to need all the help they can get to defeat the big bad once and for all. Stranger Things has always been a close-knit family-and-friends affair, with the main party’s relatives all tangled up in the strange events. This time round, one of the youngest cast members has stepped up to the plate. Holly Wheeler, the younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard and Natalia Dyer), has entered the fray – with a new actor being welcomed to Netflix's flagship sci-fi series in the role. Here's everything we know about Holly's recasting and what part she plays in the fifth instalment. Already raced through season 5 volume 1? Check out our ending explained, or delve into the soundtrack of season 5. Why was Holly Wheeler recast in Stranger Things season 5? With Holly now older and set to play more of a substantial role – promoted from supporting cast to the main party – the Duffer Brothers have opted to recast the role, bringing in an older and more experienced actor. Holly Wheeler has been there from the start, witnessing the very fabric of Joyce Byers's (Winona Ryder) walls shift from the inter-dimensional effects of a Demogorgon searching for Will (Noah Schnapp) back in season 1. Originally played by twins Anniston and Tinsley Price since 2016, the youngest of the Wheeler children has quite literally grown up over the course of the show’s four seasons. But with season 5 of Stranger Things set in the Autumn of 1987 - approximately a year after the heartbreaking events of season 4 (miss you, Eddie Munson!) – there’s another time jump to contend with. While this shift helps age up the main characters to match the actor’s real-life ages – as the delays in production has resulted in the cast visibly maturing between seasons – the same can’t be said for the twins. This isn’t the first time a recurring family member’s screen time has been upgraded. Priah Ferguson’s brilliantly sharp and sassy Erica Sinclair, sister of Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), played a major role in seasons 3 and 4, following her debut back in season 2. Actress Fisher opened up about her role, telling RadioTimes.com of her favourite moment: "I have this amazing sequence with Cara [Buono] who plays my mum where it's like quite a lot of action. "In the trailer we saw a little sneak peek of her and I hiding underwater and there's a whole lot to follow, which was a dream to film." How old is Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things season 5? Holly Wheeler is meant to be between 9 and 10 years old in Stranger Things season 5 – but there's been a lot of back and forth about the character's age over the course of the seasons. Actress Fisher is 14, although would have been 12 for most of season 5's production schedule. Who plays Holly Wheeler in Stranger Things season 5? With a more substantial arc in the fifth outing, the Duffer Brothers have turned to Evil Dead Rise’s Nell Fisher to take on the mantle of the youngest Wheeler sibling. Her experience in the fifth film in the classic horror franchise will no doubt have played a key role in the recasting – especially with the numerous Evil Dead references woven throughout Stranger Things's four seasons. Writer Matt Duffer exclusively told Radio Times: "We were very careful not to expand the cast too much, because the cast is already so large, but I think Nell Fisher is a really exciting new talent, and she's playing Holly Wheeler, and she's just absolutely phenomenal. So we're excited to introduce her to the world." Stranger Things 5 part 2 premieres on Netflix on Christmas Day. Add Stranger Things 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.
Knives Out 3 cast - Full list of confirmed actors for Wake Up Dead Man
Benoit Blanc will soon be back on the case.
