50 best movies to watch on Netflix right now
Some of the best movies on Netflix right now include Catch Me If You Can, Priscilla and Train Dreams. Updated weekly.
With awards season currently ongoing, you might be racing to catch-up with all the films nominated at the upcoming Oscars – and if that's your goal, Netflix is home to several movies that will be on your watchlist. Two of the films from this year's Best Picture line-up – Frankenstein and Train Dreams – are Netflix originals, while major hit K-Pop Demon Hunters is another film that's nominated across other categories at the ceremony. Meanwhile, if you're doing more of an Oscars deep dive, there are loads of winners from previous years currently available on the platform, from Best Picture winners such as The Godfather and Silence of the Lambs to films featuring acting winners like Room and classic Coen brothers' flick Fargo. And of course, these films will be joined by a host of other big new original movies which are set to be released throughout the year, including Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man and Greta Gerwig's Narnia film. Read on for our latest picks of the best films on the streaming service right now – 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: 5th February 2026 Best movies to watch on Netflix right now Fargo (1996) While Joel and Ethan Coen have continued to make films as solo directors, it's now been eight years since the legendary brothers collaborated on a feature – 2018's Ballad of Buster Scruggs. There's still hope that the pair will eventually reunite for another movie, but while we wait, why not check out one of their very finest films, the 1996 classic Fargo. This tremendous Minnesota-set crime flick found them at the peak of their powers – mixing black comedy, a gripping plot and some extremely memorable characters, including police chief Marge Gunderson – played by an Oscar-winning Frances McDormand – and Steve Buscemi as "funny looking" kidnapper Carl Showalter. The film has since spawned a successful anthology TV show spin-off – which has run for five seasons – and although Noah Hawley's series is well worth watching it's not quite in the same league as the original snowy masterpiece. Train Dreams (2025) This Oscar-nominated drama is based on the novella of the same name by Denis Johnson, and stars Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier, a man living in early 20th century America, who helps expand the nation's railroad empire among the forests of the Pacific Northwest. When his life takes an unexpected turn, Robert finds beauty, brutality and newfound meaning for the forests and trees he has felled. Also starring Felicity Jones, this is a beautiful film both visually and thematically. It features some top notch performances and a sweeping, meditative quality. It's not exactly fast-paced or a film for viewers looking for thrills, but if you're a fan of cinema and you're looking to be moved and challenged, then you can't go far wrong. The Rip (2025) This Netflix original action thriller comes from writer/director Joe Carnahan, and re-teams best friend and long time collaborators Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in front of the camera. It follows a team of Miami cops that begins to fray when it discovers millions in cash in a derelict stash house. As outside forces learn about the seizure, they each struggle to determine just who they can trust. It may not be the best collaboration we've seen from Affleck and Damon, but it still features some tense, thrilling sequences, and with terrific supporting actors including Teyana Taylor and Steven Yeun along for the ride, the film is made up of two hours that are far from the worst way to spend your time. Ex Machina (2014) View Green Video on the source website By the time this intimate sci-fi thriller was released in 2014, Alex Garland had already long marked himself out as a serious talent in screenwriting. This film made clear that he was just as adept in the director's chair. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Oscar Isaac, Ex Machina follows a programmer who is invited to spend a week at the home of an enigmatic tech CEO, and put his latest creation, a humanoid artificial intelligence, through the Turing test, to determine its level of success. At times funny, at others creepy and at all times fascinating, this is a seriously compelling sci-fi tale which has only got more relevant as its aged. It also doesn't hurt that it features some phenomenal performances at its centre, with the game of wits between the central trio a beguiling thing to behold. Room (2015) This 2015 adaptation of Emma Donoghue's acclaimed novel was nominated for four Oscars upon its release, winning Best Actress for star Brie Larson - and it's not hard to see why. This is a small yet masterful film, which manages to not diminish the darkness of its subject matter, while also never becoming impossibly difficult to watch. A large part of the reason for this is that, like the book before it, the film filters its story, about a woman held captive and raising her son, born of her attacker, in one room, through the lens of the boy's innocence. Not only is Larson heartbreaking and utterly revelatory in her role, but Jacob Tremblay, then just seven years old, is unbelievably naturalistic and strong. It's a movie with real hope in amongst the darkness, and one any film fan shouldn't miss. Left-Handed Girl (2025) This tender family drama was perhaps one of the most under-rated films released in 2025, exploring the lives of a single mother and her two daughters as they face various upheavals after relocating to Taipei and opening a night market noodle stand. Directed by Taiwanese-American filmmaker Shih-Ching Tsou – from a script she co-wrote with Anora's Sean Baker – the film gently explores the highs and lows for each character as they adjust to their new lives. The title stems from a superstition which left-handed 5-year-old I-Jing (Nina-Ye) hears from her grandfather, who tells her that using her left hand rather than her right is the work of the devil – a detail with causes her no shortage of stress later down the line. Each of the characters are remarkably well drawn, feeling at all times like three-dimensional people with complex inner lives, meaning a dramatic revelation in the final act lands with genuine emotional heft. Meanwhile the vivid, lively atmosphere of Taipei is brought to life with real skill by Tsou's first-rate direction, making this a low-key triumph. Silence of the Lambs (1991) One of the most acclaimed and influential horror – or at least horror adjacent – films of all time, Jonathan Demme's spectacular adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel remains truly iconic more than 30 years on from its release. The story will likely need no introduction to most film fans: Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling is a young FBI agent who is tasked with assisting in the hunt for serial killer Buffalo Bill and looks to incarcerated, sociopathic cannibal Dr Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for advice, leading to some pretty chilling scenes as the two probe each other with some fascinating mind games. One of only three films in history to have won all of 'The Big Five' awards at the Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay – the performances of Foster and Hopkins are truly first-rate, while Demme's direction adds both a gloomy atmosphere and a generous helping of suspense. A classic for a reason. Catch Me If You Can (2002) Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks shine in this classic cat-and-mouse chase thriller from Steven Spielberg – a delightfully entertaining 60s-set period piece that reimagines the true story of prolific conman Frank Abagnale Jr (DiCaprio) and the tenacious FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) on his tail. Beginning when the 16-year-old Frank runs away to New York after his parents's divorce, it follows him over multiple years as he gets away with all manner of shady schemes while posing as various professions – including as an airline pilot – and cashes some pretty massive cheques, consistently managing to elude the attentions of Hanratty. Five years on from Titanic, DiCaprio had already well and truly established himself as a bonafide movie star, and this was a tremendous showcase for his magnetic charisma, with the character giving him all sorts of opportunities to impress. It's hard to think of many films from this century that give it a run for its money when it comes to good old fashioned entertainment value. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) View Green Video on the source website After he previously staged star-studded murder mysteries at a cosy mansion and a lavish private island, this third Knives Out film from Rian Johnson unfolds against the backdrop of a small Catholic parish in upstate New York. This time, Daniel Craig's Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc is tasked with solving the murder of an intimidating priest (Josh Brolin), whose increasingly warped fire and brimstone sermons have seen him brush up against Josh O'Connor's younger clergyman. What makes the mystery so enticing on this occasion is that it initially appears to be an impossible crime, with Johnson's script making several references to John Dickson Carr's classic "locked room" mystery novel The Hollow Man, while the church setting allows the director to make cinematic use of religious iconography and deliver a pointed satire about the way contemporary right-wing figures have weaponised faith to their own ends. Meanwhile, the film gets a little darker, more unsettling, and weirder than the previous instalments – embracing elements of gothic horror – and although there are times where the case threatens to get a little too convoluted, it eventually leads to a hugely satisfying denouement. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) This gritty feature whisks us away to the late '80s in New Mexico, where gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) meets bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian) – and the two of them quickly fall in love. So far so good. Alas, their fleeting peace comes under attack by dangerous elements, including Lou's abusive brother-in-law JJ (Dave Franco), an FBI investigation into her criminal father, and Jackie's growing dependency on steroids. What follows is a tale that is unashamedly grim and nasty; not in a gore sense (although there are some bloody scenes), but more so in tone and atmosphere, with every character seemingly capable of anything to survive another day. Love Lies Bleeding is directed by Rose Glass, who previously helmed acclaimed horror flick Saint Maud (starring The Rings of Power actor Morfydd Clark); she co-wrote the script too, alongside Baby Reindeer's Weronika Tofilska. 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) View Green Video on the source website 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) View Green Video on the source website 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) Leaving Netflix on 4th March 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) Leaving Netflix on 6th March 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 now on Netflix, and the first movie in the franchise, Knives Out, is also available on the streamer. 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) View Green Video on the source website 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. Talk to Me (2023) View Green Video on the source website 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) View Green Video on the source website 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. Okja (2017) View Green Video on the source website 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. 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. Hit Man (2024) View Green Video on the source website 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) View Green Video on the source website 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) View Green Video on the source website 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.
Luther movie casts Game of Thrones and Harry Potter legends as fans await Alice Morgan return
Stephen Dillane and Ian Hart are among those joining Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson.
Three years after Luther: The Fallen Sun was released on Netflix, things are finally taking shape on the already-announced sequel film, with additional cast members now having been confirmed. Those joining the film's cast include Game of Thrones's Stephen Dillane, Harry Potter's Ian Hart, The Witcher's Anya Chalotra, Andor's Kyle Soller and The Iris Affair's Niamh Algar. This marks a reunion between Algar and Luther creator Neil Cross, who was also behind The Iris Affair. None of the new stars' characters have yet been confirmed. These new cast members join Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson and Dermot Crowley, all of whom are returning as their iconic characters from the hit BBC series. Wilson's return means we will get to see her fan favourite character Alice for the first time since the season 5 finale, which appeared to show the character's death. However, Cross and Wilson have both long teased that things may not have been quite what they seemed. Cross told RadioTimes.com back in 2023 that "like Ruth said, we never saw a body," while director Jamie Payne added: "We never saw a body. And that is exciting. I think, as a Luther fan, it's exciting that those stories are out there to be explored potentially.” The synopsis for the upcoming Luther film says: "When a wave of brutal, seemingly random murders hits London, Luther is secretly called back into service. But how can he save London when everyone on all sides seems to want him dead?" When the film was first confirmed, Cross said in a statement: "Luther, Alice, and Schenk are more than characters to me — they’re family. I never stop wondering where they are, what’s become of them… and what horrors might be stirring in the shadows of London while Luther’s not around. So we decided to get together and find out what happens next." Luther: The Fallen Sun is available to stream 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 Movies 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 (February 2026)
Some of the best series on Netflix right now include Stranger Things, His & Hers and Run Away.
Regency period drama Bridgerton is finally back on our screens, and while the fourth instalment has quickly won over the hearts of its devoted fan base, we still have just under a month to wait until the rest of the season drops on Netflix. Favouring the staggered release pattern of some of the streamer's other big hitters (like Stranger Things or Emily in Paris), Bridgerton fans will just have to wait and see what becomes of the budding love story between Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha) – especially after that cliffhanger ending. While Bridgerton has certainly kicked off the exciting line-up of shows to come on Netflix, there's already been a steady stream of new releases including latest Harlan Coben thriller series, Run Away, as well as limited series His & Hers, starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal, and Agatha Christie adaptation, Seven Dials. The latter series has been written by former Doctor Who showrunner Chris Chibnall, stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, Martin Freeman and Helena Bonham Carter, and follows amateur sleuth Bundle Brent, as she investigates a mysterious death following a lavish country house party. Those are just some of the biggest series to be added to the platform this year, and we're only a month into it. Of course, you can still return to all the hit series to have been released in 2025, such as Steven Knight's House of Guinness, military drama Boots, the second season of romcom Nobody Wants This and animated series Long Story Short. Netflix also plays host to all kinds of acquired series, including Sky show Brassic and Taylor Sheridan's Paramount+ show Special Ops: Lioness. 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 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. Season 3 then followed the story of friends-to-lovers Penelope and Colin Bridgerton, in a slow-burn plot line that had been developing across all three runs thus far. Now, the first part of the fourth season has been released, focusing on Luke Thompson's Benedict Bridgerton and his love story with Yerin Ha's Sophie Baek, as resourceful maid who he meets at a masquerade ball. By consistently switching up its focus, and also its tone and themes to boot, the show remains a real treat, one which shows no signs of becoming stale four seasons in. - Emma Bullimore/James Hibbs Agatha Christie's Seven Dials This three-part Agatha Christie adaptation stars Mia McKenna-Bruce as Bundle, a young woman who becomes an amateur sleuth when a murder takes place, seemingly part of a practical joke gone wrong, following a lavish country house party. In truth, it's not the best Christie adaptation or the most engaging mystery, perhaps simply because the novel on which it is based isn't considered to be one of the 'Queen of Crime's' best either. However, there is still plenty to enjoy here, from the excellent performances from the all-star cast, including Martin Freeman and Helena Bonham Carter, to the sumptuous scenery and remarkable production design. You may not come away from it rushing to go back and rewatch, but the denouement is strong enough to remind you just why Christie is so beloved, and why her stories make for such good on screen adaptations - even the lesser ones. - James Hibbs His & Hers With the likes of Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal leading the cast of His & Hers, it was always a given that this six-part thriller was going to be packed with meaty performances. The two actors star as estranged husband and wife, one a reporter and the other a detective in a small town. So, when a murder occurs in the close-knit community, the pair try to get to the bottom of the case, also believing that the other may be involved in some way. The cat and mouse nature of the series means that this is a terribly easy binge-watch and with enough twists to have you hooked, you'll likely finish the drama in no time. While His & Hers doesn't necessarily have the most awe-inspiring dialogue or will really linger with you long after watching, it fits the perfect bill for some January viewing and has a finale surprise that many won't see coming. - Morgan Cormack Run Away Another Harlan Coben thriller has dropped on Netflix and like his previous adaptations, this one is packed full of twists and unexpected turns. James Nesbitt stars as successful businessman and father Simon Greene who is on a desperate search for his daughter Paige, who has been struggling with a drug addiction. When Paige's boyfriend is found murdered, however, after Simon has a public and violent confrontation with him, the police start knocking on his door with major suspicion. Over the course of the series, you start to piece together how Paige's story intersects with a missing person's case that private investigator Elena (Ruth Jones) is looking into – with plenty of secrets coming to the surface. While you may make it to the final episode thinking you've cracked the case, don't be fooled as there are plenty of last-minute dramatic directions that this series takes, leaving things on a satisfyingly chilling ending. - Morgan Cormack Physical: Asia View Green Video on the source website If Squid Game looks a bit too easy in your humble opinion, then try Physical: Asia on for size. A spin-off from the popular Physical: 100, this edition swaps out the individual players for a team-based tournament, with eight countries putting forward formidable athletes to compete in extremely gruelling tests of strength. Of course, the penalty for failure isn't death, as it is in Squid Game, but it might as well be for how dramatically these events are presented. The overproduction becomes laughable by the finale, with slow motion, repeated shots and an intense score rarely ever relenting, but the feats of physical fitness are undeniably impressive – and exhausting even to watch. Shot in South Korea, the series certainly takes some stylistic cues from the country's most famous TV drama, with its surreal liminal sets and emotionless booming announcer adding to a sense of discomfort and dread. Fortunately, the players take most of it in their stride, even if some of the twists thrown their way do seem genuinely unfair. Physical: Asia also serves as a celebration of the countries it features, some of which are typically underrepresented in mainstream media and sporting events, with Team Mongolia being a particular standout. In fact, they recently got a spin-off all to themselves (see Physical: Welcome to Mongolia); a light-hearted travelogue featuring their South Korean rivals, which sounds a great deal more pleasurable to film! – David Craig Stranger Things The final season might not have lived up to everybody's sky high expectations, but Stranger Things still stands out as one of the most impressive and impactful shows that Netflix has produced to date. This '80s-set-and-inspired sci-fi drama became a pop culture touchstone and genuine word-of-mouth hit in 2016, as fans around the world become obsessed with the strange happenings in Hawkins, Indiana. Full of plucky young heroes, 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. Perhaps things got a bit too grandiose for their own good in season 5, but the characters are endearing enough that you'll want to endure to see where they end up. – Huw Fullerton/David Craig Motherland All 20 episodes of this BBC sitcom, which first aired between 2016 and 2022, are now available to stream on Netflix - perfect for catching up if you're also watching the 2025 spin-off series Amandaland. The set-up is simple, in that it follows a group of mums (and one dad) who meet outside the school gate and become friends, with all the stress and mishaps related to modern parenting on display. The simplicity of the set-up means that the series can focus on what makes any good sitcom works, and that's the characters and their relationships, deftly brought to life by a phenomenal cast. Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, Paul Ready, Philippa Dunne and Tanya Moodie are all excellent here, although its so often Lucy Punch who steals the show as Amanda – making it unsurprising that she was the character chosen for a spin-off. There's pathos here, for sure, and some more weighty topics explored, but for the most part it's just a laugh-out-loud, fun watch, with some seriously cringe-worthy moments and some worryingly relatable scenarios. - James Hibbs Accused With some of the finest acting talent our country has to offer, Accused may have been released more than a decade ago but it still stands the test of time as one of best crafted anthology dramas out there. Each episode starts out with the main character awaiting their verdict in court, but how did they get there and are they truly guilty? Well, as the episodes take us back in time to before their crimes and what led them to their arrests, we're left to piece that together ourselves. Each story packs quite the punch, with themes including everything from gang crime to stalking, addiction and sexual assault. While Accused is far from a lighthearted watch, each story will undoubtedly grip you in its one-hour timeframe and with starring roles from the likes of Peter Capaldi, Sean Bean, Olivia Colman and more, there's a lot to appreciate in this series. The Beast in Me View Green Video on the source website 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. 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 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 Wednesday View Green Video on the source website 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 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 2024'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 Apple Cider Vinegar View Green Video on the source website 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 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 View Green Video on the source website 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 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 View Green Video on the source website 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+ shows guide or best Disney+ movies.
