Radio Times https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:56:44 GMT en hourly 1 What to watch on streaming: what's new today on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/what-to-watch-on-streaming-todays-picks-from-netflix-amazon-prime-video/ Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:54:43 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/what-to-watch-on-streaming-todays-picks-from-netflix-amazon-prime-video/ Looking for something to watch today on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more? Don't miss our experts' recommendations... Looking for something new to stream? We’ve picked out the latest must-see series and films, so you can spend less time searching and more time watching.

This week: Netflix's complex espionage thriller Black Doves is back for a new series. Super-spy Helen (Keira Knightley) is now the Prime Minister’s wife – but there’s no calming of her trigger finger. Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire and Andrew Buchan all return, with Ambika Mod, Neve Campbell and Babou Ceesay among the new additions for season 2.

Also back for a fresh run is Apple TV's feel-good sports comedy Stick, as Santi (Peter Dager) takes the next step towards professional golf, while Pryce (Owen Wilson) considers an unlikely comeback of his own. Pluribus and Better Call Saul star Rhea Seehorn joins the returning ensemble cast.

Tune in to Apple TV for the opening episodes of dark new drama Nocturne, which stars Stephen Graham. Graham goes into full Hannibal Lecter mode as a serial killer who is still able to run rings around the Pennsylvania police – despite being locked up in solitary confinement.

Meanwhile, America's favourite vigilante serial killer is back on Paramount+. Dexter: Resurrection sees Michael C Hall once again don those infamous black gloves for another round of murder and mayhem in season 2. Hall returns in the lead, joined by a starry run of new additions including Brian Cox and Dan Stevens.

For the film fans among you, there's plenty to choose from. On Prime, Stanley Tucci leads cheery heist flick Masterplan, playing a master thief who swans back into the lives of his estranged children and recruits them to help him steal the Mona Lisa. It's fun, tongue-in-cheek and just twisty enough to work - and Tucci gets to show off some cooking skills.

On the same streamer, Staines Massive rapper Ali G returns in new comedy Who Iz I? following the struggling artist’s attempt to crack America and become famous. With his girlfriend Julie (Morgana Robinson) eight months' pregnant, Ali is resistant to leaving the “chillin’, tokin’ and bonin’” life behind him. However, once arriving in the US, he finds himself at odds with new adversaries that make him question where his values lie...

Ben Affleck directs and stars in Netflix's gripping and steadfastly old-fashioned thriller Animals, playing a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped. A mysterious fixer (Gillian Anderson) may be able to help, but there are plenty of twists and turns to complicate things along the way.

There's no shortage of streaming options, and so to give you a bit of a hand, the team at Radio Times has collated the key new releases from Netflix and Disney Plus to Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Apple TV and beyond, and crucially, we tell you whether or not they're worth watching.

Whether it's a sweeping period drama like My Brilliant Career, a tell-all football documentary such as Mourinho or a critically acclaimed comedy such as Ted Lasso, there's something here to suit everyone's taste.

Take a look at the list below, which includes all the details about where you can watch any title – and what we think.

]]> Best BBC shows: All the best dramas on BBC iPlayer https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-bbc-shows-all-the-best-dramas-on-bbc-iplayer-right-now/ Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:37:28 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-bbc-shows-all-the-best-dramas-on-bbc-iplayer-right-now/ From all-time classics to the very best new drama series, discover what you've been missing on BBC iPlayer. From gripping crime thrillers to sweeping literary adaptations, BBC iPlayer is packed with acclaimed dramas. With new releases regularly arriving alongside a wealth of favourites, the hardest part is deciding what to watch first - but we're here to help.

If you've not yet sampled Liverpool-set crime drama This City Is Ours starring Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce, then you're in for a treat. When a crime boss plans to retire, a dangerous power struggle erupts within his organisation, setting up a dramatic story that continues into season two...

Jimmy McGovern’s prison anthology drama Time recently returned for a third run – now set in a young offender institution – starring Siobhan Finneran and David Tennant. It’s heartbreaking, nailbiting and should win a slew of awards. Earlier series feature Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey, so the stellar acting is just one reason to tune in.

McMafia is a globe-spanning crime thriller starring James Norton as a London financier from a Russian exile family who is drawn into international organised crime while trying to protect those closest to him. Inspired by Misha Glenny’s non-fiction book, the eight-part drama also stars Juliet Rylance, David Strathairn and Merab Ninidze.

A spin-off from Abi Morgan’s legal drama, The Split Up is as addictive as its glossy predecessor. Divorce lawyer Aria (Ritu Arya, right) battles with personal issues and a father who won’t let go of the business reins while powering through A-list divorce negotiations.

New to Blue Lights? This gripping Belfast-set police drama follows rookie officers as they balance frontline policing with life beyond the badge. With season 3 having just arrived, now's the perfect time to dive in and catch up on one of the UK's most acclaimed crime dramas.

There's another crafty mystery-within-a-mystery in Antony Horowitz's Marble Hall Murders as Susan Ryeland (Lesley Manville) starts work on a new project featuring sleuth Atticus Pünd – only for real life to start mirroring fiction.

When it comes to depicting the thrill of fame and its accompanying anxieties, few dramas do it better than high-quality Australian export The Newsreader. It has remained frustratingly under the radar over the course of its three-series run, but do seek it out, for while its setting in Australian commercial newsrooms of the 1980s may seem far removed from the lived experience of many, all human frailties are here.

There's also Sally Wainwright’s empowering drama Riot Women, Jack Thorne's adaptation of Lord of the Flies, or The Narrow Road to the Deep North starring Jacob Elordi. Then there are offbeat comedy dramas like Ludwig, The Outlaws and This Is Going to Hurt, while those wanting something more hard-hitting can turn to The Responder or a range of true-story adaptations like The Sixth Commandment and Four Lives.

However, with so much to binge-watch, it can overwhelming to have such a wide range of choice. So we've put together a list of the best available drama series right now, which should mean you can find something to suit you without all that endless scrolling.

Read on, enjoy - and tune in.

]]> Best shows on HBO Max https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/whats-worth-watching-on-hbo-max-list/ Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:44:49 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/whats-worth-watching-on-hbo-max-list/ The Pitt, The Sopranos, Veep and The White Lotus are just some of the gems that await Looking for your next must-watch series or film night pick? HBO Max boasts an impressive streaming library, combining talked-about new originals with some of television’s most celebrated shows.

Sharon Horgan, creator and star of Catastrophe and Bad Sisters, is back with smart comedy drama Youth as a divorced London literary agent confronting dating, ageing parents, motherhood and a milestone birthday. Expect Horgan’s trademark mix of caustic humour, messy relationships and painfully perceptive observations. Rupert Friend and Sharlene Whyte are among the cast.

Billy Magnussen and Sarah Goldberg lead The Audacity, a darkly funny Silicon Valley satire about an aspiring tech titan who blackmails his ethically dubious therapist into helping save his data-mining company. Created by Jonathan Glatzer, it skewers the egos, excess and questionable ethics of the tech elite

There's a new DC Comics adaptation in town, but it's a more grounded take than the usual high-flying superhero fare. HBO Max's mystery thriller Lanterns stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as members of the Green Lantern Corps investigating a murder on Earth. Co-created by Lost and The Leftovers' Damon Lindelof, and featuring a standout role for BAFTA winner Kelly Macdonald, the early signs are promising.

Among the picks is fast-paced medical drama The Pitt, which throws viewers into the high-pressure environment of a trauma centre, charting the intertwined lives of staff and patients across gruelling, back-to-back shifts. At the other end of the scale, there’s glossy teen drama Euphoria, a bold and often unflinching look at modern adolescence, where friendships, identity and addiction collide.

Fans of sharp satire are also well catered for. Political comedy Veep remains as biting as ever, while The White Lotus continues to skewer wealth and privilege through its ever-rotating cast of troubled guests. And if you’re in the mood for something truly iconic, HBO Max is home to a goldmine of prestige television – from the ruthless power plays of Succession to the sprawling fantasy epic Game of Thrones.

Whether you’re revisiting all-time greats like The Sopranos and The Wire or diving into newer titles making waves right now, there’s no shortage of standout viewing.

Read on for our picks of what’s worth watching on HBO Max right now.

]]> Best TV shows to watch on NOW (November 2026) https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-to-watch-on-now/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 11:27:17 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-to-watch-on-now/ Sky's streaming service is jam-packed with prestige shows, from The Hunting Party to Chernobyl and Succession and classics like The Wire and Game of Thrones. Too much choice on NOW? Trust the Radio Times experts to help you discover the shows most deserving of a place on your watchlist.

A dark, slick crime procedural with a pulpy high-concept hook, The Hunting Party follows FBI profiler Bex Henderson as she tracks serial killers sprung from a secret underground prison. Melissa Roxburgh leads a capable ensemble, while the conspiracy surrounding the prison gives the case-of-the-week formula an extra layer of intrigue.

For a gentler crime drama, there's Miss Scarlet and the Duke. In Victorian London, convention is just another obstacle for Eliza Scarlet, a sharp-witted private detective determined to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Kate Phillips brings charm and steel to this stylish period mystery, with Stuart Martin as her sparring Scotland Yard ally, the Duke.

No-one can leave — that's the horror at the heart of sci-fi thriller From, which stars Lost's Harold Perrineau. Set in a nightmarish American town that traps everyone who enters, unwilling residents fight to survive terrifying nocturnal creatures from the surrounding forest while searching for hidden secrets and a way out.

Saturday Night Live UK brings America's legendary sketch show across the pond. Broadcast live from London, it pairs a different celebrity host (such as Jeff Goldblum, Jamie Dornan and Hannah Waddingham) and musical guest each week with topical sketches and a British take on Weekend Update, created by a home-grown ensemble cast that includes Hammed Animashaun, Celeste Dring, Ania Magliano and Paddy Young. Series two is airing now, so there's no better time to dip in.

Mark Gatiss writes and stars in cosy post-war crime drama Bookish as Gabriel Book, a London bookseller with a talent for solving mysteries. With the second season having recently landed, there are even more baffling cases, hidden secrets and literary clues to uncover.

If you like Doc Martin, why not try Best Medicine, a US comedy drama based on Martin Clunes hit. It follows a brilliant but socially awkward surgeon (played by Josh Charles) who leaves Boston to become a GP in a small Maine fishing town, where his blunt manner clashes with the quirky locals.

NOW hosts acclaimed series such as It: Welcome to Derry and The Chair Company, widely discussed dramas The Last of Us and The Day of the Jackal, plus highly decorated comedy Hacks, with gritty crime thriller Gangs of London among the British originals to choose from. It's also where you can find celebrated classics such as Chernobyl, The Wire, Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos.

All of this means it's the perfect place to head to if you're looking for an evening's entertainment. Scroll on for Radio Times's top picks, spanning recent releases and all-time greats.

]]> Best series to watch on Netflix right now – updated (November 2026) https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-series-netflix-shows-updated/ Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:27:54 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-series-netflix-shows-updated/ Some of the best shows on Netflix right now include The Gentlemen, The Woman in the Wall, Heroes and Bridgerton. Too much choice on Netflix? Trust Radio Times's experts to help you discover the shows most deserving of a place on your watchlist.

Set against Newfoundland’s dramatic coastline, Below sees Josh Hartnett, Charlie Heaton and Mackenzie Davis tackle a mysterious creature threatening a close-knit fishing community. It’s a satisfyingly eerie blend of small-town drama, local folklore and creature-feature thrills.

The Diplomat is back for season four, making now the perfect time to discover, or revisit, Netflix’s twisty political drama. If you’re a newcomer, start at the beginning and watch Keri Russell’s reluctant ambassador Kate Wyler navigate international crises, political power plays and a turbulent marriage.

A recent arrival is East of Eden, a sweeping period drama based on John Steinbeck’s classic novel. Set in the early 1900s, it follows the turbulent Trask family across two generations as the fiercely independent Cathy Ames (played by Florence Pugh) drives a bitter rivalry between brothers Adam (Christopher Abbott) and Charles (Mike Faist), exploring themes of family, morality and free will.

An old, neglected scandal gains new power as Jodie Whittaker leads true-life drama Toxic Town about the 1980s Corby poisonings. It's a powerful tale of ordinary people on the end of a grave injustice, having to fight for their voices to be heard.

Guy Ritchie's crime-comedy drama The Gentlemen follows aristocrat Eddie Horniman (Theo James) as he discovers his inherited estate is home to a sprawling cannabis empire. With series two having recently arrived, there's never been a better time to dive into the witty, action-packed underworld.

In Hostage, Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy go full throttle in a pacy political thriller that’s low on plausibility but high on action. The new-ish British Prime Minister (Jones) hasn’t been in office long when she’s faced with a crisis very close to home. She calls on the French President (Delpy) for help, but can she be trusted?

And there are still plenty of other options available on the platform. As well as mushc-loved hits such as Stranger Things, The Crown and Black Mirror, you could try fantastical horror Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, gritty Norwegian crime drama Jo Nesbo's Detective Hole or stylish thriller The Beast in Me.

If you can't quite decide which to choose, read 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 films or best documentaries on Netflix for more recommendations.

Updated weekly.

]]> Best Netflix documentaries to watch right now https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-netflix-documentaries-to-watch-right-now/ Wed, 23 Sep 2026 12:54:26 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-netflix-documentaries-to-watch-right-now/ From murder, mayhem, madness and tigers to a sex-trafficking scandal that hit the headlines, Netflix has a wide range of documentaries to inspire you. Netflix has built an impressive reputation for documentaries, offering everything from gripping true-crime stories to acclaimed sports, nature and cultural deep dives. Whether you're revisiting global sensations like Tiger King and The Last Dance or discovering lesser-known gems, there's no shortage of compelling real-life stories to explore.

A recent addition to the streamer is Mourinho, which follows the extraordinary career of legendary football manager José Mourinho, charting his rise from Porto and Chelsea to Inter Milan and Real Madrid through archive footage and interviews with players, rivals and the man himself. This insightful sports documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of football's most successful and controversial figures

Sticking with the profile theme, there's also intimate three-part documentary Kylie, which traces Kylie Minogue’s journey from Neighbours star to international pop princess, using archive footage and candid interviews. With contributions from Dannii Minogue and Nick Cave, it’s an absorbing look at fame, reinvention and personal resilience.

Meanwhile, Michael Jackson: the Verdict revisits the 2005 criminal trial of the global superstar. The series features jurors, attorneys, and pivotal witnesses recounting proceedings that cameras never captured, using archival footage to reconstruct the case and its lasting controversy.

If you're a nature fan, A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough is a moving documentary that revisits the naturalist's first encounter with a baby gorilla in 1970s Rwanda, following the animal’s descendants today in a moving, conservation-led story of family, legacy and survival.

There's also Louis Theroux's latest documentary, Inside the Manosphere; thought-provoking film MH370: the Plane That Disappeared, which looks into the theories surrounding the vanishing of the Malaysian flight in 2014 and stranger-than-fiction tale Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare, which tells the story of Kirat Assi, a woman who lost a decade of her life to a catfishing ordeal.

If those don't appeal, you could try Homicide: New York, the series that follows detectives and prosecutors as they revisit their most challenging homicide cases? Or how about Can I Tell You a Secret?, a chilling three-part series about the UK's worst cyber-stalking case? Or if natural history is more your thing, then Our Universe narrated by Morgan Freeman should hit the spot.

Whatever you're after, there are so many great factual programmes to choose from on Netflix and we've listed our favourites below for you to start watching.

For those wanting something a bit different, we’ve also created lists of the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix series, as well as the best Netflix comedies.

]]> Best TV shows on Apple TV https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-on-apple-tv/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 13:44:04 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-on-apple-tv/ Overwhelmed by all your streaming options? Check out our picks for the best shows to watch on Apple TV. Apple TV has built a reputation for producing some of the most acclaimed series of recent years, with many featuring star-studded casts. Find your next binge-watch with our selection of the best shows available on the service, guaranteed to keep you hooked episode after episode.

Popular spy thriller Slow Horses has just returned for a sixth season, but if you've yet to discover it, now's the perfect excuse to start from the beginning. Starring Gary Oldman as the gloriously dishevelled spy chief Jackson Lamb, the drama follows a team of MI5 outcasts whose misadventures routinely turn into high-stakes espionage.

We also suggest you tune in to very funny comedy horror Widow's Bay, in which an Emmy-winning Matthew Rhys has a rare chance to show off his comic chops. He’s the mayor of an island that wants to attract more tourists – but is it beholden to an ancient curse?

Adapted from Bonnie Garmus’s bestselling novel, Lessons in Chemistry features Brie Larson as a scientist in 1950s America whose career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a TV cooking show. The hit drama mixes humour, romance and social commentary in a compelling story about challenging expectations.

A recent addition to the service is crime thriller Lucky, which stars Anya Taylor-Joy as a former con artist forced back into a dangerous underworld when a heist goes wrong. Also featuring Annette Bening and Timothy Olyphant, it blends fast-paced action with a character-driven story of survival and reckoning.

Meanwhile, Javier Bardem is terrific in the role of Cape Fear's vengeful Max Cady, who starts to dismantle the home life of lawyers Amy Adams and Patrick Wilson after being released from prison in this tense TV reworking of one of cinema’s most terrifying thrillers.

The streamer has produced smash hits like Pluribus, Severance, Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and Trying, the latter of which recently returned for a fifth season.

There's also a long list of hidden gems that have flown under the radar, including a less widely publicised (but well worth your time) original like Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne's Platonic, or Jason Momoa's Chief of War.

Of course, that isn't to say that every show on the platform is a winner, which is why the team here at Radio Times has sifted through the selection and picked these standouts that merit a place on your watchlist.

Have a browse of the best series on Apple TV below, and then get watching! Or, if you fancy, we've created a list of the best films on Apple TV, too.

]]> Best TV shows to watch on Prime Video UK (November 2026) https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-to-watch-on-amazon-prime-video-uk/ Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:27:13 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-to-watch-on-amazon-prime-video-uk/ From original series to iconic acquired dramas, check out the best shows to watch on Amazon's streaming service. Not sure what to watch next on Prime Video? Let the Radio Times team cut through the endless scrolling and point you towards the standout series everyone should have on their watchlist.

Some words of advice. Don’t mess with Catherine Zeta-Jones. She plays an art dealer who gives her enemies more than they bargained for in Prime Video's new thriller Kill Jackie boasting many glam European locations. It zips along, but a harsh critic might note there’s more than a hint of Killing Eve about it.

If you like action series, you could try new Reacher spin-off Neagley, which follows tough and resourceful private investigator Frances Neagley as she investigates the suspicious death of a close friend. Led by Maria Sten, the eventful thriller brings a more personal mystery to the expanding Reacher universe.

Meanwhile, if you're already a Reacher fan, you'll know that season 4 is now streaming. Alan Ritchson stars as the eponymous hero from Lee Child’s bestselling novels, following the ex-military investigator as he uncovers dangerous conspiracies and delivers justice his own way.

The Grand Tour recently returned to the streamer with a fresh motoring trio taking over from Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. New presenters Francis Bourgeois, James Engelsman and Thomas Holland take on globe-trotting adventures, epic road trips and outrageous automotive challenges, bringing their own chemistry while honouring the spirit of the beloved original series.

If the cast of action comedy Ride or Die wasn't starry enough with its two leads being Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, the series also features Love Actually legend Bill Nighy in a key role. Nighy plays a character known only as The Director in the series that follows a secret assassin, Judith (Waddingham), and her relationship with her best friend Debbie (Spencer) after a hit goes wrong.

Meanwhile, off the back of shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty and Off Campus, Prime is clearly having success with adapting hit book series and Every Year After has joined that YA canon, centring on the enduring heartache of first love. When Percy (Sadie Soverall) returns back to the place she spent every summer under sobering conditions, she is also faced with plenty of familiar faces and one in particular – Sam (Matt Cornett).

Prime is also the home of epic originals including The Lord of the Rings: the Rings of Power,  The Wheel of Time and The Assassin, along with hit documentary series Clarkson's Farm and comedy sensation LOL: Last One Laughing UK.

We're here to help inspire you, highlighting the best shows from Prime Video's vast library for your convenience. We update this list with new entries regularly, meaning you'll never miss the good stuff. So read on and enjoy...

• Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime Video and pay £8.99 a month after that.

]]> Best series to watch on Netflix right now – updated (August 2026) https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-series-netflix-shows-updated-backup/ Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:30:21 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-series-netflix-shows-updated-backup/ Some of the best series on Netflix right now include The Bombing of Pan Am 103, The Rookie and Bridgerton. Netflix continues to show why it's at the top of the streaming game in both the original content and acquired gem front.

Whilst The Rookie has regularly aired across Sky Witness and NOW for UK fans, the first four seasons of the Nathan Fillion-led cop drama can now be found on Netflix. The third-longest running drama series for US network ABC, the show has continued to go from strength to strength.

The generally lighthearted series follows Fillion's John Nolan, a middle-aged former construction worker who, after going through a divorce, switches up his life and pursues a career in the LAPD, becoming the oldest rookie on the force.

As we wait patiently for the ninth season, now's as good a time as any to get well-versed in the series before it lands!

In the same vein of lighter watches to pass the time, Netflix also has plenty of comedies available on the platform, including The Hawk, The Four Seasons season 2, Shrill and beloved entertainment show, Taskmaster.

Looking for something a little more serious? Factual drama The Bombing of Pan Am 103 is now available to stream on Netflix, as well as Legends, The Boroughs and Something Very Bad is Going to Happen.

If you can't quite decide which to pick, scroll on for our latest suggestions of the best TV series on Netflix, so you can stop searching and start watching ASAP. Alternatively, check out our line-up of the best Netflix movies for other recommendations.

You can also tweet us @RadioTimes if we've missed your favourite off the list – otherwise, happy streaming!

Best series to watch on Netflix right now

The Rookie

Otherwise known for his roles in Castle, Guardians of the Galaxy and Superman, Nathan Fillion has made quite the name for himself in procedural police drama, The Rookie. Heading up the cast as John Nolan, we follow the construction worker as he reckons with the reality of post-divorce life and wanting to find something more meaningful to do – so he joins the LAPD.

The oldest rookie in the force, John's not only up against seniors who don't quite believe he has what it takes but also, a raft of cases and personal drama too. Every episode sees something new being thrown at John and his fellow rookies, with the series towing the line between more serious moments and lighthearted ones that make this the perfect show to binge-watch.

The Bombing of Pan Am 103

If this factual drama sounds familiar, that’s because it originally aired on BBC One last year. The six-part series, a co-production between the BBC and Netflix, begins in the immediate aftermath of the Lockerbie disaster.

When calls come in about fire and debris raining down on a small town, Scottish police including DCS John Orr (Peter Mullan) and DS Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells) are first on the scene. But not far behind are the Met and FBI, including explosives expert Tom Thurman (Eddie Marsan, with a US accent as thick as his 'tache). Soon, all sides are jostling to lead a case where the world is watching. - Frances Taylor

The Hawk

Having spent a career largely in the realm of comedic feature films, Will Ferrell now headlines this 10-part Netflix original as Lonnie Hawkins, a golfer coming towards the end of his career who decides to try one last time to complete the sport's Grand Slam, by winning another major.

As he re-enters the sport, he also drags his ex-wife, his son Lance – who is golf's new golden boy – and everyone else in his orbit into a whole load of chaos.

Featuring Ferrell at his most bombastic, along with a supporting cast including Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson and Chris Parnell, this is not exactly a subtle or sophisticated comedy, and your milage may vary. However, Ferrell superfans will no doubt be glad just to have him back on screen, and be luxuriating in his particular brand of humour across a 10-episode runtime. - James Hibbs

Everything I Know About Love

This 2022 comedy-drama series, based on Dolly Alderton's fictionalised memoir of the same name, stars Emma Appleton, Bel Powley, Marli Siu and Aliyah Odoffin, and focuses on a group of four female friends living in a London house share in their twenties in the year 2012.

The series centres in on the relationship between Maggie and her lifelong best friend Birdy, which is threatened when Birdy begins a new relationship and the duo find their lives and lifestyles drifting apart.

Your mileage may vary with the privileged, oftentimes spoiled Maggie, but for the most part this is a sweet, relatable and funny series which doesn't outstay its welcome, feels comfortingly nostalgic and features some strong performances from the central quartet, as well as from supporting players such as Jill Halfpenny and Craig Parkinson. - James Hibbs

Taskmaster

A selection of seasons from the hit comedy entertainment challenge show are available to watch now on Netflix, and whether you're already a fan of the show or are coming to it fresh, you will no doubt quickly find that it is compulsive viewing.

Taskmaster features Greg Davies in the title role, dishing out points, while his assistant and the show's actual creator, Alex Horne, sets a selection of ridiculous tasks for a panel of five comedians to complete. The fact that the series is still going strong, with its 21st season currently airing on Channel 4, is a testament to the strength of the format, and to Davies and Horne's winning chemistry.

The seasons currently available on Netflix feature casts including the likes of Mae Martin, Sam Campbell, John Robins and Emma Sidi, with each of the groups bringing a different energy, yet all of them are endlessly entertaining. - James Hibbs

The Four Seasons

Now in its second season, this comedy-drama, based on the film of the same name, has been created by and co-stars Tina Fey. It follows a group of friends who meet up each season for a group trip, with life developments and changes within their relationships buffeting things along the way.

For those who haven't yet caught up with the first season, we won't spoil the ending here - however, a major event took place going into the final episode, which has set up a very different run the second time around.

The show balances its light and dark tones exceptionally well, and has a lot to say about friendships and relationships as people grow and change together. It also looks beautiful, with plenty of stunning scenery on display, and with each episode lasting half an hours, it's perfect for a binge watch. - James Hibbs

The Boroughs

It's only been a matter of months since Stranger Things came to an end, but since then that show's creator The Duffer Brothers have brought us three new series on which they are executive producers.

This latest effort stars Alfred Molina as Sam Cooper, a recently widowed man who moves into a retirement community. At first it seems perfect, but he soon finds himself teaming up with other residents to form an unlikely band of heroes, hoping to stop an otherworldly threat.

The series features a stellar cast surrounding Molina, including Geena Davis, Alfre Woodard, Bill Pullman, Clarke Peters and Denis O'Hare, and is not only full of mystery and thrills, but ultimately a lot of heart. - James Hibbs

Legends

If you're looking for a fast-paced, tense drama based on a true story, then they don't come much more remarkable than this one. Here, The Gold creator Neil Forsyth has taken everything he learned on that acclaimed series to craft this six-part series about an incredible undercover operation which took place in the 1990s.

The series stars Steve Coogan as Don, who recruits a group of ordinary customs workers to go undercover in some of Britain's most dangerous drugs gangs – all with very limited training.

The cast, which also includes Tom Burke and Hayley Squires, are impressive across the board, while the visual style, the intense pacing and the fascinating factual details included within this piece make it a truly stellar drama. - James Hibbs

30 Rock

If Netflix is yet to entirely fill the sitcom void left by Friends (now found on HBO Max), the addition of this all-timer should go some way to restoring its comedy credentials. 30 Rock sees creator Tina Fey channel her experience working on Saturday Night Live (SNL) into a wonderfully warped parody, following a fatigued head writer as she juggles her egotistical cast, rebellious staff and corporate overlords.