There are a few things that come as a guarantee with a new Knives Out film: an expertly scripted murder mystery that includes both jaw-dropping twists and a generous helping of humour; Daniel Craig chewing the scenery as Southern-accented detective Benoit Blanc; and, of course, an exceptional supporting cast stuffed with the best Hollywood acting talent. For the third entry in the series, writer/director Rian Johnson has once again pulled out all the stops in securing some stellar names to play the various suspects in Blanc's latest case, with an eclectic list of actors given moments to shine. The biggest role goes to Josh O'Connor, who follows on from Ana de Armas and Janelle Monae in playing the character who ends up serving as Blanc's closest confidant on the case. But there are plenty of other major stars involved too, including eight-time Oscar nominee Glenn Close, popular star of Sherlock and Fleabag Andrew Scott, and rising star Cailee Spaeny. Ahead of the release, we chatted exclusively to some of the cast, who spoke of their joy at becoming part of the series, with Kerry Wahington explaining that Craig's lead turn is "one of the most iconic performances of our time." Read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Knives Out 3, which is now showing in select cinemas ahead of its Netflix release on 12th December. Knives Out 3 cast - who stars with Daniel Craig? The confirmed cast is as follows: Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc Josh O'Connor as Rev Jud Duplenticy Glenn Close as Martha Delacroix Josh Brolin as Msgr Jefferson Wicks Mila Kunis as Geraldine Scott Jeremy Renner as Dr Nat Sharp Kerry Washington as Vera Draven, Esq Andrew Scott as Lee Ross Cailee Spaeny as Simone Vivane Daryl McCormack as Cy Draven Thomas Haden Church as Samson Holt Jeffrey Wright as Langstrom Annie Hamilton as Grace Wicks James Faulkner as Reverend Prentice Wicks Bridget Everett as Louise Noah Segan as Nikolai Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a baseball announcer (cameo) Read on for more information about the actors and where you've seen them before. Daniel Craig plays Benoit Blanc Who is Benoit Blanc? Benoit Blanc is the eccentric world-famous, Southern-accented detective who drove Rian Johnson's two previous instalments in the franchise. Fans will remember that the second film confirmed that Benoit was married to a character played by Hugh Grant. But speaking to W in 2023, Craig said he hopes his character will remain as mysterious as possible in future instalments. "Even though we've now seen a bit of his home life, I do hope that Benoit remains something of a mystery," he said. "I like that he arrives from some glamorous place and then disappears to another glamorous place, only to reappear again. He has a dream life." Where have I seen Daniel Craig before? The actor remains best known for his role as James Bond in five films. He has also appeared in films such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Golden Compass, Layer Cake, Enduring Love and Queer. Josh O’Connor plays Rev Jud Duplenticy Who is Rev Jud Duplenticy? A young priest and former pro boxer, Jud is sent to a smaller parish as punishment for an incident which saw him punching a deacon – and soon finds himself a murder suspect. Where have I seen Josh O’Connor before? After previously starring in The Durrells, O'Connor rocketed to superstardom thanks to his role as the young Prince Charles in The Crown. He went on to star in films including Emma., starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Sky Original film Aisha and the romantic drama God’s Own Country. More recently, O’Connor has starred in Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Alice Rohrwacher's La Chimera and Kelly Reichardt's The Mastermind, while he has lead roles in upcoming films from legendary directors Steven Spielberg and Joel Coen. Glenn Close plays Martha Delacroix Who is Martha Delacroix? A devout church lady who has been a parishioner since girlhood and is fiercely loyal to Monsignor Wicks. Where have I seen Glenn Close before? Close made her feature-length debut back in 1982 with The World According to Gary, before going on to star as Sarah Cooper in The Big Chill (1983) and Iris Gaines in The Natural (1984). The actress is also known for her roles in Fatal Attraction (1987), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), 101 Dalmatians (1996), Albert Hobbs (2011), The Wife (2017) and Hillbilly Elegy (2020) among many others. She also shares the record for the most acting Oscar nods without a win – having been nominated on eight occasions. Josh Brolin plays Msgr Jefferson Wicks Who is Jefferson Wicks? The a charismatic and domineering priest who has built up a small but devoted band of congregants – but who soon winds up murdered. Where have I seen Josh Brolin before? A Hollywood mainstay, Josh Brolin is best known for his roles in The Goonies, No Country For Old Men, Milk, True Grit, Vice, Everest, Sicario, and for his role as Thanos in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. More recently, he starred as Gurney Halleck in the Dune films, while his busy 2025 has also seen him star in Weapons and The Running Man. Mila Kunis plays Geraldine Scott Who is Geraldine Scott? The local police chief who is stumped by the murder and calls for Benoit Blanc's assistance. Where have I seen Mila Kunis before? Kunis rose to fame