The Lincoln Lawyer season 5: Release date speculation and latest news
Will Mickey Haller be taking on another case?
After a longer than usual wait, the fourth season of hit Netflix drama The Lincoln Lawyer is finally here, with Mickey taking on his toughest case yet. The new season, which once again stars Manuel Garcia Rulfo, sees Mickey and his team working to prove his own innocence, when his former client, Sam Scales, is murdered. But will this prove to be Mickey's final case on screen, or will the Netflix show be back to adapt more of Michael Connelly's book series? Read on for everything you need to know about The Lincoln Lawyer season 5. Will there be The Lincoln Lawyer season 5? There will! A fifth season of The Lincoln Lawyer was confirmed in January 2026, before season 4 had even debuted. Co-showrunners and executive producers Ted Humphrey and Dailyn Rodriguez said in a statement: "We’re so excited to share the upcoming fourth season with the audience on February 5th and even more excited to share the news that we’re already hard at work on the next one. "Season 4 is the most challenging and intensely personal journey we’ve taken Mickey Haller on yet, and we’re thrilled and grateful to be able to continue the ride in Season 5." The new season is set to be based on the seventh novel in Michael Connelly's Lincoln Lawyer book series, Resurrection Walk. The blurb for that book, which could act as a guide for what fans can expect from the new season, says: "Defense attorney Mickey Haller - The Lincoln Lawyer - is inundated with pleas from prisoners protesting their innocence. With the help of ex-LAPD detective Harry Bosch, they find a needle in the haystack: a possible wrongful conviction. "A woman imprisoned for murdering her husband, a sheriff's deputy. But the evidence doesn't add up, the department pushed for quick closure in the killing of one of its own. But is this rushed justice - or something more sinister? "As they face a David versus Goliath court battle, the secrets which could set an innocent woman free could also be worth killing for..." When will The Lincoln Lawyer season 5 be released? We don't yet know when The Lincoln Lawyer season 5 will be released, but based on precedent with previous seasons we'd imagine it may arrive slightly over a year after season 4. This has been the case for all of the previous runs, with the gap between seasons 3 and 4 being the largest thus far, at one year and four months. Given this, a summer 2027 release date seems likely - however, we will keep this page updated with any more concrete news as we get it. Who will star in The Lincoln Lawyer season 5? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/02/TLL402Unit00050RC-1-0d98b4c.jpg" width="3600" height="2400" alt="Becki Newton as Lorna Crane, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller and Angus Sampson as Dennis 'Cisco' Wojciechowski in The Lincoln Lawyer. Cisco and Lorna are sat at a table looking at a laptop and Mickey and is stood behind them, also looking." title="TLL_402_Unit_00050RC (1)" /> We don't yet know exactly who will star in The Lincoln Lawyer season 5, but we are certainly expecting the main cast to be back, including Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Becki Newton and Jazz Raycole. There will also, no doubt, be a host of guest stars added, as has been the case for each season. Given that the plot of the book on which season 5 is based features Harry Bosch in a prominent role, could we see a crossover with Prime Video's Bosch series, and Titus Welliver join the cast? Only time will tell. For now, here's a full list of the cast members we would currently expect to return for The Lincoln Lawyer season 5: Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller Becki Newton as Lorna Crane Jazz Raycole as Izzy Letts Angus Sampson as Dennis 'Cisco' Wojciechowski Neve Campbell as Maggie McPherson Elliott Gould as David 'Legal' Siegel Krista Warner as Hayley Haller Is there a trailer for The Lincoln Lawyer season 5? There isn't a trailer available for The Lincoln Lawyer season 5 just yet, as season 4 has only just been released, and season 5 has yet to start filming. We'll make sure to update this page once any new footage is released, and for now you can rewatch the trailer for season 4 here. View oEmbed on the source website The Lincoln Lawyer seasons 1-4 are available to stream on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Lincoln Lawyer 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 find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Where is Lucy Letby now? Trial, sentencing and appeals explained
The former neonatal nurse's crimes are being re-examined in a new documentary.
Earlier this year, Netflix announced it would be releasing a documentary about Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse who is the UK’s most prolific child murderer in modern times. The feature length documentary, now available to watch on Netflix, includes never-before-seen footage and exclusive access to those central to the story. As per Netflix, the detectives who built the case, the families seeking answers, the hospital consultants who initially raised the alarm, as well as lawyers and medical experts who question the evidence, all feature in the documentary, "providing a comprehensive look at one of Britain's most notorious crimes". Upon its release on Netflix, read on to learn more about Lucy Letby's convictions and updates on her appeal. Did Lucy Letby plead guilty? In October 2021, Lucy Letby pleaded not guilty to the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of 10 others. Letby repeated "not guilty" 18 times at Manchester Crown Court as the charges were read out, as per ITV News. What was Lucy Letby convicted of? <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/02/GettyImages-1623222103-99f22f9-e1770117681915.jpg" width="2178" height="1452" alt="CHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 3: In this frame from a video provided by Cheshire Constabulary, Lucy Letby is questioned following her arrest on July 3, 2018 in Chester, England. Letby, a former nurse at Countess of Cheshire Hospital, was convicted on August 18, 2023 of murdering seven babies, and attempting to murder six more, in the hospital's neonatal ward between 2015 and 2016. She was found not guilty of two counts of attempted murder, while the jury did not reach verdicts on six further counts of attempted murder. (Handout photo by Cheshire Constabulary via Getty Images)" title="Nurse Found Guilty Of Murdering Seven Babies At Countess Of Chester Hospital" /> In August 2023, Letby was found guilty of murdering seven newborn babies and the attempted murder of six. The jury found Letby not guilty of two counts of attempted murder and couldn't reach the verdicts on six other charges. She was given a whole life term for each offence and following a recent retrial, she was also handed another whole life term, totalling to 15 life sentences. Will Lucy Letby's case be appealed? Since her convictions in 2023, Letby has sought permission to file an appeal, the first of which was applied for in September 2023, but her permission to appeal was refused. In February 2025, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) confirmed it had received an application on behalf of Lucy Letby, though a decision is yet to be made. A CCRC spokesperson said: "We are aware that there has been a great deal of speculation and commentary surrounding Lucy Letby's case, much of it from parties with only a partial view of the evidence. We ask that everyone remembers the families affected by events at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. "We have received a preliminary application in relation to Ms Letby’s case, and work has begun to assess the application. We anticipate further submissions being made to us. "It is not for the CCRC to determine innocence or guilt in a case, that’s a matter for the courts. It is for the CCRC to find, investigate and if appropriate, refer potential miscarriages of justice to the appellate courts when new evidence or new argument means there is a real possibility that a conviction will not be upheld, or a sentence reduced. "At this stage it is not possible to determine how long it will take to review this application. A significant volume of complicated evidence was presented to the court in Ms Letby’s trials. "The CCRC is independent. We do not work for the government, courts, police, the prosecution or for anyone applying for a review of their case. This helps us investigate alleged miscarriages of justice impartially." Where is Lucy Letby now? As of January 2024, Lucy Letby is currently imprisoned in HMP Bronzefield. The Investigation of Lucy Letby 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. Check out more of our Documentaries 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.
New on Netflix UK February 2026: All the upcoming shows and films
It's another busy month for the streaming service.
After the first four episodes debuted last month, fans have been left on tenterhooks waiting for the second part of Bridgerton season 4. Thankfully, it's coming to Netflix in February, along with a whole host of other films, returning series and brand-new shows. When it comes to returnees, other big shows which are getting new seasons this month include reality dating series Love Is Blind, sports documentary Formula 1: Drive to Survive and action-thriller The Night Agent. The Lincoln Lawyer is also back for a new season, while the creator of Derry Girls, Lisa McGee, is bringing us a brand-new series, How to Get to Heaven From Belfast. Throw in new documentary series Being Gordon Ramsay, plus a whole host more, and it's looking like a jam-packed schedule for the streamer in February. Scroll on to find out more about what's coming to Netflix in February 2026. New on Netflix UK in February Sunday 1st February Anniversary (2025) - Dystopian political thriller film starring Diane Lane and Kyle Chandler. Everyone Else Burns seasons 1-2 – Comedy series about a family who are part of a puritanical Christian sect, starring Simon Bird and Kate O'Flynn. Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing season 1 – Behind the scenes look at the world of ice dancing, ahead of the 2026 winter Olympics. Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) – Latest film in the animated film franchise, starring Jack Black as Po, the titular Kung Fu Panda. Matori and Kyoken: Men in the Back Alleys season 1 – Japanese drama series about a former child star who becomes a double agent for rival narcotics enforcers. Soda Master season 1 – Japanese comedy-drama series. Quiz - Three-part drama starring Matthew Macfadyen about a former army officer whose history-making win on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? sparked a scandal when it was claimed he was cheating. Monday 2nd February Baby Einstein Ocean Explorers season 1 – Animated children's series. Tuesday 3rd February Animal Kingdom seasons 1-6 – American crime drama starring Ellen Barkin and Scott Speedman. Even If This Love Disappears Tonight (2026) – Korean romantic drama film. Mo Gilligan: In the Moment (2026) – Stand-up comedy special from Mo Gilligan. Wednesday 4th February Death Whisperer (2023) – Thai supernatural horror film. Is It Cake? Valentines season 1 – New Valentines edition of the reality competition series featuring hyper-realistic cakes. The Investigation of Lucy Letby (2025) – True crime documentary film about the case surrounding Lucy Letby. Thursday 5th February Cash Queens season 1 – French comedy-drama series about five desperate friends who start holding up banks to make money. The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 – Manuel Garcia-Rulfo returns as Mickey Haller in this latest season of the legal drama, based on Michael Connelly's novel The Law of Innocence. Top Secret! (1984) – Classic action comedy film starring Val Kilmer. Unfamiliar season 1 – German action thriller series. Friday 6th February The Åre Murders season 1 – Swedish detective series about a Stockholm detective who investigates the disappearance of a young girl at a ski resort. Everyone Knows Every Juan (2025) – Filipino comedy film. Heartburn (1986) – Romantic comedy film starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson, about the breakdown of a marriage between a New York writer and a political columnist. Queen of Chess (2026) – Documentary film about chess phenomenon Judit Polgár. Salvador season 1 – Spanish crime thriller series about an ambulance driver operating on a night of violent clashes. Yoh! Bestie season 1 – South African romantic comedy film. Monday 9th February The Creature Cases chapter 7 – Seventh season of the animated children's series. Love Undercover season 1 – Reality series in which five international football stars go undercover in the US to find love. Matter of Time (2025) – Music documentary about Eddie Vedder, which also looks at the race to cure the rare genetic disorder epidermolysis bullosa. Tuesday 10th February ER seasons 1-10 – The iconic medical drama starring George Clooney, Noah Wyle and Alex Kingston, among others, comes to Netflix. Katt Williams: The Last Report (2026) – Stand-up comedy special from Katt Williams. Magia Record seasons 1-3 – Japanese anime series. Motorvalley season 1 – Italian racing drama about an heiress to a racing empire who hires a reckless driver and a troubled coach to compete in the Italian Gran Turismo. This Is I (2026) – Japanese LGBTQ+ drama film. Wednesday 11th February Kohrra season 2 – Second season of the Indian crime thriller series. Lead Children season 1 – Polish medical drama series. Love Is Blind season 10 – New season of the hit reality dating series, once again hosted by Vanessa and Nick Lachey. State of Fear (2026) – Brazilian crime drama film. Thursday 12th February The Darjeeling Limited (2007) – 2007 Wes Anderson film starring Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman. The French Dispatch (2021) – 2021 Wes Anderson film about a news bureau starring stars Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton and Léa Seydoux. How to Get to Heaven From Belfast season 1 – Comedy-drama series from Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee, about three friends who investigate when the fourth member of their group is pronounced dead. Million-Follower Detective season 1 – Taiwanese crime thriller series. Yakin Nikah (2025) – Indonesian romantic drama film. Friday 13th February A Father’s Miracle (2026) – Spanish drama film The Art of Sarah season 1 – Korean crime thriller series. In the Mud season 2 – Second season of the Argentinian prison drama. Joe’s College Road Trip (2026) – Comedy film from Tyler Perry, in which Madea's foul-mouthed brother Joe takes his sheltered grandson on a cross-country road trip. The Museum of Innocence season 1 – Turkish romantic drama series. Monday 16th February Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model – Documentary going behind the scenes of America’s Next Top Model, featuring interviews with key figures including Tyra Banks. Tuesday 17th February Sommore: Chandelier Fly (2026) – Stand-up comedy special from Sommore. Wednesday 18th February Being Gordon Ramsay – Six-part docuseries following Gordon Ramsay as he embarks on his most ambitious project yet. Thursday 19th February The Night Agent season 3 – Gabriel Basso returns as Peter Sutherland in this third season of the action thriller series. Friday 20th February Firebreak (2026) – Spanish mystery drama film. Pavane (2026) – Korean romantic drama film. Strip Law season 1 – Adult animated comedy series starring Adam Scott and Janelle James, about an uptight lawyer who teams up with a Las Vegas magician. Tuesday 24th February Taylor Tomlinson: Prodigal Daughter (2026) – Stand-up comedy special from Taylor Tomlinson. Thursday 26th February Baki-Dou season 1 – Japanese anime series. Bridgerton season 4 part 2 – The final batch of four episodes from this latest season of the period drama, charting Benedict and Sophie's romance, arrives. Crap Happens season 1 – German comedy series about a rapper who returns to his hometown for his mother's funeral and finds he has a teenage son he never knew about. Friday 27th February Agents of Mystery season 2 – Second season of the South Korean reality competition show. Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 8 – New season of the all-access Formula 1 docuseries. 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 February 2026 – 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.
Beloved Keeley Hawes costume drama and Inside No. 9 star's crime series are both leaving Netflix UK very soon
Fans only have a matter of days to binge-watch both series...
Beloved period drama The Durrells and crime drama series Whitechapel will both be leaving Netflix in the UK this month. Both series, which have been mainstays in the streamer’s catalogue for months, will be leaving the streamer due to the expiration of licensing agreements. The Durrells, the first three seasons of which arrived on the platform on 7th February 2024, followed by season 4 on 14th February, will be taken down from Netflix on 13th February 2026. After being added to Netflix on February 28th 2024, all four series of Whitechapel will be removed from the platform on 26th February. The Durrells, which originally aired on ITV1, is based on the real-life British Durrell family, who relocated to the Greek island of Corfu in the years leading up to World War II. The show stars the likes of Keeley Hawes (Bodyguard) and Josh O’Connor (Challengers). Whitechapel, which also originally aired on ITV1, follows a modern police unit investigating brutal murders that echo historical crimes, and stars the likes of Rupert Penry-Jones (Persuasion), Phil Davis (Vera Drake) and Steve Pemberton (Inside No. 9). Both series might be leaving Netflix this month, but fans will be pleased to hear that there are other streaming options. The Durrells is available to stream on Disney+ and, given that it was added to the service in June 2024, shouldn't be being removed any time soon. Meanwhile, all four seasons of Whitechapel are available to stream 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 from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bridgerton soundtrack – All the songs for season 4 of Netflix drama
Wondering which pieces of classical music appear in season 4?