Liz Lemon (Fey) has been running sketch show 'TGS' with longtime friend Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) for several years when the series begins – but a major shake-up is about to make her life a lot harder. Newly instated boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) adds unpredictable comic Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) to TGS in order to broaden its appeal, but his shocking behaviour – and Jenna's need for equal attention – cause all manner of hysterical headaches.

Chaos ensues, over seven silly, surreal and sharply satirical seasons. 30 Rock had a rather limited rollout in the UK during its original run, so if you missed it, then now is the perfect time to catch-up. Fortunately, it's also the kind of comedy that holds up to multiple rewatches – and now that SNL UK has launched, viewers on this side of the Atlantic have a bit more context on the kind of show that 30 Rock depicts. – David Craig

Should I Marry a Murderer?

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Netflix has a strong track record for hosting the most shocking and sensational true crime documentaries on the market, with Should I Marry a Murderer? being the latest in a long line.

The three-part series tells the extraordinary story of Caroline Muirhead, whose Tinder date blossoms into a whirlwind romance, which culminates with her engagement to a man she dearly loves. But this heartwarming story takes a nightmarish turn when Caroline's then-fiancé, Alexander 'Sandy' McKellar, shares with her a horrifying secret from his past.

Should I Marry a Murderer? explores the devastating impact on Caroline as the future she envisioned crumbles before her, plus her brave personal mission to ensure the man she'd fallen for finally sees justice. An unimaginable scenario that really is stranger than fiction, this is one true crime documentary that even genre sceptics will find fascinating.

Unchosen

An escaped convict stumbles onto the grounds of a religious cult, where his presence quickly causes chaos.

Unchosen unfolds largely from the perspective of Rosie (Molly Windsor), a devoted and pious wife and mother, whose husband Adam (Asa Butterfield) is an 'elder' in the running to become leader when Mr Phillips (Christopher Eccleston) steps down. The sudden arrival of enigmatic hunk Sam (Fra Fee) leaves her questioning whether her way of life is truly the right path, or if there is something more waiting for her in the unexplored outside world.

The series, from Prisoners' Wives writer Julie Gearey, comes mere days after the launch of disturbing documentary Trust Me: The False Prophet, which investigated the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS). That feels quite deliberate, with clear comparisons to be drawn between the visual presentation of the FLDS and this fictional sect, plus the risk of abuse that arises in any high-control group with absolutist beliefs (see our piece on Unchosen's real-life influences for more on that).

What Gearey adds to this morbidly fascinating scenario is the unpredictable element of Sam, whose rather implausible character arc strikes as perhaps the weakest element of the story (despite Fee's best efforts with the material). Nevertheless, there are some genuine surprises and nail-biting moments along the way, which make Unchosen well worth a go – particularly if you're looking for something distinct from the well-trodden ground of a typical British drama. – David Craig

Beef

This comedy-drama series, which comes from film producing powerhouse A24, first debuted in 2023, and became one of the most acclaimed shows of that year. The first season starred Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, and focused on the aftermath of a road rage incident as two people, Danny and Amy, entered a feud which threatened to destroy their entire lives.

The first season 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.

Now, the series has returned for a second season, taking on an anthology format where the new run of episodes tells a new story with a new cast. This time around, it stars Charles Melton and Cailee Spaney as a Gen-Z couple who witness an alarming fight between their Millennial boss and his wife, played by Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan.

The new season successfully stands apart from its predecessor, telling a unique, equally intriguing story, but one which also has plenty of thematic connections with what came before, meaning the anthology works as a cohesive whole. - James Hibbs

Big Mistakes

Schitt's Creek creator and star Dan Levy is back with this new series he's co-created with Rachel Sennott. A chaotic crime comedy, it follows Levy's Nicky and Taylor Ortega's Morgan, a brother and sister who find themselves blackmailed into a life of crime after Morgan steals a necklace from the wrong person.

Given this comes from Levy and Sennott, viewers may not be surprised to know it is full of frenetic energy and quippy, witty dialogue. The central duo are both terrific comedic leads, while Laurie Metcalf is also a stand-out as their mother who is running to be their town's mayor.

There are twists and turns along the way as Nicky and Morgan find themselves falling deeper and deeper into the criminal lifestyle, but really it's their bickering the show hinges on. It may at times feel a little weightless and overly frenzied, but crucially, there are real laughs to be had along the way. - James Hibbs

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen

This horror/thriller series stars Camila Morrone as Rachel, a woman who is getting married to Adam DiMarcos's Nicky. They embark on a road trip to his family's vacation home for an intimate wedding ceremony, but Rachel can't shake the relentless feeling that something bad is going to happen.

The eight-part series is perfectly paced, wasting no time getting going, delivering on the gore you might expect and proving to be a thrilling watch. The cast are also phenomenal, with Morone in particle bringing charm, wit and edge to the character, and the visuals throughout are spectacular.

There are issues here – Nicky's characterisation is slightly thin, some of the show's lore doesn't feel fleshed out enough and some of the reveals fall flat. However, if you're looking for a rainy day binge, and you're not put off by a bit (or a lot) of gore, then this could be the pick for you. - James Hibbs

Detective Hole

Jo Nesbø's iconic detective character Harry Hole has been brought to the screen before in 2017's widely panned film adaptation The Snowman, but now the Norwegian author has taken on a new adaptation himself, acting as the showrunner and writer of this nine-part series.

Based on the fifth book in the series, The Devil's Star, it sees Harry, played by Tobias Santelmann, looking to track down a serial killer in Oslo, while also facing off against his nemesis, corrupt cop Tom Waaler.

Waaler is played by Joel Kinnaman, and he and Santelmann have a terrific, complicated dynamic on screen. This is by far the most engaging part of the series, which still manages to keep you gripped with a whole host of twists and turns, plus some grim, gnarly kills, as you would expect from the Nordic noir genre. - James Hibbs

Vladimir

Having last been seen on the small screen in Prime Video's Dead Ringers, Rachel Weisz makes her leading TV drama return in this brand new erotic thriller. Based on the 2022 debut novel by Julia May Jonas, the eight-parter follows Weisz as an unnamed English professor who becomes obsessed with her handsome new colleague, Vladimir, played by Leo Woodall. She's balancing a changing outlook on life, a struggling marriage and her career – so picking up a smouldering sensual affair is simply just another addition to the chaos.

The way that the series starts already maps out the twisted journey we're set to go on but it's how we get there – with Weisz's deadpan breaking of the fourth wall and plenty of yearning to boot – that will entertain fans the most.

Shrill

Netflix has acquired all three seasons of this semi-biographical comedy series, starring Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant as a woman reassessing what she wants from her life and career.

Inspired by the memoir of the same name by comedian and activist Lindy West, Shrill follows Annie (Bryant) on a journey to becoming more assertive and proud of who she is, after years of enduring frustratingly slow professional development at work and cruel remarks over her weight. Ghosts icon Lolly Adefope co-stars as Annie's best friend, Fran, whose own personal journey and romantic relationships are also a key focus, particularly in later episodes.

Shrill was praised for not flinching from depictions of fatphobia and the ways in which women are pressured to change their bodies to please others. Bryant's performance was held in particularly high regard, earning her a Primetime Emmy nomination, but Adefope and co-star Patti Harrison (Poker Face, I Think You Should Leave) also delivered standout turns across the thoughtful, warm-hearted and very funny series, which concluded in 2021.

Bridgerton

At one time, Netflix didn't have much of a reputation for period drama – but everything changed after that lockdown Christmas of 2020. Just 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.

The fourth season is now available in full, focusing on Luke Thompson's Benedict Bridgerton and his love story with Yerin Ha's Sophie Baek, a 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

How to Get to Heaven From Belfast

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee is back with a brand new series, which follows another unpredictable group of female friends in Northern Ireland (albeit, under very different circumstances).

These characters are further along in life than the students of Our Lady Immaculate College, although they too first met during their school years – and reunite decades later at their friendship group's first funeral.

It might sound rather grim, but McGee brings a sharp sense of humour to the premise, which quickly evolves into an intriguing investigation into the untimely death of estranged friend, Greta (Natasha O’Keeffe).

Caoilfhionn Dunne, Roisin Gallagher and Sinéad Keenan take the main roles as her surviving pals, Dara, Saoirse and Robyn, who find themselves in ever stranger and more perilous scenarios as they get closer to the answers they seek.

A genre hybrid of comedy, thriller and mystery, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is an ambitious follow-up for McGee, sharing some DNA with Derry Girls whilst being very much its own thing.

The Lincoln Lawyer

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Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has struck gold with this hit drama, where he plays underdog lawyer Mickey Haller, whose Lincoln Navigator (a bulky US-produced SUV) doubles as a makeshift office.

Each season adapts a different novel by Michael Connelly – the prolific crime author whose work also inspired Prime Video's Bosch – with a unique challenge for Haller to face down. That's never been tougher than in season 4, which dropped in February 2026, where he's the one in the dock after being framed for the murder of an ex-client.

The shock twist leaves his friends and colleagues in a race against time to pick apart the fabricated evidence. On the bright side, it results in one of the strongest seasons yet for us at home.

The Lincoln Lawyer comes from legal drama veteran David E Kelley, whose other work includes The Practice, Ally McBeal, Boston Legal and Presumed Innocent, with that genre expertise shining through in its slick, confident presentation.

It's also reflected in the show's knack for bagging recognisable co-stars, including Neve Campbell (Scream), Cobie Smulders (The Avengers), Elliott Gould (Friends) and Constance Zimmer (House of Cards). A fifth season is on the way.

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

The Beast in Me

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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.

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

House of Guinness

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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

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

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.

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

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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

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

Adolescence

This hard-hitting drama from Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne sees Graham re-teaming with his Boiling Point director Philip Barantini for four one-shot episodes.

The episodes follow the aftermath of a boy being accused of murdering his female schoolmate, with Graham playing the boy's father, alongside Ashley Walters as the detective investigating the case and Erin Doherty as the boy's clinical psychologist.

It's a tough watch, and not something which can be put on in the background - this is urgent, gripping, emotionally confronting TV, which is masterfully put together and performed by some of the finest actors working today. The show asks questions about the rise of toxic masculinity and violence against women and girls, particularly driven by online activists, and does so in a way which doesn't necessarily provide answers, but shines a light on an important topic.

It may be uncomfortable viewing, but Thorne, Graham and Barantini have provided us with one of the finest shows of the year thus far. - James Hibbs

Toxic Town

Following the enormous response to 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

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

BoJack Horseman

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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

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

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. 

]]> Best comedies to watch on Netflix https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-comedies-to-watch-on-netflix-right-now/ Sat, 16 May 2026 09:27:34 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-comedies-to-watch-on-netflix-right-now/ The very best comedy films and series on the streaming platform to get you chuckling away. If you’re in need of a speedy mood boost, why not turn your attention to Netflix’s brilliant back catalogue of comedy series, movies and specials? 

The streaming service has one of the most impressive libraries around, and that means that the platform is home to an array of hilarious TV and film favourites, from old classics to newer original offerings. 

There are beloved sitcoms aplenty from both sides of the Atlantic, from US series like 30 Rock and Seinfeld to British hits like Peep Show, Motherland and Derry Girls, as well as more gems such as Grace and Frankie and Feel Good.

Four seasons in, comedy drama Sex Education remains a firm favourite for the streamer, and has acted as a launch pad for an array of talented stars like Ncuti Gatwa (the Fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who), Emma Mackey and BAFTA winner Aimee Lou Wood.

Netflix has also firmly established itself as the home of an array of stand-up specials, from Bo Burham’s lockdown-inspired Inside (complete with songs that will stick around in your head for weeks after) to Katherine Ryan’s Glitter Room.

Film fans needn’t miss out either, as the platform is packed with treats like romcom Always Be My Maybe, smash-hit satirical comedy Barbie and the Coen brothers' The Ballad of Buster Scraggs.

Read on for RadioTimes.com’s guide to the very best comedy that Netflix has to offer, and if you want more streaming inspiration, check out our guides to the best series on Netflix and best movies on Netflix

]]> The best streaming services in 2026: How to choose between Netflix, Prime and Disney+ https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-streaming-service-uk/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:55:20 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-streaming-service-uk/ We compare Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video and more to help you find your perfect streaming match. Streaming has never been bigger – or more confusing. In the years since Netflix first revolutionised how we consume film and TV, a whole host of rival platforms have launched to the point that it can now be difficult to know where to begin.

The latest to join the fray for UK viewers is HBO Max. The service – which launched across the Atlantic way back in 2020 – has finally arrived on these shores, bringing with it a wealth of prestige TV including award-winning medical drama The Pitt.

It joins services such as Disney+ – which arrived for UK audiences in March 2020 – and Apple TV, which has amassed a highly impressive catalogue of original films and shows in a relatively short time span, so there really is a wealth of options.

But which is the best of the bunch? To answer that question, we’ve tested and compared the top streaming services available in the UK, breaking down price, the best shows and what kind of TV fan each one’s is suited to.

With the help of our comprehensive guide below, you'll be far better qualified to select the ideal streamer for you and your family's viewing needs.

View Riddle on the source website

Which streaming services are available in the UK?

• Acorn TV: Cosy crime and British mysteries
• Amazon Prime Video: Budget-friendly all-rounder
• Apple TV: Big-budget dramas and kids' shows
• BBC iPlayer: All the best shows from the BBC catalogue
• BFI Player: A varied selection of quality independent films
• DAZN: Sports and boxing fans
• Discovery+: Documentaries and factual programming
• Disney+: Families and Marvel and Star Wars lovers
• Hayu: Reality TV fanatics
• HBO Max: The most talked about American dramas
• ITVX: Bingers of British box sets
• Mubi: International and arthouse cinema gems
• Netflix: Binge-watchers, film lovers and fans of original content
• NOW: Prestige TV from Sky and those wanting blockbuster movies
• Paramount+: Genre shows and classic films from the Paramount library

Acorn TV

Best for fans of cosy crime shows

Acorn TV first launched in the UK back in 2020 and since then has housed a wide range of classic British box sets – with a particularly good selection of cosy crime titles.

In addition to a range of original programming – including Agatha Raisin and The Madame Blanc Mysteries (which it made in conjunction with Channel 5) it also hosts some classic series from other channels, including BBC dramas such as Line of Duty.

And it's not just UK shows: there are also dramas from Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand.

• Price: £4.99 per month or £49.99 annually
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 14 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 1080p
• Streams: Up to 4

• Must-watch: The Madame Blanc Mysteries, Agatha Raisin, Dalgliesh, Line of Duty, Foyle's War

Radio Times says: This is a relatively cheap option if you're after some crime series or classic dramas – but its library is perhaps not quite as deep, varied or splashy as many of its competitors.

Sign up to Acorn TV

Amazon Prime Video

Best for those looking for value on a budget

• Price: £8.99 per month or £95 annually (with half-price option available for students)
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 30 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 4k
• Streams: Up to 3

Prime Video is a great option if you're looking for a streamer that's relatively low budget – with the £95 yearly cost also including membership to Amazon Prime, with all the usual perks including next day delivery.

Although it perhaps lags behind some of the other streamers when it comes to the overall quality of its original programming, the platform nonetheless has some major hits – including The Boys and Fallout – and has also kept viewers happy with a range of highly successful young adult fare, including the mega-popular The Summer I Turned Pretty

It's also worth mentioning that it hosts possibly the best library of older films of any of the major platforms, while there is also the option to pay an extra monthly fee to sign up to a number of bonus channels – including Mubi, Shudder and BFI Player.

• Must-watch: The Boys, The Marvellous Mrs Maisel, Fallout, The Girlfriend, Invincible

Radio Times says: Prime Video boasts an excellent and varied selection which – coupled with its comparatively low price and added benefits – makes it the best option for those on a budget.

Sign up to Amazon Prime Video

Apple TV

Best for consistently quality original programming

• Price: £9.99 per month
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 4k
• Streams: Up to 6

Generally speaking, Apple TV has adopted a mantra of quality over quantity, focusing on star-studded big-budget originals with exceptional production values rather than acquiring a back catalogue of older shows.

Launching with major shows such as The Morning Show and For All Mankind, the library has gone on to add everything from hard-hitting dramas and experimental comedies to intelligent sci-fi and riveting spy thrillers – alongside a growing range of documentaries, almost always with a household name attached either in front of or behind the camera.

Meanwhile, the streamer has also thrown its weight behind some of the world's most prominent filmmakers to fund their latest features, with movies such as Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, Ridley Scott's Napoleon and Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest all available on the streamer.

• Must-watch: Slow Horses, Severance, Bad Sisters, Silo, The Studio

Radio Times says: Although there have been a few misfires, Apple TV maintains a remarkable consistency when it comes to the quality of its original programming – making it a great pick for fans of prestige TV.

Sign up to Apple TV

BBC iPlayer

Best for those looking to dip into the BBC archives

• Price: Free
• Free trial: n/a
• Max resolution: 1080p
• Streams: No limit

This streaming service will need no introduction to most TV and film fans in the UK: since it's initial launch all the way back in 2007 – well before streaming was really in the zeitgeist – it has been the home for all the best shows broadcast on the BBC.

Although it was initially only a catch-up service that allowed viewers to watch shows they'd missed for a limited window after their initial broadcast, it has evolved into a streaming platform to rival the likes of Netflix – with a huge range of boxsets from the archives alongside all the latest hit BBC shows, some of which launch on the service before their linear debut.

Meanwhile, another over overlooked aspect of the platform is its film library. In addition to a permanent collection of classics, there's also a great revolving list of movies that have recently aired on TV – comprising both recent hits and all-time greats.

• Must-watch: Industry, Small Prophets, The Night Manager, The Capture, Waiting for the Out, The Traitors

Radio Times says: iPlayer has done a great job of keeping up with the streaming landscape – and offers a truly great selection of film and TV at no cost for licence fee payers.

Watch BBC iPlayer

BFI Player

Best for those looking to discover cinematic masterpieces

• Price: £6.99 per month or £65 annually (also available as a Prime Video add-on channel for £4.99 a month)
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 14 day free trial option
• **Max resolution:**4k
• Streams: 1

If you're a cinephile then BFI Player is one of the best options out there. Not only does it house many of the finest British independent films of all time, but the library also includes great options from across. the globe – both acclaimed new releases and classics from yesteryear, many of which are ripe for rediscovery.

The selection is also constantly being refreshed, and there's a real feel of curation here: the titles ate hand-picked for the platform in a more deliberate way than is the case for many other streaming platforms.

• Must watch: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Memories of Murder, La Haine, Paris Texas, Seven Samurai

Radio Times says: If you're big on films – especially when it comes to discovering acclaimed but often left-field and under-the-radar gems – this platform is basically a dream.

Sign up to BFI Player

DAZN

Best for those looking to catch must-watch sporting events – especially boxing

• Price: £7.99 a month
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 1080p HD
• Streams: Up to 2

While the likes of Netflix and Prime Video are known to all, this streamer is less of a household name – and is definitely more of a niche addition to the market.

The platform is devoted entirely to showcasing high quality sporting action both live and on demand, with a huge range of options including everything from American Football to Cycling and everything in between, as well as a host of high profile boxing bouts.

• Must-watch: Live boxing

Radio Times says: This is a specialist option which will only be of interest to sports fans – but if you're big on boxing it's a must.

Sign up to DAZN

Discovery+

Best for documentary lovers and factual TV fans

• Price: £3.99 a month (also available as a Prime Video add-on)
• Free trial: No
• Max resolution: 4k
• Streams: Up to 2

Although no longer the streaming home to TNT Sports – which has moved to HBO Max following the latter's launch in the UK – this is still a decent option if you're a fan of factual programming and documentaries.

That includes everything from nature and science documentaries to more reality-orientated fare, in addition to a large stock of true crime and even paranormal shows – although you won't find too much in the way of high-brow content.

• Must-watch: Neighbourhood Watch, American Monster, Evil Lies Here, Gold Rush, 90 Day fiancé

Radio Times says: It's relatively cheap, but for the most part the Discovery collection is fairly lacking in quality when compared to many of its competitors.

Sign up to Discovery+

Disney+

Best for those with kids and fans of major franchises

• Price: £5.99 for Disney+ Standard with Ads, £9.99 for Disney+ Standard, £14.99 for Disney+ Premium – also available with a Sky TV subscription (as Standard with ads)
• Free trial: No
• Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
• Streams: Up to 4 for Premium subscribers, up to 2 for Standard

Of course, it's no secret that Disney+ is a treasure trove for fans of big franchises, housing a huge catalogue of Marvel and Star Wars content in addition to a number of animated gems from Pixar and Disney Classics. It's that combination that makes it arguably the best option for those looking to keep their kids happy.

But it's more than just the franchises. Given streamer's takeover of 20th Century Fox, there are a whole host of excellent films on the platform, while there's also plenty of original programming and some top shows that initially aired on Hulu for US viewers.

• Must-watch: Star Wars and Marvel, The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, Alien: Earth

Radio Times says: If you've got kids and don't mind spending a little extra, this option is hard to resist – and even for older audiences, there is a huge selection to choose from.

Sign up to Disney+

Hayu

Best for reality TV obsessives

• Price: £4.99 per month, £23.99 for 6 months or £43.99 for 12 months
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 1080p
• Streams: One

If you're a lover of reality TV, chances are you're already familiar with Hayu – but if this is your first time hearing of it, it could well be the option for you. Since its UK launch in 2016, it's become the only streamer devoted entirely to reality TV and there really are a wealth of programmes waiting for you if that's your thing.

Most of the shows are acquisitions rather than originals – with the likes of Below Deck and Vanderpump Rules notable examples – but earlier this year, the platform did launch its first ever original commission: The Real Housewives of London. Could that be the first of many?

• Must-watch: The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck

Radio Times says: A must-have if you're a reality TV obsessive, but otherwise probably one to avoid.

Sign up to Hayu

Sign up to Hayu via Amazon Prime Video

HBO Max

Best for fans of big-budget American TV

• Price: £5.99 for Standard with Ads, £9.99 for Standard, £14.99 for Disney+ Premium – also available with a Sky TV subscription (as Standard with ads)
• Free trial: No
• Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
• Streams: Up to 4 for Premium subscribers, up to 2 for Standard

Finally arriving in the UK in March 2026 – almost six years on from its's launch across the Pond – HBO Max is the streaming home for all the US network's biggest shows in addition to a number of original series and a wealth of major movies.

It means that UK viewers can finally catch up on hit US shows such as The Pitt which had previously been unavailable on these shores, while there's lots to look forward to on the platform as well – with much hope being placed by the network in its upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation.

It also allows subscribers to watch TNT sports – although there is a premium rate for this.

• Must-watch: The Pitt, Rooster, The Comeback, Neighbors

Radio Times says: If you want to see what all the fuss is about regarding big US shows, this is the one for you.

ITVX

Best for lovers of British TV

• Price: £5.99 per month or £59.99 per year
• Free trial: No
• Max resolution: 1080p HD
• Streams: Up to 4

You're probably already familiar with the ad-supported free tier of ITVX, which gives audiences to catch-up with all the latest shows broadcast on ITV and some from the archive – but the streamer also has a premium offering, which is one of the cheaper options on the market.

As well as allowing subscribers to watch all the content on the regular ITVX without suffering the annoyance of ad breaks, there is also a wealth of material not otherwise available including a huge volume of iconic British box sets from BritBox and an interesting and varied selection of films.

• Must-watch: Sanditon, Life on Mars, The Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous

Radio Times says: If you like your TV classic and homegrown – and without ads – this is a great option, for a relatively small monthly fee.

Sign up to ITVX

Mubi

Best for fans of international cinema

If you're into arthouse film, you'll no doubt have come across Mubi – which has developed an excellent reputation as the go-to place for more left-field picks in the last decade or so.

Originally it operated a "film of the day" system, where one new film would be added every day and stay in the library for 30 days, but it has since moved to a more traditional library system, including several films that it has itself distributed in cinemas.

The library is hugely varied, with several seasons every year centred on particular directors or themes, while the slightly more expensive Mubi Go option gives subscribers the chance to see one hand-picked film in cinemas every week at no extra cost.

• Price: £11.99 per month or £18.99 per month for Mubi Go (which comes with a cinema ticket every week)
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 4k
• Streams: Up to 2

Radio Times says: If you're a cinephile or getting into international and arthouse film in a big way, this is a tremendous resource – and the Mubi Go option is an especially good option if you're looking at keeping up with acclaimed new releases.

• Must-watch: Sentimental Value, Twin Peaks, No Other Choice, The Apartment, Aftersun

Sign up to Mubi

Netflix

Best for binge-watchers and original hits

Best for those looking for value on a budget.

• Price: £5.99 per month for Standard with ads, £12.99 per month for Standard, £18.99 per month for Premium
• Free trial: No
• Max resolution: 4k for Premium subscribers, 1080p HD for Standard
• Streams: Up to 4 for Premium, up to 2 for Standard

The streamer that needs no introduction – and the one that started it all. Netflix produces a wealth of original content – in terms of both films and TV shows – and while perhaps the focus could be said to have shifted towards quantity over quality, there are still some very high highs in the original library.

If you want to join in the latest watercooler conversations, this is still probably the one to gravitate towards, with its popularity still dwarfing that of its rivals in relative terms – even as the monthly cost has soared.

Meanwhile, a significant catalogue of non-original TV shows and films pads out the platform’s library, so you'll never have a lack of options for your next binge-watch or upcoming movie night.

• Must-watch: Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Squid Game, The Crown

Radio Times says: Netflix remains unbeatable for quantity and global hits, though it comes at a premium price.

Sign up to Netflix

NOW

Best for Sky original dramas

• Price: £9.99 per month for Entertainment Pass and £9.99 per Cinema Pass
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 720p HD (Full 1080p HD with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month)
• Streams: 1 (3 with NOW Boost for an extra £5 a month)

NOW is an excellent place to catch the latest dramas from Sky, while it also broadcasts a number of glossy exclusive shows across a range of genres.

If you’re a film fan keen to watch the latest blockbusters soon after they leave the cinema, this might also be the service for you. The films included with a Sky Cinema pass frequently include some of the biggest recent hits, and there’s a decent selection of classics as well.

One downside is that, unlike most streamers, you have to pay separately for the TV and Movie options – it's not all one package.

• Must-watch: Game of Thrones, Succession, Euphoria, The White Lotus and The Last of Us.

Radio Times says: A more premium offering, but NOW is a great option if you want to enjoy the best of Sky TV and some of the latest blockbuster films.

Sign up to NOW

Paramount+

Best for those looking to keep up with Taylor Sheridan shows

• Price: £4.99 per month for Basic with ads, £6.99 per month for Standard, £10.99 per month for Premium
• Free trial: Yes – there is a 7 day free trial option
• Max resolution: 4k
• Streams: Up to 4 (on Premium)

Since launching in the UK in 2022, Paramount's own streaming service hasn't quite taken off to the same extent as most of its competitors – but it still features a pretty decent catalogue of films from the studio's archive in addition to brand new original content.