through her role as Jackie Burkhart in That '70s Show and went on to appear in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Black Swan, Friends with Benefits, Ted, Oz the Great and Powerful, and Bad Moms. She has also voiced Meg Griffin on Family Guy since 1999. More recently, she led the cast of Luckiest Girl Alive on Netflix. Jeremy Renner plays Dr Nat Sharp Who is Nat Sharp? The recently divorced town doctor who is one of Wicks's congregants. Where have I seen Jeremy Renner before? These days, Renner is perhaps best known for his role as Clint Barton/Hawkeye in the MCU, but he has a wealth of other film credits to his name including 28 Years Later, The Hurt Locker, The Town, The Bourne Legacy, the Mission: Impossible franchise, Amercian Hustle and Arrival. Meanwhile on the small screen, he also has the lead role in Paramount+ crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown. Kerry Washington plays Vera Draven, Esq Who is Vera Draven? A tightly-wound lawyer who is another of Wicks's congregants. Where have I seen Kerry Washington before? Washington is known for her roles in ABC drama Scandal and Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, as well as films including Ray, Mr and Mrs Smith, The Last King of Scotland Django Unchained and most recently The Six Triple Eight. Andrew Scott plays Lee Ross Who is Lee Ross? A best-selling author who has left behind a more glamorous life in Hollywood and is now another of Wicks's congregants. Where have I seen Andrew Scott before? Scott is best known for his BAFTA-winning role as Moriarty in the BBC's Sherlock series, while Fleabag fans will also know him as the ‘Hot Priest’ and last year he had the title role in Netflix series Ripley. The actor has also appeared in Pride, the war film 1917, All of Us Strangers and the recently released Blue Moon. Meanwhile, Scott’s casting marks an exciting James Bond reunion, as the actor previously starred alongside Craig in Spectre. Cailee Spaeny plays Simone Vivane Who is Simone Vivane? A disabled former concert cellist who is also one of Wicks's congregants. Where have I seen Cailee Spaeny before? Spaeny previously appeared in the 2019 Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, The Basis of Sex, as well as the TV shows Devs Mare of Easttown. Recently, she's had a string of major film roles including Civil War and Alien: Romulus, while her performance as Elvis Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla, in Sofia Coppola's 2023 biopic of the same name was especially acclaimed. She will next appear in the second season of Netflix series Beef. Daryl McCormack plays Cy Draven Who is Cy Draven? Vera's adoptive son, Cy is an aspiring politician who also dabbles in online conspiracy theories. Where have I seen Daryl McCormack before? After a small role in Peaky Blinders, McCormack has had a string of impressive credits, including a BAFTA-nominated turn in Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and a major part in Apple TV+ drama Bad Sisters. Other credits include Pixie, The Lesson, The Woman in the Wall and Twisters while he will next star in Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Thomas Haden Church plays Samson Holt Who is Samson Holt? The church's groundskeeper, who is close with Martha. Where have I seen Thomas Haden Church before? After early TV work on Wings and Ned and Stacey in the 90s, Church starred in a number of prominent films inckuding George of the Jungle, Sideways, Spider-Man 3 and Easy A. More recently, he's been seen on the small screen in Twisted Metal and Tires. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is now showing in UK cinemas and is coming to Netflix on 12th December. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film 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.
Wake Up Dead Man: Release date, plot news and trailer for Knives Out 3
Benoit Blanc is set to face his darkest case yet...
On a cool winter night, there are few things better than snuggling up with a great murder mystery – and so the news that the third entry in Rian Johnson's Knives Out series is upon us could hardly come at a better time. Wake Up Dead Man sees Daniel Craig reprise the role of southern sleuth Benoit Blanc, and after previously solving the murder of a renowned novelist and tackling a mysterious case on a luxury private island, we can expect things to get a little darker for his latest case. That case revolves around the death of a clergyman at a Catholic parish, but the circumstances of the killing are almost as mysterious as the identity of the culprit, and there are even some suggestions of supernatural goings on – or as Mila Kunis's police chief puts it, "Scooby-Doo s**t." Of course, the new film has a lot to live up to given the popularity of the first two entries, but reviews across the board have been extremely positive – and our own 4-star write-up even suggested that it could be the best of the bunch. It helps that, as we've come to expect from these films, Johnson has once again assembled a killer ensemble. Those who appear in the cast include Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. But which of them will be the killer? And when can audiences expect to be reunited with Blanc and his iconic Southern drawl? Read on for everything we know about Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery release date The good news for fans is that it's