At long last, Bridgerton season 4 has finally landed on Netflix and while it is only the first four episodes of the series so far, we've once again been plummeted back into the world of yearning, love and steamy romance. This new outing thrusts Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) into the limelight, with the pair making their acquaintance at a masquerade ball in the first episode. However, what Benedict doesn't realise is that Sophie is actually a maid working for Lady Araminta (Katie Leung) and thus, issues of class and social politics run rife in these new episodes. While there are new characters to get acquainted with and a brand new love story to get swept up in, one of the other main draws of the Regency period drama is its music. While the series may be set in the early 19th century, it often feels like the characters are partying in modern day thanks to a myriad of classical pop covers. The most recent season boasted the likes of Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Pitbull and Ariana Grande, with this new batch of episodes featuring classical covers of Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo and Coldplay. To help you place all the songs, we've put together a comprehensive list of every one which features in season 4. If you scroll a little further, we've also included the full soundtracks for previous instalments. Without further ado, here are all the songs in Bridgerton season 4 part 1's soundtrack – including the original recording artist and who does the cover. Alternatively, if you've already raced through the four episodes, check out when season 4 part 2 will arrive on screens, or delve into the first part's dramatic ending! Bridgerton season 4 part 1 soundtrack: Every song featured Life in Technicolor Episode: 1 Original by: Coldplay Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love Episode: 1 Original by: Usher ft. Pitbull Performed by: Strings From Paris Never Let You Go Episode: 1 Original by: Third Eye Blind Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet Enchanted Episode: 2 Original by: Taylor Swift Performed by: Joseph William Morgan All I Wanted Episode: 3 Original by: Paramore Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet bad idea right? Episode: 4 Original by: Olivia Rodrigo Performed by: Caleb Chan Bridgerton season 3 part 2 soundtrack POV Episode: 5 Original by: Ariana Grande Performed by: Strings from Paris Thunder Episode: 6 Original by: Imagine Dragons Performed by: Thomas Mercier Confident Episode: 6 Original by: Demi Lovato Performed by: Archer Marsh Yellow Episode: 7 Original by: Coldplay Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet You Belong With Me Episode: 7 Original by: Taylor Swift Performed by: Duomo Lights (Stripped Down) Episode: 8 Original by: Ellie Goulding Performed by: Archer Marsh All I Want Episode: 8 Original by: Tori Kelly Performed by: Kris Bowers Speaking about the tunes featured throughout this season, music supervisor Justin Kamps told Tudum: "We have a lot of covers that aren’t necessarily part of ball sequences this year, and it’s because we found some cute places to insert something that can play as a fun cover [but] doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to a dance sequence." Two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Tori Kelly is also the first to record an original song for the popular period drama, saying of the experience: "The fact that this is the first time an original song has been a part of Bridgerton makes the whole experience feel even more special! "Really, I’m so excited that I get to be a part of this amazing show in my own way." Bridgerton season 3 part 1 soundtrack abcdefu Episode: 1 Original by: Gayle Performed by: Vitula Dynamite Episode: 2 Original by: BTS Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet View oEmbed on the source website Jealous Episode: 2 Original by: Nick Jonas Performed by: Shimmer Cheap Thrills Episode: 3 Original by: Sia Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet Happier Than Ever Episode: 3 Original by: Billie Eilish Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet View oEmbed on the source website Snow on the Beach Episode: 4 Original by: Taylor Swift and Lana Del Rey Performed by: Atwood Quartet Give Me Everything Episode: 4 Original by: Pitbull Performed by: Archer Marsh Discussing the soundtrack with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Jess Bromwell told The Hollywood Reporter: "I’ll say, this season because it’s leaning more into the rom-com sensibility and has at its heart a very strong woman, it felt right to include some pop anthems from some really strong women. So you’ll see Taylor Swift. You’ll see Demi Lovato. You’ll see Billie Eilish, etc. "But when we’re choosing songs, we think a lot about what is gonna make people lean in and go, “What’s that song?” Versus what’s instantly going to be recognizable and take people too quickly out of the show. We want to tiptoe that line as much as we can." Speaking about the musicality of this season, Bridgerton music supervisor Justin Kamps told Tudum: "We have a lot of covers that aren’t necessarily part of ball sequences this year, and it’s because we found some cute places to insert something that can play as a fun cover [but] doesn’t necessarily have to be attached to a dance sequence." Bridgerton season 2 soundtrack Stay Away Episode: 1 Original by: Nirvana Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet View oEmbed on the source website Material Girl Episode: 1 Original by: Madonna Performed by: Kris Bowers Diamonds Episode: 1 Original by: Rihanna Performed by: Hannah V & Joe Rodwell Sofia Episode: 4 Original by: Askjell, iris, AURORA View oEmbed on the source website Dancing on My Own Episode: 4 Original by: Robyn Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet You Oughta Know Episode: 5 Original by: Alanis Morissette Performed by: Duomo Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham Episode: 6 Performed by: Kris Bowers Sign of the Times Episode: 6 Original by: Harry Styles Performed by: Steve Horner What About Us Episode: 6 Original by: P!nk Performed by: Duomo View oEmbed on the source website How Deep Is Your Love Episode: 7 Original by: Calvin Harris & Disciples Performed by: Kiris Wrecking Ball Episode: 8 Original by: Miley Cyrus Performed by: Midnight String Quartet Bridgerton season 1 soundtrack thank u, next Episode: 1 Original by: Ariana Grande Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet View oEmbed on the source website Girls Like You Episode: 1 Original by: Maroon 5 Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet In My Blood Episode: 2 Original by: Shawn Mendes Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet bad guy Episode: 3 Original by: Billie Eilish Performed by: Vitamin String Quartet Strange (feat. Hillary Smith) Episode: 5 Original by: Celeste Performed by: Kris Bowers Wildest Dreams Episode: 6 Original by: Taylor Swift Performed by: Duomo The show also features an original score by Kris Bowers. From Call Me Simon and The Duel to Flawless My Dear, the song titles correlate to key moments in the series, including Daphne's successful presentation at court and meeting with Queen Charlotte. Read on for the original songs featured in the Bridgerton soundtrack. Flawless My Dear The Latest Whistledown We Could Form An Attachment Shock and Delight Simon and Lady Danbury What Women Do Best Call Me Simon Sommerset House When You Are Alone Feeling Exceptional What You Saw Was A Lie The Duel A Love Based on Friendship All is Fair in Love and War Miserable Together, Happy Apart Come With Me One Last Dance Love is A Choice A Grand Finish Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is streaming now on Netflix, with Part 2 arriving on 26th February. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Who is Yerin Ha? Meet Bridgerton's Sophie Baek actress
It's time for a new star to step into the Bridgerton spotlight.
At long last, Bridgerton season 4 is officially here, with a brand new leading lady, Sophie Baek. Played by Yerin Ha, the character has had a name change from the original Julia Quinn novels but remains a maid who crosses paths with bohemian Bridgerton, Benedict (Luke Thompson). Embarking on a mission to find his Lady in Silver from the masquerade ball, this season sees him go on a search for her but the deeper we get into the series, the more we learn about Sophie and her complicated beginnings. The final episode has already spawned plenty of fan reaction, with Ha herself saying she was angered at how things turned out at the end of season 4 part 1. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she said: "Doing the scene, Luke being so earnest and thinking he’s so sexy delivering this line made me … it was actually like, I want to punch you in the face as the character." Also speaking about her character in an issue of Radio Times magazine, Ha revealed: "What drew me to Sophie was her moral compass: she doesn’t change who she is for anybody else. It’s a real push-and-pull game, because he’s of a noble class and Sophie’s of a lower class." But with this season marking Ha's debut in Bridgerton, many will likely be wondering what they have seen her in before. Read on for everything you need to know about the Sophie Baek actress. Who is Yerin Ha? Ha is an Australian actress, best known for her role in the Paramount+ series Halo, which was adapted from the hit video game. She starred in the series as Kwan Ha from 2022 to 2024. Ha was born in Sydney, Australia and moved to South Korea at a young age, deciding to pursue acting and enrolling in Kaywon High School of Arts in Seoul. She went on to get a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting and then majored in musical theatre at Sydney's National Institute of Dramatic Art. Ha made her TV debut in French-American crime drama Reef Break, then going on to star in Halo and then in Australian drama Troppo, before making her film debut in Sissy in 2022. Speaking to Tudum about what drew her to this new Bridgerton role, Ha said: "She immediately has obstacles – something that she constantly has to overcome, whether it's this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict." How old is Yerin Ha? Ha is 28 years old. She was born on 16th January 1998. What has Yerin Ha previously starred in? As previously mentioned, Ha starred in Halo but has also had roles in Australian series like Troppo and Bad Behaviour. She's gone on to guest star in Dune: Prophecy as young Kasha and more recently, in Netflix's The Survivors. Ha has clearly starred in other adaptations before her stint in Bridgerton and it's something that's put her in good stead for Bridgerton. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about that, she said: "Strangely enough, a lot of my previous projects have been books-turned-shows or games-turned-shows. So I have a bit of practice in knowing what it’s like to work from original source material and then making it into an adaptation, and speaking with showrunners to help me understand their vision as well. "And through my experience in my career so far, I think it’s helped me understand how to communicate with people to about how to everyone’s vision of this story and this character to life, knowing that I’m just a vessel in it and how we can collaborate to make everyone happy." What has Yerin Ha said about joining Bridgerton? Speaking to Tudum about the role, Ha said: “There’s this theme with masks that was running throughout all of my audition scenes. When does Sophie put on this mask to cover her emotions? "Or vice versa, when does she take it off and when does she soften up? Playing with those [questions] is just really fun.” View Green Video on the source website Of course, the TV series has made a notable change to the original book character and changed Sophie's surname from Beckett to Baek. The change to reflect Ha and the character's own Korean heritage is an important one, with Ha also saying: “A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that’s why changing a name can be so powerful. “To make Sophie’s name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.” Is Yerin Ha on Instagram? She is! You can follow her at @yerinha_. Most recently, she's been sharing behind-the-scenes snaps and videos of her time on the set of Bridgerton. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is streaming now on Netflix, with Part 2 arriving on 26th February. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bridgerton finally gets a lot more interesting by stepping into Downton Abbey territory in season four
The romantic drama is back with an upstairs-downstairs twist!
Add season four of Bridgerton to your watchlist. Four seasons in, standing firm as one of Netflix's biggest original series success stories and based on a fan-favourite collection of novels, Bridgerton doesn't really need to switch up its format. It's the series that many started off watching as a steamy guilty pleasure, with fans continuing to tune in each season to see what love story will unfold for each of the Bridgerton siblings. First, it was Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) then it was Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and more recently, Colin (Luke Newton). Now, all eyes are on the unserious lothario that is Benedict (Luke Thompson) and as we know, the course of true love never did run smooth. While this new season does certainly ground us in Benedict's quest to find his mysterious Lady in Silver, the real draw of this instalment is the fact that it goes where Bridgerton hasn't really ventured. It peeks behind the curtains, if you will, offering viewers a window into the goings-on of these lavish homes and wealthy families, while crafting an emotional and complex story for Sophie (Yerin Ha) in the process. Arguably, this season of Bridgerton always had the bones to be its most interesting. But it is TV after all and the small matter of execution always leaves fans slightly trepidatious at what's to come. By following Sophie's incredibly sad story, though, we ground the series in real human emotion. It's not just the airy fairy cloud of love and sex that is an escapist viewer's dream – instead, it's a version of the series that's a bit more realistic. Sure, many of us come to Bridgerton for that snippet of escapism, those hours of TV where we don't have to think about the nasty, mean world and can instead just get lost in wet shirt scenes and yearning. But, I'd say, four seasons in and the show was at a risk of becoming stale and predictable. Now, by venturing into the territory of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton has opened up its doors to new possibilities, characters and stories that make the tapestry of the Regency drama only richer. The first portion of the premiere episode follows Mrs Wilson (Geraldine Alexander) as she goes from the relative calm of preparing the Bridgerton household for the arrival of Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) to downstairs, where the air is frantic, a luxurious feast is being prepared and bells ring to indicate just who has risen and may need attending to. View Green Video on the source website It's a slick ship she's running and it's clear that no stone is left unturned in this house. However, it's not long before lighthearted gossip starts to be exchanged from the corners of the room by Mrs Wilson, Celia (Sophie Lamont) and Footman John (Oli Higginson), the very people who know the Bridgerton's best. It's a dynamic that we've seen play out in Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes's hit drama that spawned six seasons, multiple Christmas specials and three films. There's something about the upstairs-downstairs of it all that strikes a chord with viewers and is an ideal storytelling device to really get to know the ins and outs of a household. What is behind the picture-perfect Bridgerton façade and who are those that work to maintain it? It's not a question that we've really ever been allowed to think about, seeing as blossoming romances, meet-cute sparks and Lady Whistledown have preoccupied previous seasons. While we do get whisked away to the masquerade ball, the premiere episode is bookended by the shift in focus of the hired help. At the end, Sophie is unmasked as her true self, a maid left to quickly change and go back to a life that clearly doesn't fill her with any happiness. Dressing up for the night and sneaking out ends up being "the most extraordinary night of my life", she admits — a new spin on Cinderella. The fairytale tropes get ever clearer the deeper we dig into Sophie's story in episode 2, where we learn that Lady Araminta (Katie Leung) is actually, technically, Sophie's stepmother. She married Sophie's father Lord Penwood but since Sophie was the illegitimate product of his affair with a maid, she was only ever seen as his ward. The deeper we get into the series, the more we find out about Sophie's troubled past and how the death of her father impacted her life, with Lady Araminta making Sophie her maid. That focus on power dynamics is something we see explored in other households this season too, as Mrs Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) is faced with the prospect of leaving the Featherington's in the Great Maid War that's swept over the city. Varley lays out her case to Lady Featherington (Polly Walker) for a pay rise that reflects the rest of the industry, only to have it denied. Instead, she's given an old dress of Lady Featherington's after being told that money is scarce in the household. "We are not family," Varley has to remind her employer, a scene that really could be akin to any manager-employee meeting in a start-up company these days Overlooked and underpaid is a sentiment many viewers will relate to here with Varley, with Bridgerton venturing into conversations about wealth and class now more so than ever. In a slightly different way, we also have the changing dynamic between Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). Close friends with an emotional history of their own, the pair are on completely different plains when it comes to status. Danbury effectively asking for permission to leave London to return to her homeland is partly a testament to her commitment to the Queen, but is also reflects how those in the Ton have to look to the Queen and wider society before making any major life decisions. Those shifting power dynamics are part of a territory that Bridgerton season 4 brilliantly steps into in more ways than one. It's something that is also condensed into part 1's final moments where Benedict propositions Sophie to become his mistress, a thought he simply wouldn't have with a woman of equal social standing to him. It's a knotty landscape to navigate but Bridgerton pulls it off in the glossy and fun way it often does best, proving that venturing outside the box makes for the most interesting tales.
ER is coming to Netflix – and it's time we recognised it changed television forever
The classic US hospital drama set the gold standard back in 1994.
Add ER to your watchlist. We all have an example of a TV show like this, right? The one that holds an outsized importance in our affections? For me, it’s undoubtedly and wholeheartedly ER, the 15 seasons of which are coming to Netflix in the UK on 9 February. It’s a method of accessing the series that would have been inconceivable to the undergraduate version of myself who, back in the mid-1990s, was watching on a 14-inch portable TV with his girlfriend in manky digs. It felt, at the time, like an impossibly sophisticated drama. All that frantic talk of Chem-7s, CBCs, Coags, EKGs being clean or otherwise. No real idea what any of it meant, but it sure seemed as though we were eavesdropping on the way things truly worked at the sharp end of hospital life. And the acts of heroism on display, such as reckless Doug Ross (George Clooney) risking all to rescue a boy trapped in a storm drain as the rain waters rose. It felt filmic, almost mythic. Well, as much as anything can on a tiny, boxy Sony without Nicam Stereo. For the two of us, ER had staying power. We, like the nebbishy and lovable Dr Carter (Noah Wyle) were students when it began. But when it ended, a decade and a half later, we were bringing our second-born son home from hospital. Those real-life births, incidentally, made all-the-more fraught by us having witnessed on TV every late-stage pregnancy complication known to the medical profession. But such awareness mattered not. Each winter, we’ll still watch season one’s Blizzard because nothing says Christmas like a multi-car pile-up in the snow. And every festive season, we’ll tell our now-grown-up kids just how much ER meant to us when we were their age. They’ll smile indulgently for a second or two and then go back to thinking of us as they ordinarily do. As index fingers with a banking app attached. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/er-season-6-ec8f04f.jpg" width="3000" height="2000" alt="Anthony Edwards as Dr Mark Greene, Laura Innes as Dr Kerry Weaver and Noah Wyle as Dr John Carter in ER, rushing through a hospital ward with a patient on a gurney." title="Anthony Edwards as Dr Mark Greene, Laura Innes as Dr Kerry Weaver and Noah Wyle as Dr John Carter in ER" /> Yet a not insubstantial part of me is hoping that they’ll now somehow come to ER via streaming. In a Gen Z epiphany, they’ll abandon Grand Theft Auto and IShowSpeed and realise instead that kindly Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) can be as much a hero to their generation as ours. Because despite us merely dusting down the odd tinselly episode on an annual basis, ER is not just for Christmas. In fact, it ought to be given its due more vocally in general, especially by critics who believe the most recent golden age of TV dawned with the debut of The Sopranos in 1999. Spool back to 1994 and the birth of ER and you’ll find the true start of what’s now categorised prestige television. Before this time, dialogue had overlapped and morals had been compromised (Hill Street Blues), there’d been tonal ambiguity and attempts to make TV as art (Twin Peaks), even depictions of doctors as burnouts rather than paragons of virtue (St Elsewhere). But ER achieved what those others didn’t in being ambitious, serious, influential but also massively popular. Just think about it. Hill Street Blues was a critical darling, but its hold over audiences was never as strong. St Elsewhere had the ethical quandaries yet lacked the accelerative thrust. And Twin Peaks featured serialised storytelling of a type we’d rarely seen outside of soaps, but its surreal tone led to it being constrained by network interference. ER, on the other hand, could produce such devastating hours of TV as Love’s Labor Lost (in which Greene tragically misdiagnosed a pregnant patient – a mistake that would haunt him for the rest of his career), win Emmy awards for the results and still top the Nielsen ratings. And yet it’s never really spoken of in the same glowing terms as the Breaking Bads or The Wires of this world. Why? Perhaps its home on US network NBC rather than cable channel HBO has resulted in it now being overlooked? Did its increasingly grandiose set-piece stunts do it more harm than good (certainly, Dr Romano didn’t fare well from his two fateful encounters with helicopters)? Maybe the fact that it ended its run with a completely different regular cast to its original line-up has led to accusations that it outstayed its welcome? But watch its finale And In the End... and you’ll see how just effectively ER stayed thematically true to itself. Patients keep arriving on gurneys, while doctors continue to heal and teach. And making a return to Chicago’s Cook County General in its last on-screen appearance is Carter, once a callow trainee, now a seasoned mentor and someone passing on his wisdom in an unshowy manner to Mark’s daughter Rachel, these days a wannabe medic herself. “Dr Greene, you coming?” Carter asks as ambulances pull up to the bay and the cameras pan out. It’s the most beautiful piece of narrative symmetry: the shifts continue, as do the lessons, and characters are shown to matter because of what they hand down to the next generation. ER set that tone in 1994 and held its nerve until 2009. In fact, the only way it could have been more perfect would be for it to have aired solely on crummy, small portable TV sets.
Adjoa Andoh details how Bridgerton’s diversity in front of and behind the camera is "really wonderful"
The Bridgerton star spoke to Pass the Mic about the show's diversity on and off the screen.