Meanwhile it's also the only way for UK fans to keep up to date with Taylor Sheridan's highly popular stable of US dramas, so if you're a fan of Yellowstone and all, this one is a must.

• Must-watch: Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, South Park, Dexter, Landman

Radio Times says: Paramount's current slate is not as deep – or perhaps as prestigious – as some of its competitors, but it's worthwhile if you're a fan of the growing slate of hugely popular US dramas from Taylor Sheridan.

Sign up to Paramount+

Editor’s Choice

So, what is our overall verdict, then? With various factors taken into consideration, we've come to the below conclusion:

Best overall value: Prime Video
Best originals: Apple TV for TV, Mubi for film
Best for families: Disney+
Best budget pick: Prime Video
Best prestige TV: HBO Max

Add your favourite shows to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out our best movies on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies.

Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies.

Here are all the best series on Apple TV and best Apple TV movies.

Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what else is on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

]]> Best shows to watch to mark International Women's Day https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/international-womens-day-best-tv-shows/ Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:27:42 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/international-womens-day-best-tv-shows/ The best shows to watch to celebrate IWD 2025, as picked by our team. This year's International Women's Day is as important as ever, with 'accelerate action' being front and centre as the theme for 2025.

As put by the campaign, Accelerate Action "emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality".

The day, which falls on 8th March, is also an important reminder of the positive female representation that does exist in TV (albeit with improvements to always be made) that should be celebrated all year round.

But if you're looking for an excuse to tuck into a new female-led show, then consider this it!

From recent hits like The Marlow Murder Club which stars Samantha Bond, Jo Martin and Cara Horgan, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story or more fan favourite shows such as Fleabag, Sharon Horgan's Bad Sisters and Issa Rae's influential Insecure, there are a lovely selection of titles that boast stellar female talent both in front of and behind the camera.

In honour of this year's International Women's Day, the RadioTimes.com team have put together a list of their favourite female-led central shows and where to watch them – so, happy IWD!

High Potential (Disney Plus)

High Potential stars Kaitlin Olson as a single mother with an exceptional mind, whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book detective.

The new Disney Plus series is based on a popular French series called Haut Potentiel Intellectuel, and has a wealth of female co-stars including Javicia Leslie, Amirah J and Judy Reyes, alongside Olson. - Katelyn Mensah

The Marlow Murder Club (U&Drama)

Based on Robert Thorogood's novel of the same name, The Marlow Murder Club follows three women – Judith Potts, Suzie Harris and Becks Starling – who investigate a series of murders and are taken on as advisors to the police by DS Tanika Malik.

The female-led series was a welcome introduction to the cosy crime drama, for audiences and the stars themselves, with Cara Horgan previously telling RadioTimes.com: "It's really important. [But] also to have a show where four women are at the centre, but they're not in competition with each other. And it's a multi-generational story."

Amandaland (BBC iPlayer)

The highly-anticipated spin-off to Motherland took viewers by surprise in all the best possible ways when it landed on BBC iPlayer earlier this year, with critics praising the new series.

Spin-off shows can often be a bit of a tricky tightrope. To be successful, they need to find balance with the old and new, which is kind of apt, given Amanda's situation. Thankfully, Amandaland manages to achieve this in spades, providing a fresh twist on the familiar humour with a new gang, new location, and new phase of motherhood to deal with. - Tilly Pearce

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (Netflix)

It’s not very often that a prequel series or spin-off is miles better than the original, but Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story is an exception to the rule. Seen by many Bridgerton fans as simply a stop-gap between seasons 1 and 2, the Queen Charlotte spin-off is a magnificent period drama in its own right.

Centred on Golda Rosheuvel’s formidable monarch, we get eye-opening insight into her younger years. Played by India Amarteifio as the young Charlotte, the series has the same whimsical and romantic feel as the original, but was decidedly more upfront about issues such as race and mental health. A special shoutout also has to go to Arsema Thomas as the young Lady Danbury, providing a performance that is all too memorable and crying out for a prequel series of her own. - Morgan Cormack

For Sama (Channel 4)

There's a reason why this documentary went down in history as the most nominated documentary in BAFTA's history, and went on to be nominated for an Oscar upon its release in 2019. An epic tale of love and loss, this film follows journalist and filmmaker Waad al-Kateab through five years of her life in Aleppo, Syria, before and during the Battle of Aleppo.

From being an 18-year-old student at university in 2011 to falling in love and giving birth to daughter Sama, we follow Waad and her husband Hamza as they're forced to navigate the conflict that has engulfed their city, eventually having to decide whether to flee or stay in Aleppo to help others. - Morgan Cormack

Lily & Lolly: The Forgotten Yeats Sisters (Sky Arts, Freeview and NOW)

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This new docu-film shines an all important spotlight on the often forgotten story of the sisters of Irish poet and writer William B Yeats. Elizabeth and Susan Mary, who were known to their family as Lollie and Lily, were involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, achieving major success as independent Irish women back in the 1900s.

The new film comes to platforms this IWD, but RadioTimes.com has an exclusive first look for you, giving us more of an insight into how the Yeats sisters would slot into modern thinking around feminism and the sister's use of the wider artistic network they had access to. - Morgan Cormack

Insecure (NOW)

We can’t have a conversation about modern comedies – female-led or not – without mention of Issa Rae’s Insecure. Not only is the series laugh out loud funny in every single episode (a hard feat these days), but it is also written by, directed by and stars Issa Rae. If that doesn’t scream inspiration for any writer or creative out there, then I don’t know what does.

In following Issa and her best pals Molly (Yvonne Orji), Kelli (Natasha Rothwell) and Tiffany (Amanda Seales), the pacy, fresh comedy captures what it means to be a multifaceted Black woman living in America, with scenes and stories that will be relatable for many. Fledgling careers, unsuccessful relationships, sex, changing friendship dynamics and more combine in this LA-set series which ended on quite the Issa and Lawrence (Jay Ellis) twist, leaving fans (read: me) reeling from to this day. - Morgan Cormack

Watch Insecure on NOW

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Dead Ringers (Prime Video)

If you’re desperately in need of a darkly comedic body horror with a feminist twist this International Women’s Day, then Prime Video’s Dead Ringers is the show for you. Following the lives of co-dependent and often obsessive identical twin sisters Beverly and Elliot Mantle (both played by the Academy Award-winning Rachel Weisz in a criminally underrated performance), Dead Ringers explores the intricacies and importance of female sexuality, bodily autonomy and postnatal depression, and does so with staunchly accurate nuance.

While it may have been influenced by the 1988 film of the same name starring Jeremy Irons, this version of Dead Ringers is entirely its own artistic, female body. With the guidance of an all-women’s writers room, including Weisz herself, Dead Ringers proudly reclaims the male-centred perspective of women’s bodies that the original turn led on, and as a result, serves as both a fascinating and, at times, horrifying comment on female reproductive health that is an entirely absorbing watch. - Chezelle Bingham

Watch Dead Ringers on Prime Video

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Daisy Jones & The Six (Prime Video)

"I’m not the muse. I’m the somebody," says Daisy Jones at the end of the first episode of Prime Video’s Daisy Jones & The Six, as she makes it her mission not to become the source of a man’s inspiration. Based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2019 novel of the same name, the Emmy-nominated series follows the rise and subsequent fall of a fictional ‘70s rock band obviously inspired by Fleetwood Mac – and is filled with as much romance, madness and expertly crafted musical numbers as you’d expect from such a concept.

Band frontwoman Daisy Jones, played by Riley Keough in a role that almost feels as if it were crafted solely for her, is the obvious standout. She wants to be a star – and refuses to let any man take that away from her. Besides Daisy, the series boasts two other female talents in the form of Camila Dunne (Camila Morrone) and Karen Sirko (Suki Waterhouse), and shines when it delves into the psyche of its female characters, examining both their strengths and their flaws.

Daisy is drug dependent; Karen is defiant and hot-headed; Camila is tragically loyal – but in all three cases, these three women are placed at the forefront of their own stories and allowed to thrive in an industry that has historically back-seated them.

Daisy Jones & The Six may not be the perfect book-to-screen adaptation, but it’s the love letter to female-fronted rock bands every music lover should watch this IWD. - Chezelle Bingham

Watch Daisy Jones & The Six on Prime Video

Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)

Sharon Horgan is one of the leading women when it comes to creating and writing some of the most talked-about and hilarious comedies on British telly. Known for being one of the brains behind Motherland, Horgan is also in front of the camera in Bad Sisters, a standout comedic gem for Apple TV+. Would I say it’s reason enough to subscribe to the streamer? Most definitely.

In this revenge fantasy tale of five sisters, we get effortless humour, regular flecks of genuine surprise and enough bluntness to keep you hooked. As well as being a feat in storytelling, absorbing performances from Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Sarah Greene, Eve Hewson and Horgan will all (weirdly) make you want to be part of the Garvey sister clan. - Morgan Cormack

Watch Bad Sisters on Apple TV+

Fleabag (BBC iPlayer)

What list of female-driven television shows would be complete without Fleabag? Phoebe Waller-Bridge changed the game with the show's first, razor-sharp season, but her second instalment was nothing short of televisual perfection, earning her more awards-season hardware than she could carry (and gifting us the viral image of her triumphant, post-Emmys cigarette break).

The world's attention mostly focused on her character's transgressive relationship with a Catholic priest, played by Andrew Scott (and dubbed 'The Hot Priest' by the internet). But the season's real love story was between Fleabag and her Type A sister, Claire (Sian Clifford).

In the first episode of season two, Fleabag finds Claire miscarrying in a restaurant bathroom. It's a scene as raw and real as it comes, as Claire decides to carry on as if everything is normal – prompting Fleabag to cover for her, and paving the way for the once-estranged pair to become allies. Other highlights from their relationship include Claire phoning Fleabag for help following her 'pencil' haircut; Fleabag punching Martin after he made the "goldfish out the bowl" comment; and seeing the two sisters at the silent retreat their father booked them on.

But the moment that had women reaching for their phones to text their own sisters and friends came in the final episode, when Claire told Fleabag: "The only person I'd run through an airport for is you." – Flora Carr

Watch Fleabag on BBC iPlayer

The Queen's Gambit (Netflix)

It's the refreshing drama that has captivated millions of Netflix viewers the world over and sent sales of chess sets through the roof. Anya Taylor-Joy won a Golden Globe for her performance as flawed heroine Beth Harmon, a young woman who triumphs in the male-dominated 1960s world of chess in spite of – or because of – having grown up an orphan, mental illness and addiction.

Beth’s birth mother died by suicide and her adoptive mother has her own demons to battle, so chess offers Beth a safe place where she can lose herself, and she is determined to gain mastery of the game to the point of dangerous obsession. Her male peers play supporting roles in the drama, coaching her to progress to levels they could not quite reach.

The Queen’s Gambit is a tale of female grit to overcome adversity – adding it to your watchlist is a wise move indeed. – Helen Hackworthy, Listings and Platforms Editor

Watch The Queen’s Gambit on Netflix

Orange is the New Black (Netflix)

When it comes to celebrating women, Netflix’s Orange Is the New Black does just that with its perfect mix of comedy and realism.

Based on Piper Kerman’s memoir Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison, the seven-part series begins with Piper Chapman (Taylor Schilling) – a woman in her 30s who has been sentenced to 15 months in a women’s federal prison for transporting drugs for her girlfriend Alex Vause (played by Laura Prepon).

During her time in jail, Piper comes face-to- face with women from all different walks of life as she learns the ropes within the racially segregated system inside. Along with the other inmates – including Laverne Cox, who plays trans inmate Sophia Burset, Selenis Laveya as Gloria Mendoza and Uzo Aduba as Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren – she learns to overcome the numerous struggles of prison life.

Featuring flashbacks to significant events from various inmates’ and prison guards’ lives, this one is sure to pull at your heart strings while also having you in fits of laughter. – Grace Henry, Entertainment and Factual Editor

Watch Orange Is the New Black on Netflix

Broad City (Amazon Prime Video)

When it comes to hugely underrated sitcoms, Broad City tops the list, with its fast-paced, eccentric style of humour and the electric chemistry between its two talented leads, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. Executive produced by Amy Poehler, the Comedy Central series follows best friends Abbi, an aspiring artist working as a gym cleaner, and Ilana, an extroverted care-free layabout, as they navigate life in their 20s as Jewish American women in New York City.

While the show came to an end after five seasons in 2019, Broad City is a fun, easily binge-watched series that highlights the importance of female friendship and entertains with Abbi and Ilana’s hilarious adventures, highly-quotable one-liners ("Four R's my friend: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rihanna") and outrageous sex lives. From tracking down an air conditioner in a heatwave to sneaking into a Lil Wayne concert, Abbi and Ilana’s ridiculous, raunchy and sometimes cringeworthy shenanigans provide the perfect escape. – Lauren Morris, Entertainment and Factual Writer

Watch Broad City on Amazon Prime Video

The Handmaid's Tale (All 4)

Based on Margaret Atwood’s blistering dystopian novel of the same name, The Handmaid’s Tale shows June Osborne’s battle against a religious patriarchy which sees women as one thing: child-bearing wives. In a terrifying world where a woman’s only function is to serve a man, Elisabeth Moss plays June, a ferocious female with a memory of the past and how American society should be – and she will stop at nothing to make sure girls growing up in fictional Gilead are given the same freedoms she had before the civil war.

Hard-hitting, stark and at times a brutal horror, The Handmaid’s Tale serves up a timely look at equality of the sexes while also delivering superb performances from the show’s leading ladies. Moss is joined by the sublime Ann Dowd (Aunt Lydia) and Yvonne Strahovski (who plays the extremely complex Serena). – Helen Daly, Associate Editor

Watch The Handmaid's Tale on Prime Video

Gilmore Girls (Netflix)

Over the years, I’ve found myself returning to Gilmore Girls and the small Connecticut town of Stars Hollow over and over again. Creator Amy Sherman-Palladino (whose more recent shows include The Marvelous Mrs Maisel) gives us a dysfunctional but loving mother-daughter duo in Lorelei Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and schoolgirl Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel), as well as haughty grandmother Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) – and over the seasons, we see their relationships change and evolve with the characters. The show is funny, witty, charming, and utterly absorbing – even if not everyone enjoyed the recent Netflix revival. – Eleanor Bley Griffiths

Watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix.

WandaVision (Disney Plus)

The MCU doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to putting women centre-stage in front of and behind the camera. Thankfully, that is beginning to change. WandaVision ushered in Marvel’s phase 4 with a weird and wonderful storyline that focuses on Wanda Maximoff, one of the Avengers’ most powerful – and underused – members. The result is a deft exploration of grief that transforms the rather neglected Scarlet Witch we know from the MCU into a well-rounded anti-heroine struggling to cope after losing everyone she’s ever loved.

Borrowing inspiration from sitcoms across the ages, the Disney Plus series tells Wanda’s story in an unusual yet compelling way which sets it apart from the rest of Marvel’s offerings to date. Elizabeth Olsen brings plenty of range to the character, whether she’s fixing dinner in full 50s housewife garb or hitting rock bottom in her pyjamas. – Lidia Molina-Whyte, Freelance writer

Watch WandaVision on Disney Plus

Jessica Jones (Netflix)

Before WandaVision, there was Jessica Jones. The second of Marvel’s short-lived forays into Netflix territory back in 2015 was the first to place a female superhero in the lead. Created by Melissa Rosenberg, it remains a powerful watch that skilfully tackles trauma after sexual abuse, turning the tired trope of sexual assault as a backstory on its head.

Much like Wanda Maximoff, Jessica (Krysten Ritter) is an unapologetically flawed heroine with some pretty unhealthy coping mechanisms – but that’s precisely why she’s so relatable. Her love-hate relationship with her best friend, noir detective tendencies and dry sense of humour make her character a refreshing change of pace for the MCU and an entertaining watch on International Women’s Day. Plus, David Tennant as Killgrave is possibly one of the best (in the worst sort of way) baddies on TV. – Lidia Molina-Whyte, Freelance writer

Watch Jessica Jones on Netflix.

The X-Files (Disney Plus)

As well as its cracking soundtrack, a creepy monster of the week and its mythology arcs, the FBI partnership that was Mulder and Scully was really at the heart of The X-Files’ success. Agent Dana Scully was on an equal footing in the partnership, giving us a strong feminist lead who saved Mulder just as often as he saved her. The pairing didn’t slip into the stereotypical gender roles either, instead having Scully as the voice of reason and logic and Mulder as the rogue believer.

It’s no overstatement to say Scully inspired an entire generation too. In a 2018 university study, 50 per cent of women said she increased their interest in STEM; the phenomenon even has its own name, ‘The Scully Effect’. While Scully remains a complex female character, her empathy, resilience and intelligence remains as inspirational now as it did in the 90s. – Jo-Anne Rowney

Watch The X-Files on Disney Plus

Motherland (Netflix)

Sharon Horgan's offbeat comedy Motherland is less interested in parenting itself than it is in its exhausting, bone-wearying effects. A satirical, almost ruthless portrait of middle-class motherhood, the series follows a group of women (and one token man), each one of them a parent at the local school. Line of Duty star Anna Maxwell Martin leads the cast as Julia, a frazzled businesswoman who struggles to balance work with parenting two kids (one can only imagine how she'd cope during lockdown – the storylines just write themselves).

Motherhood is not a straightforward look at 'the sisterhood,' or even friendship. In fact, stay-at-home father Kevin (Paul Ready) openly worries about whether or not their gang are all truly friends, or "just friendly" acquaintances, their relationships born of convenience.

Instead, the series zeroes-in on school-gate rivalries and alliances, and the sacrifices and pressure women face to "have it all", a theme the show leans into with the cast addition of Meg (played by Tanya Moodie) in season two. A high-flying career woman with a seemingly perfect blended family and brood of five, it turns out her coping mechanisms can all be found in her (probably custom-made) wine rack at home. When we last saw her during Motherland's Christmas episode, she's rocked up to the Nativity play smelling like "the carpet at a Wetherspoon’s".

From the panic of (temporarily) losing another woman's child during trick-or-treating, to the carousel of world-weary quips delivered by Liz (Diane Morgan), the ever-relatable Motherland will have you both laughing and cringing. – Flora Carr

Watch Motherland on Netflix

Girlfriends (Netflix)

In the mood for some lighthearted, female-led entertainment? Well, then Girlfriends is the one for you!

The 2000 American sitcom was recently revived for Netflix and follows the lives of four friends in Los Angeles  – Joan Clayton, Maya Wilkes, Lynn Searcy, and Toni Childs.

From racial issues to love, dating, careers, and ageing, the series shows how the women handle various problems in their life while maintaining their strong friendships, which remain at the centre of it all. With episodes at just 20-minutes long, this is the perfect pastime for a lunch or tea break when working from home – Grace Henry, Entertainment and Factual Editor

Watch Girlfriends on Netflix

Call the Midwife (BBC iPlayer)

This must be one of the most female-driven shows ever to air on TV – and it’s really something special. Based on the memoirs of midwife Jennifer Worth and adapted by Heidi Thomas, BBC drama Call the Midwife (now heading for its 10th season) follows a group of nurse midwives operating out of an East End convent in the 1950s and 60s. Current stars include Helen George, Jenny Agutter, and Laura Main. With stories about childbirth and disease, friendship and heartbreak, motherhood and love, each episode has the potential to wring and warm your heart in equal measure. – Eleanor Bley Griffiths

Watch Call the Midwife on BBC iPlayer

Killing Eve (BBC iPlayer)

Women aren't always sugar and spice and all things nice – they can be killers, too. But not since Uma Thurman's Bride in Kill Bill has there been such a sublime female slayer as Killing Eve's Villanelle.

Villanelle (Jodie Comer) puts the sass in assassin. Master of many tongues, she's smart, stylish and skilful, deftly despatching shady characters on the orders of the clandestine organisation for whom she works. But Villanelle can also be cold and unpredictable, often leaving her handler (Kim Bodnia) despairing in his vain attempt to control her.

It's a light-hearted drama packed full of interesting female characters – from dogged agent and object of Villanelle's affections Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), to the unflappable head of MI6's Russia desk Carolyn Martens (Fiona Shaw).

Admittedly, the quality of Killing Eve faltered in seasons two and three when head writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge gave up the reins, but season one is to die for. – Helen Hackworthy, Listings and Platforms Editor

Watch Killing Eve on BBC iPlayer

Shrill (BBC iPlayer)

SNL star Aidy Bryant shines in BBC Three comedy Shrill, an empowering look at life as a plus-sized woman in a social media-obsessed world. Bryant stars as Annie, an overweight woman in her late 20s who decides to embark on a journey of self-acceptance after realising she’s constantly degraded by people around her. From a fitness instructor telling her there’s a small person inside of her “dying to get out” to the slacker she’s sleeping with asking her to leave his house via the backdoor to avoid meeting his friends, Annie decides enough is enough and realises she shouldn’t let society’s expectations of her weight define her with the help of best friend and flatmate Fran, played by the phenomenal Lolly Adefope.

With the third and final season of Shrill airing later this year, this body-positive comedy is definitely worth a watch this International Women’s Day for its expert balancing of both heartbreaking moments and light silliness, as well as the stellar performances from supporting cast members John Cameron Mitchell, Patti Harrison, Daniel Stern and Julia Sweeney. – Lauren Morris, Entertainment and Factual Writer

Watch Shrill on BBC iPlayer

Diary of A Future President (Disney Plus)

It can be difficult to find an inspirational – and even aspirational – female-centric show for the younger women among us, which is why Disney Plus’s A Diary of a Future President is such a breath of fresh air. The series follows Elena Cañero-Reed, a strong-minded and confident 12-year-old Cuban American girl who wants to be the future president of the United States – and, thanks to flash forwards, we know she achieves it. The series, created by IIana Pena takes us through the drama, and lessons, she learns in school, revealing how they prepared her to become the powerful leader. As well as being wholesome and entertaining, DOAFP creates a flawed and realistic female role model, showing you can really dream big and break down whatever barriers are in your way. And, even better, it's funny and family friendly, making it a great pick to watch together, whatever age you are. – Jo-Anne Rowney.

Watch Diary of a Future President on Disney Plus

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]]> Best documentaries, films and series to watch for Black History Month https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/what-to-watch-black-history-month/ Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:59:02 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/what-to-watch-black-history-month/ Celebrate Black History Month with these docs and shows exploring Black culture and achievements worldwide. With just days to go before October arrives, we don't have long to wait until Black History Month officially begins, with this year's theme being Reclaiming Narratives.

The theme signals it's time to "take control of our stories, celebrate our heritage, and ensure our voices are heard".

First observed in the US, Black History Month has become an annual month of celebration in the UK with the worlds of TV, film, sport and entertainment honouring the African diaspora.

As we prepare for another year of celebrating Black History Month in the UK, RadioTimes.com has put together a list of documentaries, movies and shows which you can tune into this month and thereafter.

Here's everything you need to know.

Best series for Black History Month

Fresh Cuts

ITV has expanded its Fresh Cuts strand this year and in an ITV first, the selected talent will be producing and directing "compelling short-form series" to air on ITVX and ITV's digital channels as part of programming for Black History Month.

Making their directorial debut for ITV, the selected talent for Black History Month are Moses Ssebandeke with his profile series Alter Egos, Sammy Ofori-Attah's Black Magic with Trixy, and Destiny Williams's light-hearted Dogs of Grime.

Black Magic with Trixy follows a magician who embarks "on a journey across London to meet the people and see the places shaping the city’s black culture, while also showcasing his dazzling magical abilities".

Alter Egos follows former 'bad boy' Fabian as he aims "to use his past for good by mentoring troubled teens at a boxing gym".

Dogs of Grime urges viewers to get ready to catch a vibe with some of the UK's biggest grim stars "as they answer tricky questions and take part in hilarious challenges alongside their four-legged best friends".

Where to watch? These will be available to watch on ITVX in October.

Colin in Black & White

Colin in Black & White was released back in 2021, chronicling the coming-of-age of civil rights activist and former professional footballer Colin Kaepernick.

The limited series tackles the obstacles of race, class and culture as the Black adopted child of a white family. Jaden Michael (Shelter) stars as a young Colin.

Where to watch? Colin in Black & White is available to stream on Netflix.

When They See Us

Based on the true story that gripped the nation, When They See Us captures the notorious case of five teenagers of colour, labeled the Central Park Five, who were convicted of a rape they did not commit.

In 1989, the five teenagers from Harlem - Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise - were first questioned about the incident.

Spanning over 25 years, the four-part film tells the heartbreaking story of how they were wrongfully accused and jailed before being exonerated in 2002 and reaching a settlement with the city of New York in 2014.

How to watch? The series is available to watch on Netflix.

Atlanta

Since debuting on FX back in 2016, comedy-drama Atlanta has been showered with critical acclaim, particularly when it comes to creator and star Donald Glover's performance as Earn Marks, a Princeton dropout who starts managing the rap career of his up-and-coming cousin Alfred 'Paper Boi' Miles (Brian Tyree Henry).

The Emmy-winning series explores racism, existentialism and African-American culture through a slightly surrealist lens whilst showing off the immense talents of its cast, including LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz.

How to watch? The first three seasons of Atlanta are available to stream on Disney Plus, while the fourth currently airs on FX in the US.

Seven Seconds

This crime drama explores the events after a 15-year-old Black cyclist Brenton Butler dies in a hit-and-run accident with a white police officer behind the wheel.

With racial tension exploding in Jersey City, the 10-part series looks at how the case is dealt with. While the police department attempt to cover up the case, assistant prosecutor KJ wants to prosecute the hit-and-run as a hate crime, in addition to a negligent homicide.

How to watch? The series is available to watch on Netflix.

Self Made

Starring Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer as Madam CJ Walker - the trailblazing African American haircare entrepreneur who was America’s first female self-made millionaire - Self Made brings the story of the cultural icon to the screen for the first time.

Against all odds, Walker overcame post-slavery racial and gender biases and business rivalries to build a ground-breaking brand that revolutionised Black haircare.

The four-part limited series explores how she fought for social change and came to be the icon that is Madam CJ Walker.

How to watch? The series is available to stream on Netflix

Dear White People

Dear White People is set against the backdrop of a predominantly white Ivy League university in the US, where racial tensions bubble just below the surface.

The satirical series - which picks up where the acclaimed 2014 film off the same name left off – follows a group of Winchester University’s students of colour as they deal with a plethora of issues, including social injustice, cultural bias, political correctness and sometimes misguided activism in the millennial age.

Educational, informative, and seriously funny, Dear White People makes for vital viewing.

How to watch? Volume 1-3 are available to stream on Netflix.

Pose

Set in the 1980s in New York City, Pose is the phenomenal US series about the world of ball culture right at the centre of the AIDS epidemic.

It is written by Ryan Murphy - known for Glee, American Horror Story and new drama Ratched - and takes inspiration from revolutionary 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning, which explores African-American and Latino culture between 1986 to 1989.

Pose also features the largest cast of transgender actors in series regular roles, as well as the largest recurring cast of LGBTQ actors ever, for a scripted television series.

How to watch? Season 1-3 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Season 1 is also available on Netflix.