already possible to watch the film, at least if you live close enough to one of the cinemas where it is currently showing. As with the previous entry, the film has been given a limited theatrical run – and was released in select UK cinemas on Friday 28th November. If you can't find a showing near you, or you'd simply rather wait to watch it from your living room, then you won't need to be too patient, as the film will arrive on Netflix for streaming on Friday 12th December 2025 , just two weeks after the cinema release. Rian Johnson has previously expressed his annoyance about the limited theatrical rollout for the movie, writing that he was "frustrated" that it would not be showing on the big screen in more locations, while he previously told Business Insider: "I want this in as many theatres for as long as possible." And we would agree that the best way to watch the film is on the big screen, so if you do have the means to make it to a screening we'd recommend that as the optimum option! Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery plot – what is Benoit Blanc's latest case? Unsurprisingly, the film sees Benoit Blanc tasked with solving another puzzling mystery, and this time around he's set to face his "most dangerous case yet", according to Netflix. It concerns the murder of an intimidating Monsignor (Josh Brolin) at a small Catholic church in upstate New York, with Johnson borrowing from classic locked room mysteries including John Dickson Carr's The Hollow Man to give Blanc a seemingly "impossible" crime to solve. Meanwhile, this time around it's Josh O'Connor who plays the character who ends up serving as Blanc's confidant on the case, with the Challengers star playing a younger clergyman who initially emerges as the prime suspect of the murder. The official synopsis reads: "When young priest Jud Duplenticy is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. "Wicks’s modest-but-devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix, circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt, tightly-wound lawyer Vera Draven, Esq, aspiring politician Cy Draven, town doctor Nat Sharp, best-selling author Lee Ross and concert cellist Simone Vivane. "After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic." Of course, to divulge any further information would ruin the watching experience – but suffice to say there are lots of twists and turns in store, and perhaps a darker tone than Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery trailer If you're eager for just a little more information, you could do a lot worse than checking out the final trailer below – which gives a good idea of the film's tone. It also gives us a glimpse of some of the star-studded ensemble cast who feature as the various characters, including Mila Kunis, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott and Kerry Washington. Watch the teaser in full below: View oEmbed on the source website Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is released in cinemas on 26th November and coming to Netflix on 12th December. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film 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 5 films that influenced Vecna's chilling transformation in Stranger Things season 5 – revealed by star Jamie Campbell Bower
*Warning: Major spoilers for Stranger Things season 5 episodes 1-4 ahead.* With the arrival of Stranger Things season 5 comes the return of the villainous Vecna, played by Jamie Campbell Bower – only, this time, he's got a very different air about him. Now, Vecna is targeting the children of Hawkins, starting with Holly Wheeler (now played by new cast member Nell Fisher). It's giving major Child Catcher vibes, with Bower opening up about some of the major films that influenced him and the Duffer Brothers when creating the Vecna/Henry Creel of season 5. Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Bower teased that Vecna has "unfinished business" with Noah Schnapp's Will Byers. He added: "For this season, I think it's important for me to remember and to talk about the idea that this is a presentation. This is not Henry in real life, because there is no Henry in real life now. So this is very much like, how much of myself can I show you, and be nice with you, in order to win? "[That] is a terrifying thing to be playing as an actor, because [usually] you want to be handing over that truth as much as possible, but obviously you have to be burying that, and hopefully the person opposite you doesn't see that you're burying that as well. "Matt and Ross [Duffer] have a a huge pool of reference to pull from, and I found myself pulling from that reference as well, and I had a great time doing it." So, if you want to fully understand Vecna's chilling transformation for the final season of Stranger Things, here's every film you need to watch. If you've already raced through the season, check out our ending explained, or relive the music of the season 5 soundtrack! 1. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) Bower explained that he used both the real version of Mister Rogers, and the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, to as a reference for season 5's Henry Creel. 2019 movie A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a biographical drama, which sees Hanks star as the iconic host of the preschool TV show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. It's not hard to see how Mister Rogers influenced the actor for the early episodes of season 5, with Henry becoming a trusted figure to various children in Hawkins. 