Since its initial release, Bridgerton has been celebrated for rethinking what many think of as it relates to period dramas. A genre of TV that was often concerned with primarily white leading casts, Bridgerton's arrival on our screens has not only breathed new life into the medium, but has also proven that diversity can be done seamlessly and effectively for any major series. Yerin Ha marks a first for the series though, with her character Sophie Baek being the show's first East Asian lead and opening the doors on another level of joyous representation. While Bridgerton has continued to be a beacon of light for many in terms of onscreen representation, series star Adjoa Andoh also took the opportunity to highlight the behind-the-scenes diversity of the show also. When asked about her hopes for the future of diversity and representation within TV and film, Andoh told RadioTimes.com for Pass the Mic: “We live in the world, don’t we? And it’s lovely to have the world be able to watch themselves on screen. "We all love that, we love to see it – put a baby in front of a mirror and it’s the most fascinating thing ever. I don’t think we ever lose that fascination, whoever you are, from whatever background you are. "To have the range and the multiplicities of the stories, you will have stories that may focus on one demographic more and then another demographic but to have all the stories at a variety of times, it’s great." She added: "At a deepest level, we’re all human beings – we all love, we all get scared, we all need warmth and friendship, all those things and that’s common to all human beings. So to see all human beings in front of the camera and behind the camera is really wonderful.” Since season 1 premiered all the way back in 2020, the period drama has spawned a loyal legion of fans who are dedicated to the stories, its characters and often female-led storytelling. Previously speaking to Radio Times magazine about why casting actors of colour in a period drama is so important, Andoh said: "It has expanded the possibilities of what stories you can tell, how you tell them and who can be in them. It also means you've expanded your audience. "When I stay with family in Ghana, people will charge across the street to me, excited about a costume drama set in Regency England. They identify with it in a different way." Read more: Bridgerton star teases "confronting" season 4 character dynamic between Francesca and Michaela Bridgerton star reveals how season 4 sets up her own leading story: "I’m buzzing to one day do it" However, as a show that has consciously cast a lot of its central characters as people from the global majority, it has come under fire from some critics. Responding to criticisms that the show has gone "woke", Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhimes told a panel during last year's Edinburgh TV Festival that she's "never going to write a show that doesn't include me". In terms of addressing that specific criticism, Rhimes went on to say: "I learned a really long time ago that I don't read things that are written about me or the shows. "And the reason is because if you decide to believe the good things that are written about you, you also are obligated to believe the bad things that are written about you. "So I've decided that none of it matters. It's really important to stay out of that. How people react and take in the show is none of my business." Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
18 period dramas to fill the Bridgerton void after season 4 – including some racy ones
Some of the best (and raciest) period dramas to get stuck into after Bridgerton.
Now that Bridgerton has released a fresh batch of episodes, it'll be no time at all before fans of the Netflix series blitz through watching the first part of season 4. With this recent instalment focusing on the upstairs-downstairs dynamic between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), as well as clearly being inspired by the fairytale of Cinderella, there are plenty of other similarly themed shows out there for fans to enjoy. We now have a month to wait for the rest of season 4 to land on the streamer and so, in an effort to fill the Bridgerton void, our attention has turned to the raft of other period dramas out there to stream and watch. Especially in light of this recent season, Downton Abbey is a natural comparison to make to Bridgerton season 4. There are plenty of episodes to binge-watch in that ITV series alone but there are also the likes of racier dramas like The Buccaneers or Mary & George, as well as historical shows inspired by real-life figures like Victoria or Dickinson. Keen to get a similar Bridgerton fix whilst we wait for more episodes? Read on to find out what series you should be tuning into. The Buccaneers Where to watch: Apple TV At the core of this (not entirely historically accurate) series is the importance of female friendship, making The Buccaneers an equally heartwarming watch as much as it is deliciously dramatic. If you're a fan of Bridgerton, you'll definitely enjoy the essence of this Apple TV series which focuses on a group of American women who head to London in order to find esteemed men to marry. A tale of cultural differences, love and yearning, it plummets us straight into English high society – with impressive outfits, settings and a pop-filled soundtrack to match. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story Where to watch: Netflix Sure, this series may technically be a part of the Bridgerton universe, but this spin-off deserves its own shoutout in this roundup. While it does focus on the character of Queen Charlotte, who we know to be played by Golda Rosheuvel, this series takes us even further back in time to when she arrives from Germany to the UK to be wed to a mysterious suitor. It's a mutually advantageous partnership but it's clear from their first meeting that the young Queen (played by India Amarteifio) and King George (played by Corey Mylchreest) have a certain spark. Unlike Bridgerton, this series doesn't solely rely on yearning, stolen glances and racy scenes but is all the more sweeter as it is an extended tale of young love. As well as capturing attitudes towards race, mental health and medicine at the time, the series underlines an important backstory for one of Bridgerton's most beloved characters. Sanditon Where to watch: ITVX Rose Williams leads the cast of this British period drama as Charlotte Heywood, a young woman who moves to a fishing village in the hopes of more. Based on an unfinished manuscript by Jane Austen, the series certainly has the air of the classic author as we follow Charlotte on her new journey, meeting new people – and suitors – in the process. Despite initially being cancelled by ITV after its first season, the fans of this series campaigned for its continuation and it worked, a testament to the storytelling and characters at the heart of this tale. Outlander Where to watch: MGM+ If you're a fan of Bridgerton's more risqué scenes then Outlander is an apt follow-up, if you haven't already ventured into the historical series. While towing the line with fantasy also, Outlander centres on the time travelling abilities of Claire (Caitríona Balfe) as she ventures from one time period to another and encounters Jamie (Sam Heughan). One of the most beloved leading TV duos, their chemistry is clearly palpable and as we progress through the now seven seasons, outside forces continue to threaten their union and family. While Bridgerton doesn't quite reach the same dramatic heights as Outlander, if you're a fan of being plummeted into historical periods of time head-first, you've got plenty to dig into with Outlander. Outlander: Blood of my Blood Where to watch: MGM+ We couldn't mention Outlander without also offering up Blood of My Blood as another viable streaming option – and what's better is that if you're not caught up on the original series then it's less of a daunting task with Blood of My Blood, seeing as there's just one season out right now. Having already been renewed for a second outing, this prequel series follows both Claire and Jamie's parents as their parallel love stories unfold across two different timelines and locations. There is a big twist that we won't tell you about but it's safe to say that a double-dose of love, paired with some high-stakes situations and general class expectations of the time makes for quite the satisfying series. Belgravia Where to watch: Prime Video (available to purchase) From the creator of Downton Abbey, Belgravia transports us back to the 19th century into one of London's most affluent areas where class, wealth and status are at the forefront of nigh on everything. Featuring the likes of Philip Glenister, Tamsin Greig, Harriet Walter and Ella Purnell, the series centres on the Trenchard family who are rising up through the middle class and the Bellasis's, who are firmly in the aristocracy. However, when a scandalous secret is uncovered, their lives are entwined with one another's, providing a healthy dose of scandal for viewers at home. Victoria Where to watch: ITVX and Netflix While Bridgerton isn't solely interested in the events of the Royal family, it does venture into high society and aristocracy. So, there are similarities and certainly some differences between Bridgerton and Victoria. However, if you're a fan of period pieces then Victoria will be right up your street, with the series focusing on the Queen's ascension to the throne at the tender age of 18, navigating a male-dominated court. Not only is she managing a country, but she's also balancing her societal duties of the time as a wife and mother, with the complete run of seasons covering the Queen's reign across the ages. Downton Abbey Where to watch: ITVX, Prime Video, Disney Plus This season of Bridgerton more than any other is a perfect comparison to Downton Abbey, with both shows giving us a window into the upstairs-downstairs dynamics at play in any large British household of the time. Where Bridgerton isn't solely focused on that, Downton Abbey transports us to its fictional estate where the aristocratic Crawley family live. Their servants keep the house in order but aren't without their own interpersonal drama. But the series also uses the backdrop of major life events (the sinking of Titanic and the First World War, for example) to paint a picture of how life was for a range of classes at the time. The Gilded Age Where to watch: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=radiotimes-2384692&awinmid=70762&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nowtv.com%2Fdeeplink%3FDCMP%3DWA%26deeplinkData%3D%257B%2522providerSeriesId%2522%253A%2522iYEQZ2rcf32XRDw8FssyPb%2522%252C%2522type%2522%253A%2522SERIES%2522%252C%2522action%2522%253A%2522PDP%2522%252C%2522source%2522%253A%2522Media_Actions_Feed_Android_Web_Mobile%2522%257D" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">NOW Another series from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, this period drama is set in America in the 1800s as Marian Brook moves to New York after the death of her father. The post-Civil War era that the series is set in forms a backdrop to the drama, which really depicts the expansion of wealth, class and material excess at the time. Marian's just trying to find her feet in the bustling city, with her eyes being opened to a whole new world of possibilities – but nothing is ever certain in this frivolous world of 'new' and 'old' money. Really, if you like the soapy and often dramatic nature of Bridgerton, you'll appreciate the twists that unfold in this glitzy series that doesn't shy away from any of the pomp of the era. My Lady Jane Where to watch: Prime Video Although this Prime Video series has now been cancelled, it's actually the perfect amount of episodes to binge-watch between the episode releases of Bridgerton, if you really think about it. A fantasy spin on the life of book-smart Lady Jane Grey (played by Emily Bader), who is coerced by her mother into marrying Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel), this series is a camp reimagining of our protagonist. The series unfolds in the 16th century but goes one step further than many other period dramas by also including humans who can take animal form, providing plenty of added colour to class conversations of the time. Mary & George Where to watch: <a href="https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?id=489797&clickref=radiotimes-2384692&awinmid=70762&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nowtv.com%2Fdeeplink%3FDCMP%3DWA%26deeplinkData%3D%257B%2522providerSeriesId%2522%253A%2522iYEQZ2rcf32Y54NaTHXYYG%2522%252C%2522type%2522%253A%2522SERIES%2522%252C%2522action%2522%253A%2522PDP%2522%252C%2522source%2522%253A%2522Media_Actions_Feed_Android_Web_Mobile%2522%257D" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">NOW If you're after plenty of scandal, sex and backstabbing, look no further than Mary & George, which is inspired by a very real true story and has been written by Killing Eve's DC Moore. Of course, there's plenty of creative licence at play in this series, which follows Mary and George Villiers, a mother and son who stopped at nothing to become one of the most powerful families in 17th century England. Portrayed by Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine, the pair are a formidable leading duo in this series that packs in plenty of wit and humour alongside its jaw-dropping twists. The series also shines a light on a lesser known chapter of British LGBTQ+ and royal history, gloriously doing away with the trauma that can often come from marginalised stories of the time. Poldark Where to watch: Netflix Based on the historical novels by Winston Graham, Poldark centres on the story of American Revolutionary War veteran Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) as he returns to his Cornish familial estate. Returning to find his father dead, his childhood sweetheart engaged to his cousin and his estate ruined means there's a lot for Poldark to wrap his head around. Thankfully, he enlists the services of maid Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson), with the pair forming a romantic connection. While there are class conflicts and some tragedy to be had in the series, it does nail steamy scenes and yearning much in a similar fashion to Bridgerton. The Law According to Lidia Poët Where to watch: Netflix Telling the tale of the first modern female lawyer in Italy, this period drama takes on a procedural element, making it all the more gripping than your usual meandering series. Matilda De Angelis leads the cast of this Netflix series as the titular character, who was initially suspended from practising law due to her gender. Not only does the series hone in on Poët's fight for equality in her industry, but it also chronicles the various murder cases she investigates while fighting to practice law. Harlots Where to watch: Netflix and U Set in 18th century London when the only possibilities for women's economic advancement were either to be married or work as a prostitute, this series focuses on brothel owner Margaret Wells (played by Samantha Morton). There's plenty to enjoy in this series, not least the fact that it's helmed by a stellar female-led cast that shines a light on the attitudes towards sex work at the time. With a rivalry at its centre (between that of Wells and rival madam Lydia Quigley, played by Lesley Manville), it keeps viewers on their toes and guessing, something that we don't always get in Bridgerton in massive spades. Vanity Fair Where to watch: Prime Video (available to purchase) Before her stint as Eloise Bridgerton, Claudia Jessie was already in the world of period dramas in this adaptation of William Thackeray's novel. Focusing on Becky Sharp (Olivia Cooke), a social climber who is the daughter of an artist and opera singer and uses her feminine wiles to seduce men from the upper classes. A fun and flirty protagonist herself, we also follow Jessie's Amelia, who is Becky's friend and is a touch more naive. It's a fast-moving and smart series, packing in the humour in bounds and at just one season long, really is the perfect series to sit down and get through in one go. Dickinson Where to watch: Apple TV How do you even go about trying to dramatise the life of an author who was famously a recluse and kept much to her self? Well, you do away with the rule book and reimagine her as a pop-loving heroine who railed against the system in order to get her books published. While not entirely far from the truth of the time period and how it was for women at the time, Dickinson certainly isn't the lonely or sad image of a poet that many of us came to understand through the school curriculum. It's definitely not the most accurate series out there but it's a fun time and showcases themes of expression, identity and sexuality that Bridgerton similarly broaches. Lark Rise to Candleford Where to watch: Apple TV This adaptation of Flora Thompson's memoir of her Oxfordshire childhood certainly was a more recent jewel in the period drama crown for the BBC. Although the show did end rather abruptly (but nonetheless on a high), fans enjoyed four seasons of enjoyable TV. Following Laura (Olivia Hallinan) as she makes the move from Lark Rise to her aunt's house in Candleford, Laura's world is opened up a lot more than it was in her small hamlet. While the stakes of this series aren't terribly high, it's still an all-round lovely show that is both an easy watch and warm. Tom Jones A reimagining of Henry Fielding's 1749 novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, this ITV series takes illicit romance and yearning to a new level. At just four episodes long, it'll be easy to binge-watch this series in no time, especially as the series pulls us through the love story between two neighbours from two completely different worlds. While it's clear they have a connection that they want to pursue, the world is against Tom (Solly McLeod) and Sophia's (Sophie Wilde) union, simply because they're from different classes. Taking matters into her own hands, Sophia's aunt, Lady Bellaston (Hannah Waddingham), stops at nothing to destroy their love, which certainly has flecks of Bridgerton about it. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Do Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley appear in Bridgerton season 4?
Plenty of fans were expecting Kanthony to make an appearance in Bridgerton season 4.
It's that time of year once more when we're all swept off our feet for another instalment of Bridgerton. While it's only the first batch of season 4 episodes that have dropped on Netflix, a lot was jam-packed into just four hours. The central love story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha) consumes the first half of season 4, but we also have the return of Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and husband Lord John Stirling (Victor Alli) from Scotland – with clearly more brewing under the surface than meets the eye. However, with conversations around returning characters and fan-favourites, plenty of Bridgerton fans have been left wanting for Kate (Simone Ashley) and Anthony (Jonathan Bailey). Their names were announced as part of the season 4 line-up, but do they appear? Read on to find out. Do Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley appear in Bridgerton season 4? Unfortunately, Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley are not seen in the first batch of episodes of season 4 – but they are set to appear in part 2. As we learn early on in the season from Mrs Wilson's (Geraldine Alexander​​) gossip, the pair had chosen to go to India to have their child, with the Bridgerton household staff brimming with excitement to meet the heir upon their return to the Ton. However, we don't get that return to London in season 4 part 1 – but it is teased to come later on in the season. Thankfully, with the help of the season 4 part 2 look-ahead trailer (which plays automatically after you've finished the final fourth episode of season 4), we can see that the beloved couple are set to make a return to our screens very soon. In the clip, we see what's to come between Sophie and Benedict, as well as getting a glimpse into the growing tension between Francesca and Michaela. But near the end of the teaser, we also see a loved-up Kate (Ashley) and Anthony (Bailey) enjoying a moment laid out on their bed together, with their child nestled between them. It's a moment that eager fans have already taken to on social media, with plenty of Bridgerton viewers excited for their return. View Green Video on the source website While it was known from an early stage that Wicked star Bailey would be reprising his role as Anthony, Kate's return was a later reveal. Speaking at Netflix's Season of Love event last year to RadioTimes.com and other press, showrunner Jess Brownell confirmed: "We've got Anthony returning and I can reveal here for the first time today, we also have Simone Ashley returning. "'Kanthony' will be together again and we will get to be seeing more of their marital bliss and seeing their baby as well. So, lots of fun." So, while they're nowhere to be seen in season 4 part 1, fans will just have to exercise a smidgen more patience as they're set to make an appearance in part 2 – we can't wait! Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is streaming now on Netflix, with Part 2 arriving on 26th February. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When does Bridgerton season 4 part 2 come out on Netflix? Release date, latest news
When does the rest of Bridgerton season 4 land on our screens?