Best Films

The Six Triple Eight

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Inspired by the first and only Women's Army Corps unit of colour to serve overseas in World War II, The Six Triple Eight stars Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

Despite facing racism, sexism and gruelling working conditions, they were committed to serving their country with honour and distinction. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers.

Produced and directed by Tyler Perry, viewers have a while to go before this movie reaches cinemas later this year.

How to watch? The Six Triple Eight will be released on Netflix on 20th December.

Passing

BAFTA-nominated drama Passing stars Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga as Irene and Clare – two childhood friends living in 1920s New York. However, while both are light-skinned black women, Clare "passes" as white and lives with her wealthy white husband, while Irene is married to a Black doctor.

The film, which is directed by Rebecca Hall and adapted from Nella Larsen's novel of the same name, examines themes of racism and identity through the different lives of these two friends, with powerful performances from its stars.

How to watch? Passing is available to stream on Netflix.

Harriet

In an Oscar-nominated performance by Cynthia Erivo, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of American freedom fighter Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes.

How to watch? The inspirational film is available to watch on Sky Cinema and with the Sky Cinema pass on NOW TV.

Just Mercy

A powerful and thought-provoking true story, Just Mercy follows young lawyer and Harvard graduate Bryan Stevenson (played by Michael B Jordan) in his history-making battle to overturn the wrongful conviction of Walter McMillian (played by Jamie Foxx) a man condemned to die for the murder of an 18 year old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence.

How to watch? Just Mercy is available to watch on Sky Cinema and with the Sky Cinema pass on NOW TV.

Brian Banks

The 2018 biographical film tells the story of a high school football linebacker, Brian Banks, who was falsely accused of rape. Upon his release, he attempted to fulfil his dream of making the National Football League but was met with many struggles.

The gripping film chronicles how he managed to get his case overturned with the help of Innocence Project lawyers.

How to watch? Brian Banks is available to watch on Netflix.

Best documentaries

Paid In Full: The Battle for Black

In a new documentary on BBC Two, the series delves into the pivotal contributions made by Black artists and label owners to the music industry and the historic injustices they have faces, including profit disparities, despite their foundational role in shaping popular music.

The documentary features insights from the likes of Smokey Robinson, Gloria Gaynor, Master P, Chaka Khan and Ice-T.

How to watch? This documentary is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Black Boys Can Cry with Alex Beresford

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In this instalment of Fresh Cuts from ITV, Alex Beresford explores a mental health crisis among Black British men, "why being Black, male and British is so damaging" and what people can do to help.

How to watch? This episode is available to watch on ITVX.

Untold stories: Hair on Set

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In this documentary, British actress Fola Evans-Akingbola brings together some of the UK's brightest stars to reveal the untold story of Afro hair on film sets.

Where to watch? Untold stories: Hair on Set is available to watch on Sky Documentaries and NOW.

Tina

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Tina explores the life story of the queen of rock 'n' roll, charting her rise to fame and struggles along the way.

The documentary features insight from Angela Bassett, Oprah Winfrey and more.

Where to watch? Tina is available to watch on Sky Documentaries and NOW.

Sidney

This Apple TV+ documentary dives into the life of Sidney Poitier – the late acting icon who became the first Black actor and first Bahamian to win the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, this documentary honours the filmmaker and civil rights activist through an exploration of his life and career, with the likes of Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Barbra Streisand and more being interviewed for the film.

How to watch? Sidney is available to stream on Apple TV+.

13TH

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Filmmaker Ava DuVernay explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans.

The title itself refers to 13th Amendment to the Constitution, which reads: “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 documentary is made up from a mixture of archival footage and testimony from an array of activists, politicians, historians, and formerly incarcerated women and men.

How to watch? The 2016 film is available to stream on Netflix.

Becoming

Becoming gives us an intimate look  at the life of the former FLOTUS,  Michelle Obama, during a moment of profound change in the United States when she and her husband Barack became the first ever Black couple to serve in the White House.

It offers a rare and up-close look at how she came to be the First Lady, and follows her as she embarks on a 34-city tour, revealing the media scrutiny she faced during the eight years they served in the White House.

How to watch? The film is available to stream on Netflix

Time: The Kalief Browder story

The six-part series tells the tragic story of Kalief Browder - a Black teen from the Bronx - who spent three horrific years in jail, despite never being convicted of a crime.

Kalief was charged for allegedly stealing a backpack containing valuables between 2010 and 2013. His family was unable to post his bail and he was kept in solitary confinement for two years.

How to watch? Time: The Kalief Brodwer story is available to stream on Netflix

Black is King

Black is King is Beyonce's visual album. It tells the story of a young king who embarks on a journey to reclaim his throne and is a companion for the music from The Lion King: The Gift – the soundtrack album curated by the US superstar for last year’s live action remake of animated classic The Lion King.

How to watch? Black is King is available on Disney+

Get three months of Disney Plus for just £1.99 a month in this new limited-time offer.

TOGETHER WE RISE: The Uncompromised story of GRM Daily

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Featuring interviews from the the likes of Stormzy and Dizzee Rascal, the docuseries tells the story of a generation through the game-changing channel, GRM Daily and its founder Posty – the young, Black, British entrepreneur who helped contribute towards giving a new generation of talent opportunities via a global platform which in turn became a benchmark for their success.

Other cast members include: Skepta, Giggs, Stormzy, Julie Adenuga, Kano, Tiffany Calver, Aitch, Ms Banks, JME, D Double E, and Zane Lowe.

How to watch? The docuseries is now available to watch on YouTube.

John Lewis: Good Trouble

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The documentary provides an intimate account of legendary US Representative John Lewis’ life and legacy - charting more than 60 years of extraordinary activism.

As one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s closest allies, Lewis organised Freedom Rides that left him bloodied or jailed, and stood at the front lines in historic marches on Washington and Selma.

How to watch? Sky Documentaries, available on the NOW TV Entertainment pass.

Rise Up: The Movement that changed America

This one-hour documentary explores the key battles in the Civil Rights Movement that transformed American society – from the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to the Chicago Campaign which led to the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

The special uncovers what it took to translate protest into real legislative change.

How to watch? Sky Documentaries, available on the NOW TV Entertainment pass.

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.

]]> Your Easter weekend 2024 schedule: All the TV and film to watch this Bank Holiday https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/easter-weekend-2024-best-tv-film/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 09:00:38 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/easter-weekend-2024-best-tv-film/ A long weekend means plenty of TV and movies to get stuck into! The long weekend calls and with it, there are plenty of options on the small screen for us to wile away the bonus days off. The best thing is, there's something for all the family with the likes of Kung Fu Panda and Harry Potter airing across the weekend, as well as the network premiere of Barbie and Netflix's new The Beautiful Game.

For the classic film lovers, there's almost too many to choose from. The Wizard of Oz, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Ben-Hur are just some of the movies airing across the weekend and are practically begging for some serious R&R time (with easter eggs in hand, of course).

As well as blockbuster hits to get lost in, there are lots of TV shows to get acquainted with, either for catching up or a good ol' binge-watch. Renegade Nell, the first TV venture from Sally Wainwright after Happy Valley, comes to Disney Plus for a fantasy adventure fit for all ages.

If you're in the mood for a mystery drama, Traces season 2 comes to BBC One this weekend starring Molly Windsor, Laura Fraser, Jennifer Spence and Martin Compston. A series of bombings plagues Dundee and the three women must utilise their forensic expertise to figure out what's happening.

But that's not the only captivating series coming to our screens this week, with Steven Knight's This Town premiering this Easter Sunday and ITV's Passenger continuing to air. If you're more in the mood for some light-hearted entertainment, Saturday is the time for the anticipated Gladiators final – but who will be the Gladiators champion 2024?

Elsewhere, Pilgrimage returns for its sixth season and seven celebrity pilgrims – including Michaela Strachan and Spencer Matthews – take a personal journey along a route that celebrates early Celtic Christian saints.

Sir David Attenborough also helms a new documentary series exploring how Mammals have conquered the Earth, while the 20th season of Masterchef gets underway as Greg Wallace and John Torode once again see who has what it takes to knock their socks off in the culinary stakes.

Like we said, lots to choose from! If you're looking for an option on the streamers, be sure to check out our roundups of best TV picks on Prime Video, Disney Plus, Netflix and Sky, as well as the best films to stream on Prime Video and Netflix right now.

For what's coming out this Easter Bank Holiday weekend, scroll on to find out more.

Best TV and films to watch on Good Friday (Friday 28th March 2024)

The highlights of what to watch on TV on Good Friday:

• Cadbury at Easter: Secrets of the Chocolate Factory, 5:05pm, Channel 5
• Beyond Paradise, 9pm, BBC One
• The Life and Death of Lily Savage, 9pm, ITV1
• Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales, 9pm, BBC Two
• Renegade Nell, Disney Plus
• A Gentleman in Moscow, Paramount Plus
• Is It Cake?, Netflix

The best movies to watch on Good Friday:

• The Robe, 9:20am, BBC Two
• Jason and the Argonauts, 10:25am, Channel 4
• Kung Fu Panda, 12:30pm, Channel 4
• Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, 2:15pm, BBC One
• Hop, 4:30pm, ITV2
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, 6:25pm, ITV2
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife, 7:05pm, BBC One
• Barbie, 8pm, Sky Cinema Premiere
• La La Land, 11pm, BBC Two
• Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Paramount Plus
• The Beautiful Game, Netflix

Best TV and films to watch on Easter Saturday (Saturday 29th March 2024)

The weekend kicks off to a great start, so here are some top TV picks for Saturday:

• The Boat Race, 2pm, BBC One
• ITV Racing: Live from Musselburgh, 1:25pm, ITV1
• Live Women's Six Nations, 4:25pm, BBC Two
• Gladiators final, 5:50pm, BBC One
• Traces, 9:25pm, BBC One

And don't forget about the films! Here's a selection of the best airing on TV on Saturday:

• Kung Fu Panda 2, 11:25am, Channel 4
• Hook, 2:20pm, Channel 5
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, 4:35pm, ITV2
• Ocean's Eleven, 5:05pm, Channel 5
• How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 6:45pm, Film4
• Ghostbusters, 7pm, BBC Three
• Venom: Let There Be Carnage, 9pm, Channel 4
• Identity Thief, 10:50pm, ITV1

Best TV and films to watch on Easter Sunday (Sunday 30th March 2024)

It's the big Easter day itself and if you want to have some R&R in front of the TV, here are some of the shows you may want to get stuck into:

• Easter Sunday Service from Canterbury Cathedral, 10am, BBC One
• Urbi et Orbi, 11am, BBC One
• Gareth Malone's Easter Passion, 11:30am, BBC One
• Songs of Praise, 1:30pm, BBC One
• MOTD Live: Women's League Cup Final, 2:30pm, BBC Two
• Live Gallagher Premiership Rugby Union, 2:30pm, ITV1
• Mammals, 7pm, BBC One
• The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, 7:40pm, Channel 4
• This Town, 9pm, BBC One
• Passenger, 9pm, ITV1

There are plenty of films airing on Sunday also, some of the day's best picks are:

• Easter Parade, 12:30pm, BBC Two
• Ben-Hur, 12:05pm, Channel 5
• Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 12:25pm, ITV1
• Beauty and the Beast, 2:40pm, BBC One
• Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief, 3pm, Channel 4
• The Wizard of Oz, 4:20pm, Channel 5
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, 6pm, Great! Movies
• Peter Rabbit, 6:10pm, E4
• Transformers, 8pm, E4

Best TV and films to watch on Easter Monday (Monday 1st April 2024)

It's the last day of the bank holiday, but that doesn't mean there's any lack in TV content. Here are Monday's best picks:

• Quentin Blake's Box of Treasures, 1:30pm, BBC One
• MasterChef, 6:30pm, BBC One
• Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain, 8pm, BBC One
• This Town, 9pm, BBC One
• Passenger, 9pm, ITV1

For the film lovers, here's the selection for Monday too:

• Bee Movie, 2:55pm, ITV2
• The Italian Job, 4:30pm, Film4
• Star Trek, 6:35pm, Film4
• The Addams Family, 6:55pm, ITV2
• John Wick, 9pm, Sky Showcase
• Woman in Gold, 10pm, BBC Two

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Find all these showings on our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

]]> Best TV shows to watch on Sky Box Sets right now https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-sky-box-sets/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:00:36 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-sky-box-sets/ From Westworld to The Sopranos, Sky customers can binge on a plethora of critically-acclaimed series. It can often get rather overwhelming navigating the plethora of shows available to watch on TV these days, but if you're looking for a great series to get stuck right into, look no further than Sky Box Sets.

Sky Box Sets offers some of the most talked-about shows around, from Big Little Lies to Succession to Watchmen, via some old favourites like The Sopranos and Band of Brothers, and it’s available to Sky customers online, On Demand or through the Sky Go app.

Ranging from hard-hitting drama to side-splitting comedy, there should be something for everyone in our edit of the best box sets below - but if nothing takes your fancy, you can always check out our guides to the best movies on Netflix, best Netflix TV series guides and the best movies on Amazon Prime right now.

Based on a True Story

This talked-about comedic thriller certainly taps into society’s obsession with true crime and follows a realtor, a former tennis star and a plumber whose lives unexpectedly collide.

Starring Kaley Cuoco and Chris Messina, we follow married couple Ava and Nathan whose dreams are far from being a reality and start to believe that their plumber is an infamous serial killer on the loose.

With season 2 confirmed and on its way to us in the near future, now is the perfect time to get caught up with the show and is the perfect binge-watch with each episode totalling to around the 30 minute mark.

Watch Based on a True Story on Sky

Funny Woman

Based on Funny Girl, the best-selling novel by Nick Hornby, Funny Woman landed on screens back in February 2023 and stars Gemma Arterton as Barbara Parker. We follow Barbara from being a Blackpool beauty queen to comedy superstar and nation’s sweetheart, finding her voice in the male-dominated world of 60s sitcoms.

The series, which is almost like a sitcom within a comedy, explores the journey that Barbara takes in order to become an understood woman in the world of comedy. At a time when women were only confined to a certain social archetype, Barbara makes the journey to London to set out to be someone – but comes across her fair share of hurdles in doing so.

Watch Funny Woman on Sky

The White Lotus

Have you ever stayed in a hotel resort and been left to wonder about each and every one of the guests you're effectively living amongst? Well, The White Lotus takes that notion to the nth degree and gives us a no holds barred look into the guests who are staying at the luxury five-star resort of the same name. While season 1 was very much centred on the theme of wealth and tourism impacting local cultures, season 2 was all about sex and sexuality set against the backdrop of a mysterious murder.

The great thing about the series is that apart from the now departed Jennifer Coolidge, the cast of this hit show is fresh each time round, giving us new stories, drama and twists to wrap our heads around. With the upcoming season set to take place in Thailand, there's no better time than ever to get acquainted with the series if you haven't binge-watched it already because once you start, you definitely won't be able to tear your eyes away.

Watch The White Lotus on Sky

Succession

Screen critics and viewers around the globe agree: Succession is one of the best TV shows on the planet right now. Nominated for a staggering 18 Emmys, the darkly comic drama from Jesse Armstrong is packed with pathos, sharp dialogue and cutting satire not to be missed.

The characters? Virtually all deeply unlikable members of the Roy family, a group seemingly modelled on the modern Murdoch media moguls. They’re headed by gruff patriarch Logan Roy (Brian Cox), a billionaire who must pick his successor to his business empire.

With the drama ramping up every minute, viewers are rewarded with rich returns by the end of each episode.

Watch Succession on Sky

Westworld

The dystopian thriller is one of Sky's big hits. Westworld is a theme park for those with money, and a lot of it. There are a bunch of semi-intelligent robots that the rich guests talk to and interact with, and yes, have sex with, and even kill. Anything is allowed to happen here, but the robots have started to become conscious and aren't happy with the set up...

Watch Westworld on Sky

Chernobyl

Horrifying, heart-wrenching and quite simply one of the best dramas produced in recent years, Chernobyl dramatizes the 1986 Ukrainian nuclear disaster and its aftermath at the titular power station.

As visually stunning as it is gripping, its mesmerising ensemble cast including Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, Emily Watson, Jessie Buckley and Paul Ritter guide viewers through the tragedy – and the incompetence and culture of denial that caused it. Truly unflinching and unforgettable TV.

When you're done with the series there's The Real Chernobyl to get stuck into. The documentary takes a look at the real story behind the drama taking you to the power plant to reveal the impact on the area through the eyes of the survivors.

Watch Chernobyl on Sky

Game of Thrones

Sure, its eighth and final season divided fans and critics alike. But there’s no denying this fantasy epic – a story of seven warring kingdoms, based on the books by George RR Martin – was the world’s number one show for a reason. Not only does it create a fully-realised medieval world still unmatched in TV drama, but Thrones combines this with elegant storytelling and meticulously-plotted character arcs.

Throw in standout performances from the likes of Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, Emilia Clarke and Lena Headey and you’ve got a show that will be fondly remembered for decades to come.

Watch Game of Thrones on Sky

True Detective

On the face of it, it may look like just another anthology crime drama, each season following different detectives solving a heinous crime. But there’s nothing by-the-numbers about True Detective.

Alongside pitch-perfect scripts and stories spanning decades, its A-list cast serve up jaw-droppingly good performances – season one’s Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, in particular. Despite a misguided dramatic turn from Vince Vaughn (yes, that Vince Vaughn from Dodgeball) in season two, True Detective is nothing but an acting masterclass.

Watch True Detective on Sky

The Sopranos

It’s hard to understate the importance of The Sopranos when it first aired in 1999. This expertly-crafted, well-acted character-led series showed what TV was capable of, turning the idiot box into an art form.

The late James Gandolfini undeniably played a huge part in this, his role as therapy-seeking New Jersey crime boss Anthony Soprano anchoring the drama’s moving and darkly comic tone. However, the writing is the real hero, gifting audiences sharp dialogue and thought-provoking, surprising and compelling storytelling simply not seen before or since.

Watch The Sopranos on Sky

Watchmen

HBO's series based on the 1987 DC comic comes from the mind of Lost creator Damon Lindelof. A few changes were made from the comic – for starters, the series is set 34 years after the comic book series. Regina King stars in this slick, modern take on a common issue; racial tension. The superheroes in the series have been outlawed because of their often violent approach to tackling criminals. The series is set in 2019 and follows the uprising of a white supremacist group in Oklahoma in the USA. King is an absolute treat to watch. Even if you aren't a superhero fan you'll find yourself gripped by the compelling story.

Watch Watchmen on Sky

The Wire

Rightly touted as a masterpiece of TV storytelling by most critics, The Wire tells a multi-layered tale of crime from the perspectives of law-breakers and police in modern Baltimore. Each ambitious series unfolds slowly, opening up a screen novel for viewers that climaxes in some of the most nail-biting scenes ever aired. Matched with stellar performances from Idris Elba, Dominic West and Michael K Williams, all five seasons are a must-watch for any TV viewer.

Watch The Wire on Sky

Band of Brothers

If you've not seen this classic yet, get ready for a treat. Band of Brothers tells the story of the 101st Airborne Division in one of the best takes on World War II for the small screen. You'll spot a few familiar faces in the background too - look out for Michael Fassbender, Tom Hardy and Simon Pegg. Damien Lewis stars as the lead character in this must-see series.

Watch Band of Brothers on Sky

VEEP

After satirising the inner workings of the British Government in The Thick of It, comedy-writer Armando Iannucci turned his attention across the pond to the political machinations of The White House for this sweary American series. Veep follows former US senator Selina Mayer as she finds out becoming Vice President of the United States isn't quite what she expected - and instead of trying to leave a legacy is instead caught up in political games.

Watch Veep on Sky

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Larry David's post-Seinfeld success story, this long-running comedy series sees David once again tackle the minutiae of American daily social life. Hilariously meta and mostly improvised, David plays a fictionalised version of himself who routinely breaks social conventions, is often the victim of awkward misunderstandings and just can't hide his annoyance of other people. The show's many notable guest stars often play themselves too - look out for several of David's old Seinfeld co-stars.

Watch Curb Your Enthusiasm on Sky

Parks and Recreation

Created by The Office US scribes Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, it's no wonder that Parks and Rec went on to become one of the most widely acclaimed comedies on TV during its seven-season run. Following the comical misadventures of the Parks Department of a fictional Indiana town, the political satire was so good that it attracted a few real-life politician guest stars - including John McCain, Joe Biden and even Michelle Obama. Not to knock the regular cast, however - a who's who of Hollywood, the show helped launch the careers of Chris Pratt, Amy Poehler, Aziz Anzari, Nick Offerman and Billy Eichner.

Watch Parks and Rec on Sky

Twin Peaks

If there was ever a series more bingeable than Twin Peaks, we're yet to find it. This murder mystery is set in an out of the way US town that isn't used to crime, let alone murder. The FBI is called in given the unusual nature of young Laura Palmer's death. This is far from a straight orward crime series, so expect a lot of weirdness from dream sequences to demonic leanings. There's also the newer series, Twin Peaks: The Return, released in 2017, set 25 years after the '90s original.

Watch Twin Peaks on Sky 

30 Rock

Another semi-autobiographical sitcom, comedy darling Tina Fey parodies the TV production process in this landmark comedy. Along with the likes of Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan, Fey stars as the wonderfully named Liz Lemon who must deal with arrogant bosses, unreliable actors and her own tumultuous personal life all while trying to make a successful TV show. Known for its manic pacing, heavy use of cutaway gags and high attention to detail, 30 Rock won widespread critical acclaim and several Emmys - and has one of the most satisfying finales in recent memory.

Watch 30 Rock on Sky

Billions

Another stylish corporate drama, Billions takes the seemingly impenetrable world of insider trading and hedge funds and somehow turns it into several seasons of compelling drama. Based on real-life events, Billions follows US Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Paul Giamatti) as he attempts to prosecute hedge fund manager Bobby Axelrod (Damien Lewis), whose money-making tactics aren't entirely legal. Often praised for its hyper-realistic portrayal of financial crime, Billions is for fans of crime drama and economics alike.

Watch Billions on Sky

Save Me

Written by and starring The Walking Dead's Lennie James, this dark drama follows down-and-out Nelly who embarks on a tireless quest when his estranged daughter goes missing. Packed with British talent including Suranne Jones, Stephen Graham and Jason Flemyng, Save Me is a hidden gem in Sky's schedules - we gave the latest series a five-star review.

Watch Save Me on Sky

Fortitude

Ever wondered how crime is solved in the Arctic Circle? Well, wonder no more thanks to this British take on the Scandi-noir, which makes full use of its isolated Arctic setting to up the tension in this psychological thriller. When the tight-knit community of Fortitude experiences its first murder, police officers suspect each other, temperatures plummet and secrets are unveiled...

Watch Fortitude on Sky

Big Little Lies

Big Little Lies is one of those shows riding the wave of Hollywood stars keen to star in TV dramas following Game of Thrones, and we're not complaining when it means we get to see Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon alongside Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley, Zoe Kravitz and, in season two, Meryl Streep. The drama is based on the book of the same name and tells the story of young mum Jane (Woodley) who moves to a new area with just her son in tow. Madeline (Witherspoon) latches on to the newcomer along with her friend Celeste (Kidman), but things soon take a turn and end in a murder. The original HBO series is a captivating thriller with plenty of twists and turns. If you like your characters rich and dressed to the nines but struggling with all their repressed secrets then this is for you. Expect to feel tense.

Watch Big Little Lies on Sky 

Kidding

Starring a perfectly-cast Jim Carrey, Kidding follows a beloved children's television presenter who struggles to retain his sanity after a family tragedy. Featuring Carrey's token manic humour - as television personality Mr. Pickles - but also allowing him to showcase his dramatic chops when Mr. Pickles' family life implodes, Kidding pushes black comedy to its absolute limit.

Watch Kidding on Sky

Boardwalk Empire

Directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Steve Buscemi and budgeted at $18million - and that's just the first episode. Before Peaky Blinders came along, Boardwalk Empire proved that period gangster drama could work on the small screen - and did so in a big way. Through five acclaimed seasons, Buscemi's Nucky Thomson schemed against mobsters and politicians alike, including a few real-life historical figures - look out for Stephen Graham's Al Capone.

Watch Boardwalk Empire on Sky

Dexter

We can pretty much all agree killers aren’t the nicest people. But what about a killer than only kills serial killers – could they ever be a good person? That’s the question posed by this crime drama that sees Michael C Hall play police blood splatter analyst by day and murderer of murderers by night. Compelling, elegant, yet unforgivingly campy at times, Dexter is both chillingly grotesque and darkly hilarious.

Watch Dexter on Sky

The Blacklist

James Spader stars as former US Navy officer turned master criminal Raymond 'Red' Reddington. After eluding the FBI for decades, he finally turns himself in, telling operatives that he has a list of the world's most dangerous criminals. He is willing to turn informer on them if he is made immune from prosecution - but he has one unusual condition. He will only work with rookie criminal profiler Elizabeth (Megan Boone), a woman to whom he seemingly has no obvious connection.

Watch The Blacklist on Sky

Sex and the City

If the recent season of And Just Like That... has got you reminiscing over Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and the much-missed Samantha's antics, then why not revisit HBO's ground-breaking comedy drama, based on the columns by Candace Bushnell? Yes, you'll end up feeling a little perplexed as to how Carrie can afford her central Manhattan apartment by writing a few hundred words every once in a while, but the show remains a breezy, funny watch.

Watch Sex and the City on Sky

Not got Sky? Find out more about Sky's new TV in our What is Sky Glass explainer. If you’re looking for something to watch on TV tonight or what to watch now then check out our TV guide.

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.

]]> Best series to watch on Netflix https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-shows-netflix/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:15:10 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/best-tv-shows-netflix/ From Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story to Heartstopper, Sex Education to Lupin, check out the best Netflix TV series to watch with our recommendations. It looks like it's going to be a busy month for Netflix as we hit October, with David Beckham's new documentary landing on the streaming site.

Titled Beckham, the documentary will feature a "never-before-seen insight into who Beckham actually is, including his family, friends, teammates and — yes — his shopping and cleaning habits. The result is an unprecedented look at an icon who, despite spending nearly 30 years in the public eye, just might surprise you."

We also have another season of Netflix mystery series Lupin to look forward to this month.

If those upcoming series don't tickle your fancy, never fear: there's so much already on the streamer to dive into, from a brand new, but sadly final, season of Sex Education to LGBTQ+ coming-of-age drama Heartstopper– which stars Doctor Who's newest cast member Yasmin Finney – to the new live-action anime series comedy One Piece.

If you don't know where to start when it comes to finding a show to watch, then you're in luck: RadioTimes.com has compiled a list of the best TV series below.

Alternatively, you can check out our line-up of the best Netflix movies for other suggestions.

You can also tweet us @RadioTimes if we've missed your favourite off the list – otherwise, start scrolling and happy streaming!

Updated: 28th September 2023

Best series to watch on Netflix this October

Beckham

Netflix's upcoming four-part series about the Manchester United and England footballer David Beckham is all anyone can talk about.