2. The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1957) Bower also revealed that he was influenced by the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which is brought to life in the 1957 musical film – among other adaptations. The legend follows a piper who, after being hired to rid the town of Hamelin of a rat infestation, instead lures all of the children away. The parallels with Henry Creel in Stranger Things season 5 are clear, as he begins to target all of the children in Hawkins, branding them "weak of body and mind", and declaring them easy to control, after using Schnapp's Will Byers as a spy. 3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) The figure of Willy Wonka, played by Gene Wilder in the 1971 musical film, and by Johnny Depp in the 2005 remake, also acted as the basis for Vecna's season 5 transformation. Again, the parallels between the maniac chocolatier and the Henry we see in season 5 are clear, with Henry luring young Holly Wheeler to his house which, at first glance, seems to be a paradise for girl of her age, full of music, new outfits, games, and presents. However, when you look beneath the surface, it soon becomes clear that it's all a facade – and there are more nefarious things really happening. 4. The Shining (1980) Bower also listed Jack Nicholson's Jack Torrance in The Shining as a big influence for Vecna/Henry in season 5. Considered one of the greatest film villains of all time, Jack slowly descends into madness thanks to the supernatural forces at play in the hotel, that take advantage of his vulnerabilities and past trauma – something that Vecna/Henry understands all too well. 5. Dark City (1998) View oEmbed on the source website The Duffer Brothers suggested Bower watch neo-noir science fiction Dark City in his preparation to return to Vecna/Henry for season 5. The film follows a man with amnesia, played by Rufus Sewell, who finds himself suspected of murder, and attempts to clear his name while on the run from the police and a mysterious group known as the Strangers. Along the way, it's revealed that the Strangers aren't quite what they seem, and are experimenting on humans – a clear parallel with Stranger Things and Vecna/Henry's backstory. Bonus influences from the Duffer Brothers The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, also revealed to RadioTimes.com that they studied various successful TV finales to ensure theirs would hit the mark with fans. "We were looking mostly at the ones that were successful," Ross Duffer explained. "There are probably more whiffs and misses than there are people that have stuck the landing, because I think it's hard when you've been running for a long time – there are so many expectations. "But we looked at Six Feet Under, which is one of the great finales that I've ever seen. We looked at Breaking Bad, we looked at Friday Night Lights, so there was definitely a handful of them that we looked and studied. Not for the plot specifically, but just like, why did that work for us and other fans of those shows?" Matt Duffer added of the Stranger Things finale: "There's a sense of inevitability. When you're looking at shows that don't work, or the endings that don't work, it is when it feels like sometimes the shows are trying too hard to surprise fans or do something different. "So we want it to feel very much in line with the show and the endings for each of the characters to feel inevitable. That's what we're striving for." Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is available on Netflix now. Further episodes follow on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin TV. 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Who is Kali AKA Eight in Stranger Things season 5?
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Stranger Things season 5 episode 4. After three years of waiting, Stranger Things season 5 is officially here, with the end of episode 4 giving us a return no one expected. The final season of the Netflix hit catches up with our heroes, including Noah Schnapp's Will Byers and Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven, and sees a time jump at the beginning of the season, with Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) having been missing for months as he plots in secret. With Eleven and adoptive father Jim Hopper (David Harbour) searching for Vecna in the Upside Down, they stumble across someone unexpected – but very familiar indeed. Here's everything you need to know about the return of Kali AKA Eight, played by Linnea Berthelsen. Alternatively, if you want more Stranger Things, check out our review of season 5 or delve into the stellar soundtrack. Who is Kali AKA Eight in Stranger Things season 5? Kali AKA Eight is another of the children experimented on in Hawkins Lab, and is like a sister to Eleven. She has psychic abilities, although never developed telekinetic powers like Eleven did. Since her escape from Hawkins Lab, she has sought vengeance on those who wronged her. Eleven and Kali would play together in the Rainbow Room at Hawkins Lab as children. Ultimately, Kali escaped, using her powers, and Eleven lost her memories of her sister when she banished One AKA Henry