*Warning: This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 4 part 1.* What an ending that was, right? Bridgerton season 4 part 1 left its viewers on quite the cliffhanger note as Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha) finally made their feelings for one another clear – but Benedict clearly had the complete wrong idea about things as he propositioned Sophie to be his mistress. Still unaware that Sophie is in fact the mysterious Lady in Silver that he's been looking for with the help of his sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Benedict's previous conversation with the men of the Ton about mistresses was clearly striking a chord. It of course left Sophie flabbergasted at the suggestion, rushing out of the Bridgerton residence (that she now lives and works in) and on an open-ended note as to how the pair will reconcile. Things thankfully left on a happy note for Lady Violet Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) and Lord Marcus Anderson (Daniel Francis), but things are set to take another dramatic turn as Lady Araminta and her daughters have moved into Grosvenor Square next to the Bridgerton household. Mrs Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) is now working for them but just a stone's throw away from Sophie, it looks as though things are going to get a whole lot more complex going into the rest of season 4. Thankfully, we have four more episodes to come as the season has been split in two. But just when can we expect part 2 to be released on Netflix? Read on to find out. Bridgerton season 4 part 2 release date: When is it coming to Netflix? Bridgerton season 4 part 2 will be released on Netflix on Thursday 26th February 2026. The first half of season 4 premiered on Thursday 29th January so it's been a little wait between the two parts dropping, surely only building up the anticipation between episodes! How many episodes are in Bridgerton season 4 part 2? There will be four episodes in Bridgerton season 4 part 2, meaning that the total episode count of season 4 is eight. The episode titles for each part can be found below: Part 1 Episode 1: The Waltz Episode 2: Time Transfixed Episode 3: The Field Next to the Other Road Episode 4: An Offer from a Gentleman Part 2 Episode 5: Yes or No Episode 6: The Passing Winter Episode 7: The Beyond Episode 8: Dance in the Country What will Bridgerton season 4 part 2 be about? As we saw in the first half of Bridgerton season 4, Benedict was on a mission to find the Lady in Silver who he had met at his mother's masquerade ball. It turned out that Sophie had taken the night off of being an overlooked maid for her stepmother Lady Araminta and with the help of her pals, enjoyed one night of freedom. What she couldn't of banked on was meeting Benedict and the pair sharing quite the connection. So much so, that Benedict was intent on tracking her down with nothing more than the memory of her lips and her voice to go off on. Eloise was enlisted to help, with Benedict chatting to plenty of women to figure out if they were the one he was looking for. During his search, he crossed paths with Sophie, who had been found out by Lady Araminta and kicked out, with nowhere to live or work. During a storm, Benedict and Sophie took cover at one of the Bridgerton houses in the countryside, enjoying days together and clearly growing closer but Benedict was none the wiser that Sophie was actually the woman he was looking for. While Sophie of course knew the truth, she toyed with the prospect of telling him and talked herself out of it. In a turn of events and feeling indebted to Sophie for saving his life, Benedict asked Sophie to work at the Bridgerton household for his mother and with nowhere else to go, she took the opportunity but did hesitate at first. Things culminated in the fourth episode when Lady Violet managed to get her children out of the house for a night alone with Marcus, leading them to all go to Francesca and Lord Stirling's home for dinner. However, they were interrupted by a surprise visit from Michaela, with it clear that things have transpired between Francesca and Michaela since the last time we've seen them together, judging from Francesca's shocked response. The biggest twists were in the final moments though when Benedict and Sophie finally shared a passionate kiss but Benedict ruined the moment and asked Sophie to be his mistress, rather than actually want a relationship with her. That wasn't the only shocker though as Lady Araminta, her daughters and Mrs Varley have now moved into the home next door to the Bridgerton household, meaning they're within walking distance to Sophie. So we'd expect all of that and more to be dug into in part 2 as tensions likely simmer between Sophie and Benedict, Lady Araminta continues to put her stamp on the Ton and we possibly find out what has occurred in Scotland with Francesca and Michaela. Is there a trailer for Bridgerton season 4 part 2? Not yet! But you can refresh your memory of part 1 below. View Green Video on the source website Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bridgerton season 4 part 1 ending explained: Benedict's poor decision-making reaches all-time high
The final moments of that Bridgerton finale will leave plenty of fans at a loss for words.
*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for the final fourth episode of Bridgerton season 4 part 1, An Offer from a Gentleman* The final episode of Bridgerton season 4 part 1 well and truly lived up to its title, with Benedict (Luke Thompson) leaving Sophie (Yerin Ha) and viewers at home quite literally lost for words over his latest revelation. Or should we say, an "offer from a gentleman". The finale of the first batch of episodes leaves things on quite the cliffhanger, not only for the leading couple but also for the future of the Ton, as we see some new neighbours move into Grosvenor Square. With Benedict back in town after his stint in the countryside and with Sophie by his side, he gets his mother to employ Sophie in the Bridgerton household. Initially unsure over the prospect of working for the family, Sophie does accept the offer and starts to enjoy her time there – but that quickly changes at the last minute when Benedict surprises her with a proposition. Speaking about his season 4 connection with Ha, Thompson told Radio Times magazine: “You might think it’s tricky to have chemistry on Zoom but it turns out you can! I found doing the read-through that you can just feel... something. It felt quite enigmatic, our connection, like there was quite a lot to unpack. And that’s what you want.” Thankfully, there's the rest of season 4 to come – as well as two more seasons, which have recently confirmed their leads. But what went down in the part 1 finale of Bridgerton season 4? Read on for a full breakdown. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 ending explained: What happens between Benedict and Sophie? Arriving back in London, Sophie is shocked when Benedict tells her that she can work for his mother in their family home. Despite her initial reservations, Sophie is in need of a job after all and so, accepts. Once inside the house, Violet (Ruth Gemmell) warmly greets Sophie and says she would be the perfect lady's maid for Eloise (Claudia Jessie) and Hyacinth (Florence Hunt). Benedict makes good on his promise to Sophie that he'll also hire Hazel (Gracie McGonigal), proving to Sophie to be a man of his word. It's no time at all before Sophie is getting used to life in the Bridgerton house, becoming close to both Bridgerton sisters. Violet tries helping Benedict track down the mysterious woman he met at her ball, to no avail. But in the background, she's also focused on arranging an at-home date with Marcus (Daniel Francis) and so, enlists Mrs Wilson (Geraldine Alexander) to help her formulate a plan to get the children out of the house. One evening when out drinking with the men of the Ton, Benedict learns that his friend, Lord Hiscox, is happy with his mistress. This is where he gets the idea to make Sophie his mistress. The men speak of it being normalised due to the fact that marrying someone from your class doesn't always mean you love someone from your own class. Benedict and Sophie share a moment in his room one evening, reminiscing about their time in the countryside and Benedict admits that he doesn't want Sophie to leave. Although Violet has offered Sophie permanent employment, Sophie doesn't know whether she should take the offer as there's clearly something between her and Benedict. Even so, he admits that he won't jeopardise her job. View Green Video on the source website Meanwhile, Alice (Emma Naomi) thinks that she's found the Lady in Silver in the form of Miss Hollis. Benedict and Violet meet her and her mother, but they learn that it isn't Miss Hollis after she reveals that she never actually attended the masquerade ball. Sophie later snaps at Benedict after the meeting, which has clearly angered her. She suggests Benedict should go back to his bachelor lodgings rather than being in the home and filling her head with ideas, especially as she's enjoying her new job. Sophie later says that she'll be staying on to Mrs Wilson, who is happy that she is remaining as everyone really likes her. The rest of the staff are happy to learn that they've been given the night off and that Sophie will also be joining them for a drink that evening. That same evening, Violet has arranged for Marcus to come round and the pair finally sleep together. At the same time, Benedict is at his own lodgings and is going stir crazy, doing nothing but drawing an image of Sophie. He abruptly leaves for the Bridgerton house and goes straight to Sophie's bedroom door, but she is out for the evening. None the wiser, Sophie turns back to get her coin purse and on the way up the stairs, bumps into Benedict. Things quickly get steamy between the pair and Benedict admits that Sophie is all he thinks about, with his eyes searching for her in every room. Sophie is clearly bowled over by his admission but Benedict surprises us all by killing the moment and saying: "Sophie, be my mistress." Those words will ring out in silence for some time to come as the anticlimax of it all leaves Sophie stony-faced and speechless, grabbing her coat and leaving. But that's not the only surprise of the finale as it's then revealed that the mysterious new Bridgerton house neighbour is in fact Lady Araminta (Katie Leung) and her daughters. Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) now works for them and only being a stone's throw away from Sophie's new place of employment will likely only spell trouble. What happens between Francesca and John? In the finale, Francesca tries to initiate having sex with John but it's clear they're on different pages. Later, John finally confronts Francesca about it and they both agree that they can do more to express their feelings to one another. Francesca has to admit to John that she has not been "reaching her pinnacle", explaining that she thinks that's why she isn't pregnant yet. The pair end up having a frank and honest conversation, with it seeming as though they've reached a new level of their relationship. However, they are surprised with an unexpected visitor on the evening of their family dinner party. When they go out to greet them, they find John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza), who remarks to Francesca that she looks as though she's seen a ghost. What happens between Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury? Whilst hosting an evening soiree, Lady Danbury finds out that Alice is keen to perform a function of some sort in society, which gives Danbury the idea to pitch Alice as the Queen's new Lady in Waiting. Alice is surprised by the admission and Danbury later visits her at her home, trying to convince her to take up the offer. Alice says she's never dreamed of being a Lady in Waiting for the Queen but Danbury says the very fact she's arguing back proves that she's a great fit for the role. As for whether that new companionship will go down well in the episodes to come, we'll just have to wait and see. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is streaming now on Netflix, with Part 2 arriving on 26th February. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bridgerton stars break down what that surprise nod to the Queen Charlotte spin-off means for season 4
Bet you weren't expecting that, dear reader.
*Warning: This article contains a minor spoiler for the Bridgerton season 4 part 1 finale.* Although it was released back in 2023, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story remains a fan-favourite spin-off of the original Regency drama. The series lifted a lid on the indomitable Queen (Golda Rosheuvel) and her backstory, taking us through her whirlwind romance with King George and was a hit of a series. There haven't been any plans for a continuation of that spin-off but nevertheless, fans of the Regency drama remain committed to the memory of Queen Charlotte series. Going forward in the original series, fans now have a greater understanding of the younger years of not only the Queen, but also of Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh) and Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell). So, fans will undoubtedly be delighted to see a small nod to the Queen Charlotte series in Bridgerton season 4! While not a big moment by any means, eagle-eyed fans will spot that Lady Danbury makes her way through the Queen's palace with her in tow, but stops for a moment to admire one of the grand paintings adorning the hallway. When she looks up at it properly, we then get to see that it's actually a portrait of the Queen and Lady Danbury but as their younger selves. As Danbury stops to look at it, the Queen turns back and says: "Agatha?" but no more words are exchanged as she simply smiles and carries on. Seeing as the Queen Charlotte spin-off was such a success, how did it feel to incorporate that nod to the series and their younger characters? Speaking exclusively to RadioTimes.com, Adjoa Andoh said: “You’ve got it, woo! First of all, I’m chuffed that you got that because it’s very delicately in there and not everybody will perhaps notice it. I think what it’s saying is ‘Do you remember, audience? Do you remember those young women?’. "You see that remembrance and you understand the length of that friendship and all the vulnerabilities that were on display in that spin-off series. That series was a real gift to us and a real brilliant Shonda lightbulb flashing into our story." Read more: Bridgerton showrunner confirms which characters will be the leads of seasons 5 and 6 Bridgerton star teases "confronting" season 4 character dynamic between Francesca and Michaela She went on: "I love that thing where you look at someone and are like ‘I wonder what you were like when you were 12’. I think everybody has that moment where they do have that wondering so it’s beautiful that we were able to have that in the show. "It just really does inform how we’re able to play these moments now because we know their history. We know for a fact … we physically embodied those stories, we know what’s gone on for them in our younger versions in Arsema [Thomas] and India [Amarteifio].” In this first batch of season 4 episodes, it hasn't exactly been plain-sailing between the Queen and Danbury. While the pair have clearly been friends for decades and do respect one another, Danbury's reveal that she wishes to leave the Ton has clearly upset the Queen. Revealing how that upsets the Queen this season, Rosheuvel said: “I think it has [come out of left field]. I think the Queen has sort of naively been coasting along, rather nicely. "I think Danbury’s ask really shifts the Queen into realising that she has been coasting a little bit and realises, through Whistledown and the comment that Whistledown makes, that she is trapped. She is confined in her own world and can’t go out and you know, go somewhere as Danbury is asking." Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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. Bridgerton, the show that revolutionised period drama, has just returned for a typically breathless fourth season. At a masked ball, second Bridgerton sibling Benedict (Luke Thompson) is smitten by the mysterious Lady in Silver (Yerin Ha). But who is she? Meanwhile, the highly anticipated Take That documentary has been released on the same streamer, telling the story of the hit boy band. The three-part series goes behind the scenes with current band members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, featuring archived interviews with Jason Orange and Robbie Williams, as they reveal their personal experiences in a pop group that had millions of fans and sold over 45 million records worldwide. Over on Disney+, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is taking one of its biggest gambles in years with Wonder Man. The series appears to be most closely comparable to earlier experiments WandaVision and She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, taking a low-stakes comedic spin through the sprawling comic-book world. We meet Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), a struggling actor trying to make it in Hollywood, as he joins forces with fellow performer and one-time terror suspect Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley). For the film fans among you, there are plenty of new releases to entertain you at home during this dark, wet winter. Best buddies Ben Affleck and Matt Damon reunite on screen in Netflix's propulsive, all-star crime thriller The Rip, butting heads as a pair of veteran Miami cops who realise there’s a mole on their team — and no-one can be trusted. Also new to Netflix is romcom People We Meet on Vacation, in which Emily Bader and Tom Blyth play the platonic best friends whose globe-trotting adventures lead to, well, you can guess the rest, in what amounts to a sun-kissed version of When Harry Met Sally. It's a perfectly charming way to feel ever-so-slightly warmer. You could also try Nuremberg, a compelling drama about the courtroom trials of prominent Nazis starring Russell Crowe and Rami Malek; or Dead of Winter, which features Emma Thompson as a widow who stumbles across a kidnapping while travelling through the snowy wastes of Minnesota. 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 tense thriller like Run Away, a reality show like Squid Game: the Challenge or a music documentary such as Taylor Swift: the End of an Era, 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.
Bridgerton star defends Lady Araminta – and explains why fans should empathise with her
Lady Araminta is set to be Bridgerton's new antagonist but actress Katie Leung says that fans should "empathise" with her.
There's a brand new family on the block in Bridgerton season 4 and as fans get whisked up into Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie's (Yerin Ha) love story, we also get introduced to the fierce and often cruel matriarch of Lady Araminta Gun. Played by Harry Potter and Annika star Katie Leung, there's a lot that meets the eye to her new character. Having been married and widowed twice, Araminta is majorly concerned with making sure that her daughters Rosamund (Michelle Mao) and Posy (Isabella Wei) debut this season but she's also described as "fabulous, discerning, and blunt". So, it's safe to say that Araminta will be forging her own path in the Ton this season and isn't one to care too much about the opinions of others. Araminta will undoubtedly be a character that gets the Bridgerton fanbase talking, not least because she does fall into the 'antagonist' category. But what is it that she wants viewers to understand about her character? Chatting exclusively to RadioTimes.com, the actress revealed: "I think the main thing to understand is that she is a single mother who’s trying to juggle just surviving. Especially back then, in this Regency era, having two daughters is not ideal because the sons manage the household. So, she’s had to do everything herself, having been married twice and widowed twice. "So, she’s inevitably built up this wall of protection for herself, for her daughters and she’s on survival mode. She has to take on this ruthless, high-achieving stance attitude in order to achieve her goals." Read more: Bridgerton star teases "confronting" season 4 character dynamic between Francesca and Michaela Unforgotten season 7 releases major production update – and confirms Peaky Blinders and Coronation Street favourites for new cast Leung continues: "The thing to understand as well is that she loves her daughters, she just doesn’t really show it so much. She shows it through different ways but not in the affectionate way that we see in someone like Violet, for example. I think it’s down to finance, financial stability and not having that. "Yes, it’s easy to say that you should always approach your children, your loved ones with affection, gratitude and all of these things. But it’s actually a privilege because the Bridgertons have the financial stability to do those things, whereas Araminta does not. So yes, we should empathise with her a lot more." The new season focuses on Benedict and Sophie, who meet at Lady Violet's masquerade ball one evening and never cross paths again. Benedict's story is the focus of the third Bridgerton novel, An Offer from a Gentleman. The story of Sophie is uncovered the more we dig into the series as we learn about her work as a maid and the fact that she works for Lady Araminta. As for how that dynamic will play out in the rest of the season and what that could possibly spell for Sophie's future, we'll just have to wait and see. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on 29th January and Part 2 on 26th February, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Bridgerton finally gets a lot more interesting by stepping into Downton Abbey territory in season 4
Four seasons in, standing firm as one of Netflix's biggest original series success stories and based on a fan-favourite collection of novels, Bridgerton doesn't really need to switch up its format. It's the series that many started off watching as a steamy guilty pleasure, with fans continuing to tune in each season to see what love story will unfold for each of the Bridgerton siblings. First, it was Daphne (Phoebe Dynevor) then it was Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) and more recently, Colin (Luke Newton). Now, all eyes are on the unserious lothario that is Benedict (Luke Thompson) and as we know, the course of true love never did run smooth. While this new season does certainly ground us in Benedict's quest to find his mysterious Lady in Silver, the real draw of this instalment is the fact that it goes where Bridgerton hasn't really ventured. It peeks behind the curtains, if you will, offering viewers a window into the goings-on of these lavish homes and wealthy families, while crafting an emotional and complex story for Sophie (Yerin Ha) in the process. Arguably, this season of Bridgerton always had the bones to be its most interesting. But it is TV after all and the small matter of execution always leaves fans slightly trepidatious at what's to come. By following Sophie's incredibly sad story, though, we ground the series in real human emotion. It's not just the airy fairy cloud of love and sex that is an escapist viewer's dream – instead, it's a version of the series that's a bit more realistic. Sure, many of us come to Bridgerton for that snippet of escapism, those hours of TV where we don't have to think about the nasty, mean world and can instead just get lost in wet shirt scenes and yearning. But, I'd say, four seasons in and the show was at a risk of becoming stale and predictable. Now, by venturing into the territory of Downton Abbey, Bridgerton has opened up its doors to new possibilities, characters and stories that make the tapestry of the Regency drama only richer. The first portion of the premiere episode follows Mrs Wilson (Geraldine Alexander) as she goes from the relative calm of preparing the Bridgerton household for the arrival of Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Eloise (Claudia Jessie) to downstairs, where the air is frantic, a luxurious feast is being prepared and bells ring to indicate just who has risen and may need attending to. View Green Video on the source website It's a slick ship she's running and it's clear that no stone is left unturned in this house. However, it's not long before lighthearted gossip starts to be exchanged from the corners of the room by Mrs Wilson, Celia (Sophie Lamont) and Footman John (Oli Higginson), the very people who know the Bridgerton's best. It's a dynamic that we've seen play out in Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes's hit drama that spawned six seasons, multiple Christmas specials and three films. There's something about the upstairs-downstairs of it all that strikes a chord with viewers and is an ideal storytelling device to really get to know the ins and outs of a household. What is behind the picture-perfect Bridgerton façade and who are those that work to maintain it? It's not a question that we've really ever been allowed to think about, seeing as blossoming romances, meet-cute sparks and Lady Whistledown have preoccupied previous seasons. While we do get whisked away to the masquerade ball, the premiere episode is bookended by the shift in focus of the hired help. At the end, Sophie is unmasked as her true self, a maid left to quickly change and go back to a life that clearly doesn't fill her with any happiness. Dressing up for the night and sneaking out ends up being "the most extraordinary night of my life", she admits — a new spin on Cinderella. The fairytale tropes get ever clearer the deeper we dig into Sophie's story in episode 2, where we learn that Lady Araminta (Katie Leung) is actually, technically, Sophie's stepmother. She married Sophie's father Lord Penwood but since Sophie was the illegitimate product of his affair with a maid, she was only ever seen as his ward. The deeper we get into the series, the more we find out about Sophie's troubled past and how the death of her father impacted her life, with Lady Araminta making Sophie her maid. That focus on power dynamics is something we see explored in other households this season too, as Mrs Varley (Lorraine Ashbourne) is faced with the prospect of leaving the Featherington's in the Great Maid War that's swept over the city. Varley lays out her case to Lady Featherington (Polly Walker) for a pay rise that reflects the rest of the industry, only to have it denied. Instead, she's given an old dress of Lady Featherington's after being told that money is scarce in the household. "We are not family," Varley has to remind her employer, a scene that really could be akin to any manager-employee meeting in a start-up company these days Overlooked and underpaid is a sentiment many viewers will relate to here with Varley, with Bridgerton venturing into conversations about wealth and class now more so than ever. In a slightly different way, we also have the changing dynamic between Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and Lady Danbury (Adjoa Andoh). Close friends with an emotional history of their own, the pair are on completely different plains when it comes to status. Danbury effectively asking for permission to leave London to return to her homeland is partly a testament to her commitment to the Queen, but is also reflects how those in the Ton have to look to the Queen and wider society before making any major life decisions. Those shifting power dynamics are part of a territory that Bridgerton season 4 brilliantly steps into in more ways than one. It's something that is also condensed into part 1's final moments where Benedict propositions Sophie to become his mistress, a thought he simply wouldn't have with a woman of equal social standing to him. It's a knotty landscape to navigate but Bridgerton pulls it off in the glossy and fun way it often does best, proving that venturing outside the box makes for the most interesting tales. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 is streaming now on Netflix, with Part 2 arriving on 26th February. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
When is Tyson Fury fighting Arslanbek Makhmudov? Time, date and TV details
RadioTimes.com rounds up everything you need to know about the Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov fight, including date and how to watch.