The docuseries includes never-before-seen footage of Beckham and his meteoric rise to fame, from humble beginnings to global football stardom.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Tuesday 3rd October. - Katelyn Mensah

Everything Now

Everything Now is a new series you will love if you enjoyed Sex Education and Heartstopper. The show centres on teenager Mia Polanco, who returns home after recovering from an eating disorder and rejoins her sixth form where she finds that her best friends have moved on without her.

Mia makes it her mission to go through her bucket list, with each episode focusing on a different subject.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 5th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Lupin (Part 3)

France's most wanted gentleman thief is back and on the run in Lupin part 3. The new season will see Assane Diop (Omar Sy) plan his most intense and insane heist yet.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 5th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul

Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul is a four-part documentary series that tells the story of the vaping device that became a household name. It explores how "one company's innovation went from achieving peak financial highs to running into devastating lows".

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Wednesday 11th October. - Katelyn Mensah

The Fall of the House of Usher

Mike Flanagan is back scaring Netflix viewers once again with his new series The Fall of The House of Usher.

The series tells the story of two siblings, Roderick (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell), who will stop at nothing to reach the top of the pharmaceutical game through their family business.

However, when a string of deaths begin to haunt the Usher family siblings, secrets from the past begin to resurface.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 12th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Bodies

Bodies is an intriguing new series on Netflix which follows the investigations of four detectives, each of whom discovers an identical body, with the twist being that they live decades apart from one another.

The new series stars Stephen Graham, Kyle Soller and Amaka Okafor.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 19th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Elite (Season 7)

Elite is back for a seventh season, and while much isn't known about the new episodes, many people assume they'll pick up where season 6 left off. That run ended with a drive-by shooting at Las Encinas, and Netflix has announced some new cast members will be joining the show.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Friday 20th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Life on Our Planet

Life on Our Planet is a new documentary series joining Netflix in October that details the story of species' struggles to get by on Planet Earth. The show will debut prehistoric predators and ancient creatures that once lived on Earth through unique storytelling.

It will be available to stream on Netflix from Friday 25th October. - Katelyn Mensah

Best series to watch on Netflix now

Who Killed Jill Dando?

Who Killed Jill Dando? is a three part documentary series on Netflix, exploring the mysterious case of the death of adored TV presenter Jill Dando. The series features interviews from Dando's family and friends, and the man who was wrongly convicted of her murder. - Katelyn Mensah

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

When the Bridgerton creators announced there would be a spin-off series of the iconic period drama, fans rejoiced everywhere.

The series was led by India Amarteifio as young Queen Charlotte, opposite Corey Mylchreest as King George. Their marriage heads into troubled waters when she discovers that he is battling a secret mental health disorder.

There has been no news of a second season, but the first six-parter is available to watch on Netflix. - Katelyn Mensah

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 term. The show dispenses with the drugs, sex 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.

With brisk 25-minute episodes, 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 caring schoolgirl Elle – has just been cast in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary special by none other than Russell T Davies.

Heartstopper now has two seasons which are available to stream on Netflix now.

Love, Death + Robots

Legendary director David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven, Gone Girl) teams up with fellow filmmaker Tim Miller (Deadpool) for this acclaimed anthology series, which spotlights some of the most promising up-and-coming animation studios. Episodes vary between six and 18 minutes, each with its own distinct style and high-concept sci-fi premise, ranging from dark and spooky to the downright absurd ("When The Yoghurt Took Over", anyone?).

If you want to get a risk-free flavour of what to expect from Love, Death + Robots, you can! Netflix released an episode from the brand new third season on its YouTube channel for all to enjoy. 3 Robots: Exit Strategies is a sequel to a short film from season one, but we're confident you'll fall in love with its quirky protagonists whether you've seen the original or not.

Is It Cake?

For those of you needed an extra fix while you wait for another episode of The Great British Bake Off, and for those of you who enjoy their game shows with a spoonful of zaniness, look no further than the bizarre Is It Cake?.

If ever you've scrolled through social media and seen someone slice through a handbag, revealing that the handbag was in fact a Victoria sponge, Is It Cake? takes things to another extreme, as bakers compete to fool a panel of judges determined to spot their cake (made to look like an everyday object) hidden in a lineup of non-edible items.

Saturday Night Live's Mikey Day hosts the series, with jokes and asides as offbeat and unexpected as the bakers's creations. - Flora Carr

Grace and Frankie

It's hard to believe it's been eight years since Grace & Frankie made its Netflix debut but the sitcom, created by Friends' Marta Kauffman, is wrapping up with several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations under its belt.

Starring Hollywood veterans Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, this odd couple comedy follows the fierce, cosmopolitan-drinking retired cosmetics mogul Grace (Fonda) and free-spirited, quirky artist Frankie (Tomlin) after their divorce lawyer husbands Robert (Martin Sheen) and Sol (Sam Waterston) divorce them for one another. When Grace and Frankie are forced to both live in the couples' shared beach house, the pensioners – who never particularly liked one another – slowly become firm friends as they process the disintegration of their love lives and get into new shenanigans.

While this heart-warming comedy received mixed reviews in its first season, if you can push through to the second you'll find that Grace & Frankie is well worth a watch thanks to the hilarious performances from its star-studded cast. - Lauren Morris 

It's a Sin

It's a Sin made waves when it first arrived on Channel 4 back at the start of 2021, and may be set to have its moment of awards glory this Sunday (8th May) at the TV BAFTAs.

A real powerhouse drama from returning Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, the series explored the lives of a group of gay men and their friends during the HIV/AIDs crisis in '80s and '90s Britain, telling the story with sensitivity, empathy and heart.

With the show ranging from euphoria to heartbreak across five episodes, led by a magnificent performance from Years and Years' Olly Alexander, if you haven’t already seen It's A Sin now is the perfect time to catch up, and you'll be sorry that you missed it the first time around. - James Hibbs

Community

If you're a fan of Rick and Morty, why not check out this loveable, quirky sitcom from one of its co-creators, Dan Harmon?
Starring Joel McHale, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Donald Glover and more, the series starts out focusing on the exploits of a community college study group, led by the cynical former lawyer Jeff.

As the series progresses, Harmon started to flex his surrealist muscles, turning the show into something far more meta, existential and weird, while still grounding it in the central relationships.
Community might be an oft-overlooked chapter in American sitcom history, and its later seasons can be shaky, but when it comes to experimental, off-the-wall comedy, it remains a real delight. - James Hibbs

Anatomy of a Scandal

From Big Little Lies creator David E Kelley comes a new thriller, trading in sandy beaches for the shadowy hallways of British parliament. Sienna Miller, Rupert Friend, and Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery star in the series, with Miller taking on the lead role of Sophie, an Oxford-educated mother-of-two and wife to a rising Conservative politician James Whitehouse (Friend).

However, her picture-perfect life comes crashing down when James is accused of sexually assaulting his parliamentary researcher Olivia (Naomi Scott), with whom he'd been having an affair. Expect big twists and turns, with plenty of reveals and red herrings. - Flora Carr

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 is coming to end this year, with legal shenanigans likely to take more of a back seat to full-on mob warfare. Whatever the case, it seems certain that our long term investment in the series is about the pay off in a big way. - James Hibbs

People Just Do Nothing

There have been more mockumentaries since the early 2000s than it's possible to count, but don’t be fooled, this one really is something special. Originally airing on BBC Three, and later BBC Two, the five-season series follows the boys from Kurupt FM a garage pirate radio station operating in Brentford.

The characters may often not be particularly likeable but they are extremely memorable and regularly hilarious. The cream of the crop is of course Chabuddy G, a comedy creation for the ages and the funniest look at an on-screen entrepreneur since Del Boy. The series was given a spin-off feature film last year, Big In Japan, although that’s yet to hit the streamer. - James Hibbs

Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story

Ahead of the upcoming Jimmy Savile series The Reckoning starring Steve Coogan, Netflix has released a harrowing two-part docuseries about the disgraced television star, who rose to fame hosting the likes of BBC's Top of the Pops and Jim'll Fix It.

The raw and insightful documentary doesn't delve into great detail about how Savile's serial sex abuse crimes were finally brought to light, instead focussing more on how the predatory sex offender "managed to fool an entire nation" up until his death in 2011, using extensive archive footage and including a wide variety of interviewees in the present-day, from Savile's former friends and co-workers, to his funeral director, and finally one of his victims, Sam Brown, who is appropriately given the final, powerful word in the last episode. - Flora Carr

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, the series has returned for its third Netflix run and continues to go from strength to strength, expanding its scope while remaining as gripping as ever.

Throughout the run, the series has been anchored by two terrific performances from Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson, while the brilliant Michael Ward has joined them since the Netflix revival. It's an absorbing, gritty crime drama that makes the most of its location – brilliantly juggling more intimate personal storylines with grander ambitions. - Patrick Cremona

Bridgerton

Netflix didn't have much of a reputation for period drama until recently (unless you count The Crown, which is hurtling towards the present day). 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 Rege-Jean Page, while season two saw the focus shift to Anthony Bridgerton and his relationship with new character Kate Sharma. Fun and fresh, with brilliant performances, lavish costumes, and a modern soundtrack, the series is a joyous distraction from everyday life and has once again gone down a storm. - Emma Bullimore

Human Resources

The spin-off from Big Mouth –  the successful cartoon series loosely based on the adolescences of creators Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg – Netflix's Human Resources introduces us to the bizarre and hilarious behind-the-scenes world of the monsters who guide their human "clients" through their emotions, from Hormone Monsters and Love-bugs to Shame Wizards and Hate Worms.

Saturday Night Live's Aidy Bryant joins the starry voice cast as Emmy, an alcoholic, sex-obsessed Love-bug who just doesn't get the importance of her job until she's thrown into the deep end with her first client, a mother suffering from postnatal depression. The series retains the same zany feel of Big Mouth, but with the freedom to tackle more adult subjects – combined with workplace dramas and romances comparable to The Office. - Flora Carr

Inventing Anna

If you haven't yet watched Netflix crime drama series Inventing Anna, you may want to catch up: the zeitgeist drama has already spawned a Saturday Night Live parody and multiple, infinitely quotable catchphrases ("VIP is always better, Vivian"; "I can pay...").

The series is inspired by real events, telling the true story behind Russian-born fake German heiress Anna Sorokin (Julia Garner) – the fraudster who conned New York high society out of thousands – and the magazine journalist determined to tell Anna's story. Vivian (Anna Chlumsky) is a fictionalised version of journalist Jessica Pressler, who first broke the wild true story back in 2017, and who in the series battles both millionaires and her own editors in order to get the story out. - Flora Carr

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

Rick and Morty

After a period of exclusivity on All4, the latest episodes of Rick and Morty are now available to stream on Netflix. If you haven't yet taken the plunge into the smash-hit animated series, let us warn you it certainly isn't for kids. The story follows genius inventor and intergalactic outlaw Rick, who takes his grandson Morty on adventures that frequently take a disturbing turn. But between the shock value moments is well-told human story about a family barely holding itself together.

Rick and Morty season 5 was another strong effort from creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, in collaboration with their crack team of sci-fi writers, throwing dozens more zany concepts into the mix and continuing some long-running plot threads from earlier in the series. Most notably, fans have become fascinated by the existence of an evil Morty, whose actions in the finale have the potential to alter the show's eccentric universe. - David Craig

The Andy Warhol Diaries

Fans of the legendary Andy Warhol should check out this new six-part docuseries, which is inspired by the memoirs he dictated before his death. Hearing defining moments from his life described in his own words gives us a remarkable insight into the mind of this enigmatic individual, while a wide range of interviewees offer added commentary on his state of being.

Adding some extra credibility to the proceedings is director Andrew Rossi, who has tackled similarly complex stories in the past with factual pieces on true crime cases and societal issues like the dissemination of fake news. While some might feel he could have been a little more disciplined in the editing room, The Andy Warhol Diaries remains a riveting watch. - David Craig

Cat Burglar

Cat Burglar is an animated special, following the exploits of the titular cat burglar, who must avoid Peanut the Security Pup in order to snatch a priceless painting in a museum. But there’s a big twist: you, the viewer, must answer trivia-like questions at intervals so that the show’s hero can sneak past Peanut. If you don’t answer correctly, then you can expect Rowdy Cat to face a suitable punishment.

The series comes from Charlie Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror’s choose-your-own-adventure story Bandersnatch. With grisly cartoonish violence harking back to the glory days of cartoons – think Tom and Jerry, Top Cat and Looney Toons – and dozens of storyline detours and animation sequences to explore (over an hour and a half of in fact), Cat Burglar is an entertaining ride and offers a great nostalgia trip for cartoon fans.

Vikings: Valhalla

Those who are fans of the original Vikings series will be pleased to hear they can now get their fix of Norse action in spin-off series, which has landed on Netflix. Vikings: Valhalla takes place roughly a century after the events of the original series, starting with the St Brice’s Day massacre, when King Aethelred (Bosco Hogan) ordered the slaughter of ever Dane in England.

The show centres on legendary explorer Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), his sister Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson), and Nordic prince Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter), and boasts an impressive international cast – including Australians, Scandinavians, and Brits – to bring these historical figures to life. With plenty of blood and gore, a bit of history and big hair and fur-lined garments galore, Vikings: Valhalla is a must-watch.

One Of Us Is Lying

Based on Karen M. McManus’ novel of the same name, One Of Us Is Lying revolves around the mysterious death of Simon (played by Sing Street star Mark Mckenna), whose detention at Bayview High School takes a disastrous turn when he suffers a fatal allergic reaction.

Simon’s classmates Nate (Cooper van Grootel), Addy (Annalisa Cochrane), Cooper (Chibuikem Uche) and Bronwyn (Marianly Tejada), who are left behind in detention, quickly become suspects in a thrilling murder investigation when the police declare the tragedy was no accident. One Of Us Is Lying is an entertaining, well-crafted, and character-driven mystery that is managing to stand out from the crowd amid a growing landscape of young-adult focused series.

jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

With all the recent drama around The Kardashians and Kanye West, there couldn't be a better time for jeen-yuhs – Netflix's latest documentary – to arrive.

Produced by West himself and directed by Coodie & Chike, jeen-yus is a docuseries made up of three parts, looking at the Grammy Award-winning rapper's career over the past two decades. From his move into the fashion world and his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign, to the death of his mother Donda West in 2007, jeen-yus covers a lot of ground through archive footage and interviews.

A remarkable and enlightening examination of a controversial yet legendary rap figure, jeen-yus is simply a must-watch. - Lauren Morris

Love Is Blind

Believe it or not, in a time before the pandemic we fell in love with a show all about self isolation. Love is Blind is the dating show with a difference that took the world by storm in early 2020. The premise was simple, yet also quite extreme… 30 men and women were looking for love and entered a show centred on speed dating. They would enter a pod where they could talk with a prospective partner, but never meet them. The couple would only meet with each other if they got married.

We got adorable romances (we’re looking at you, Lauren and Cameron!), high drama, a runaway bride and so many awkward moments we don’t have enough space within this entry to name them all. If you love shows like Love Island and The Bachelor, you can’t miss Love is Blind. Plus, season five landed on the streamer in September 2023, so there's never been a better time to catch up with the gang. - Helen Daly

All Of Us Are Dead

The latest hit South Korean series to land on Netflix is this killer coming-of-age zombie drama, which follows a group of teenagers as they attempt to engineer an escape from their high school – which has become ground zero for a zombie virus outbreak.

Across 12 episodes there are plenty of thrills and chills, as well as no shortage of emotional moments thanks to some excellent character work. It's not a show for the faint-hearted, with plenty of blood and gore on show throughout, but if you can deal with the gruesome moments then this should prove another fiercely addictive series. - Patrick Cremona

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Now the longest-running American sitcom ever, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia recently aired season 15 and thankfully for UK fans, it is now finally on Netflix!

The black comedy stars Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson and Danny DeVito as a group of narcissistic, selfish friends running a bar in Philadelphia together and getting into various scrapes. Darkly hilarious and incredibly bingeable, It's Always Sunny still stands up as one of the silliest, outrageous sitcoms out there. - Lauren Morris

The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window

It takes less time to get hooked on Netflix's latest thriller parody The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window than it does to say the full title, which has to be one of the longest in the streamer's history.

Starring Kristen Bell, The Woman in the House follows Anna – a broken woman with a fear of the rain who spends her days staring out of her window with a huge glass of red wine in her hand. When a handsome neighbour moves over the road, Anna begins to feel hopeful about her life – but she soon witnesses a murder that makes her question everything, including her own sanity.

While a bit hit-and-miss on the jokes front, this deadpan delight brings something new to Netflix and features excellent performances from Tom Riley, Mary Holland and Cameron Britton. - Lauren Morris

Snowpiercer

This TV adaptation of Bong Joon-ho’s superbly whacky sci-fi film of the same name (which was in turn based on the graphic novel Le Transperceneige) is now into its third season, with new episodes being released weekly during the first part of 2022. Since the first season, the already impressive cast has been further bolstered by the additions of Sean Bean and Archie Panjabi (in seasons 2 and 3 respectively) and the show has now majorly deviated from the source material.

As ever, the bulk of the action takes place on a train that endlessly circles the Earth following a tragic climate disaster that has left the whole planet frozen over and completely uninhabitable. Within that set-up, the show examines the relations between different characters on the train, which has come to adopt a rigid class system that eventually leads to a major revolt from those on the lowest rung of society.

However in the third run, with the train now split into two, some more time is devoted to life off Snowpiercer – with news reaching Layton and his gang of revolutionaries that parts of the world are now warm enough for human life to survive. Cue the arrival of Asha (Panjabi), one of those survivors. - Patrick Cremona

Archive 81

Mamoudou Athie (Sorry for Your Loss) and Dina Shihabi (Altered Carbon) lead the cast in new supernatural series Archive 81. Loosely adapted from the hit podcast of the same name, it follows the story of an archivist named Dan Turner (Athie) who is drawn into a terrible mystery while researching a documentary filmmaker who, 25 years earlier, was researching a cult.

With some stellar performances, horrific conspiracy theories (or are they?) and scares aplenty, Archive 81's eight hour-long episodes are a must-watch. - Molly Moss

Ozark

The last seven episodes in the fourth and final season of Netflix hit Ozark have finally landed on Netflix – and it’s definitely been worth the wait.

Ozark revolves around Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) and the obstacles he and his family encounter after joining forces with a Mexican drug cartel. Season 4 part 2 finds 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

Cheer

A lot has happened since the Navarro College Bulldogs Cheerleading Team first came under the spotlight in the first season of the documentary series Cheer in 2020, and this follow-up series examines how the squad has fared in the intervening months.

In particular, the new run explores how the team dealt with their newfound fame, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, and some serious accusations which were levelled against their former teammate Jerry Harris after the first season was released (Harris denies any wrongdoing).

Meanwhile, there is also more focus on the Bulldogs rivals – Trinity Valley Community College’s The Cardinals – who are very focused on besting their competitors at the upcoming NCAA National Championship. - Patrick Cremona

The Witcher

Starring Henry Cavill as mutant monster-hunter Geralt of Rivia, The Witcher uses a twisted timeline to tell three parallel stories – Geralt’s adventures, the youth and training of sorcerer Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) and the travails of Princess Ciri of Cintra (Freya Allen) – as the fictional world they live in descends into war.

Stuffed with bizarre creatures, fast-paced action scenes (particularly in the first episode) and plenty of weird and wonderful characters, it’s no surprise that The Witcher has become one of Netflix’s biggest series. And the creators of the earlier Witcher video game – based on the same collection of novels as the series – were probably pretty happy with the release too, given that sales of The Witcher 3 rose by 558 per cent following the Henry Cavill version’s debut.

The hit fantasy series has just returned for a second season, so why not check out The Witcher – if nothing else, you’ll have a new earworm stuck in your head. - Huw Fullerton

Lost in Space

This sci-fi offering from Netflix may have flown under your radar, not getting quite the same level of the attention as some of the streamer's other blockbuster originals. But now is the perfect time to catch up as the third and final season has dropped, earning acclaim from critics and bringing this saga to a satisfying end. That means there's no need to fret about an abrupt cancellation leaving major plot threads unresolved; a fate that has befallen many other cult favourite shows over the years.

Toby Stephens (Black Sails) and Molly Parker (House of Cards) lead the cast as a couple who venture into space on a colonising mission with their kids that soon goes awry, leaving them – as the title suggests – lost in space. They'll have to work together if they have any hope of surviving and making their way back to civilisation, facing some perilous threats along the way – as well as making a new ally in a mysterious alien robot.

Lost In Space has been praised for its emotional story arcs, strong performances and stunning visual effects, with most fans agreeing that the show only gets better as it proceeds, rather than suffering a dip in quality during its run. If you have fond memories of the classic 1965 series on which this show is inspired, you can rest assured that Netflix's iteration is a fitting tribute. - David Craig

True Story

Stand-up comedian turned actor Kevin Hart shows a more dramatic side in this recently released miniseries, where he plays Philadelphia-born movie star Kid, a character not dissimilar from is real-world persona. At the start of the story, he's on top of the world, performing a sellout tour and celebrating the success of a billion dollar blockbuster. However, things take a dark turn after a night out with his brother Carlton (Wesley Snipes), as the woman he goes home with dies in his hotel room from an overdose – a fact that both of them are keen to cover-up.

True Story is not up there with the best crime thrillers Netflix has produced, with a plot containing twists that can easily be considered silly and predictable. But nevertheless, the show succeeds in sinking its hooks into you, as it keeps you guessing over whether Kid can salvage his career from this nightmare or if his misdeeds will be exposed for the world to see. Snipes and Hart do a good job selling the sometimes questionable material, while the 30-minute episodes keep the show feeling relatively fast-paced. You could easily binge in a weekend! - David Craig

Read more: Is Netflix's True Story really a True Story?

Below Deck: Mediterranean

Nothing beats a bit of sea-based reality TV and Below Deck: Mediterranean is some of the best, with the spin-off series making for a highly entertaining watch. The Bravo show follows a superyacht crew, led by Captain Sandy Yawn, as they sail across the Mediterranean whilst catering to the every want and need of their wealthy guests. From chef meltdowns to the blossoming of romance within crew members, to shock firings and boating disasters, Below Deck: Mediterranean is factual television at its finest and if you loved the original franchise, then this is a must-watch. - Lauren Morris

Cowboy Bebop

Netflix's brand new live-action remake of the hit anime series might have received something of a critical kicking since it was released in November, but the original show remains a fine, fabulously original piece of television and is available to watch in its entirety on the streamer. The series follows a rag-tag bunch made up of an ex-hitman, a former cop, a con artist, a hacker, and a data dog as they travel the galaxy in their spaceship, called the Bebop, bringing in criminals for pay.

Set in 2071, the series is notable for the way in which it effortlessly blends several popular film genres – including sci-fi, western, and neo-noir, to create something that is wholly unique, tackling themes including loneliness and escaping the past. It aired for only 26 episodes but since built up a reputation as one of the finest animes of all time, with an adoring fanbase around the world. - Patrick Cremona

Narcos: Mexico

Original show Narcos continued to be a must-watch despite the exit of central character Pablo Escobar, and Narcos: Mexico has found an identity all on its own with a brand new cast of characters. As Narcos charted the establishment of Colombia's illegal drug trade up to the 1990s, this spin-off does the same for Mexico, rewinding back to the 1980s to explore the rise and fall of the infamous Guadalajara Cartel.

While there are a few notable guest appearances from key characters from the original Narcos series, Narcos: Mexico tells a largely separate story with a brand new cast of cartel leaders, DEA agents and politicians - yet retains the same stellar production values, impeccable acting in multiple different languages and of course the show's signature violence. A mostly Mexican cast shines, with Rogue One's Diego Luna playing against type as a drug trafficker who is as charismatic as he is brutal, while Michael Peña showcases his dramatic chops as agent Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent whose name has gone down in history in both the organisation and the country of Mexico.

The Narcos saga comes to an end with the third season of Narcos: Mexico, and together the two shows have done the near-impossible job of dramatising the sprawling story of the war on drugs - bringing us right up to the modern world where the war continues to rage. - Daniel Furn

Big Mouth

A coming-of-age tale quite unlike any other, Big Mouth is now five seasons in and shows no signs of stopping. Loosely based on the adolescence of creators Nick Kroll and Andrew Goldberg, Big Mouth follows teenage friends Nick, Andrew, Jessi, Missy and more as they go through the horrors of - gasp - puberty, resulting in plenty of expected hilariously awkward encounters as well as a few unexpected life lessons along the way.

Big Mouth's premise meant it easily could have relied on cringe comedy and crass jokes alone and called it a day - and while the show is definitely not afraid to indulge in daring humour about the messiest parts of growing up, the show proves itself to be much, much more than that. Much like Netflix's other teenage comedy Sex Education, Big Mouth explores sex and the human body with a frankness and honesty that is rarely seen on TV, exploring issues long considered too taboo for mainstream entertainment and embracing all the changes and differences that arise during one's adolescence.

What is most impressive - and comically bizarre - is how they convey their message while still being entertaining, with personifications of puberty, celebrity ghosts and famous cameos all managing to imaginatively inform. A spin-off, titled Human Resources, is also on the way. - Daniel Furn

Selling Sunset

A surprise hit of the last year came in the form of Selling Sunset, a reality TV show centred on The Oppenheim Group in Los Angeles. The group operates in the wealthiest parts of LA selling multi-million dollar homes to those lucky enough to afford them. The glamour is high throughout with more pairs of Louboutins than we can count on both hands, and enviable outfits are a must. But what’s most alluring with Selling Sunset, is the drama.

The series is packed to the brim with gossip even the Kardashians couldn’t produce and there’s enough backstabbing to keep you gripped throughout the seasons. There are weddings, babies, fall out and some seriously pricey properties which might well make for the perfect recipe for a reality show. Tune in before the highly-anticipated new series comes later in 2021. - Helen Daly

Arcane: League of Legends

Video game adaptations don't have the best track record, so you'd be forgiven for being sceptical about whether Arcane is worth your valuable time. However, rest assured that it most definitely is. The animated series is inspired by the online phenomenon League of Legends, but you don't require any knowledge of the source material to be enraptured by its larger-than-life characters or get lost in its rich fantasy world.

The story follows Vi (Hawkeye's Hailee Steinfeld), a brave teenage girl living in the impoverished Zaun, an underground city located beneath the technologically advanced haven of Piltover. On one of her trips to the surface, she plans to burgle the home of an affluent academic with help from a few friends, but gets more than she bargained for when they cause a massive explosion after mishandling one of their target's experiments – setting the enforcers on their trail.

Not only does Arcane boast a compelling story and strong character work, but it also stands out among the crowded animated landscape with a beautiful art style that blends 2D and 3D animation to create a truly unique look. There are some breathtaking moments in just the first three episodes, with many more to come as Netflix continues a phased rollout of the series throughout November. Give it a chance, you won't regret it! - David Craig

Tiger King

It's up for debate whether Tiger King's success can be attributed to the quality of the zany documentary series or to the fact that it enjoyed a captive audience, with most of us locked in our homes as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. The muted response to the second season suggests it might well be the latter, but there's still plenty of fun to be had from this fascinatingly bizarre story – particularly now that we can enjoy post-lockdown viewing parties.