Creel/Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower) to the Upside Down. Years later, Eleven learned about Kali and tracked her down, and found that Kali was operating as part of a gang who punished those who had wronged them in the past. Kali was thrilled by Eleven's arrival, saying she felt complete now her sister had found her. However, during a mission to hunt down Ray Carroll (one of the workers at Hawkins Lab who had tortured Kali and Eleven), the pair had a major disagreement, with Eleven stopping Kali from killing him after seeing a photo of him with his family. Despite Kali's encouragements to stay, Eleven would then flee to find her friends, leaving Kali behind. Kali was devastated at her sister's departure, and it was safe to assume that the pair may never see each other again. However, season 5 reveals that Dr Kay (Linda Hamilton) has been holding Kali prisoner in the Upside Down and experimenting on her, seemingly to extract her powers and transform them into technology used to inhibit Eleven's powers. The pair see each other at the end of season 5 episode 4 and, with any luck, they'll find a way out of there together. View Green Video on the source website Ross Duffer told Deadline of Kali's return: "We’ve always wanted to bring her back because Linnea’s an incredible performer. We wanted to give her another chance to shine, but we talk about it every year, every season. "We didn’t want to just put her in, to put her in. We wanted her to have a real impact on the narrative and on Eleven’s journey. As we hit this final season, it felt wrong to not bring her back." The writer has also promised that Kali will fit neatly into the narrative of the upcoming episodes, adding: "As you get into the second volume, you really see how she fits into the narrative and Eleven’s journey, and she plays a really important role moving forward." Who plays Kali AKA Eight in Stranger Things season 5? Kali is played by actress Linnea Berthelsen. Outside of Stranger Things, Berthelsen has appeared in various short films and TV series, including Teenland, What Tyler Did and Devs. During an interview with Coveteur in 2017, Berthelsen opened up about that final moment between Eleven and Kali in season 2, which saw Kali gazing sadly out of a car window, left heartbroken by her sister's departure. She said at the time: "It’s really interesting because people get different things from that moment. It’s very challenging – this is something [Kali’s] never seen before. She’s never tried to feel this way. "I would guess she’s just lost and very confused. I feel like I shouldn’t explain that moment, because it’s very unique that everybody has their own interpretation." Who could have predicted she'd be back for one last adventure? Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is available on Netflix now. Further episodes follow on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. 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Daniel Craig reveals why he thinks the Knives Out films are not "whodunnits" at all
With Wake Up Dead Man now in cinemas, audiences are getting to enjoy the latest addition to Rian Johnson's series of Knives Out mysteries, starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc. This latest film, which also stars Josh O'Connor, sees Blanc investigating the murder of a charismatic priest, with a line-up of suspects played by Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. However, speaking in the upcoming issue of Radio Times magazine alongside O'Connor and Close, Craig has been quick to shut down the idea that the Knives Out films are Whodunnits – and he has explained why. In the interview, which will be included in the magazine released on Saturday 29th November, Close described the film as "Shakespearean", adding: "There’s a certain kind of order, then disorder comes in, and then it’s restored, either comically or with drama. And I love the ending of this movie. I think it will surprise people." When it was then put to Craig that perhaps audiences like whodunnits so much because they allow us to confront weighty topics while also being entertained, the actor was quick to cut in and say that "these movies are not whodunnits". "Those are the worst kind of movies," Craig said. "Yes, there is a denouement at the end, but it’s a denouement with a twist. And that’s part of its genius." Wake Up Dead Man, which will arrive on Netflix in December, is the third instalment in the franchise, and while there isn't a fourth currently in development, Johnson has said there's a good chance he will return to the series in future. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter at the BFI London Film Festival, Johnson said he would come back "as long as Daniel and I have fun doing it, and he wants to do them, as long as audiences like them, and also as long as we can keep challenging ourselves and coming up with something that’s genuinely new." The next issue of Radio Times is out on Saturday 29th November – subscribe here. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is in UK cinemas now and is coming to Netflix on 12th November. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film 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.
How to watch Wake Up Dead Man – when is Knives Out 3 on Netflix?
The third entry in Rian Johnson's popular whodunnit series gives Daniel Craig's sleuth Benoit Blanc his trickiest case yet.
