Best TV shows to watch on NOW

Showing items 1 to 24 of 58
The Wire
- 2002
- Drama
- Crime/detective
- 18
Summary:
"The Wire" is a gritty American crime drama that focuses on the seedy underbelly of Baltimore, Maryland. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city, starting with the police force and the drug trade. It moves on to explore politics, the education system and the media. Created by David Simon ("Homicide: Life on the Street"), the ensemble HBO drama premiered in 2002 and ran for five seasons.
How to watchWhy watch The Wire?:
Widely regarded as one of the best television shows of all time, now is the perfect opportunity to revisit The Wire (or binge watch for the first time). The gritty crime drama takes place on the city streets of West Baltimore, which are gripped by criminal gangs and the trade of illegal drugs. Dominic West (The Affair) plays Detective Jimmy McNulty, tasked with leading the police investigation into one of the most prominent drug dealing organisations. The Wire was critically acclaimed throughout its five-season run, taking an unflinching look at real world problems with a stunning cast that includes Idris Elba (Luther), Lance Reddick (John Wick) and several guest stars who have gone on to become huge names.
Chernobyl
- 2019
- Drama
- History
- 15
Summary:
In April 1986, an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics becomes one of the world's worst man-made catastrophes.
How to watchWhy watch Chernobyl?:
A harrowing, vital re-telling of the 1986 disaster that saw a Ukrainian city destroyed by an incident at a nuclear power plant. Chernobyl made waves the world over with its horrifying and extremely intense recreation of the event, featuring superb performances from Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson and Jessie Buckley. It tells a relevant story about the danger of lies, particularly from those in power.
Big Love
- 2006
- Drama
- PG
Summary:
"Big Love" is an American drama about a fundamentalist Mormon family in Utah that secretly practises polygamy. Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) is married to three wives, Barbara (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Nicolette (Chloe Sevigny) and Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin). Between them, they have nine children. Bill and Barbara's first daughter, Sarah (Amanda Seyfried), struggles to come to terms with her parents' decision to follow the principle of polygamy. Life becomes more complicated for the Henrickson family when their secret is exposed. The HBO series ran for six seasons. It premiered in the UK on Channel 5 in 2006.
How to watchWhy watch Big Love?:
Another acclaimed HBO drama available to binge on NOW, Big Love tells the story of polygamist Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton), as he deals with the inevitable complications of having three wives and seven children. The ups and downs of this unconventional family include some powerful emotional moments, performed by a stellar cast that includes Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!), Bruce Dern (The Hateful Eight), Harry Dean Stanton (Alien) and Mary Kay Place (Lady Dynamite).
Save Me
- 2018
- Thriller
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
Drama series. On a tireless quest to find his missing daughter Jody, Nelly will go to any length to uncover the truth and he'll discover more about himself than he could have ever imagined.
How to watchWhy watch Save Me and Save Me Too?:
There’s more to this thriller than meets the eye. Writer and star Lennie James (Line of Duty) plays the estranged father of a teenage girl who is accused of her abduction. That kick-starts the story of this ensemble piece that includes the impeccable Suranne Jones (Gentleman Jack) as the girl’s mum. A follow-up series titled Save Me Too picks up 17 months after the events of the first. RadioTimes.com gave the sequel a glowing five-star review, describing it as “an absolute knockout”.
The Young Pope
- 2016
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
Drama telling the story of the fictional Pope Pius XIII, the Catholic Church's first American pontiff, as he struggles to establish his papacy while negotiating Vatican politics.
How to watchWhy watch The Young Pope & The New Pope:
Jude Law stars as tyrannical pontiff Lenny Belardo in The Young Pope, a visually stunning series from arthouse film director Paolo Sorrentino. Just a few years later, the creative duo returned for a sequel series titled The New Pope which gave an insight into more Vatican drama, this time with iconic actor John Malkovich in tow. Both shows are available to stream on NOW right now.
Show Me a Hero
- 2015
- Drama
- History
- 15
Summary:
Nick Wasicsko takes office as mayor of Yonkers in 1987 and has to face the issue of building public housing in the white, middle-class side of town.
How to watchWhy watch Show Me A Hero?:
Oscar Isaac takes the lead role in this drama from The Wire’s David Simon, exploring a landmark case in which an attempt to build public housing in a middle-class neighbourhood had devastating effects across the city. The performances are stellar across the board, but Isaac gives a particularly strong turn in the lead.