The Gypsy King is back. Tyson Fury has come out of retirement and is set to return to the ring to fight Russian heavyweight Arslanbek Makhmudov later this year. Fury hung up his gloves at the start of 2025, following his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, but has recently teased a comeback and returned to training, amid fresh rumours of a long-awaited showdown with fellow Brit Anthony Joshua. Now, it has been confirmed that the former two-time world heavyweight champion will step back onto the canvas this spring to face Makhmudov in the UK. Watch Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov on Netflix Netflix will have exclusive coverage of Fury's first fight on home soil in more than two years, the venue for which has not yet been revealed but is expected to be announced in the coming weeks. "Excited to be back," said the 37-year-old after his return to the ring was announced. "Heart’s always been and always will be in boxing. Someone go tell the king that the ace is back!" RadioTimes.com rounds up everything you need to know about the Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov fight, including date and how to watch. When is Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov? Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov is scheduled for Saturday 11th April 2026. The fight will be in the UK but the venue, timings, and undercard have not yet been confirmed. How to watch Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov Fans can tune in to watch Tyson Fury v Arslanbek Makhmudov exclusively live on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Who is Arslanbek Makhmudov? Arslanbek Makhmudov is not one of the big names in the heavyweight division. Indeed, you'd be forgiven for never having heard of the 36-year-old before he was announced as Fury's opponent for the April bout. An aggressive and powerful orthodox fighter, Makhmudov hits hard and is always searching for a knockout blow. That will make for a clash of styles against a master tactician like Fury but means that the Gypsy King cannot take his opponent lightly. The six-foot-six Russian, who lives and trains in Canada, has won 21 of his 23 bouts, 19 by stoppages and 13 in the first round. Though he has never held a world title, he has won minor and regional titles, including the WBC Continental Americas title, the WBC-NABF title, the WBA–NABA title, the WBC Silver title, and the WBA Inter-Continental title twice. Makhmudov's most recent victory came against Brit Dave Allen, who he beat by a unanimous decision in Sheffield in October 2025 to claim the WBA Inter-Continental title for a second time. He called out Anthony Joshua following that fight but is now set to face Fury instead. "I am thrilled about the opportunity. I’m coming to deliver a war," said Makhmudov. "Tyson Fury has been a big champion. I will be more ready than ever to leave with a massive W." Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Netflix releases first-look trailer for new adaptation of Jo Nesbø’s iconic Harry Hole books
The teaser trailer for the serial killer mystery is finally here.
It wouldn't quite be a crime drama without a complicated detective at its helm and taking that trope to new heights is Netflix's latest thriller, Detective Hole, which is based on the bestselling Harry Hole novels by Jo Nesbø. Fans of the original books will know this broody central character all too well but thanks to an official teaser trailer that's just dropped, we get to see just how Hole goes about getting results in his professional life and leaving his personal life somewhat dwindling. In the teaser, we see The Last Kingdom's Tobias Santelmann as Hole, drinking at late night bars, getting into physical scraps and punching people square in the face. Nevertheless, he's good at his job, his colleague admits – he's just not necessarily good at everything else. The Killing's Joel Kinnaman stars as Hole's colleague Tom Waaler, who may seem similar to Hole in terms of their professional capabilities, but is clearly hiding some secrets of his own. As the tension builds, we see Hole come undone literally as he's seen tearing an investigation wall apart, with pictures flying everywhere. You can watch it for yourself below. View oEmbed on the source website It was just last month that we had a release date for the new series confirmed, with the new crime thriller set to land on Netflix this March. As we see in the teaser, the series is very much concerned with a central serial killer case but also, Hole's growing suspicions over his colleague Waaler. As per the synopsis, the series is "is a whodunnit serial killer mystery led by famed anti-hero Harry Hole. Underneath the surface, this series is a nuanced character drama about two police officers – and supposed colleagues – operating on opposite sides of the law." It continues: "Throughout the season, Harry goes head-to-head with his long-time adversary and corrupt detective Tom Waaler. Harry is a brilliant but tormented homicide detective who struggles with his demons. As the two navigate the blurred ethical lines of the criminal justice system, Harry must do all he can to catch a serial killer and bring Waaler to justice before it is too late." Read more: Bridgerton star reveals how season 4 sets up her own leading story: "I’m buzzing to one day do it" BBC confirms Game of Thrones star to return for Blue Lights season 4 – plus more cast comebacks Bestselling author Nesbø also serves as series creator and executive producer on the series, which is the first to be based on Nesbø's bestsellers. With 13 novels making up the literary series, there's certainly plenty of source material so there's no telling where this Netflix adaptation could go. On bringing the central anti-hero character to life, Nesbø said in a statement: “It’s been just great working with Tobias Santelmann and creating a character that is fresh, still true to the character and his universe in the novels. I’m really looking forward to presenting this Harry Hole to the audience.” Similarly, lead star Santelmann also said: “Stepping into Harry Hole’s shoes has been a tremendous honor and a thrilling challenge. Jo Nesbø’s world is so rich, and Harry is a truly complex character. I’m thankful for this opportunity, and I hope the audience will enjoy our Harry Hole. Bringing him to life, and working with everyone involved, has been a true privilege.” The rest of the cast for Detective Hole includes Ellen Helinder, Anders Baasmo, Kåre Conradi, Simon J Berger, Peter Stormare, Fridtjov Såheim, Eili Harboe, Atle Antonsen, Manish Sharma, Jesper Christensen and Kristoffer Joner. Jo Nesbø's Detective Hole will stream on Netflix from Thursday 26th March 2026. 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 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.
Netflix takes Bridgerton superfan to season 4 premiere to meet the cast – and fan has surprising connection to beloved star
We're well and truly in the swing of Bridgerton season and Netflix have thought of an incredible way to mark the occasion – and that's by treating one mega fan to an experience of a lifetime. The streamer held a competition to find the biggest Bridgerton fan out there and after sifting through countless applications and nominations from loved ones, they crowned one lucky winner. Well now, RadioTimes.com can reveal what went down when Sarah – who was none the wiser as to what surprises she had in store – found out that she was going to be whisked away to the Bridgerton premiere in Paris. Having been nominated by her best friend, we find out more about Sarah's personal life and how she spends a lot of her time caring for others but ultimately, always keeping Bridgerton close to her heart. So much so, in fact, that she identifies with Nicola Coughlan's Penelope, even revealing that she keeps dying her hair ginger to match the character's. "I do, I keep going 'Oh, I'm in my Penelope Bridgerton phase!'," she tells the camera, thinking she's applying to be on a quiz show. In the clip, we see how everything is pulled off on the day in question, with Sarah being told that she's going on a first aid course for work with her friend and travelling to a training centre. Once there, a series of random events occurs but once in the room with the other 'participants', the teacher asks Sarah to go up to the front and asks her about her favourite TV show. Regaling the room about how much she loves Bridgerton, she's then asked to write the show's name on a whiteboard. But as she does, the walls slowly come away from her, revealing an extravagant ballroom with Regency dancers circling the floor in gowns and suits – just like it's been pulled straight from the series. Sarah's then told to make her way to the throne, where she's told she's been nominated by her friend and is invited to attend the Paris premiere, a true dream come true for any fan. Speaking of her experience, Sarah said: "I am incredibly grateful to every single person we met along the way on our Bridgerton journey. There truly are no words to describe what an extraordinary adventure this has been, so thank you for giving us a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "Thank you to everyone for your incredible hard work, dedication, and kindness; none of this would have been possible without you. From the most magical surprise in Newark, to stepping onto the red carpet in Paris, to connecting with so many beautiful souls, every moment meant more to me than words could ever express.” You can watch the heartwarming moment for yourself above and enjoy the full-length video on the official Netflix and Bridgerton social channels, where you also get to see snippets of the premiere itself and the moment Sarah is treated to a video message from Coughlan herself, who couldn't attend the premiere in person. Read more: Bridgerton star teases "confronting" season 4 character dynamic between Francesca and Michaela Bridgerton star reveals how season 4 sets up her own leading story: "I’m buzzing to one day do it" The new season of Bridgerton kicks off tomorrow, with the first batch of season 4 episodes and the rest following in February. This time around, the show is focusing on the story of Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), who meet at Lady Violet's masquerade ball. Benedict simply only knows Sophie as the mysterious Lady in Silver and so, goes on a mission to track her down. As per the synopsis: "With the reluctant help of his sister Eloise (Claudia Jessie), Benedict sets out in society to uncover the young lady’s identity. But in fact, his heart’s desire is not in society at all — she is a resourceful maid called Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), working for the formidable Lady of the house, Araminta Gun (Katie Leung). "When fate brings Benedict and Sophie back together, Benedict wrestles between the reality of his affection for this intriguing maid and the fantasy of the Lady in Silver — unaware that they are the same person. Will Benedict’s inability to see these women as one in the same derail the undeniable spark between him and Sophie? And can love truly conquer anything — even a cross-class connection forbidden by society?" Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Stranger Things creators' new horror series with The Night Manager star gets release date confirmed with chilling first look
Camila Morrone and The White Lotus alum Adam DiMarco lead the main cast.
Netflix has unveiled first-look images from its mysterious horror series Something Very Bad is Going to Happen, which is executive produced by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer. The plot of the show is shrouded in secrecy at the time of writing, with few details beyond the premise, which sees a soon-to-be-wed couple ensnared by a (potentially supernatural) plot to destroy them. The series comes from screenwriter Haley Z Boston, best known for work on Netflix's viral hit Brand New Cherry Flavor and Prime Video's pulpy thriller Hunters, with Baby Reindeer director Weronika Tofilska also attached. Netflix's own TUDUM has compared the show to horror greats Rosemary's Baby and Carrie, which implies that dark fantasy elements could come into play as the story unfolds. The Night Manager star Camila Morrone co-stars opposite The White Lotus season 2's Adam DiMarco, playing the "doomed" couple central to the sinister conspiracy. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/adam-dimarco-camila-morrone-something-very-bad-4c70912.jpg" width="2700" height="1800" alt="Adam DiMarco and Camila Morrone star in Something Very Bad is Going to Happen; in this scene, their characters are in the front seats of a car, holding hands as they drive down a road" title="adam-dimarco-camila-morrone-something-very-bad" /> The supporting cast also includes fellow Hunters alum Jennifer Jason Leigh, also known for The Hateful Eight and Atypical, who bears an unsettling grin in her debut image as she clasps what appears to be an engagement ring. Adding to the show's horror credentials is Ted Levine, who played serial killer Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs, and can be seen cutting an imposing figure in a dimly lit corridor. Is he friend or foe? The supporting cast of Something Very Bad is Going to Happen includes Karla Crome (Toxic Town), Gus Birney (Black Rabbit) and Jeff Wilbusch (Unorthodox), while Superman and Wonder Man breakout Zlatko Burić will also feature. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2026/01/something-very-bad-is-going-to-happen-cast-a022edd.jpg" width="2700" height="1800" alt="Karla Crome, Gus Birney and Jeff Wilbusch star in Something Very Bad is Going to Happen; in this scene, they are stood around a kitchen island, looking towards the camera lens with intrigue" title="something-very-bad-is-going-to-happen-cast" /> The Duffer brothers recently found themselves in hot water with fans as the Stranger Things ending proved to be one of the most controversial since Game of Thrones. Hopefully, Something Very Bad is Going to Happen can help restore some faith in their creative choices. The eight-episode first season is scheduled to drop on Netflix on Thursday 26th March 2026. Something Very Bad is Going to Happen is coming soon to 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 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. Add Something Very Bad is Going to Happen 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.
Bridgerton season 4 cast: Full list of characters and actors in Netflix hit
Bridgerton season 4 is about to land on our screens, so here's your guide to the exciting new cast additions and old favourites.