If you (somehow) missed the first season or just need a refresher, Tiger King centres on outlandish zookeeper Joe Exotic, whose amateur big cat enclosures become the target of animal rights activist Carole Baskin, who is quite the character herself. Filmmakers Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin tell the story of their epic feud, which ends with one of them being thrown in jail, while taking occasional detours to examine some of America's other notorious big cat owners. - David Craig

Locke and Key

Based on an acclaimed comic book, Locke and Key has a premise that will likely prove irresistible to fans of dark fantasy. After the tragic and violent death of their father, the Locke family moves to their ancestral home in the quaint town of Matheson, Massachusetts, where youngest son Bode soon makes an unbelievable discovery. Within the grand old house are magical keys that – when put in the correct doors – give the holder the ability to do incredible things.

Whether it's leaving your physical body to float around on the astral plane or taking a trip into your mind to literally remove your demons, there is virtually no limit to what is possible with these mysterious magical artefacts. But such power is sure to attract malicious forces looking to wield it for their own nefarious purposes, with the Locke children soon getting swept up in something more dangerous than they could ever have imagined.

Netflix's Locke and Key does justice to the source material with a faithful and suspenseful adaptation, which packs some impressive visual effects and likeable performances. It's true that some of the high school drama is littered with tropes we've seen before, but the main plot is compelling enough to make it worth sticking through those segments. A second season is out now and Netflix has already ordered a third, so make sure you're caught up if you want to avoid spoilers. - David Craig

Riverdale

Still wildly careening down the teen drama tracks is the seemingly unstoppable train that is Riverdale – The CW’s stylised series loosely based on the long-running Archie Comics. Starring KJ Apa as protagonist Archie Andrews, the series follows the high school jock as he joins his friends Betty (Lili Reinhart), Jughead (Cole Sprouse) and new student Veronica (Camila Mendes) in their search for the truth around missing rich kid Jason Blossom.

While Riverdale may have started in 2017 as a dark murder mystery that modernised Archie’s legendary comic book characters, over the past four years it’s ventured into a number of unpredictable, unrealistic, ridiculous and sometimes hilarious territories – from serial killer The Black Hood terrorising Riverdale residents and students becoming obsessed with the Gargoyle King, to the emergence of a local cult that’s been secretly harvesting organs.

Nevertheless, the show has hung on to a loyal group of fans who still tune for the outrageous plot twists, the random romantic relationships and the meme-worthy dialogue. With five seasons now available for UK fans to watch on Netflix and more series in the works, it doesn’t look like the Riverdale railway is coming to an end anytime soon. - Lauren Morris

Inside Job

Recent events and the advent of social media have made conspiracy theories more prevalent - and powerful - than ever, so it's good to see a sitcom attempt to see the funny side. Inside Job follows the employees of shadowy government organisation Cognito, where it turns out every conspiracy - from lizard-people to JFK's assassination to robot presidents - is real, and it's up to anti-social genius Reagan Ridley and her co-workers to keep them out of public view. Cue a workplace comedy unlike any other, with just about every conspiracy theory imaginable getting a hilarious explanation or knowing reference.

An intriguing mix of Rick and Morty, Men in Black and The Office, Inside Job comes from creator Alex Hirsch, creator of cult favourite Gravity Falls, and certainly retains the wacky humour of his previous projects. Thankfully, Inside Job builds upon its interesting premise with whip-smart and often meta comedy, sharp satire of real-world issues and uniquely oddball characters, with a nice subversion of the lonely tortured genius trope. The Inside Job cast does a great job too, made up of the talents of Lizzy Caplan, Mr. Robot's Christian Slater and The US Office's Clark Duke. - Daniel Furn

My Name

It certainly didn't hurt that Korean series My Name arrived so soon after the phenomenal success of Squid Game - but it also helped that the revenge thriller is rather good on its own merits. Climbing high among Top 10 charts around the world upon its release, My Name opens with teenager Yoon Ji-woo tragically witnessing her father's murder. Intent on revenge, Ji-woo begs a crime boss to join her father's old gang, who train her up - and then send her into the police as an undercover agent to find the cop who killed her father.

On paper My Name may sound like the many predictable revenge thrillers that have come before, but soon proves itself to be much, much more, thanks in a large part to the many dynamic action sequences and a fittingly pulse-pounding soundtrack. However My Name never loses sight of the character drama, exploring how Ji-woo gives up far more than her name when she goes undercover - erasing her whole identity and at risk of turning into a monster to achieve revenge. Much of this rests on the shoulders of Korean star Han So-hee - who ably carries the show in a tour de force performance as she nails both her role as an action heroine and the more emotional moments as her character goes through the absolute wringer. - Daniel Furn

You

The world was completely gripped when You launched on Netflix at the end of 2018 - and viewers haven’t really stopped looking over their shoulders since. The psychological thriller set in New York (and later, Los Angeles) sees creepy (but also kinda likeable) Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) and his developing obsession for Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail).

Over the course of 10 episodes, we stare in horror as his lust turns into toxic desire. At times, the Netflix series makes you laugh, but as the tone shifts in the story, so too does a viewer’s unease; this is quite simply not the kind of series you want to watch in the dark, before bed. A second season sees Joe move to Los Angeles where he attempts to start afresh, but soon discovers his obsessions can only be repressed for so long.

You might not be the most sophisticated thriller on the streaming platform, but without a doubt the story will have you gripped throughout. At times violent and deeply disturbing, You is a series to binge on one rainy weekend day, especially with season three now releasing. - Helen Daly

The Chestnut Man

Scandi-noir has been all the rage since The Killing burst onto British screens over a decade ago, so it was only a matter of time before there too was a Netflix series filled with bleak landscapes, chunky jackets and peaceful communities hiding dark secrets. The Chestnut Man is a prime example of the genre, following two detectives investigating a grisly murder scene, which has been mysteriously decorated by a figurine made out of chestnuts. This creepy clue soon launches the detectives into a hunt for a politician's missing child - and the serial killer linked to his disappearance.

The appeal of Scandi-noir has long been documented and discussed, and although The Chestnut Man doesn't necessarily reinvent the genre it does sit amongst the best of Scandinavia's crime drama exports. Featuring a bleak autumnal atmosphere, a suspenseful slow-burn mystery and Scandi-noir's trademark focus on domestic issues, all combined with Netflix's excellent production values... need we say any more? Plus, you'll never look at chestnuts the same way again... - Daniel Furn

Alice in Borderland

The success of Squid Game has brought this very similar Japanese series back into the spotlight, which once again sees people compete in sadistic survival games. However Alice in Borderland takes a far more science-fiction-oriented approach, following gamer Arisu who finds himself transported to an empty, parallel version of Tokyo. Arisu is then forced to compete in dangerous games to extend his visa - or face execution via laser if it runs out.

Based on the manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland doesn't hang about, getting straight into the all-important games without overdoing the exposition or keeping the premise a mystery for too long. It's a good move, as it's during the games that this show really shines, with slick visuals, well-choreographed action and clever games. Alice in Borderland was already a moderate global success upon release and had already been renewed for season two - which we're sure will get a lot more viewers this time around. - Daniel Furn

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. However these aren't quite the same harmless activities from our youth - with losers brutally murdered in their hundreds.

Despite arriving on Netflix with little promotion outside of Korea, Squid Game is on track to become the streaming service's biggest show of all time, becoming a bonafide pop culture phenomenon complete with social media challenges, fan cosplays and a surge in popularity in the show's dalgona candy. It's easy to see why - Squid Game is simply great television that is well acted, tightly written, sharply directed, as well as acting as a critique of the predatory competition a capitalist society inspires. But even those not looking for a social commentary will finding something to enjoy, with plenty of white-knuckle survival sequences - made all the more effective because the compelling human drama means we actually care about the characters. - Daniel Furn

Maid

Maid's arrival may have been somewhat overshadowed by the unexpected success of Squid Game, but this grounded and sensitive comedy-drama is the perfect detox after the South Korean killer game series. Based on the New York Times bestseller Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive, Maid stars Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) as Alex, a young single mother who has recently fled an abusive relationship. She then turns to cleaning houses, contending with occasionally repellent work, low pay and the ongoing impacts of domestic abuse as she attempts to give her young daughter a better life.

Maid's premise may seem less ambitious or inventive than other shows on the streamer, but it's the unflinching realism that gives the show its edge - not only for its accurate depiction of those living on the poverty line, but also for showing how domestic abuse is not always physical. The show is anchored by a standout performance by Qualley as the resilient Alex who is determined to rewrite her life and redefine her worth, but she is helped by a strong supporting cast - with some of the best scenes featuring the interactions between Alex and her mentally ill mother, played by screen legend Andie MacDowell. - Daniel Furn

Midnight Mass

Hamish Linklater in Midnight Mass

It's become something of a tradition for Netflix to release a new limited series from Mike Flanagan just in time for spooky season, and this year's offering is the brilliantly creepy Midnight Mass. Unlike his two previous series for the streamer, the Hauntings of Hill House and Bly Manor, this new series is not based on an existing work of horror fiction – but is instead a wholly original work, in part inspired by Flanagan's past as an altar boy in the Catholic Church.

The series is set on the isolated community of Crockett Island, which is suddenly shaken by a couple of new arrivals – most notably that of a charismatic but rather mysterious new priest by the name of Father Paul, who claims to be filling in for the parish's long-serving Monsignor John Pruitt. When Paul appears to start performing miracles, the faith of Crockett's inhabitants is put to the test – and some of them are more skeptical than others about what this new priest has planned.

A challenging, ambitious and thrillingly unique new series, Midnight Mass packs in some great frights, intriguing discussions and one or two moments that will live long in the memory of those who watch. - Patrick Cremona

Sex Education

With season three of comedy-drama Sex Education now arriving, there couldn't be a better time to visit Moordale Secondary School and its puberty-stricken, lovelorn, angsty students. Created by Laurie Nunn, this Netflix original stars Hugo's Asa Butterfield as Otis Milburn, an insecure teen who struggles with his mum Jean (Gillian Anderson) being a very candid sex therapist. While initially desperate to distance himself from his mum's line of work, he finds himself inadvertently helping the school bully with his sexual performance anxiety and subsequently sets up his own sex advice clinic with troubled classmate Maeve (Emma Mackey).

A hilarious, heart-warming and at times infuriating comedy-drama about the ins-and-outs of teenage adolescence, Sex Education is well worth the watch for the performances alone – Ncuti Gatwa shines as Otis's openly gay best friend Eric, while Aimee Lou Wood (Maeve's friend Aimee) comes into her element in season 2. - Lauren Morris

Jack Whitehall: Travels With My Father

Jack Whitehall is becoming quite the name in Hollywood after starring with the likes of The Rock and Emily Blunt in Jungle Cruise, but luckily for fans of his travel show, he still finds time for some highly unconventional father-son bonding. As the title suggests, Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father sees the titular charismatic actor and comedian go sightseeing with his stuffy and old-fashioned father. It's no surprise that the two don't exactly have the same idea of an ideal holiday – cue humorous antics from the mismatched pair across South East Asia, Eastern Europe, western US, Australia and a final trip in the UK.

Shows in which comedians see the world with a family member are a dime a dozen these days, but Travels With My Father has a secret weapon: Michael Whitehall. Just as funny as his comedian son – and at times even more so – the former talent agent's wry put-downs and grumpy reactions have given him quite the fan base, and led to his inclusion in more father-son comedy specials with hopefully many more to come. Not that Jack is not pulling his weight, as his usual zany antics and self-deprecating humour provide the perfect foil – but he also opens up during some of the show's surprisingly emotional moments. - Daniel Furn

Lucifer

Miranda star Tom Ellis has completely reinvented his image with this fantasy drama, going from innocent chef next door Gary to the literal Lord of Hell. Impressive! But an even greater accomplishment is the dedicated fandom this series has built up since its debut back in 2016, with legions of so called “Lucifans” ready to defend it to the ends of the earth.

The show follows the devil himself, Lucifer Morningstar, after he relocates from hell to Los Angeles and begins solving murder cases with the local police department. He quickly strikes up a bond with detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) and their romance becomes the focal point of the show, with no shortage of obstacles in their path to happiness.

It’s a slightly odd show that occasionally pokes fun at its own eccentric premise, which plays out like Midsomer Murders meets Twilight. The show holds a dear place in the heart of many viewers, as proven by the staggering one million tweets that were sent to protest its premature cancellation by FOX in 2018 – prompting Netflix to rescue the show and renew it for an additional three seasons. - David Craig

Money Heist

Heist thrillers have to walk a fine line between realistic - or at least believable - burglary schemes and enough tension-filled twists and turns to keep things entertaining - and it's a balance that Money Heist (mostly) manages to pull off. Money Heist dedicates several seasons each to two heists planned by the enigmatic criminal mastermind The Professor, who recruits an unusual group of robbers named after cities to take hostages in key financial centres in Madrid. However, mistakes, emotional dynamics and impulsive relationships on both sides on the heist mean the plans soon go wrong - and robbers, hostages and police alike are all in a race to outwit each other before it's too late.

Initially regarded as a failure after first airing on Spanish TV, Money Heist was added to Netflix with little fanfare and barely any promotion - yet still became an absolute worldwide phenomenon, with a whole new audience falling in love with The Professor and his Dali-masked accomplices while a certain earworm swept the European charts. It was enough for Netflix to order three additional seasons, the last of which is split into two parts with the final instalment arriving in December 2021.

The heist genre gets subverted in this crime caper, which uses a female narrator, a Spanish cultural lens and a twisty-turny narrative to update the long-running formula with a series where the complex characters and their relationships matter just as much as the actual heist. A few unnecessary love triangles mean the show veers dangerously close to soap opera territory in later seasons - but at its best Money Heist is a smart, inventive and utterly gripping series that truly deserves its status as one of the most-watched non-English language shows in the world. - Daniel Furn

The Chair

Sandra Oh takes a beak from cat-and-mouse hunts with psychopaths in Killing Eve in order to star in The Chair, a rather different show exploring sexism, racism and ageism entrenched in the staunchly traditional world of academia through a highly satirical lens. The series follows Oh's Professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the first woman of colour to become chair at a prestigious university. Ji-Yoon must then navigate the dizzying pressure of her new position, save the failing English department and navigate her relationships with her crush, an inventive up-and-coming colleague as well as strong-willed adoptive daughter Ju Ju.

After making her name in life-or-death dramas such as Grey's Anatomy and the aforementioned Killing Eve, it's highly refreshing to see Oh show off her comedic chops, consistently hilarious as a professor constantly at the end of her tether yet still managing to exude wit and warmth to those around her. Showrunner Amanda Peet takes academia - a world still largely unexplored onscreen - and explores the modern issues within, finding the comedy in this nuanced take as Ji-Yoon fights to save an education system that struggles to accept her. The show could have done with a bit more time to fully examine the many complex topics it throws up - six half-hour episodes go quick - but Oh's performance and great writing still make this a must-watch. - Daniel Furn

Hit and Run

Israeli series Hit and Run dominated Netflix's top ten charts for several weeks after its release, proving the platform is the perfect home for international drama following the success of shows such as Money Heist and Lupin. The series follows Segev Azulai, a happily married man whose life is turned upside down after his wife is killed in a hit and run in Tel Aviv. Soon discovering the incident was no mere accident, Segev heads to the US along with ex-lover Naomi Hicks to look for answers - but perhaps wishes he hadn't after finding some disturbing secrets...

Hit and Run was co-created by writer-journalist Avi Issacharof, who was also behind acclaimed war drama and fellow international hit Fauda. With two other co-creators formerly writers and executive producers on The Killing, there was certainly a high standard set for Hit and Run - which it easily reaches with so many twists, turns and action that it truly lives up to the definition of a thriller and then some. Netflix has had a good run with mystery thrillers following hits such as The Stranger and You, and Hit and Run is the latest addition that will have you reaching for the 'next episode' button. - Daniel Furn

Untold

After releasing excellent Michael Jordan documentary The Last Dance in 2020, Netflix is soon becoming home to high-quality sports docuseries, and Untold is one of the latest well-reviewed additions to the roster. As the title suggests, the series examines previously untold stories or provides new perspectives to people and events from across the world of sport, covering remarkable incidents from tennis, boxing, basketball and more.

The first subject is Untold: Malice at the Palace, which provides a re-contextualisation of the infamous Pacers-Pistons NBA brawl of 2004 that involved both teams and spectators, re-examining the role of the fans after the media largely blamed the players. The reshaping of established narratives is a theme that continues in later episodes, with attention turning to topics such as the rise and fall of boxer Christy Martin, the athletic career of Caitlyn Jenner and Mardy Fish's decision to withdraw from the US Open due to struggles with anxiety.

While each episode is presented as feature-length films running at 75-90 minutes, they are all part of the Untold series created by brothers Chapman Way and Maclain Way, the team behind Netflix‘s true crime hit Wild Wild Country. After a triumphant and somewhat eventful return to live sport in 2021, the time is perfect for an engaging, thought-producing exploration of sport and public perception. - Daniel Furn

Outer Banks

As the home of Riverdale and 13 Reasons Why here in the UK, Netflix has very much cornered the teen drama market. However Outer Banks may well be one of the streaming service's best, balancing the usual teen tropes with a rip-roaring sense of adventure as an over-arching search for buried treasure ties all the relationship drama together.

The show follows a group of 'Pogues', the working class residents of North Carolina's Outer Banks who are searching for the missing father of the group's ringleader, John B. Along the way they discover clues leading to a legendary treasure left behind by John's father - but a group of wealthy 'Kooks' are also after the gold...

As a teen show there is the usual dose of melodrama and a few unrealistic situations, but otherwise the show makes for a fun and breezy summer binge that occasionally touches on more serious topics such as drug addiction, consent and class divides. However the Outer Banks itself may well be the true star of the show, with some colourful cinematography and stunning locations truly creating the feel of an endless summer, and making this a very easy watch. - Daniel Furn

Sky Rojo

Money Heist creator Alex Pina channels the pulp stylings of Quentin Tarantino for this darkly comedic thriller, which follows Coral, Gina and Wendy as they attempt to free themselves from the brothel in which they have become prisoners. The three make a messy, spontaneous escape one fateful evening, but ruthless henchmen Moisés and Christian are hot on their trail and closing in with every passing moment.

Sky Rojo crafts heartbreaking backstories for its three protagonists, with Verónica Sánchez, Yany Prado and superstar musician-turned-actor Lali Espósito excelling in some truly harrowing scenes. Indeed, this series offers an unflinching – and at times disturbing – look into the world of human trafficking and coerced sex work, but co-creator Pina is able to prevent the tone from becoming too bleak by leaning into pitch black humour at just the right moments.

With its lean 30 minute episodes, Sky Rojo naturally moves at a brisk pace which only goes to make the story feel even more chaotic. Not content with resting on its laurels, the recently released second season flips the premise on its head, offering a fresh twist on what came before as the leading ladies take brutal revenge on their pursuers. Imagine the stylish direction of Money Heist merging with the heightened reality of Kill Bill and you won't be far off. - David Craig

Firefly Lane

Katherine Heigl and Scrubs star Sarah Chalke play childhood best friends in this Netflix adaptation of Kristin Hannah's book of the same name, Firefly Lane.

The drama has now been renewed for a second season, so what better time to catch up with longtime friends and later colleagues, Tully (Heigl) and Kate (Chalke) through 30 years of love, heartbreak and divorce.

In the present-day, Heigl plays a famous talkshow host who has her own show, The Girlfriend Hour, while Chalke plays Kate, Tully's longtime best friend who quit journalism to focus on raising a family. – Flora Carr

Atypical

Robia Rashid's comedy-drama about a teenager on the autism spectrum recently returned to Netflix for a fourth and final season, so why not binge-watch the hit series from the beginning?

Atypical follows 18-year-old Sam Gardner (played by Keir Gilchrist), who works at local appliance store Techtropolis and is obsessed with penguins and Antarctica. At the start of the series he begins to explore the world of online dating.

The show also focuses on Sam's family, including matriarch Elsa, who begins a flirtation and later extra-marital affair with a bartender; and Casey, Sam's younger, athletic sister who begins to have romantic feelings for a close friend. - Flora Carr

Never Have I Ever

Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, this joyful coming-of-age comedy-drama recently launched its second series, once again following Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) as she attempts to improve her social status in high school while simultaneously dealing with her (almost literally) crippling grief.

Before the events of Never Have I Ever, Devi's beloved father had a heart attack and died during a school concert in her freshman year, after which she lost the use of her legs for three months. But it's a new school year, and Devi is desperate to forge a new identity for herself, beyond both her public loss and her fiery temper (appropriately, famously quick-tempered tennis player John McEnroe narrates the show).

The series is laugh-out-loud funny, and has been widely praised for its South Asian representation and for breaking Asian stereotypes. - Flora Carr

Young Royals

Swedish-language, coming-of-age boarding school drama Young Royals takes the well-worn "love versus duty" predicament and turns it on its head, telling the story of a Swedish prince who is packed off following a public scandal.

Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) is the disaffected, second-born royal prince, but he still feels suffocated by the weight of expectation placed upon him. At Hillerska (a fictional, prestigious boarding school in Sweden, where Young Royals was filmed), he's expected to mix with Sweden's most elite teenagers; but he finds himself drawn to ostracised scholarship student Simon, who is shown to be (almost literally) from the 'wrong side of the tracks'.

While the series feels predictable in some places (you can find out more in our non-spoiler Young Royals review), in others the heartfelt six-part drama subverts the viewer's expectations completely, with a gut-wrenching twist. - Flora Carr

Feel Good

When it comes to Netflix comedy-dramas, you don't get much better than Feel Good – Mae Martin's semi-autobiographical series that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.

The romcom stars Martin as Canadian comedian and ex-cocaine addict Mae, who meets repressed middle-class woman George (Charlotte Ritchie) at a comedy club and the two strike up a relationship. Following the couple as they face hurdles in their intense relationship, from George's hesitancy to introduce Mae as her girlfriend to Mae's addiction past, the series is an intimate, hilarious and yet utterly heart-breaking look at complex queer relationships.

While Ritchie and Martin stand out in Feel Good, Friends star Lisa Kudrow is always a scene-stealer in the few episodes she appears in as Mae's uptight, cold mother, while the likes of Sophie Thompson, The Umbrella Academy's Ritu Arya, Ophelia Lovibond, Adrian Lukis and Anthony Head fill out the rest of the talented cast. – Lauren Morris.

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson

Returning for a second season, Saturday Night Live star Tim Robinson's absurd sketch show is back for more of the strangest yet most side-splitting hours of television on Netflix. The first season became the breakout critical hit of 2019 for its offbeat, irreverent and wholly original reinvention of the format, with sketches including a man singing yacht rock at his mother’s funeral, a hotdog car crashing into a clothes shop and an octogenarian at a car focus group that has become a viral sensation.

Robinson's sketches are undeniably bizarre, but what makes them work is that they are (mostly) deeply relatable, with the comedian targeting the usual cringe-worthy situations and social faux pas before hijacking them to extreme levels of absurdity. Better Call Saul's Bob Odenkirk and Cruella's Paul Walter Houser are among the celebrities joining in the surreal skits in season two, joining an already impressive list of guest stars that has previously included Andy Samberg, Will Forte and Steven Yeun. - Daniel Furn.

Lupin

Part Two of French mystery thriller Lupin arrived on Netflix last week and quickly shot up the platform's Top 10 most-watched list, with fans desperate to check back in with 'gentleman thief' Assane after Part One's tense cliffhanger.

If you haven't yet streamed Lupin, then you're seriously missing out. The ever-charismatic Omar Sy stars as Assane Diop, a man seeking revenge against the creepy tycoon Hubert Pellegrini (Hervé Pierre), who framed his late father Babakar for a crime he didn't commit 25 years prior. Inspired by the adventures of literary icon Arsène Lupin – (think a French combination of Sherlock Holmes and Robin Hood) – Assane sets out to harness Lupin's powers of persuasion to get justice for his father.

An exciting, gripping and action-filled heist caper featuring a terrific performance from Sy, Lupin is guaranteed to steal your heart. - Lauren Morris

Sweet Tooth

If you're looking for your next fantasy obsession, then look no further. Now available to stream on Netflix is Sweet Tooth – a post-apocalyptic fantasy drama executive produced by Marvel mensch Robert Downey Jr.

Starring The Last Man on Earth star Will Forte and Game of Thrones's Nonso Anozie, the eight-parter follows Gus (Christian Convery) – a half-human, half-deer living secretly in the Nebraskan woods with his sickly father in a time when humanity has been nearly wiped out by a deadly virus. With the remaining humans unsure whether the virus caused the human-animal hybrids or vice versa, Gus ventures out into a hostile world when his father dies and is rescued by a mysterious loner named Jepperd.

A heartwarming tale of adventure with a post-apocalyptic horror twist, this drama certainly lives up to its name. - Lauren Morris

Young Sheldon

Many fans gave up on The Big Bang Theory towards the end of its whopping twelve-season run - but spin-off Young Sheldon is the perfect refresh for the franchise. As the title suggests, Young Sheldon follows the formative years of the socially impaired genius, beginning with his decision to pursue theoretical physics at nine years old and depicting several events referenced in The Big Bang Theory, including Sheldon starting university aged eleven and his attempt to build a nuclear reactor. However the spotlight extends to include Sheldon's family also - which includes Sheldon's mother Mary Cooper (played by the real-life daughter of The Big Bang Theory's Laurie Metcalf), father George Sr., Sheldon's beloved Meemaw Constance and siblings Georgie and Missy.

Much of The Big Bang Theory's geek references and Sheldon's fish-out-of-water shenanigans remain, but Young Sheldon swaps out much of the adult and sometimes crass humour of its predecessor for a much more family-friendly and wholesome coming-of-age tale. The result is half-hour episodes of pure joy, thanks largely to a wonderfully confident performance by Iain Armitage as young Sheldon, who both nails the mannerisms of his predecessor but also adds his own spin on this more vulnerable and naive version of the character. Jim Parsons returns as narrator and a few references to The Big Bang Theory - though wonderfully restrained - will surely delight long-term fans. –-Daniel Furn

Seinfeld

It's not often Netflix runs a full-on promotional campaign for an older title joining its library - so you know it must be something special when the streaming service makes quite the commotion over a twenty-five-year-old show. And Seinfeld is certainly special, becoming a pop culture phenomenon, subverting sitcom expectations and giving Friends a run for its money for the '90s comedy crown.

Seinfeld is famously "a show about nothing", following Jerry Seinfeld as a fictionalised version of himself, who wrestles with life's most tricial concerns along with friend George (Jason Alexander), ex-girlfriend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and neighbour Cosmo (Michael Richards).

Seinfeld threw out the sitcom rulebook with morally dubious characters who do not grow as people at all, a staunch refusal to set up a romance between Jerry and Elaine and numerous meta storylines long before they became widely used. It's a move that seemed to pay off - Seinfeld consistently dominated TV ratings during its run - ending with one of the most-watched finales in history - with its many quirks and catchphrases have since become an eduring piece of pop culture, and its influence on comedy can be still be felt today. - Daniel Furn

Kim's Convenience

The fifth season of Canadian comedy Kim's Convenience has just dropped on Netflix, with Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Jean Yoon, Andrea Bang and Simu Liu reprising their roles as the much-loved Kim family.