The Knick
- 2014
- Drama
- History
- 18
Summary:
A look at the professional and personal lives of the staff at New York's Knickerbocker Hospital during the early part of the twentieth century.
How to watchWhy watch The Knick?:
Clive Owen stars in this series from superstar filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, which follows the challenges of a chief surgeon at a hospital in the early 1900s. The series received critical acclaim across its two seasons, handling sensitive themes like drug addiction and racism.
Billions
- 2016
- Drama
- Crime/detective
- 18
Summary:
Drama series. US Attorney Chuck Rhoades goes after hedge fund king Bobby ‘Axe' Axelrod in a battle between two powerful New York figures.
How to watchWhy watch Billions?:
A viciously fun, sleek, witty story of attack and defence between the preposterously powerful US Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) and his nemesis, hedge-fund billionaire Bobby Axelrod (Damian Lewis). Glossy and soapy, Billions encapsulates everything we love to hate about the super-wealthy.
Olive Kitteridge
- 2014
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
A middle-school math teacher Olive and her marriage with Henry which spans 25 years.
How to watchWhy watch Olive Kitteridge?:
This four-part miniseries is based on Elizabeth Strout’s novel of the same name, chronicling 25 years in the life of a retired school teacher facing several personal issues. Academy Award winner Frances McDormand takes the title role of Olive Kitteridge, serving as yet another showcase for her incredible acting talent. Those not wishing to commit to a long-running series may find this a strong option, with its four tightly written episodes.
Boardwalk Empire
- 2010
- Drama
- Crime/detective
- 18
Summary:
American drama set in Atlantic City, New Jersey, at the dawn of the Prohibition era in the 1920s, when the sale of alcohol was made illegal. Atlantic City's treasurer Enoch `Nucky" Thompson (Steve Buscemi) is equally comfortable as a politician and gangster. Along with his brother Eli (Shea Whigham), the town's sheriff, and a crew of local thugs, Nucky is the man to see for illegal alcohol. It begins with Nucky's former protege and driver Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt) returning home from the First World War and trying to reclaim what he thinks is his rightful place in Nucky's organisation. Created by Terence Winter, the executive producers include Martin Scorsese and Mark Wahlberg. Scorsese is also a member of the directing team. "Boardwalk Empire" premiered on Sky Atlantic in 2011 and ran for five seasons.
How to watchWhy watch Boardwalk Empire?:
Steve Buscemi stars in this acclaimed crime drama, which takes you back to 1920s prohibition-era America, where the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic County negotiates shady deals with powerful mobs and mafias. Through this, he has awarded himself a lavish lifestyle, but one that draws suspicion from the federal government, thus placing him under the microscope. How long can he continue this dangerous game before something has to give?
Patrick Melrose
- 2018
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
This series depicts how the son of an aristocratic family seeks redemption and recovery.
How to watchWhy watch Patrick Melrose?:
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the lead role in this five-part series, which follows a man from a privileged yet abusive background, who develops severe problems with drug addiction later in life. The acclaimed series is based on the novels of Edward St Aubyn and won a BAFTA award for best miniseries in 2019…
Catherine the Great
- 2019
- Drama
- History
- 15
Summary:
The life and times of the woman who reformed the Russian empire.
How to watchWhy watch Catherine the Great?:
Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren ascends to the throne in an epic four-part series about Catherine the Great, Russia’s longest-ruling female leader and one of the most powerful female monarchs in history. The drama follows Catherine towards the end of her reign and puts the spotlight on her passionate affair with Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke…
Band of Brothers
- 2001
- Drama
- History
- 15
Summary:
The story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, US Army. This 10-part series chronicles the experiences of these young men who knew extraordinary bravery.
How to watchWhy watch Band of Brothers?:
Don’t miss Steven Spielberg’s 12-hour mini-series Band of Brothers, about one US army regiment’s extraordinary Second World War adventures – once voted one of the best box sets of all time by RadioTimes.com users…
Resident Alien
- 2021
- Comedy
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
A crash-landed alien takes on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor and slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth.
How to watchWhy watch Resident Alien?:
Sci-fi legend Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Star Wars) takes the lead role in this darkly comedic drama, which follows an alien who takes on the identity of a small-town doctor after crash-landing on Earth. After becoming involved in a murder investigation, he gets acquainted with several locals and begins to reconsider his mission to wipe out all human life on the planet. This quirky series, now in its second season, has seen strong reviews from critics and features iconic Terminator star Linda Hamilton in a recurring role.