With his first two Knives Out films, Rian Johnson provided hugely entertaining modern updates on the murder mystery genre, and his latest entry in the whodunnit series has seen him go three for three. Wake Up Dead Man once again sees Daniel Craig adopt a Southern drawl to play maverick detective Benoit Blanc, with the former James Bond star joined by yet another starry ensemble cast which this time includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close and Andrew Scott, among many others. The case on this occasion is perhaps his most puzzling yet, and sees him tasked with solving the seemingly impossible murder of the charismatic but rather intimidating Monsignor (Josh Brolin) at a small Catholic Parish in upstate New York. The suspects include both a younger clerygman (O'Connor) and the Monsignor's band of devoted followers, but the question is not only who done it, but how they were able to. As with the last two instalments, reviews have been overwhelmingly positive – in fact, we suggested it could even be the best yet in our 4-star review. Meanwhile, just like teh second film, Glass Onion, the new one has been produced as a Netflix original which means it will be available on the streamer shortly after its imminent theatrical debut. Read on to find out when you'll be able to watch it from the comfort of your own home. When is Wake Up Dead Man released on Netflix? The wait is almost over for a Netflix release, with the film confirmed to arrive on Netflix on Friday 12th December. That's just two weeks after the theatrical release on Friday 28th November – although there's a chance it will still be playing in some select cinemas by the time the streaming date comes around, as writer/director Rian Johnson made clear in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "It can absolutely stay in theatres after the 12/12 Netflix drop if there’s demand — it’s up to the theatres to decide," he wrote." Johnson has also expressed his annoyance that the film is receiving such a limited theatrical rollout, writing that he was "frustrated" that it would not be showing on the big screen in more locations. Still, the Netflix release just a couple of weeks before Christmas will no doubt make it a popular choice for cosy movie nights over the festive period – and it would certainly go down well Wake Up Dead Man trailer If you've not decided whether to watch the film while it's playing in cinemas or to wait for streaming, watching the trailer below might help you to make up your mind: View oEmbed on the source website Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery is released in cinemas on 26th November and coming to Netflix on 12th December. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Check out more of our Film 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.
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. We’re back to the 1980s for one last time, as the first part of the final season of blockbuster Netflix sci-fi drama Stranger Things sees the plucky kids of Hawkins, Indiana, face off with interdimensional monsters and the US military to save their home town. Expect horrifying creatures, horrifying haircuts and plenty of 20th-century nostalgia. Also on Netflix: prepare for the unfamiliar experience of booing Gillian Anderson. In The Abandons, a new drama set in the nascent United States in the 1850s, she’s ruthless landowner Constance Van Ness who’s at war with the plucky locals in the semi- lawless Northwest. Fresh to Disney+ is The Beatles Anthology, an eight-part documentary series that was first broadcast in 1995 but has been digitally refreshed for a new generation. Long-term fans will flock to the ninth episode made up of unseen footage of Paul, George and Ringo in conversation. Meanwhile, Billy Bob Thornton and Demi Moore are back in the second season of Paramount+'s Landman, the oil drama from Yellowstone, Lioness and Mayor of Kingstown creator Taylor Sheridan. Series 2 sees Thornton's Tommy Norris heading towards his breaking point, as Moore's Cami Miller takes her place at the top of M-Tex Oil, following the death of her husband Monty (Jon Hamm). Four years after Bob Odenkirk’s 2021 action movie Nobody first landed on our screens and introduced us to Hutch Mansell, a family man who gets inadvertently involved with a Russian crime boss, the sequel is now available to stream. Nobody 2 follows Hutch as he embarks on a holiday with his family to a theme park. But their peaceful adventure is soon disrupted when Hutch finds himself the target of a corrupt Sheriff (Colin Hanks) and a vicious crime boss (Sharon Stone). Elsewhere, tragedy strikes in the Pacific Northwest for Joel Edgerton’s itinerant logger and his wife (Felicity Jones) in a gorgeous and immersive Netflix period piece Train Dreams set across eight turbulent decades. Apple TV's Come See Me in the Good Light is a quietly emotional documentary about the final years in the life of the popular American poet Andrea Gibson, following a terminal cancer diagnosis. The film floats between tender fly-on- the-wall scenes and Gibson’s lovely recitations. You could also try Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho's bonkers sci-fi tale; Freakier Friday, in which Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprise their roles as mother and daughter who switch bodies; Fantastic Four: First Steps, where Vanessa Kirby is the Invisible Woman, one of the blue-suited avengers battling to defeat a new cosmic villain; and Frankenstein, a typically lavish and gory offering from director Guillermo del Toro. 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.
Stranger Things season 5 review: Is the final battle for Hawkins worth the wait?
It's the one we've all been waiting for.