Since making its CBC Television debut in 2016, the sitcom from Ins Choi has slowly become a word-of-mouth hit in the UK on Netflix (à la Schitt's Creek) thanks to its sharp, quick-witted dialogue and comical characters. Set in Toronto, the comedy follows Korean immigrants Sang-il Kim (Sun-Hyung Lee) and Yong-mi Kim (Yoon), whose lives revolve around their corner shop in the Moss Park neighbourhood and their children – university student Janet (Bang) and Jung (Liu). A screw-ball sitcom with bite, Kim's Convenience is worth a watch if you're in need of a chuckle. - Lauren Morris

Master of None

Aziz Ansari's dramedy Master of None is back for a third series, but with a completely different focus this time around. While Ansari reprises his role as Dev (who took centre stage in seasons one and two) a handful of times, the third season shines a spotlight on Denise (Westworld's Lena Waithe) and her relationship with Alicia (The End of the F***ing World's Naomi Ackie).

Titled Master of None Presents: Moments in Love, the third season follows Denise, a 37-year-old lesbian novelist, as she navigates her marriage to Alicia, who embarks on an emotional IVF journey. Waithe and Ackie are superb in this five-parter, written by both Ansari and Waithe, with the minimised cast really emphasising Denise and Alicia's relationship as the season's key focus point. If you were a fan of Master of None's first two seasons, you'll love this long-awaited season three and its rejuvenation of the comedy-drama genre even more. - Lauren Morris

Downton Abbey

If you've somehow missed out on the pop culture phenomenon that was Downton Abbey, all six series of the prestigious period drama are now available on Netflix to binge ahead of the upcoming Downton Abbey 2. For the uninitiated, the show follows the Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era between 1912 and 1926, as the British aristocracy begins a slow and steady decline. Several real-life events and their impact on the British social hierarchy are featured, most notably the sinking of the Titanic, the First World War, the Irish War of Independence and the Beer Hall Putsch.

As well as becoming a sensation in the UK, Downton Abbey also became an international success, leading to Hollywood careers for stars such as Lily James, Dan Stevens and Hugh Bonneville. However several cast members were acting legends in their own right already - with Dame Maggie Smith's character Violet and her devastating put-downs one of the show's many highlights. A feature film was released in 2019, with a long-awaited sequel due out in 2022.  - Daniel Furn

Below Deck

As trashy TV goes, Below Deck is a nautical rank above the rest with its entertaining deck crews, ridiculously wealthy guests and more than enough yachting drama to float your boat. Originally a Bravo show, this reality series is available to stream on Netflix for UK viewers and while you may initially just tip your toe in the enticing waters of Below Deck, you'll soon find yourself swimming through multiple seasons in one sitting.

Each season follows the crew of a luxury super yacht, always captained by the no-nonsense 'Stud of the Sea' Captain Lee, from the beginning of their Caribbean charter to the very end. As the staff are run off their feet by demanding guests, incompetent colleagues and the unpredictable nature of the Mediterranean, we watch as spicy chaos ensues – from secret relationships and fiery rows, to hugely dramatic firings. You certainly won't be disappointed if you decide to board the exciting ship that is Below Deck. - Lauren Morris

Castlevania

Netflix is unfurling its wings one last time, as Castlevania bows out with its final season. Following the cliffhanger ending of season three, the forces of Carmilla are ready to rid the world of humans, Isaac questions his loyalties to the vampire world, and Alucard seems to be following in his father’s footsteps.

At its core, Castlevania season four evolves from just being about Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso). After living Sypha’s life of “adventures and victories”, things descend into the bloody world of Belmont. The bickering duo works together like a vampire-hunting Bonnie and Clyde, with the final season debuting a Belmont-esque Sypha that even swears. There’s also plenty for the pale-skinned Alucard, who is at his most dangerous and shows the toll of what being Dracula’s son really means..

The real highlight though  is Jaime Murray’s performance as Carmilla. Not since Buffy butted heads with Drusilla has a vampire villainess been so enigmatic and interesting.

Watch out too for an epic showdown in episode nine – a glorious shower of blood and guts that looks like it’s been pulled directly from a Castlevania game. It’s a symphony of the macabre that becomes one of the most beautiful things we’ve seen on Netflix. - Tom Chapman

The Stranger

Harlan Coben is fast becoming Netflix’s answer to Jed Mercurio, and this series has all the tension and intrigue of Line of Duty. Hot off the heels of his hugely successful series Safe, The Stranger tells the intriguing story of a woman who parachutes into people’s lives, drops bombshells and then disappears as quickly as she arrived.

For example, Adam (played by Richard Armitage) is minding his own business at his son’s football match when The Stranger says hello, tells him his wife faked her most recent pregnancy (and subsequent miscarriage), and then dashes off before he can work out what on earth is going on. Unsurprisingly his life is thrown into a spin and he can’t work out who to trust. B

ut why does this woman want to stir trouble? And how does she find out these closely guarded secrets? With an exceptional cast including Jennifer Saunders, Siobhan Finneran and Dervla Kirwan, the mysteries will keep you guessing right up to the very end. In fact, we still have a couple of questions even though we devoured every episode in record time… - Emma Bullimore

Dark

Netflix’s first German-language show, Dark is a terrific sci-fi series with a superb cast and a plot that redefines the word mind-bending.

Equal parts gritty Nordic Noir mystery, early Twin Peaks and Back to the Future, the show introduces viewers to Jonas – a teenager whose father recently died who gets sucked into a mysterious plot concerning missing children and a portal that leads him to the 1980s.

Ahead of the third and final season, released in 2020, the show set itself a difficult task: with a set-up so complex and a mythology so knotty, it seemed almost impossible the series could tie itself up in a neat little bow and reach a conclusion that would satisfy it’s adoring fanbase.

Thankfully however, it delivered– the final series was another irresistible piece of sci-fi television, equal parts mesmerising and confounding, with a sweeping scope that gave it the sense of a true epic. With its exhilarating finale Dark has earned its place among the list of the very best original series made for the streamer. - Patrick Cremona

The Haunting of Hill House

Henry Thomas in The Haunting of Hill HouseNow this is how you update a classic horror story. Mike Flanagan’s loose adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s classic novel of the same name is a stylish, heartbreaking and – most importantly terrifying – piece of television, one of the finest horror series to ever air on the small screen.

At its heart is a group of five siblings, Steven, Shirley, Theodora, Luke, and Eleanor (Nell), whose lives continue to be profoundly affected by a traumatic incident they experienced in their childhood, while staring at the eponymous property. When another tragedy strikes, the family is brought together once again, finally getting the chance to confront their ongoing trauma. The series flits between both timelines and is awash with superb performances – with Victoria Pedretti and Oliver Jackson-Cohen among the standouts.

It was followed in 2020 by The Haunting of Bly Manor, a different story from the same creative team, this time finding inspiration in the work of Henry James, and specifically his novella The Turn of the Screw. Although not quite at the same level as its predecessor, it was another ambitious and bold series once again using ghosts as a means of exploring trauma and grief in an endlessly inventive way. - Patrick Cremona

Good Girls

Christina Hendricks, Rette and Mae Whitman in Good GirlsConsidering the phenomenal success of Desperate Housewives, it’s unbelievable how few shows have tried to replicate its very specific appeal. While the premise of Good Girls is different, DH fans will love its vibe – the show gives us three leading ladies, living ordinary lives but facing extraordinary plot lines, wading through dangerous situations with humour and a perfect blow dry.

We’re also given three stellar actresses at the top of their game – Retta from Parks and Rec, Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks and Arrested Development’s Mae Whitman – playing women who all have legitimate reasons for needing a cash injection in their lives. They hatch a misjudged plan to rob a local grocery store, only to discover that a serious gang had their eye on the same payday.

Spin forward a bit and three quietly brilliant housewives find themselves drawn into a life of crime, with brilliantly addictive results. Fresh, funny and fearless, the show is now on its fourth season, but still seems to fly under the radar. It never quite had the fanfare of Dead to Me, but the show is just as easy to obsess over. Give it a try. - Emma Bullimore

13 Reasons Why

Katherine Langford in 13 Reasons Why on Netflix (Hannah Baker)Hugely popular Netflix hit 13 Reasons Why came to an end last year after four seasons, and while the teen drama generated a lot of controversy for its depiction of suicide, sexual assault and bullying, it raked in millions of viewers over its four-year run. Executive produced by Selena Gomez and based on Jay Asher’s novel of the same name, 13 Reasons Why stars Dylan Minnette as Clay, a teenager who receives a collection of cassettes recorded by Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) – a classmate of his who recently died by suicide. As he listens to the tapes one by one, he discovers what drove Hannah to end her life and how 12 people at their school, including himself, were responsible in some way.

The show’s approach to incredibly dark and gravely serious matters of mental health isn’t as thoughtful, sensitive or tactful as it should be considering its teen target audience and on this front, it only seems to get worse as the seasons go on – however, Minnette, Langford and Kate Walsh, who plays Hannah’s mother Olivia, deliver stunning performances as each of their characters emotionally unravel throughout this Netflix drama’s first season. - Lauren Morris

Fargo

It can be a bit nerve-racking when one of your favourite films gets turned into a TV show, but this adaptation of the classic 1996 Coen Brothers movie, Fargo, is absolutely exquisite. There have been four seasons so far, starring the likes of Ewan McGregor, Ted Danson, Jessie Buckley and Chris Rock, but the first is the true masterpiece. Billy Bob Thornton plays enigmatic hitman Lorne Malvo, as humorous as he is horrific, a character with such disturbing charisma that he could only be a Coen Brothers creation.

A twist of fate means Lorne finds himself in rural Minnesota, where he bumps into life insurance salesman, Lester Nygaard, played by Martin Freeman (who, it turns out, does a good American accent). The pair have a seemingly casual conversation that ends up having huge consequences… Colin Hanks and Alison Tolman give scene-stealing performances in a perfectly-cast, rich and beautifully crafted drama that will make you wish all telly was half as good. While film fans will be happy with the result, it’s worth saying that you really don’t need to know anything about the movie to enjoy the series, so get stuck in. - Emma Bullimore

Virgin River

Mel and Jack in Virgin River on NetflixIf you’re a sucker for romantic dramas, then you need to watch Virgin River – the Netflix series based on Robyn Carr’s novels of the same name. Starring The Walking Dead’s Alexandra Breckenridge, this hugely popular series follows midwife Mel Monroe as she moves to the rural North Californian town Virgin River to start a new life and leave her painful past behind in the city. While she continues to battle heartbreak and still agonises over a deep tragic secret, Mel finds herself striking up a connection with local bar owner and former marine Jack Sheridan (Martin Henderson), who’s haunted by his own traumas.

Since arriving on the platform in 2019, Virgin River has regularly dominated Netflix’s top 10 list, with season two even overtaking The Crown to claim the top spot towards the end of last year – which comes as no surprise considering how charming the small-town series is. Packed with endearing characters – from the stubborn yet caring local doctor Doc Mullins (Tim Matheson) to the honourable and kind chef Preacher (Colin Lawrence) – and more love triangles than you’d expect to find in a tiny, unfrequented village, this romantic drama is a warm hug in TV form, so binge-able that you’ll sail through its two seasons in just a few sittings. - Lauren Morris

Homeland

Claire Danes in Homeland (Channel 4, EH)An iconic piece of modern-day television, Homeland ran for almost 10 years and, in this critic’s eyes, will no doubt be looked back on as a defining TV show of the 2010s. However, the drama will probably be best remembered for its first three seasons, charting the cat-and-mouse relationship between Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis), an American soldier and prisoner of war held captive by al-Qaeda, and Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), a CIA officer with bipolar disorder.

After Brody returns home to the US and begins debating a career in politics, Carrie becomes convinced that Brody was ‘turned’ during his captivity, and is now working as a double agent. Both Lewis and Danes won Emmy Awards for their roles; and perhaps an even more prestigious recommendation is former President Barack Obama’s well-known love for the show. In the UK, the series was released on Channel 4, with the season one finale drawing in 2.8 million viewers. Mandy Patinkin also stars as Saul Berenson, a CIA chief and Carrie’s mentor; while Morena Baccarin plays Brody’s wife Jessica, who had long assumed her husband was dead and had begun a relationship with his best friend. - Flora Carr

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

When it comes to silly sitcoms, few ever reach the dizzying heights of Brooklyn Nine-Nine – the police procedural comedy starring Andy Samberg. Set in New York City’s fictional 99th precinct, this NBC series (formerly Fox) follows its detectives: the immature but effective Jake Peralta (Samberg), his foodie best friend Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Troglio), hard-as-nails cop Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) and bodybuilding lieutenant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews). Overseen by their overly-formal, monotonous captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), Brooklyn Nine-Nine focuses on the cops’ various cases, their crime-solving attempts and the shenanigans they get up to when they’re not out in the field.

Hilariously wacky, fast-paced and consistently entertaining, all seven series of this Michael Schur-produced sitcom consist of bingeworthy gems, full of stellar guest stars (Nick Kroll, Bill Hader, Kathryn Hahn, Maya Rudolph and Zooey Deschanel among others) and heart-warming moments between the show’s multi-layered characters. With an eighth (and sadly final) season on its way, now is the perfect time to revisit this feel-good comedy. - Lauren Morris

The Queen's Gambit

The Queen's Gambit on NetflixChess might be a fascinating game, but it's probably fair to say most don’t really view it as a spectator sport. On the face of it, then, a limited series revolving around the subject might not sound like a likely candidate for a mega word-of-mouth smash, but Scott Frank’s series, The Queen's Gambit, became exactly that when it arrived on Netflix in 2020.

Based on a novel by Walter Tevis, the narrative follows Beth Harmon – a young orphan and chess prodigy whose rise to the top of the game is offset by frequent struggles with addiction. Anya Taylor-Joy turns in one of the best small-screen performances in recent memory in the lead role, and is helped by a brilliant supporting cast that includes Marielle Heller, Harry Melling and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Lavishly produced and filled with wonderful period detail, the sumptuous series includes an array of expertly-staged chess match set-pieces and a plot that will keep you engaged for every minute of its seven-episode run. - Patrick Cremona

After Life

While there are lots of TV shows about death and murder, there are very few that really examine the experience of grief. And the last person you might expect to give us a sensitive depiction of loss is the man famed for cringe comedy, Ricky Gervais. But while it looks a little strange on paper, After Life is exceptionally funny and devastating in equal measure. And very sweary in places (if bad language offends you, you’re probably best to give it a swerve).

When Tony loses his wife to cancer, the only reason he has to get out of bed in the morning is his dog. The rest of his life feels empty, his job at the local paper seems pointless and the world infuriates him. But gradually (and reluctantly) he begins to piece together a way to live his life again. The show features a brilliant cast (look out for Penelope Wilton as the woman who shares his grief at the cemetery), a great German Shepherd, and uncomfortable emotions that sometimes only comedy can confront. No wonder this is the only one of Gervais’ shows that he has agreed to write a third season for. - Emma Bullimore

The Good Place

While the idea of setting a sitcom in the afterlife and spending four seasons examining different philosophical theories around morality and human existence doesn’t sound like the best concept for a fun, light-hearted watch, The Good Place is nothing like the comedies that came before it. Created by Michael Schur (The Office US),  this fantasy sitcom stars Kristen Bell as Eleanor Shellstrop, an inconsiderate Arizona-based pharmaceutical saleswoman who dies in a shopping trolley accident and finds herself in the Good Place: a utopian afterlife is populated exclusively by those who lived righteous and upstanding lives on Earth.

After being welcomed by the architect Michael (Ted Danson), she soon realises that she’s been let in by mistake and convinces her appointed “soul mate”, an ethics professor named Chidi (William Jackson Harper), to help her become a better person. Despite touching on a number of philosophical concepts throughout the show, The Good Place shares a sense of humour with sitcoms like Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine and keeps fans entertained the ridiculous one-liners from its vastly different characters – narcissistic British philanthropist Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and unintelligent DJ and drug dealer Jason (Manny Jacinto) to name a few – and the hilarious performances from its stars, like Emmy-nominated D’Arcy Carden who shines as the Good Place human-like database Janet. - Lauren Morris

Suits

With everything that’s happened in recent years (including that Oprah interview), it’s naturally intriguing to look back at Meghan Markle as the world first met her – as an actress in long-running legal drama, Suits. But while it’s fun to watch the Duchess of Sussex playing paralegal Rachel (she starred in 108 episodes), this show was getting huge audiences long before its brush with royalty. The series is all about Harvey, an established lawyer in New York City, and Mike, who manages to blag a job with him despite not going to law school.

The two charismatic legal eagles work together on important cases, fight for justice and even have some spare time for love interests too (Markle’s Rachel has an ongoing romance with Mike), keeping us entertained with drama in and out of the courtroom. When Suits first burst onto the scene it felt fresh, fun, pacy and witty, exactly the kind of show we love to binge after a long day. While it lost its sparkle a little by season nine, the show is still well worth your time – you’ll fall in love with the characters instantly, and it might even make you want to swap those lockdown PJs for a suit. - Emma Bullimore

Modern Family

It’s won 22 Emmys, lasted 11 seasons and it even gave us a scene with David Beckham and Courtney Cox in a hot tub – Modern Family is an undisputed comedy heavyweight. As with all shows featuring children that eventually grow up, the early seasons were the best, but the show managed to stay fresh for a long time. While plots included big subjects like same-sex marriage, adoption, age-gap relationships and step-parenting, the show’s priority was always being ferociously funny rather than political. The humour is the kind that doesn’t exclude your gran, but isn’t so twee that it loses its bite.

Each of the characters is gloriously recognisable yet unique and the relationships are full of love, but never saccharine. In short, it’s everything you could want from a family comedy. As with all the best sitcoms, it’s impossible to decide on a favourite character. Is it irrepressible Cam who is always embarrassing Mitch with his flamboyance? Or “cool dad” Phil who couldn’t be less cool if his life depended on it? Or Gloria, the Colombian icon created by Sofia Vergara? Or maybe Stella the French bulldog? Perhaps the show’s casting director should take as much credit for the show’s success as the brilliantly observant writers. - Emma Bullimore

Bojack Horseman

Across six wonderful seasons, this animated series about an alcoholic humanoid horse did something very few TV shows can manage: it perfectly blended laugh out loud comedy with dark, deep 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

The Serpent

The SerpentThis co-production first aired on the BBC as their prestige New Year's Day drama earlier in 2021, and is now available in full on Netflix. The current craze for true crime gets a 1970s spin in The Serpent, a dramatisation of the life of Charles Sobhraj who was the chief suspect in the murder of at least twelve Western travellers along the Hippie Trail between 1963 and 1976. Spanning five or six countries over a twenty-year-plus period, the limited series is a truly globe-trotting crime odyssey detailing how Sobhraj earned his nickname of The Serpent by constantly slipping through police clutches, conducting numerous elaborate prison escapes and bouncing between borders with a bevy of stolen passports.

A chilling Tahir Rahim steals the show with his understated and reptilian take on Sobhraj, but Victoria's Jenna Coleman gives him a good run for his money as devoted follower Marie-Andrée Leclerc. MotherFaherSon's Billy Howle plays the dedicated Duch diplomat who dedicates his life to a cat-and-mouse chase with the criminal, with Les Misérables star Ellie Bamber rounding out the cast as his wife and fellow investigator. Indeed it seems a few dodgy accents and a tad too much time hopping are the only flaws in this international crime caper - otherwise The Serpent remains an unnerving examination of a serpentine serial killer, an obsessive focus on catching him and the attitudes and apathy of the time that let him get away with it. - Daniel Furn

The OA

It’s hard to categorise The OA at times. Throughout the 16 episodes you’ll see elements of mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy and teen-drama, but what it is, is brilliant. The complex and building series was created by Brit Marling (who also leads the cast) and Zal Batmanglij who had planned for five parts, but sadly only got two. Nevertheless, the captivating story of Prairie Johnson is unmissable.

Prairie was missing for seven years and showed up completely unexpectedly with her blindness cured. Harbouring some nasty scars, her family desperately try to coax her story out of her. Now going by the name “The OA”, she connects with people who have had a similar experience to her while revealing her terrifying story. You’ll want to concentrate on this one, but the pay-offs are completely worth it. - Helen Daly

Orange is the New Black

Orange Is the New Black is not only 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

The Umbrella Academy

Aidan Gallagher plays Number Five on The Umbrella Academy on NetflixBased on the graphic novel by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, The Umbrella Academy follows an adopted family of super-powered misfits, whose exploits as child heroes have left them wounded, traumatised, dead or just disaffected despite their incredible abilities.

Forced back together by the death of their cruel “father” the Hargreeves siblings – played by Elliot Page, Robert Sheehan, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Aidan Gallagher and Justin H. Min – stumble through a quest to save the world in the present day, before being thrown back through time and forced to do the same thing again in 1960s Dallas during the (superior) second season.

Named as one of Netflix’s most beloved series ever (apparently 43 million viewers streamed at least part of season two, making it the sixth most popular show of 2020) and with season three currently in the pipeline, on-demand shows don’t get much bigger than this peculiar offering.

The Umbrella Academy’s lesson is clear – all the super strength, mind control and necromancy in the world can’t mess you up more than your family. And amid all the action, dark jokes and death there’s something quite sweet about that. - Huw Fullerton

Black Mirror

Fionn Whitehead as Stefan (Netflix)To say that Black Mirror is one of the greatest TV shows ever made would be to do it a disservice. Always current, sharp and delicately terrifying, Charlie Brooker’s series has flourished since it arrived on Netflix in 2016. All episodes are at your disposal on the streaming giant - and we really would recommend viewing them all. Despite there only being 21 episodes, a special and a film, every single episode is unique and completely like the one before it.

Brooker and his co-showrunner Annabel Jones explore modern society, calling into question concepts such as the danger of new technologies, the dark world of celebrity and even prison-reform-gone-bad, always portraying a dystopian world that is actually more real life than you’d ever think (or hope) possible. Plus, don’t miss Bandersnatch, your chance to choose your destiny in a completely revolutionary format. - Helen Daly

The Crown

Of course, we can never really be sure of the balance between fact and fiction in this series, but how thrilling it is to get a glimpse behind palace doors, 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 must 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 roll by, Olivia Colman and Helena Bonham Carter lead 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. 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 a tantalising new insight into a world we thought we knew, and people whose lives we’ve followed so closely, from afar. - Emma Bullimore

Anne with an E

Netflix series Anne with an E is the latest adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 classic novel, Anne of Green Gables. However, the show immediately stood out from past screen versions for tackling more gritty issues, including trauma and child abandonment, mined from the original book’s subtext. The three-season series follows Anne Shirley (Amybeth McNulty), an imaginative red-haired orphan adopted by an elderly brother and sister who live in Prince Edward Island, on their ancestral farm Green Gables.

The Cuthberts, Marilla (Geraldine James) and Matthew (R. H. Thomson), had planned to adopt an orphan boy to help around the farm, but instead Anne arrives by accident, turning their lives upside down. Anne is whip-smart, but she’s also scatter-brained, sensitive to slights, and accident-prone, resulting in countless scrapes - and a rather dramatic first encounter with a young man named Gilbert Blythe (Lucas Jade Zumann). Showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett scripted the first season, and was joined by an all-female writing team on later seasons. The series first premiered back in 2017, and ran for a total of three seasons. You can watch the entire series from start to finish on Netflix now. - Flora Carr

Too Hot to Handle

When it comes to dating shows, not many come close to Love Island. With its stellar line-up of singletons, crazy challenges and twists which always stir the pot, it’s arguably the crème da la crème of reality TV shows. So, when we saw the trailer for Too Hot To Handle - which is basically Love Island minus the physical contact - we thought it had no chance!

Fast forward to the series finale, where the super-hot singletons got to find out how much of the original £100k cash prize they’d lost from breaking the rules (touching or kissing one another) and who would be taking home what was left of it, and we just couldn’t get enough of the show.

From contestants purposely breaking the rules (yes Hayley and Francesca, we’re talking to you) to others forming what looked like promising relationships, as Rhonda opened up to potential dates about being a single mum, we fell in love with the show literally overnight –it’s pretty easy to binge with just 10 episodes.

And with a new series on the way including a whole new cast, what better way to get started than by watching the first series. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. - Grace Henry

Ginny and Georgia

Ginny and GeorgiaIf you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, then you need to watch Ginny and Georgia. With a very similar premise, looking at the strained mother and daughter relationship between young mum Georgia (Brianne Howey) and her very head strong teenage daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry), the Netflix series is very reminiscent of the 2000s drama. However, Ginny and Georgia is so much more than a series about the awkward dynamics between parents and their children, with the hour-long episodes touching on multiple issues from sexuality, to disability, self-harming and race

As a mixed-race girl, Ginny faces numerous microaggressions in the small, New England town they’ve moved to as a family, along with Ginny’s younger brother Austin. The series also presents itself as a crime drama with Georgia – who has had a seriously hard life and ran away from her drug addict mum and abusive stepdad when she was just a teen – covering her tracks, following the mysterious death of her latest husband.

With lots of hilarious and heart-warming moments, Ginny and Georgia is a light-hearted teen drama, but it’s also not with some very heavy topics throughout. Nevertheless, the series always brings us back to a place of warmth with Georgia going to the end of the earth to protect her kids - a must watch if you ask me! - Grace Henry

How to Get Away with Murder

With multiple TV awards and accolades, it’s safe to say Peter Nowalk struck gold with the critically acclaimed How To Get Away With Murder, which she debuted in 2014. Starring Emmy Award winning actress Viola Davis, who became the first black woman to win a primetime Emmy for her role as no-nonsense law professor Annalise Keating, HTGAWM has got to be one of the best legal thrillers that there is!

As the title implies, it follows Keating who works at a prestigious Philadelphia university, who with five of her students becomes wrapped up in a murder plot.

While Davis is impeccable as the complex character that is Keating, battling her own issues with alcohol, sexuality and so on, we also have an ensemble cast when it comes to her students known as “The Keating Five”.

We see Harry Potter star Alfred Enoch as the loveable orphan, Wes Gibbins, Jack Falahee as the ambitious, yet sometimes selfish Connor Walsh, Aja Naomi King as outspoken student, Michaela Pratt, Matt McGorry as Asher Millstone – who begins the series completely unaware of his white privilege – and Karla Souza as the headstrong, Laurel Castillo.

And if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, we also have Bridgerton’s very own Shonda Rhimes as the executive producer. There’s even a cross over with Scandal in season 7 – yes Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating were in a courtroom together. Talk about Black Girl Magic! - Grace Henry

Ackley Bridge

We’ve all spent years traipsing up and down corridors, weighed down by oversized backpacks and trying to avoid committing any social faux-pas, so it’s no wonder that school-based dramas like Waterloo Road always attract an immediate and broad fanbase. While Netflix’s Sex Education has the cringe factor of teen relationships well and truly nailed for now, Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge has a lot more ground to cover.