It's the week that we've all been waiting for, with Bridgerton season 4 landing on Netflix tomorrow. While the third season shone a spotlight on Nicola Coughlan's Penelope Featherington and Luke Newton's Colin Bridgerton, this new instalment puts the focus on Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha). Bridgerton newcomer Ha has already teased that with the introduction of maid Sophie and the "upstairs-downstairs influence", it will "bring a new, fresh energy and vibe to the show." Count us excited! With Benedict encountering a mysterious Lady in Silver at his mother's masquerade ball, this season will see him go on a quest to track down the woman behind the mask, none the wiser as to who it really is. While that central love story will most certainly keep us all occupied, there's set to be plenty else going on elsewhere in the Ton. Francesca is set to return to London with husband John by her side, but talking about the dynamic that's at play between her and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza), actress Hannah Dodd exclusively teased to RadioTimes.com: "What can I say? I think Michaela is a character that challenges Francesca whereas John is a character that makes space for Francesca. They’re both really important for Francesca to move forward." She added: "It’s quite a confronting feeling for Francesca and a new feeling, a challenging one. I just think there’s an exploration of those feelings." With the leads for season 5 and 6 having now also been confirmed, all eyes are on season 4 to see how it will also set up the stories of Francesca and Eloise. But who's who in Bridgerton? Read on for the full season 4 cast which features new cast additions, as well as some of the main players that graced our screens in previous seasons too. Bridgerton season 4 cast The full cast list for Bridgerton is as follows, but scroll on for all the key characters throughout this new third season, as well as seasons 1 and 2. Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton Jonathan Bailey as Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton Victor Alli as Lord John Stirling, the Earl of Kilmartin Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich Ruth Gemmell as Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom of Great Britain Adjoa Andoh as Agatha, Lady Danbury Polly Walker as Portia, Dowager Baroness Featherington Emma Naomi as Alice Mondrich Hugh Sachs as Brimsley Daniel Francis as Lord Marcus Anderson Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li Isabella Wei as Posy Li Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown Lorraine Ashbourne as Mrs Varley Oli Higginson as Footman John Sophie Lamont as Celia Geraldine Alexander as Mrs Wilson Here is all you need to know about all of the major players. Luke Thompson plays Benedict Bridgerton Who is Benedict Bridgerton? The second-eldest Bridgerton boy. He harbours dreams of being an artist, but is unsure of his talent. After going through a bit of an identity crisis in season 2, season 3 saw him trying to make a name for himself and leading quite the party lifestyle with plenty of lovers in tow. Now, he's enraptured with the mysterious Lady in Silver, none the wiser to her true identity and intent on finding her. What else has Luke Thompson been in? He's appeared in Kiss Me First, In the Club (as Simon), Dunkirk and Misbehaviour. Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek Who is Sophie Baek? Sophie works as a maid in Lady Araminta's home and comes from complicated beginnings. However, one night she decides to sneak out of the home to attend Lady Violet's much-discussed masquerade ball, an event that pulls her into the path of Benedict's orbit. What else has Yerin Ha been in? The Australian actress is known for her roles in Halo, Bad Behaviour and The Survivors, having also starred in Dune: Prophecy. Luke Newton plays Colin Bridgerton Who is Colin Bridgerton? The third-oldest of the Bridgerton sons, Colin's season saw him go from returning to the Ton to marrying his best friend Penelope and then feeling betrayed when he learnt she was Lady Whistledown. Now, everything's plain-sailing as Colin and Penelope now have a baby boy and are enjoying newlywed bliss. What else has Luke Newton been in? Credits include The Cut, Disney Channel series The Lodge, Mr Selfridge and Doctors. Hannah Dodd plays Francesca Bridgerton Who is Francesca Bridgerton? The fifth (of eight) Bridgerton children, Francesca was thrust into the limelight in season 3 as she makes her debut in the Ton. While fans of the novels will know what journey she's set to go on, now Francesca is navigating newlywed life to John and awkward conversations around sex once they return to London from Scotland. What else has Hannah Dodd been in? Dodd takes over the role of Francesca Bridgerton from Ruby Stokes, who played the character for seasons 1 and 2. Dodd has starred in Find Me In Paris, Enola Holmes 2 and Anatomy of a Scandal, as well as Harlots. Nicola Coughlan plays Penelope Featherington Who is Penelope Featherington? Intelligent, romantic and kind, Pen is the youngest of three girls – but she doesn't fit in with the rest of the Featheringtons. However, she came into her own last season as her true identity as Lady Whistledown was unveiled and she confessed her true feelings for Colin. Now, the pair are wed and have a baby so are firmly enjoying marital bliss. What else has Nicola Coughlan been in? Nicola Coughlan is best known for her role as Clare Devlin in Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls. She also played Hannah Dalton in Harlots, and in 2018 she made her West End debut in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. She has since starred in Channel 4's Big Mood, Dodger, Barbie, Seize Them! and Doctor Who. Victor Alli plays Lord John Stirling Who is John Stirling? John is equally as reserved as Francesca and so, they make quite the good match after all. They got married in an intimate ceremony in season 3 and now have returned from the Scottish Highlands. Where else have I seen Victor Alli? Alli has previously starred in Andor, Death on the Nile and Gangs of London. Ruth Gemmell plays Violet, Dowager Countess Bridgerton Who is Lady Violet Bridgerton? A respectable, kind-hearted, wealthy widow. She deeply loved her husband, and after his death she has been left to look after their eight children by herself. Because of societal conventions and legal restrictions on women, her eldest son Anthony is now officially head of the family; but Lady Violet knows she must do her own part behind the scenes to make sure her children find marriages as loving (and as suitable) as her own. This season, she's enjoying an even closer relationship to Marcus, with the pair enjoying their flirty companionship. What else has Ruth Gemmell been in? Over the last few years, the actress has starred as Sarah Collingborne in Home Fires, Gina Graham in Deep State, and Octavia Putney in Penny Dreadful. She played Jen Dugdale in Utopia and has made several appearances in Silent Witness. On the big screen, she starred as Sarah Hughes in Fever Pitch. Katie Leung as Lady Araminta Gun Who is Lady Araminta Gun? Sophie works as the maid in Lady Araminta's home, with the pair sharing a complicated history, to say the least. Araminta is twice-married and twice-widowed so is keen to debut both of her daughters successfully in the Ton, no matter what people may think of her. What else has Katie Leung been in? Leung is best known for her role as Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films, having also starred in Annika, Arcane, The Peripheral and Strangers. She has also starred in The Wheel of Time and Nightsleeper. Michelle Mao as Rosamund Li Who is Rosamund Li? Araminta's eldest daughter, Rosamund takes after her mother in going after exactly what she wants and this season, it's Benedict Bridgerton. What else has Michelle Mao been in? Mao has had roles in the Goosebumps TV series, FBI: Most Wanted, Surfside Girls and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Isabella Wei as Posy Li Who is Posy Li? Posy isn't quite like her mother and older sister, often preferring to be more friendlier and chatty. However, that often means she puts her foot in her mouth. What else has Isabella Wei been in? Wei made her TV debut in 2022 in Netflix's 1899, going on to star in High Wire, The Crow and Black Doves. Polly Walker plays Portia, Dowager Baroness Featherington Who is Lady Portia Featherington? The scheming mother of the Featherington family. She knows the family does not have the social standing or the wealth of the Bridgertons, but she is utterly determined to find husbands for her three daughters and so, is over the moon now that Penelope is officially a Bridgerton and the Featheringtons now have a new male heir. What else has Polly Walker been in? Polly Walker has enjoyed a prolific few years of TV appearances. She plays Gill in Line of Duty, Peggy Sykes in Pennyworth, Lady Lunete in Cursed, and Bel in Age Before Beauty; before that, she was in The Syndicate, Paranoid, Mr Selfridge, Prisoners Wives, Rome and State of Play. Emma Naomi plays Alice Mondrich Who is Alice Mondrich? Alice is Will Mondrich’s wife. In season 3, the Mondrich family’s status is elevated and now, Alice is set to go on her own journey within society. What else has Emma Naomi been in? Viewers will recognise Naomi from 2021's Professor T, 2023's Surprised by Oxford, as well as more recent series like Too Much and What It Feels Like for a Girl. Claudia Jessie plays Eloise Bridgerton Who is Eloise Bridgerton? Eloise is described as "whip-smart, brazen, and rebellious" and "believes she's destined for something much greater, though she's quite rapidly approaching marriageable age". She is horrified by the idea of being a debutante and finding a husband but with her best friend Penelope having now found one, this season sees her make some decisions about her future. What else has Claudia Jessie been in? This isn't the only time we've seen Claudia Jessie in Regency costume: she also starred as Amelia Sedley in the 2018 adaptation of Vanity Fair. More recently, Jessie has starred in Toxic Town but other roles have included Nessa in Defending the Guilty, Jodie in Line of Duty, Lucy in Porters, Kira Arlo in Doctor Who episode Kerblam!, and WPC Annie Taylor in WPC 56. Adjoa Andoh plays Agatha, Lady Danbury Who is Lady Danbury? Described as "the legendary, acerbic, lioness of a dowager who runs this town," Lady Danbury is a close friend of the Queen's and so, does her best to make sure the Ton is in smooth running order. In season 2, she was an honorary godmother to Simon Basset, she hosted the Sharma family in season 2 and season 3 is set to see her in the mix of some of the budding romances. What else has Adjoa Andoh been in? Adjoa Andoh starred as Francine Jones in Doctor Who. Aside from her many theatre credits, Andoh has also been in Casualty (as Colette Griffiths), MI High (as the Head of MI9), Missing (as DCI Lauren Ford), Invictus (as Brenda Mazibuko), Fractured (as Dr Jacobs), Thunderbirds Are Go (as the voice of Colonel Casey), Liar (as Margaret Rust) and Cucumber (as Marie). Golda Rosheuvel plays Queen Charlotte of the United Kingdom of Great Britain Who is Queen Charlotte? In Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte is married to the monarch King George III – but he is unwell and is kept out of the public eye, while she is the face of the monarchy. Several years ago, the King's decision to marry a black woman led to major changes in society, elevating the status of black people and other ethnic minorities. In personality, the Queen is a gossip, who loves to follow (and interfere) all the romances and marriage of high society; she also loves to be right. She doesn't suffer fools. The character is very loosely based on the real Queen Charlotte, who was indeed married to King George III. He increasingly suffered bouts mental and physical illness, and the couple's eldest son was appointed Prince Regent to rule in his father's place. Her story was recently explored in Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte, but in Bridgerton, she is keen on finding a true gem when it comes to a female debut. What else has Golda Rosheuvel been in? She’s also previously appeared Dead Boss, Torchwood, Lady Macbeth, Luther, Death in Paradise and Doctor Who's Space Babies episode. Martins Imhangbe plays Will Mondrich Who is Will Mondrich? A boxer, and a friend of season 1's Simon Basset. Will was originally not a wealthy man, but has always been in a loving marriage and enjoys being a father. The Mondrichs' life took a major turn in season 3 and now they're at the top of society. What else has Martins Imhangbe been in? This is one of his first screen roles. On stage, he's been in shows including Othello, Death of a Salesman, An Adventure, and Uncle Vanya. Daniel Francis plays Lord Marcus Anderson Who is Lord Marcus Anderson? Lady Danbury's brother, Lord Marcus came on the scene in season 3 and immediately drew the attention of Lady Violet. The pair have exchanged flirty glances but now, we'll have to see what season 4 has in store for them. What else has Daniel Francis been in? Francis is known for his roles in Netflix's Stay Close, as well as Small Axe, Once Upon A Time and Liaison. He has also starred in Holby City and The Wheel of Time. Florence Hunt plays Hyacinth Bridgerton Who is Hyacinth Bridgerton? The youngest daughter of the Bridgerton family. She is fascinated by her sisters' lives, is desperate to know all the gossip and is more keen than ever to debut in the Ton. What else has Florence Hunt been in? The young actress played Nimue in Cursed. Will Tilston plays Gregory Bridgerton Who is Gregory Bridgerton? Another of the young Bridgertons, Gregory returns from Eton and is grappling with puberty. What else has Will Tilston been in? Will Tilston played young Christopher Robin in the movie Goodbye Christopher Robin. Lorraine Ashbourne plays Mrs Varley Who is Mrs Varley? Servant to the Featherington family and Lady Portia Featherington's right-hand woman, Varley is ever loyal to the family. What else has Lorraine Ashbourne been in? Over the last couple of years, we've seen her play Barbara Castle in The Crown and appear in I Hate Suzie, Out of Her Mind, and Alma's Not Normal. She also starred as Angela in the TV series Cheat, and she was DI Tessa Nixon in Unforgotten. Looking a little further back, credits include City Central (as Sergeant Yvonne Mackey), Playing the Field, Jane Eyre, and Public Enemies. Hugh Sachs plays Brimsley Who is Brimsley? The Queen's manservant, who is a terrible gossip. What else has Hugh Sachs been in? He is perhaps best known for playing Gavin Ramsbottom in Benidorm. On TV, he's also been in shows including Endeavour, Aristocrats, Father Brown, and Midsomer Murders. Masali Baduza plays Michaela Stirling Who is Michaela Stirling? A late arrival in season 3, Michaela is John’s cousin, who lives with him in Scotland. There is a noticeable spark between her and Francesca at the end of the third season and she's set to return for the fourth. Where else have I seen Masali Baduza? Stirling has previously starred in The Woman King. Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton Who is Anthony Bridgerton? Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling, and has been head of the family since assuming the title of Viscount – after his late father's untimely death. He's handsome, charming and rich. In season 2, although he shied away from marriage and wasn't concerned with finding a true love match, he found that in Kate, and the two are now wed. What else has Jonathan Bailey been in? Jonny Bailey has previously starred as Jack Patterson in W1A, Lance Miller in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Edward in Hooten & the Lady, Sam in Crashing, Leonardo da Vinci in the historical drama Leonardo, and Olly Stevens in Broadchurch. In 2014 Doctor Who episode Time Heist he played the character Psi, and he's also appeared in the movies The Mercy, The Young Messiah, and Testament of Youth. He has more recently starred in Fellow Travelers and is set to star in Heartstopper season 3. Simone Ashley plays Kathani "Kate" Sharma, Viscountess Bridgerton Who is Kate Sharma? "Kate is a smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools — Anthony Bridgerton very much included," according to Netflix. Kate and her sister Edwina arrived in London so the pair could make their debuts in season 2 but after much back and forth, Kate realised she was hopelessly in love with Anthony. The last we saw of the pair, they were enjoying newlywed bliss in season 3 and are set to return in season 4. What else has Simone Ashley been in? Elsewhere on Netflix, Simone Ashley starred as Olivia in Sex Education. She also played Elise Fox in the TV mini-series The Sister, and she's been in Broadchurch, Pokémon Detective Pikachu and Strike. More recently, she starred in Picture This and is set to star in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Julie Andrews is the voice of Lady Whistledown Who is Lady Whistledown? Well, that's the question everyone's asking! Someone going by the name "Lady Whistledown" has just started putting out society papers (basically, newsletters) full of gossip about the ins and outs of high society. Nobody is sure who she could be, but she sure seems to know a lot about what's going on. What else has Julie Andrews been in? In case you needed reminding, Oscar-winning actress Julie Andrews's screen credits include Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, The Princess Diaries and Victor Victoria. Lady Whistledown is also far from her first voice acting role: she's the voice of Gru's mum in Despicable Me, the Queen in Shrek, Karathen in Aquaman, and the narrator in Enchanted. Cast of Bridgerton seasons 1, 2 and 3 Sam Phillips plays Lord Alfred Debling Who is Lord Debling? One of the new faces for season 3, Lord Debling is one of the male suitors looking for a wife. While he has been travelling for work and is very much the successful businessman, he is trying to find a companion - and has his eyes on a certain Penelope Featherington. Speaking about how he hopes the audience doesn't see his character as a villain, Phillips told Town & Country magazine: "He is a good person who's three dimensional! He has feelings and thoughts and hopes and dreams." What else has Sam Phillips been in? Phillips has starred in This England, The Crown, Grantchester and The Syndicate. Harriet Cains plays Philippa Featherington Who is Philippa Featherington? "Not exactly known for her smarts or cleverness," as Netflix puts it, Philippa is the middle daughter and in season 3, has found a husband but along with her sister, is now focused on producing a Featherington heir. What else has Harriet Cains been in? She's had three major roles in her career so far: Jem Walker in In The Flesh, Gail Davidson in Marcella, and Louisa in Safe House. The actress has also made appearances in Hollyoaks Later, Vera, No Offence and Line of Duty. Jessica Madsen plays Cressida Cowper Who is Cressida Cowper? Another young woman on the marriage mart, Cressida has been a prominent almost-antagonist for seasons 1 and 2 but in season 3, is the unlikely friend of Eloise. Clearly a bit of a rebound friend after her falling out with Penelope, Cressida and Eloise are the new best friends in the Ton. What else has Jessica Madsen been in? Her previous screen credits include Rambo: Last Blood, Tina and Bobby, Leatherface, Dark Light, and Mr Selfridge. Bessie Carter plays Prudence Featherington Who is Prudence Featherington? The eldest Featherington daughter. Prudence has found herself a husband but is set to go on quite the journey of intimacy when her mother presses her and her sister to produce an heir. What else has Bessie Carter been in? Bessie Carter played Violet Woodhouse in the TV series Beecham House, and Evie Wilcox in the 2017 adaptation of Howards End. She's also been seen in Doc Martin, Les Misérables and The Good Liar. Kathryn Dysdale plays Genevieve Delacroix Who is Genevieve Delacroix? A tailor and seamstress. She is friends with Siena and an ally to Penelope. What else has Kathryn Drysdale been in? The actress stars as Meghan Markle in comedy-drama The Windsors. She's also played Natalie Wood in Benidorm, Louise in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Bliss in the Doctor Who episode Love & Monsters, and Rhoda Swartz in Vanity Fair. Hannah New plays Lady Tilley Arnold Who is Lady Tilley Arnold? A widow and new love interest for Benedict Bridgerton who is independent and has intellectual interests of her own. What else has Hannah New been in? New has also starred in Trust, The Strain, Black Sails, and The Time in Between. Charithra Chandran plays Edwina Sharma Who is Edwina Sharma? Edwina Sharma is the younger sister of Kate Sharma and the daughter of Mary Sharma. She arrives in season 2, having moved to England from India with the intentions of making her debut on the Ton scene and finding a husband. Where else have I seen Charithra Chandran before? Charithra Chandran is an actor best known for starring in Alex Rider and appearing in Class S. Shelley Conn plays Mary Sharma Who is Mary Sharma? Mary Sharma is the mother of Kate and Edwina Sharma who is moving back to the UK after leaving decades prior to be with her husband in India. After moving away from home on bad terms, she's nervous about re-entering London society. Where else have I seen Shelley Conn before? Shelley Conn is best known for appearing in Casualty, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mistresses, How Do You Know, Strike Back, Silent Witness, Liar, Death in Paradise and Four Lives. Phoebe Dynevor plays Daphne Basset, Duchess of Hastings Who is Daphne Bridgerton? A young, beautiful woman from a prominent family who entered society in season 1 to find a suitable husband. In season 2, she visits occasionally from her marital home to help her brother Anthony find his wife. What else has Phoebe Dynevor been in? Having started out as Siobhan Mailey in the TV series Waterloo Road, the actress has since starred in The Village, Prisoners Wives, Dickensian (as Martha Cratchit), Snatch (as Lotti Mott) and Younger (as Clare). Her