A Discovery of Witches
- 2018
- Fantasy
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
Fantasy drama based on Deborah Harkness's novel, starring Teresa Palmer and Matthew Goode. It centres on a historian who discovers a manuscript that sends her into a world of magic.
How to watchWhy watch A Discovery of Witches?:
All three seasons of this fantasy series about a witch and a vampire who form an uneasy alliance to solve the mysteries in a bewitched manuscript. Starring Matthew Goode and Teresa Palmer, this time hopping series combined compelling mysteries, electric chemistry between the two leads and more than enough magical creatures to keep things interesting. What's not to like?
Game of Thrones
- 2011
- Fantasy
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
American fantasy drama based on novels by George RR Martin. Set in the fictional Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, it chronicles the violent struggles of the realm's noble families for control of the Iron Throne. The families also face threats from the icy North and the eastern continent of Essos. The ensemble cast includes Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage), Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey), Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) and Petyr Baelish (Aidan Gillen). "Game of Thrones" premiered on Sky Atlantic in 2011.
How to watchWhy watch Game of Thrones?:
HBO’s epic adaptation of George RR Martin’s fantasy novels took the world by storm, with millions tuning in to the finale to find out who exactly would take the legendary Iron Throne. Admittedly, the ending wasn’t to everybody’s liking but the fact remains that Game of Thrones was home to some incredible writing and world building in its earlier seasons. If you missed out on the series originally or just want to relive its most memorable moments, it’s now available to stream in its entirety.
Penny Dreadful
- 2014
- Thriller
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
Psychological thriller set in Victorian London that weaves together characters from 19th-century Irish and British horror fiction, including Dorian Gray, Mina Harker from Bram Stoker's Dracula, and Victor Frankenstein and his monster from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The cast of "Penny Dreadful" is led by Josh Hartnett and Eva Green. It premiered on Sky Atlantic in May 2014.
How to watchWhy watch Penny Dreadful?:
This dark fantasy drama reinterprets iconic characters from gothic literature in a Victorian London setting, including Dorian Gray, Van Helsing, Dr Frankenstein and his famous monster. Not for the faint-hearted, this series built up a devoted fanbase across its acclaimed three-season run, telling a suspenseful story that never shied away from violence, gore and frightening beasts. Timothy Dalton (Doom Patrol), Eva Green (The Luminaries) and Billie Piper (Doctor Who) lead the cast.
DC's Legends of Tomorrow
- 2016
- Fantasy
- Drama
- 12
Summary:
Adventure series. Rip Hunter, a time traveller, assembles superheroes to thwart Vandal Savage's evil plan and save the world.
How to watchWhy watch DC's Legends of Tomorrow?:
Part of the DC Comics television universe, Legends of Tomorrow sees an eclectic team of superheroes working together on time-hopping adventures. Fans of Arrow, The Flash and Supergirl will get the most out of this series, particularly when it comes to the ambitious crossover episodes, but those looking for some lighthearted comic book action should find this fits the bill. Legends features a large ensemble cast which includes Brandon Routh (Superman Returns), Caity Lotz (Arrow), Arthur Darvill (Doctor Who), Wentworth Miller (Prison Break) and Matt Ryan (Constantine).
Avenue 5
- 2020
- Sitcom
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
Armando Iannucci's sci-fi comedy set on board a luxury space liner, starring Hugh Laurie, Suzy Nakamura, Rebecca Front, Zach Woods and Josh Gad.
How to watchWhy watch Avenue Q?:
Legendary comedy mind Armando Iannucci (I’m Alan Partridge, The Thick of It) teams up with iconic actor Hugh Laurie (The Night Manager, Roadkill) for this charming sci-fi comedy. The story follows life aboard the luxury spaceship Avenue 5 – when its eight-week cruise is knocked catastrophically off course, its passengers are stuck on a plodding three-year trajectory back to Earth. Panic ensues about the limited resources, with Captain Ryan Clark (Laurie) forced to tackle one crisis after another. Not quite up there with Iannucci’s finest work, but a solid sci-fi comedy nonetheless (which has been renewed for season two).
True Blood
- 2008
- Fantasy
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
"True Blood" is an American drama based on novels by Charlaine Harris. It charts the love story between Louisiana waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a centuries-old vampire. Sookie has the ability to listen in on people's thoughts and she's open-minded about the integration of vampires into her community. Oddly, Bill is the only person whose mind is a closed book to her. Thanks to a Japanese scientist's invention of synthetic blood, vampires no longer need to target humans, but it doesn't mean they are all virtuous. Created by Alan Ball ("Six Feet Under"), it premiered in 2009.