This review is based on Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 (episodes 1-4). Hawkins is under military quarantine. Vecna has been missing for months. A child by the name of Jane Hopper is wanted by the powers-that-be. And, now, the final battle approaches. It's been nine years since our first visit to the Upside Down and, since then, Stranger Things has gathered a worldwide audience, becoming one of Netflix's flagship series and making superstars of every single one of its young talent. Not just that, it's also paved the way for the streaming revolution and exemplified the monumental shift in the TV landscape over the past decade. Now we've come full circle, in a season 5 that fans have been not so patiently anticipating for an entire three years. The real question is, was it worth the wait? The short answer is a resounding yes. The first episode of season 5 wisely takes the time to reacquaint us with our heroes – after all, there has been an 18-month time jump, and some things are very different. The gang of four are back together, with Noah Schnapp's Will Byers starting to have strange symptoms for the first time in months. However, something about it feels different this time. After years of having his mind invaded, he's learnt a little about what's happening to him. Now, he's on the front foot and he might just have the knowledge needed to fight back. The first five minutes of the new season, made available by Netflix before release date, prove many of us have been underestimating Will. Now it's time for him to show what he can do. After all, season 5 will see him not only facing his worst nightmares quite literally, but also coming to terms with who he is. Schnapp and the Duffer Brothers have indicated that this season will finally tackle topics including Will's sexuality, and the first episodes, at least, give the underdog of the group his time to shine in a very welcome switch-up from previous seasons. <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" /> Despite her strengthening powers, Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven is far from OK too. With the military searching for her, she's pushing herself to be superhuman – and seems on the edge of pushing it too far at all times, something adoptive father Jim Hopper (David Harbour) is desperately trying to prevent. While it's clear that their differing attitudes are causing tension between them, fans of the father-daughter duo will not be disappointed, as the pair face up to the end of the world together. As for the long-absent villain? While our heroes methodically search Hawkins inch by inch for Jamie Campbell Bower's Vecna, we get a glimpse of what he's been up to all this time. While there's only so much we can say, it soon becomes clear that Vecna hasn't just been lying in wait. He's been plotting, and his masterplan is about to come to fruition. But, if you're expecting all-out action from the very beginning, you might be a little disappointed. It takes a while for the real action to start building as, naturally, the main course is still being saved for volume 2 and the finale, which will be released on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve respectively. By the end of volume 1, we're certainly getting there – but fans are going to have to be patient. That can make the enormous first episodes feel slow. Episode 1, for instance, clocks in at a whopping 74 minutes and, by the end of it, we've only progressed fractionally in terms of plot, which can be frustrating. When the action comes, though, it's impossible to look away. We absolutely cannot give anything away about the 84-minute fourth episode (lest the Netflix snipers come for us!), but it's Stranger Things at its best, with a jaw-dropping final scene that will make the wait for Christmas Day feel like a year. Beyond the action, though, what Stranger Things still excels at is the character development, with the complex dynamics between the characters still proving just as gripping as the final battle. There's a huge ensemble here to deal with, but the Duffers handle each character with care, giving us interactions and pairings we've not yet seen in the five seasons, while still doing the long-loved relationships justice. The complications the characters face this season only serve to make those dynamics all the more interesting, whether it's parents and children struggling to understand each other's points of view, couples failing to communicate when they need it most, or friends trying to grapple with what's going on in each other's heads. Yes, the visuals are glorious (you'd hope they would be, with each episode reportedly costing between $50 million and $60 million). The storytelling is still wonderfully crafted (albeit with a touch too much self-indulgence from the Duffers when it comes to those lengthy runtimes). The soundtrack is still a blitz of '80s bangers that complement the emotional journeys of each character (as for whether Kate Bush makes her return, we'll keep you guessing). Ultimately, though, the depth of these relationships is what holds the show together and what will ground this season as the scale of the action reaches presumably spectacular new heights in the episodes to come. The Duffer Brothers have had a monumental task in wrapping up this beast of a show and giving each and every character an ending that not only makes sense, but proves satisfactory after nine years. Many showrunners have tried to wrap up stories of this scale in style, and many have failed, and which camp the Duffers ultimately fall into remains to be seen. But, if these first few episodes are anything to go by, we could be looking at a finale for the ages. It might be a bit too soon to tell for sure, but, as we've seen over the past decade, when it comes to this TV phenomenon, stranger things have happened. Stranger Things season 5 volume 1 is available on Netflix now. Further episodes follow on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin TV. Add Stranger Things 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.