mother is the actress Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster in Coronation Street. Regé-Jean Page plays Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings Who is Simon Basset? In season 1, Simon returns to London, having inherited his father's title and becoming the Duke of Hastings – but he only intends his stay to be brief. While his late mother's old friend Lady Danbury hopes he might marry, Simon is determined not to give in; he must also avoid the ambitious "mamas" who are desperate for him to marry their daughters. He does not appear in season 2. What else has Regé-Jean Page been in? Like his co-star Phoebe Dyvenor, he's appeared in the TV series Waterloo Road – although she'd left by the time he played Guy Braxton in 2015. Other roles have included Dean in Fresh Meat, Chicken George in the 2016 mini-series Roots, and Leonard Knox in Shonda Rhimes's legal drama For The People. Rupert Young as Jack, Baron Featherington Who is Lord Jack Featherington? A distant relation of the Featherington clan, Jack arrives as the new title holder in the family. Could he turn around the fortunes of Portia and her daughters? What else has Ruper Young been in? Young has appeared in television roles featured in Merlin, Doc Martin, Foyle's War, Hotel Babylon, The White Queen, Doctor Who and more. Ruby Barker plays Marina Crane (née Thompson) Who is Marina Thompson? At the start of season 1, Marina is sent from the country to live with her cousins, the Featheringtons. She is the poor relation; but as Netflix tells us, "the arrival of this resourceful young lady seems to make more than just a splash in our glittering, exclusive world." However, she is absent from the second season. What else has Ruby Barker been in? Ruby Barker previously appeared in the TV series Wolfblood as Daisie, and in an episode of Cobra as Georgia Nixon. Jamie Beamish plays Nigel Berbrooke Who is Nigel Berbrooke? An unpleasant, nasty suitor who is keen to find himself a wife. He has a high opinion of himself and is hard to put off. What else has Jamie Beamish been in? He played Ciaran in Derry Girls, Nathan in The Commuter, and Augustine Phillips in the TV series Will. Sabrina Bartlett plays Siena Rosso Who is Siena Rosso? An opera singer. Anthony Bridgerton has been enjoying a passionate affair with her, but can their relationship really work long-term? Short answer: no. Siena is absent in the second season. What else has Sabrina Bartlett been in? In the TV series Victoria, Sabrina Bartlett played Abigail Turner – and in Versailles she played Mathilde. She has also been seen as Sophie in Da Vinci's Demons, Keren Smith in Poldark, and Princess Isabella in Knightfall. Freddie Stroma plays Prince Friederich Who is Prince Friederich? A charming, eligible Prince who has arrived from Germany to find himself a Princess. He is related to the Queen, and she is keen to secure him a good match. What else has Freddie Stroma been in? Having played Cormac McLaggen in the Harry Potter movies, Freddie Stroma went on to appear as Ben in The Inbetweeners 2, Luke in Pitch Perfect, and Dickon Tarly in Game of Thrones. Other credits include Time After Time and UnREAL. Ben Miller plays Lord Featherington Who is Lord Featherington? The head of the Featherington family. He has three daughters who are all on the marriage mart this year, but as a father he takes a back seat (generally on the sofa, behind a newspaper). What else has Ben Miller been in? He first teamed up with Alexander Armstrong for The Armstrong and Miller Show back in 1997, performing sketch comedy. Acting roles have included DI Richard Poole in Death in Paradise, Colonel Lancaster in Paddington 2, Rupert Murdoch in Tracey Ullman’s Show, James Lester in Primeval, The Sheriff of Nottingham in Doctor Who, and Bough in Johnny English. We'll also soon see him in upcoming drama Professor T, and he'll be making a cameo appearance in the new season of Death in Paradise. James Fleet plays King George III Who is King George III? In real life, King George III reigned from 1760 to 1820 – but in by later years of his reign, when Bridgerton is set, he was suffering very badly from mental illness. He was married to Queen Charlotte, and his eldest son took over as Prince Regent in 1810. What else has James Fleet been in? James Fleet starred as Tom in Four Weddings and a Funeral, and as Hugo Horton in The Vicar of Dibley. Recent credits have included Belgravia, The Pale Horse, Unforgotten, Outlander, and Patrick Melrose. Julian Ovenden plays Henry Granville Who is Henry Granville? A painter who befriends Benedict Bridgerton. He has a somewhat libertine lifestyle. What else has Julian Ovenden been in? We've recently seen him as Tom Pain in Adult Material, William De Nogaret in Knightfall, and Bobby Kennedy in The Crown. He also starred as Charles Blake in seasons 4 and 5 of Downton Abbey. But Julian Ovenden is also known for his stage work and for his singing career. Molly McGlynn plays Rose Who is Rose? Daphne's lady's maid and confidante. Rose is kind, helpful and loyal. What else has Molly McGlynn been in? She played Leah Buckley in Coronation Street, and Jane Allum in Cobra. Richard Pepple plays Simon's father Who is Simon's father, the Duke of Hastings? A cruel father who treated his wife (Simon's mother) abysmally. In Bridgerton, we only meet him in flashbacks. What else has Richard Pepple been in? He played Ferringham in season 5 of Line of Duty, Mosi in Gangs of London, and Dublin Hilton in The Long Song. Other credits include Motherland, The Dumping Ground, Death in Paradise, Code 404, Holby City, and Cursed. Jason Barnett plays Jeffries Who is Jeffries? Servant to Simon, the Duke of Hastings. What else has Jason Barnett been in? Over the last few years he's been in Agatha Raisin (as DCI Wilkes), Waffle the Wonder Dog (as Mr Nolan), Lee and Dean (as Midnight) and Porridge (as Shel). He also played CSE Eddie Olosunje in The Bill. Pippa Haywood plays Mrs Colson Who is Mrs Colson? The housekeeper at Clyvedon House, country home of the Duke of Hastings. What else has Pippa Haywood been in? Pippa Haywood is perhaps best known for playing Joanna Clore in the hospital comedy drama Green Wing, or for playing Craddock in Jed Mercurio's TV series Bodyguard. Other credits include Feel Good, Requiem, Porridge, Scott & Bailey, Brief Encounters, and Mr Selfridge. Geraldine Alexander plays Mrs Wilson Who is Mrs Wilson? The housekeeper at Bridgerton House. What else has Geraldine Alexander been in? She's been in the TV soaps Coronation Street (as DS Louise Surrey) and EastEnders (as Andrea Rooney), while recent credits include The Child in Time, Marcella, Father Brown, and Shetland. Back in 1985 she played Areta in the Doctor Who story Vengeance on Varos. Joanna Bobin plays Lady Cowper Who is Lady Cowper? An 'ambitious mama' who is competing with the other mothers of the ton – including Lady Bridgerton and Lady Featherington – to get her daughter married off. The daughter in question is Cressida Cowper. What else has Joanna Bobin been in? She was Jackie in Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Joanna in The Casual Vacancy, Felicity 'Flic' Jenner in Mr Selfridge, and Sarah Lawson in Collateral. Bridgerton season 4 part 1 premieres on January 29th and Part 2 on February 26th, both on Netflix. Seasons 1-3 are available to watch on Netflix now. You can buy the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original/dp/0349430187?tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2381335" target="_blank" rel="noopener sponsored" data-geniuslink="https://buy.geni.us/Proxy.ashx?TSID=114542&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FBridgerton-Collection-Inspiration-Netflix-Original%2Fdp%2F0349430187%3Ftag%3Dradtim0b-21%26ascsubtag%3Dradiotimes-1612614&dtb=1">Bridgerton book series on Amazon. Add Bridgerton to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more. Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's The Rip proves the upsides and downsides of using real-life Hollywood friends
When real-life bromance meets movie rivalry, the stars’ off-screen friendships become the real story we’re watching.
It may come as a shock to learn that, despite playing the "it’s for work" card, I occasionally lose control of the TV remote, which is how I ended up sitting through The Rip, a heist-based, gun-heavy, F-bomb-flooded thriller that I will describe, without apology, as "probably a film for boys". On the plus side, it starred – nay, was almost rescued by – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, and when I wasn't watching another shootout through my eyelids, it got me thinking about them and how we feel when film-star friends appear together on-screen. It’s almost 30 years since this golden pair arrived in our lives. The story of how two longtime friends co-wrote Good Will Hunting, defying all their Hollywood doubters and going on to score box-office millions and an Oscar each for best screenplay, has become as rich in mythology and inspiration as the film itself. The film’s most moving moment comes when Affleck's blue-collar loyal friend Chuckie tells Damon’s maths genius Will he's worth more than the life he’s settling for: "You’re my best friend. I call for you every day. The best part is when I knock on your door and I think maybe you won’t be there." Cut to 2026, and The Rip proves that day has not yet come – the Affleck-Damon alliance still tight in life as on screen. View Green Video on the source website A similar challenge is posed by the George Clooney-Brad Pitt pairing in Wolfs. As in The Rip, the film sets two solitary operators in competition and seemingly reluctant comradeship. Except, of course, they’re played by two of the world’s most recognisable men, famous for being handsome, successful and, most pertinently, great friends ever since they dazzled together in Ocean’s Eleven. Studios have long used the same trick to seduce audiences, repeatedly pairing equal and sort-of opposites like Paul Newman and Robert Redford, or channelling the unstoppable-force-meets-unmovable-object charisma of Alain Delon and Jean-Paul Belmondo. We happily sit through hours of fictional rivalry and mistrust, even when we’ve seen the stars sharing a red-carpet joke or hanging out in a boat on Lake Como. Does it matter? Well, it means we can’t fully immerse ourselves in the narrative. If it’s hard enough to believe in any screen character when the face belongs to George "grinning, gravelly" Clooney, it’s almost impossible when he’s squaring up to Brad Pitt. Their widely documented, endlessly photographed real-life friendship means we can never take on-screen conflict between them entirely seriously. Nor are we meant to. We’re not really investing in the stories of The Rip’s competing cops or Wolfs’ mutually suspicious fixers. What we’re immersing ourselves in are these real-life bromantic backstories: Affleck and Damon, the former leaning on the latter through years of rehab; Pitt and Clooney, bonded by decades of practical jokes on film sets. There’s nothing remotely reluctant about any of these partnerships. Anyone who’s worked on a film set will tell you about the long days of downtime between takes – and how much more bearable those hours are when spent playing cards and swapping stories with your besties. The best moment in The Rip's five days running time (OK, just under two hours) is a quiet action-free scene shared by the two stars. "Great work today, man," says Damon. "You, too," says Affleck. Thirty years on, one still calls and the other’s still there. Read more: The Rip ending explained: who was the traitor in the Netflix thriller? Is Netflix crime thriller The Rip based on a true story? The Rip is streaming now on Netflix. 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 Mummy and One Day favourites star in first look at new erotic drama for Netflix based on bestselling novel
Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall lead the cast of Vladimir.
A set of first-look images have been unveiled for Vladimir, a new erotic drama starring The Mummy's Rachel Weisz and One Day's Leo Woodall. The series, which will be made up of eight episodes, is based on the novel of the same name by Julia May Jonas, and sees Weisz play a "passionate but reckless professor", whose world begins to unravel when she finds herself "dangerously fixated on her magnetic new colleague". The newly released images introduce us not only to Weisz's unnamed protagonist and Woodall's Vladimir, but also to their respective spouses, played by John Slattery and Jessica Henwick. It has also been announced exactly when the series will debut on Netflix - Thursday 5th March 2026. Weisz spoke with Tudum about the new series, saying that there's "definitely comedy and drama" within it. "It’s mischievous and a good tonal cocktail for exploring some very serious subjects and issues," she said. "Her fantasy is about the power of desire — the invigorating, stimulating, inspiring, and revivifying feeling that she gets from her obsession with Vlad. What it’s about is coming back to life in a certain way [after lying] dormant for some time." The central character is very much someone going through a stalling career, while she also no longer feels sexually desired by her husband, with whom she's in an open relationship. Meanwhile, she learns that that the liberal arts college where she’s taught contemporary fiction for decades is bringing a sexual assault case against John, a fellow professor. She then meets Vladimir, a hot-shot young writer who joins the faculty along with his wife, Cynthia, and she quickly becomes obsessed with him. Weisz's character will speak directly to the camera, but she might not be the most reliable source of information. "You have direct access to what the character is thinking and then also what she wants you to think," Weisz told Tudum. "What she wants you to think is a little distant from the total truth." Vladimir will be released on Netflix on 5th March 2026. 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 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.
Take That celebrate Robbie Williams breaking record - as Gary Barlow teases Robbie will rejoin band
Robbie William's latest solo album saw him steal a record previously set by The Beatles.
Gary Barlow has teased that Robbie Williams will be rejoining Take That as the band celebrate the singer breaking a new record with his latest album. This week the singer and recent Better Man star broke the world record for the most UK No 1 albums, as his 13th solo album Britpop went straight to the top of the charts. In doing so, Robbie Williams has surpassed the tally previously set by The Beatles in 2000 and now holds the record. Released on 16th January, the new album, Britpop, pays homage to the golden era of British pop music, the 1990s, and has so far produced 5 singles, including Rocket which features Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi. Williams achieved the new record with 16 chart-toppers, made up of 12 solo albums, three greatest hits compilations, and the soundtrack to his movie biopic Better Man. This doesn't include the two other No 1 albums that he recorded as a member of Take That. Every single album Robbie Williams has released as a solo artist has reached No 1, bar his 2009 album Reality Killed the Video Star which was only surpassed by boy band JLS. Appearing on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning (27th January), the current members of Take That, Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald joined Scott Mills for an hour-long special to mark the release of a new documentary about the band. As well as answering fan questions, Take That congratulated Robbie Williams on his recent record before Gary went on to tease that fans could expect to see Robbie return to the band, saying with certainty "it's going to happen". Speaking to Scott Mills on Radio 2, Barlow said: "Listen, at some point it’s going to happen in the future and that’s one of the wonderful things about our band is that you never know what’s around the corner. "As this documentary shows, we all started out at the same place, could you have even imagined back then that we could all be sat in this position now. It’s wonderful, it really is." The new four-part Take That documentary has just been released on Netflix after being in production since before the This Life on Tour, with a brand new song from the band being featured at the end. Gary Barlow also confirmed on the radio show that fans can expect a new Take That album coming at the end of this year. Robbie Williams first left Take That in 1995 before rejoining the band in 2010 when they recorded the album Progress and played eight dates at Wembley Stadium which made a record-breaking £38 million. However it was then announced in October the following year that Robbie had exited the band for a second time to focus on his solo career. In 2014, Jason Orange also left Take That and retired from the entertainment industry completely. The Take That documentary is now streaming on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add the Take That documentary 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 Documentaries 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 happened to Jason Orange? Absence from Take That documentary explained
Jason Orange and Robbie Williams do not feature in new interviews in the documentary.
The highly-anticipated Take That documentary has been released on Netflix, with the streamer previously promising it would tell the story "of the UK's most iconic boy band". The three-part series launched today (27th January), and goes behind the scenes with current band members Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen, featuring archived interviews with Jason Orange and Robbie Williams, as they reveal their personal experiences in a band that had millions of fans and sold over 45 million records worldwide. While many will know Williams's reasoning for leaving the band from his own self-titled documentary and later biopic, Better Man, Jason Orange's may not be as widely known. As you tuck into the new documentary, read on to learn more about Jason Orange's exit from Take That. Why isn't Jason Orange in the new Take That documentary? While Jason Orange's voice can be heard throughout the documentary, he doesn't directly feature like the other three current band members. It had been previously confirmed by Netflix that Jason Orange would not feature in a new interview in the documentary. Why did Jason Orange leave Take That? Jason Orange was a member of Take That from 1990 until 1996 following their split, though he later rejoined the band for the reunion tour in 2005. He then remained in the band until 2014, before announcing he planned to retire from music altogether. In a statement at the time, Orange said: "I have spent some of the best years of my life with Take That and I'd like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey, including my band mates, who I feel like are brothers to me, "At the end of The Progress Tour, I began to question whether it might be the right time for me to not continue on with Take That. "At the start of this year and with my full knowledge and blessing, the guys began writing new material. There have been no fallings out, only a decision on my part that I no longer wish to do this." In an interview in 2023, band member Mark Owen told The Times: "I think [Jason] felt like he didn’t want to do it any more. But I’m not going to speak for him." He then added: "He’s still here anyway. The other day we were trying to work out who the best joke-teller in the band is and remembered how Jason always laughed before he got to the punchline." What is Jason Orange up to now? After leaving the band and quitting the entertainment industry in 2014, Jason Orange has led quite a private life and is rarely seen in public. In 2023, Howard Donald told press that he didn't think Orange would ever rejoin the band. Asked if the group would ever be a five piece again, he said (via The Sun): "Five of us? Oh there’s only three of us now! I don’t think Jason ever, maybe possibly Robbie, but not Jason I don’t think." Take That 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 TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Kim Kardashian stars in first look at all-new Netflix comedy - which also stars British comedy favourite
The Fifth Wheel will be coming to Netflix later this year.
Kim Kardashian continues her pursuit of an acting career in the all-new Netflix comedy The Fifth Wheel, which also sees British comedy favourite Jack Whitehall as part of the cast. The series, which is being directed by Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria, follows a friendship group who embark on a trip to Las Vegas which ultimately ends in disaster, with fresh new images from the set giving us our very first glimpse at what's to come. The group of three friends go on the the trip to Sin City to try and reconnect after growing distant since high school. Their girls weekend is then crashed by Kim Kardashian's character, a stranger to the group who immediately upends their trip. Her presence ultimately forces the friends to deal with things they were trying to bury - their messy lives, bad decisions, and unraveling friendships. Alongside Kardashian, Nikki Glaser also features, who previously starred in Amy Schumer's Trainwreck, alongside FUBAR's Fortune Feimster, and Brenda Song of Disney Channel fame. British comedian Jack Whitehall, Gone Girl's Casey Wilson and Scott MacArthur, known for Running Point and The Righteous Gemstones, will also be joining the cast. Kim Kardashian rose to fame after reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashian's but has previously dipped into the world of acting. She had a main role in 2023's American Horror Story: Delicate, and last year played one of the leads in the new Hulu drama comedy All's Fair which follows high-skilled female divorce attorneys who depart a male-dominated law firm. The Fifth Wheel will be coming to Netflix in 2026. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Add The Fifth Wheel 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 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.