How to watchWhy watch True Blood?:
This fantasy horror series ran for seven seasons on HBO, starring Anna Paquin (X-Men) as a telepathic waitress who falls in love with a vampire. Make no mistake, this is no Twilight clone. True Blood is well known for its gore and has received recognition from both the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards…
Killjoys
- 2015
- Drama
- Action
- 15
Summary:
Sci-fi adventure with Hannah John-Kamen. In a planetary system on the brink of an interplanetary class war, three bounty hunters attempt to remain impartial as they chase deadly warrants.
How to watchWhy watch Killjoys?:
This science-fiction series starring Hannah John-Kamen (Ant-Man and the Wasp), Aaron Ashmore (Warehouse 13) and Luke Macfarlane (Brothers & Sisters) ran for five seasons in which it accumulated an avid fanbase, and the fifth season is available to stream now. The show follows three intergalactic bounty hunters out for themselves during a period of political turmoil. They’ll have to confront deadly foes and their own troubled pasts along the way…
Twin Peaks
- 2017
- Crime/detective
- Drama
- 15
Summary:
Picks up 25 years after the inhabitants of a quaint northwestern town are stunned when their homecoming queen is murdered.
How to watchWhy watch Twin Peaks: the Return?:
Long before the money moved from film to TV, Blue Velvet director David Lynch had dipped his toe in the water with this mystery series that would go on to become one of the biggest cult hits of the 1990s. Then, in 2017, David Lynch brought his surrealist drama back from the dead after a 16-year hiatus, and it’s just as brilliant and bonkers as we could have hoped.
Breeders
- 2020
- Sitcom
- Drama
- 18
Summary:
Comedy with Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard. It follows Paul and Ally, a couple struggling with the demands of dealing with their careers while also parenting their two young children.
How to watchWhy watch Breeders?:
British comedy heavyweight Simon Blackwell (Peep Show, Back) is behind this sitcom about the difficulties of parenthood. Martin Freeman (The Office) and Daisy Haggard (Back to Life) play Paul and Ally Worsley, who have their hands full with two high maintenance children and other family dramas to contend with. They aren’t afraid to voice their frustration either, as Breeders packs some dark humour throughout. The show has been praised for exposing the ugly truth of parenting and has been renewed for a third season.
Only Fools and Horses
- 1981
- Sitcom
- Drama
- 12
Summary:
"Only Fools and Horses" is a British sitcom following the misadventures of Peckham market trader Derek `Del Boy" Trotter (David Jason) and his younger brother Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst). In the beginning, they share a high-rise council flat with their elderly Grandad (Lennard Pearce) and scratch a living flogging `hooky" gear to anyone who will buy it. Created by John Sullivan ("Citizen Smith", "Just Good Friends", "Dear John"), it was slow to catch on with viewers initially but the BBC stuck by it and it went on to achieve the highest ever UK audience for a sitcom episode (24.3 million in 1996). After Pearce's death in 1984, his character was replaced by World War Two Navy veteran Uncle Albert (Buster Merryfield), who usually began long-winded anecdotes with the words "During the war…" As the series developed, it moved away from the confines of a situation comedy and became more of a comedy drama as the length of episodes expanded and story arcs added an ongoing dimension. It was also notable for having a strong supporting cast of memorable characters, including dopey road sweeper Trigger (Roger Lloyd Pack), pretentious car salesman Boycie (John Challis) and his flirty wife Marlene (Sue Holderness), pub landlord Mike (Kenneth MacDonald), lorry driver Denzil (Paul Barber), young spiv Mickey Pearce (Patrick Murray), Del's partner Raquel (Tessa Peake-Jones) and Rodney's wife Cassandra (Gwyneth Strong). It premiered on BBC One in 1981 and ended in 2003. Sixty-three episodes were made, including a number of feature-length Christmas specials. In the final years of his life, Sullivan also created the spin-off "The Green Green Grass" and prequel "Rock & Chips".
How to watchWhy watch Only Fools and Horses?:
Last year Only Fools and Horses celebrated its 40th anniversary, so why not dive back into the iconic British sitcom? David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and Lennard Pearce star as a trio of south London traders whose series of unsuccessful get-rich-quick schemes lead to hilarious situations.
With a stellar supporting cast including Roger Lloyd-Pack, John Challis, Sue Holderness, Buster Merryfield and Tessa Peake-Jones, this BAFTA-winning comedy is a staple of British culture, with seven series available to dig into on NOW.