The story starts when two Yorkshire schools are forced to merge, sparking instant rivalries and drama as two communities are thrown together. Never scared to address complex and uncomfortable subject matter, the show goes on to tackle storylines about sexuality, racism and poverty, while also giving us lighter moments and characters to fall in love with. There’s an impressive cast too, featuring the likes of Jo Joyner, Sunetra Sarker, Paul Nicholls, Rob James-Collier and Amy-Leigh Hickman. Even Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh crops up as a home-wrecking netball teacher, what more could you want?!

But the best part is that this show has an authentic, young voice, never speaking down to its teen audience and finding ways to explore the issues that matter to them. - Emma Bullimore

Power

You don’t need to love crime dramas to be able to get on board with Power. Produced by Courtney A. Kemp in collaboration with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, it follows “reformed gangster” and nightclub owner Jamie (or Ghost depending on who’s asking), as he tries to get away from the hood life and build his empire. But with close alliances, including his best pal Tommy Egan, played by Joseph Sikora, still very much in the game – and also using his business to clean their dirty money - Jamie is never really able to get away from crime.

One of Starz's most highly rated shows and one of cable's most watched shows, Power is a true gem, touching on various themes from love to violence, drugs and gangs.

The soundtrack is pretty lit too, with the iconic, theme tune by R&B star Joe pretty much topping the show, as he sings: “They say this is a big rich town, I just came from the poorest parts” over the beginning credits. - Grace Henry

Gotham

Making a Batman-inspired show that couldn't actually include Batman - that was never an enviable task, which makes it all the more impressive that Gotham actually became a very enjoyable show over the five seasons and 100 episodes it spent on our screens.

With young star David Mazouz growing into the central role of Bruce Wayne, Gotham gradually found its feet and cemented itself as a surprisingly wacky source of entertainment.

As is often the case with DC Comics adaptations, you could argue that the best thing about Gotham is its villains. From Robin Lord Taylor's twitchy turn as The Penguin to Cameron Monaghan's multiple Joker-inspired roles, Gotham oozes with over-the-top performances that help bring the city to life.

Even though there is the occasional dud of an episode (season 1 genuinely has a villain called Balloonman), it's worth sticking with Gotham to the end. Not only do the performances and plots get better, but you'll also get treated to a little glimpse of The Dark Knight himself at the end. It may have started as a Batman series without any Batman, but Gotham grew into an excellent show in its own right, culminating in a memorable finale that finally earns the iconic cape and cowl. - Rob Leane

Line of Duty

Line of Duty castIf you haven’t watched Line of Duty yet, you’re probably sick of people asking, “how have you not watched Line of Duty?” But seriously: you should watch Line of Duty. Now in its sixth season, the drama follows the investigations of a police anti-corruption unit called AC-12, headed by Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), whose “best team” includes detectives played by Martin Compston and Vicky McClure.

Each season, AC-12 investigates another potentially corrupt police officer, played by a high-profile actor: past guest stars have included Thandiwe Newton, Keeley Hawes and Lennie James. Writer and showrunner Jed Mercurio makes sure the show is tense (full of twists) and dense (full of information), but viewers are rewarded for paying attention – as an overarching story about organised crime and police corruption is threaded through Line of Duty from the very beginning. Season five is on Netflix, and you can find all the other episodes on iPlayer. - Eleanor Bley Griffiths

The Irregulars

Henry Lloyd-Hughes as Sherlock Holmes in The Irregulars (Netflix)With so many different takes on Sherlock Holmes delivered over the years, Netflix’s new take on the famous sleuth goes for broke with not one but two revisionist takes on Arthur Conan Doyle’s greatest creation, plunging him into a fantasy world while also sidelining him in favour of side-characters from the original stories.

Specifically, The Irregulars follows a gang of homeless teenagers hired by Doctor Watson (Royce Pierreson) to investigate strange crimes while Sherlock Holmes (Henry Lloyd-Hughes) is indisposed. Simultaneously, this reframing of the story is accompanied by a supernatural reimagining of Holmes’ Victorian playground, drawing from Conan Doyle’s well-documented interest in the fantastic (and some of his supernatural short stories) in a contrast to the rational mind of his great detective.

The final effect could be a bit of a mess, but anchored with winning performances from the younger stars (including Harrison Osterfield, Thaddea Graham, Darci Shaw, Mckell David and Jojo Macari) and fun monster-of-the-week stories, The Irregulars ends up as a compelling if slightly uneven fantasy adventure.

Though if you’re just waiting around to see Lloyd-Hughes’ new take on Sherlock, you might have a while to pass the time – this particular detective isn’t at Holmes until at least halfway through the series. - Huw Fullerton

Peaky Blinders

Dramas don’t get much more stylish than Peaky Blinders. Set in Birmingham between the World Wars, it 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 would be worth watching just for Helen McCrory, who starred as the gang’s matriarch Polly Gray; she stole every scene she was ever in, and will be much missed by the show’s legions of fans.

In the first five seasons, McCrory and Murphy were joined by actors including Sam Neill, Paul Anderson and Sam Claflin, as the show’s writer Steven Knight 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. The sixth and final season is in the works, and a feature-length movie looks set to cap the story off. - Eleanor Bley Griffiths

Dead To Me

Make sure you set a few hours aside for this show, because once you start watching you won’t be able to stop. Dead to Me is a gripping comedy-drama telling the story of two charismatic but very different women, thrown together by unfortunate circumstances to form an unlikely double act.

Christina Applegate plays estate agent and mother of two, Jen, whose world falls apart when her husband is killed in a hit and run. She’ll stop at nothing to find the person who ruined everything. Judy (Linda Cardellini) sees life through a very different lens – although she has experienced awful moments of her own, she’s an optimist who sees the good in everything.

The pair meet at a bereavement circle and strike up a friendship, but drama is lurking just around the corner... Nominated for armfuls of Emmys, the show sparkles not only because of its thrilling mysteries and brilliant twists, but because of its two female leads, who feel refreshingly relatable, intriguing and like they’ve lived real lives. Oddly enough the show is executive produced by Will Ferrell, even though the humour is quite different to the kind you’d associate with his movies. - Emma Bullimore

The Bold Type

The Bold Type, which is loosely inspired by the life and work of the show's Executive Producer Joanna Coles (former chief content officer for Hearst Magazines), is about three millennial women working at global publication Scarlet. But this is not just a show about the intense and all consuming labyrinth of the magazine industry. While it does explore the women's careers, workplace drama and the ethical and moral dilemmas that come with that, the real crux of the show is the love story between three best friends whose bond began in Scarlet's fashion closet. Jane Sloan, Kat Edison and Sutton Brady navigate hectic careers, romantic relationships, sexuality, race, health, euphoric happiness and utter tragedy: candidly, imperfectly, and most importantly, arm in arm. Catch all four seasons before The Bold Type returns to Netflix with season five later this year. - Anna Barry

Chewing Gum

The original Channel 4 series starring Michaela Coel is gloriously funny in that rude, cringey awkward way British TV comedy series do so well. Plus, if you're late to the party when it comes to realising the greatness of Michaela Coel then this is yet another series of her's to get stuck into. If you liked I May Destroy You then give this one a go. Chewing Gum follows Londoner Tracey who is trying to escape her Christian upbringing and lose her virginity. Relatable and honest in that way only Coel knows how to bring to the small screen. - Jo-Anne Rowney

Unorthodox

Unorthodox may only be four episodes long, but it still packs a punch. The miniseries tells the story of Etsy, a 19-year-old Jewish woman who leaves her husband to escape her strict Hasidic Jewish upbringing. Etsy ends up in Berlin where she experiences a whole new way of life, makes new friends and realises how sheltered she's been. Meanwhile, her husband and his cousin are intent on tracking her down to bring her home.

Based on the book of the same name, Unorthodox gives an insight into orthodox life through flashbacks and Etsy's experiences that makes for a gripping binge watch. While it veers sometimes into stereotypes, it always manages to pull it back thanks to the standout performance from Shira Haas, who plays Etsy. - Jo-Anne Rowney

Schitt's Creek

If you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water, Schitt’s Creek is the show for you. The Rose family quite literally ends up at dead-end town Schitt’s Creek without a paddle after their business loses their money and they are forced to give up their wealth. The easy-watch sitcom was penned by father and son duo Eugene and Dan Levy who also star as on-screen dad and child Johnny and David.

But really, the star of the show is the impeccable Catherine O’Hara, who brings too many fabulous outfits to count and the most sass seen on the small screen. Her timing is perfect, her acting is gently extra and we all really could be a little bit more like Moira. There’s plenty of heart, genuinely hilarious moments and plot you won’t want to miss. - Helen Daly

Stranger Things

This 80s-set-and-inspired sci-fi drama turned Netflix’s Original series output Upside-Down (sorry), becoming a pop culture touchstone and genuine word-of-mouth hit as fans around the world become obsessed with the strange happenings in Hawkins, Indiana.

The meme-ification of this series can sometimes distract from just how warm, fun and scary Stranger Things can be, full of plucky kids, terrifying monsters and laugh-out loud moments from the outset and continuing through its (admittedly patchier) second and third 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 – as well as a pretty rousing rendition of Neverending story at the end of the last season.

Looking ahead, season four is still in production so why not catch up before it debuts – or if you have seen it before, it could be high time for a refresh. Either way, it’s time to open the curiosity door once more… - Huw Fullerton

In the mood for a film? Check out the best Netflix movies to watch right now.

Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10, PLUS a £10 John Lewis and Partners voucher delivered to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

]]> Your Easter weekend 2023 schedule: All the TV and film to watch this Bank Holiday https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-weekend-2023-best-tv-film/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 08:00:14 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-weekend-2023-best-tv-film/ Easter eggs and remotes at the ready? It's the long weekend we've all been waiting for and as well as the usual chocolate-related fun that'll be had by many, there's never been a more opportune time to sink into the sofa and catch up on some stellar TV.

The year has already been home to some outstanding picks so as well as catching up on those, there's some brand new picks like Rain Dogs, Beef and Dreamland that will surely keep you giggling across the long weekend.

If you're in the mood for some reflective documentary watching, perhaps Pilgrimage: The Road Through Portugal or Netflix's Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now will be just the ticket. And if you're in the mood for a grippingly good drama, The Good Mothers has just landed on Disney Plus, as well as Why Didn't They Ask Evans? landing on ITV1 and ITVX this Sunday.

Basically, it's a great time for TV this weekend but if you're feeling slightly overwhelmed at all the choice, read on for a breakdown of the best things to catch everyday across this long Easter weekend.

Good Friday

The highlights of what to watch on TV on Good Friday:

• My Life at Easter with Sally Phillips, 11.15am, BBC One
• Beyond Paradise, 8pm, BBC One
• Pilgrimage: The Road Through Portugal, 9pm, BBC Two
• Late Night Lycett, 10pm, Channel 4
• Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Paramount Plus
• Thicker Than Water, Netflix
• Transatlantic, Netflix

And for the film lovers, the best movies to watch on Good Friday:

• Stuart Little 2, 2pm, ITV1
• The Lies She Tells, 2.15pm, Channel 5
• E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, 5.45pm, ITV2
• The Inbetweeners Movie, 9pm, E4
• Father of the Bride, 9.05pm, ITVBe
• Avengers: Age of Ultron, 10.30pm, BBC One
• Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, 11.05pm, Channel 4
• Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre, Prime Video
• On A Wing and a Prayer, Prime Video

Easter Saturday

As the weekend well and truly gets underway, here are some excellent TV picks for Saturday:

• John and Lisa's Weekend Kitchen, 11.40am, ITV1
• Easter from King’s, 6pm, BBC Two
• In With a Shout, 6pm, ITV1
• Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, 7pm, ITV
• Starstruck, 8.30pm, ITV1
• Intelligence: A Special Agent Special, 9pm, Sky Comedy
• Magpie Murders, 9.25pm, BBC One
• The Jonathan Ross Show, 9.50pm, ITV

Here are your Easter Saturday film picks:

• Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, 2.40pm, BBC Two
• Oliver!, 3.10pm, Channel 4
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, 5.35pm, BBC One
• Carry on Camping, 7.15pm, ITV3
• Spectre, 8pm, ITV2
• Jumanji: The Next Level, 8.30pm, Channel 4
• Commando, 10.50pm, Channel 4

View Green Video on the source website

Easter Sunday

As the big day arrives, make sure you're armed with all the chocolate eggs, a blanket and your remote for a jam-packed day of Easter Sunday viewing:

• Easter Day Service – Live from Southwell Minster, 10am, BBC One
• Urbi et Orbi (Easter message from Pope Francis), 11am, BBC One
• My Life at Easter with Sally Phillips, 11.30am, BBC One
• Songs of Praise: Easter Special, 1.15pm, BBC One
• Wild Isles, 4.35pm and 7pm, BBC One
• Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway: Behind The Scenes,  7pm, ITV1
• The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer, 7.40pm, Channel 4
• For the Love of Paul O’Grady, 8pm, ITV1
• Great Expectations, 9pm, BBC One
• Agatha Christie's Why Didn't They Ask Evans?, 9pm, ITV1
• Tempting Fortune, 9pm, Channel 4

And there's a host of films to get stuck into, also:

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, 1.50pm, Channel 4
• The Sound of Music, 1.50pm, BBC One
• Percy Jackson & the Lightning Thief, 4pm, Channel 4
• The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, 6pm, Channel 5
• The Greatest Showman, 8pm, E4
• No Time to Die, 8pm, ITV2
• The Forgiven, 10pm Sky Premiere
• 2 Fast 2 Furious, 10.35pm, ITV1
• Meet The Parents, 10.55pm, Channel 4
• Blade Runner 2049, 11.20pm, BBC One

Easter Monday

The TV offerings continue on into Easter Monday where dramas, documentaries and reality TV shows galore await:

• Tempting Fortune: The Final, 9pm, Channel 4
• B&B By the Sea, 6.30pm, BBC Two
• MasterChef, 8pm, BBC One
• Secrets of the Chippendale Murders, 9pm, BBC Two
• Blue Lights, 9pm, BBC One
• Made in Chelsea, 9pm, Channel 4
• Ross Kemp: Deep Sea Treasure Hunter, 9pm, Sky History and Now
• Rise and Fall, 10pm, Channel 4
• Long Lost Family: What Happened Next, 10.30pm, ITV

Some films to round out the long Easter Bank Holiday weekend:

• Guys and Dolls, 11.15am, Channel 4
• Jumanji, 2.50pm, Film4
• The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, 6pm, BBC One
• Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, 6.35pm, ITV2
• The Graduate, 9.45pm, BBC Two
• The Wolf of Wall Street, 11pm, ITV4
• John Wick: Chapter 2, Sky Showcase

Find all these showings on our TV Guide.

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]]> 8 BritBox series you’ll want to watch time and time again https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/8-britbox-series-to-watch/ Mon, 20 Jun 2022 15:21:25 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/8-britbox-series-to-watch/ Stream brilliant British boxsets all in one place with BritBox, the exciting streaming service that’s home to all your favourites. From the much-loved Only Fools and Horses and Classic Doctor Who, to spectacular Originals like Magpie Murders and Feel the Noise: The Music That Shaped Britain, you’ll find the biggest collection of British boxsets ever on BritBox.

You’ll also be pleased to hear you can enjoy your entertainment without interruptions because the service is completely ad-free. Happy days! Plus, thanks to the seven-day free trial, giving BritBox a go won’t cost you a penny. After that, it’s just £5.99 a month and, because it’s contract-free, you can cancel at any time.

Here are just some of the celebrated TV series that are available to watch right now.

• The best TV shows on BritBox to watch now

Sanditon season 2

Charlotte returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Sanditon and soon attracts the attention of not one, but two new suitors. Georgina, meanwhile, is enjoying her last summer season before turning 21, getting up to mischief in the name of love.

Magpie Murders

Starring Lesley Manville and adapted from Anthony Horowitz’s hit novel, this mystery-within-a-mystery follows an editor who gets drawn into a web of intrigue and murder when she receives an unfinished manuscript.

Footballers’ Wives

Fame, fortune and football are the only things that matter in this outrageous drama where the wives of football’s most elite players strive to stay in the spotlight and keep their secrets under wraps. But it’s not easy…

The Thick of It

In an obscure British Government department, spin doctor Malcolm Tucker tries in vain to control his gaffe-prone ministers. A darkly comic take on the corridors of power.

Classic Doctor Who

Follow the irrepressible Doctor as he travels the universe righting wrongs and fighting aliens in his iconic blue TARDIS in this collection of over 600 truly classic episodes.

Only Fools and Horses

Follow this celebrated British classic from the start and enjoy Peckham’s much-loved dodgy dealers, Del Boy and Rodney, cooking up schemes in their bid to get rich quick.

Feel the Noise: The Music That Shaped Britain

Discover the dramatic story of British music and the influence it’s had across the world over four decades. Shaun Ryder, Alex James, Cliff Richard, Noddy Holder, Twiggy and other stars talk about how it shaped their lives.

The Wedding of the Century

Featuring stunningly restored with never-before-seen HD footage, you can relive all the excitement of Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s June 1981 wedding.

Visit the TV Guide to see what's on tonight.

The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.

]]> What's on TV on Easter Monday? The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe and The Split https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-monday-18th-april/ Mon, 18 Apr 2022 05:00:34 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-monday-18th-april/ Gather on the sofa with the remains of your chocolate eggs - there's still one day of the bank holiday weekend left. The weekend isn't over yet, with the great Easter TV continuing this Bank Holiday Monday.

There's a great mix of serious drama and light-hearted laughs on offer today – from gritty fare such as The Split and The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe to some cheery reality from Mary Berry and Travel Man Joe Lycett, meaning there's something for everyone, no matter your taste or mood.

So whether you're still snacking on leftover chocolate or regretting binging the whole lot, here's what to watch this Easter Monday.

What's on TV on Easter Monday?

The Split - 9pm, BBC One

The third and final season barrels towards a conclusion, with this episode focusing on how divorce lawyer Hannah is herself struggling with her separation from her husband Nathan. However, former lover Christie is now back in London – will that help or hinder things?

If you just can't wait to see what comes next, the entire series is now available to binge on BBC iPlayer.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in Cyprus - 8:30pm, Channel 4

After the exit of host Richard Ayoade back in 2019 – and certain events restricting international travel – new presenter Joe Lycett finally has a season of Travel Man under his belt. Tonight's episode sees comedian and The Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan join Lycett for a jolly in Cyprus, where they attempt to make halloumi, visit a condiment museum and ride a pair of mushroom boats – perfect light-hearted bank holiday fare.

Mary Berry's Fantastic Feasts - 8pm, BBC One

For a holiday so focused on food, it's only fitting that we get a helping of Mary Berry and her delicious meals. As usual, three novice cooks will be cooking for a loved one with Mary's help – in this case, Rima, mother-in-law Diane and best friend Noreen will be attempting to whip up a 30th birthday feast for Rima's husband Mark.

Presenter Scarlett Moffatt and Strictly's Janette Manrara are on hand to help – will there be a happy ending fitting for an Easter Bank Holiday?

Shrek - 2:05pm, ITV

With the Puss in Boots spin-off finally getting a belated sequel (Puss in Boots: The Last Wish) later this year, here's hoping the long rumoured Shrek 5 one day sees the light of day. For now though, the original Shrek film makes wonderful Bank Holiday viewing for all the family, with jokes for both the kids and the parents. And it still hold up, despite being two decades old!

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe - 9pm, ITV

The stranger-than-fiction true-crime series continues, picking up now that John has successfully faked his own death and is secretly living in the bedsit next to his wife Anne. An emboldened John then applies for a passport to create a new identity so that the two can escape to Panama, which leads to the fraudsters making a rather unbelievable error.

Comedians Giving Lectures - 10pm, Dave

Sara Pascoe returns for a third series of the stand-up challenge that sees comedians handed the title of a lecture – but none of the content. In this first episode Toussaint Douglass, Elf Lyons, and Frankie Boyle are the comedians giving less-than-educational talks on topics such as politics, economics and the science of dating. As you might expect, it's not long before the lectures go on some very odd tangents.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.

]]> What's on TV on Easter Sunday? From Doctor Who to Gentleman Jack https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-17th-april/ Sun, 17 Apr 2022 05:00:21 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-17th-april/ There are some sweet treats on TV this Easter Day. Easter may not rival Christmas when it comes to television just yet but there are still some absolute corkers to enjoy this Easter Sunday.

From Jodie Whittaker's penultimate Doctor Who adventure to another instalment of Gentleman Jack and a bizarre new true crime dramatisation, there are some truly blockbuster offerings this bank holiday weekend.

So grab what's left of your Easter Eggs – here's what to watch this Easter Sunday.

What's on TV on Easter Sunday?

Doctor Who - 7:10pm, BBC One

Time is ticking for Jodie Whittaker's Doctor, who will only have one episode left after this Easter special. However, there's plenty of fun to have before then, as the Doctor, Yaz and Dan take on classic baddies the Sea Devils, who are making their first appearance in the show since 1984. They've been reimagined as swashbuckling pirates since then, however – fitting, as this swashbuckling romp will also see them cross paths with pirate queen Madame Ching in the 19th century high seas. Ahoy, me hearties!

Gentleman Jack - 9pm, BBC One

Following a rather lengthy COVID-19 induced delay, the story of LGBTQ+ trailblazer Anne Lister continues after Gentleman Jack finally returned last week. The entire second series is currently available to binge on BBC iPlayer, but terrestrial viewers can now enjoy episode two, which sees Anne attempt to enjoy her honeymoon with wife Anne Walker, only to bump into an old flame.

The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe - 9pm, ITV

This bizarre true crime story from the 2000s gets a dramatisation on ITV, starting today and airing nightly until Wednesday. Debt-ridden John Darwin decides to fake his own death in a canoeing accident with the help of his wife Anne, who consoles their oblivious sons. However, drama of The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe doesn't end there - as this true story has many more twists and turns to come.

Idris Elba's Fight School - 9pm, BBC 2

Actor and musician Idris Elba reflects on how boxing made him the man he is today in this new reality series, which includes the star making an emotional visit to his former club. He then wishes to pass on boxing's life lessons to the next generation, having scoured the nation for eight young people who want a better life and have never boxed before, placing them under the tutelage of coaches Rachel Bower and Greg White.

Will an intensive boxing regime be enough to get them to compete in real amateur bouts and help them change their lives in other ways?

Easter Day Service/ Ubi et Orbi - 10am, BBC One

The Bishop of Leeds leads the traditional Easter celebration from Leeds Minster, complete with hymns and choral music from the Minster Choir. The religious programming continues with Urbi et Orbi, during which Pope Francis delivers his Easter Message and Blessing to the world with commentary from Fergal Keane.

The Invictus Games - 4:20pm, BBC One

Prince Harry's sports event for wounded and sick ex-servicemen and women returns after being postponed for two years, taking place in continental Europe for the first time as The Hague welcomes 500 contestants to celebrate defiance against adversity. JJ Chalmers and Alex Jones host proceedings for this first day, which includes the opening ceremony and some truly remarkable athletics.

The Ten Commandments - 2pm, Channel 5

There are few better times to watch The Ten Commandments than Easter, so it's no surprise that Cecil B DeMille's religious epic gets a network airing every year. Screen legend Charlton Heston stars as Moses in this adaptation of the Book of Exodus, which has gone down in Hollywood history as the very definition of a movie epic – featuring over 14,000 extras and one of the largest exterior sets ever made.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey. 

]]> What's on TV on Easter Saturday? From Britain's Got Talent to FA Cup football https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-saturday-16th-april/ Sat, 16 Apr 2022 05:00:47 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/easter-tv-guide-saturday-16th-april/ Here's what to watch while you sneak in an early Easter egg. We may be at the day between hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, but just because there's no traditional food this Easter Saturday doesn't mean there's not great telly.

Saturday teatime has long been a primetime period in the British TV schedule, and a bank holiday weekend just means extra helpings of all our favourite entertainment shows.

So from celebrity gameshow specials to the grand return of Britain's Got Talent and a highly contested FA Cup rematch, here's what to watch on Easter Saturday.

What's on TV on Easter Saturday?

Britain's Got Talent - 8pm, ITV

After nearly two years off our screens and a virtual audience in the 2020 finals, Britain's Got Talent comes roaring back with the return of a live crowd, head judge Simon Cowell and plenty of contestants, ranging from the weird to the wonderful.

Expect the level of talent to be particularly high this year – Ant and Dec pressed their golden buzzer after only three days of auditions!

Killing Eve - 9:15pm, BBC One

Killing Eve reached its conclusion on BBC iPlayer some time ago, but now terrestrial viewers have a chance to catch this penultimate episode before the show meets the same fate as Villanelle's many victims. This episode sees Carolyn decode the message she and Eve intercepted, while Villanelle is in pursuit of the Twelve assassin who shot her – who turns out to be a nasty piece of work.

FA Cup Football - 11:30am, BBC One

A four-day weekend is good enough news already but throw in some FA Cup-quality football and sports fans have twice the reason to celebrate. All four semi-finals are free-to-air this weekend with BBC One kicking off proceedings with a double bill. First up West Ham Women will be taking on Manchester City Women at 12:15pm, with their male counterparts playing at 3:30pm as Manchester City challenge Liverpool – less than a week after their Premier League draw.

Romeo & Duet - 7pm, ITV

Fresh off her exit from Strictly Come Dancing and her first series as a judge on Dancing on Ice, Oti Mabuse continues her meteoric rise by presenting this new dating show with a twist.

Romeo & Duet sees singing singletons attempt to use their voice alone to impress potential partners – who can hear but not see them – with successful couples whisked away on a duet date to rehearse singing together. Couples will then return to the show to perform as a pair, with the audience deciding which twosome wins a second date.

Easter from King's - 6:20pm, BBC Two

For some television harking back to the more traditional meaning of Easter, look no further than the annual Easter music and readings from the chapel of King's College, Cambridge. Directed by Daniel Hyde, the world-famous choir will be singing choral music such as Ave Verum Corpus, God So Loved the World and Greater Love Hath No Man, while soprano Anita Monserrat will give a special performance of I Know That My Redeemer Liveth.

Celebrity Mastermind, The Wall Versus Celebrities, Pointless Celebrities - from 6:30pm, BBC One

A bank holiday weekend means celebrity editions of all your favourite gameshows, and BBC One has lined up a trifecta of starry specials starting from 6:30pm. First up Pat Nevin, Anna Nightingale, Tom Malone Jr. and Roo Irvine take their spot in the famous black chair in Celebrity Mastermind, while superstar celebrity couple Martin and Shirlie Kemp join Danny Dyer to take on The Wall at 7pm.

Finally at 7:50pm Janette Manrara, Karen Hauer, Patsy Kensit and Edwina Currie will be amongst the celebrities looking for pointless answers with Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman.

Captain Marvel - 9:25pm, Channel 4

Marvel's ode to '90s action movies makes for perfect Easter Saturday evening entertainment, following extraterrestrial warrior Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) as she teams up with SHIELD agent Nick Fury (a de-aged Samuel L. Jackson) to end an intergalactic war. Look out for a little Monica Rambeau – the character is set to return in the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey. 

]]> New on Disney Plus UK April 2022 – every new film and show this month https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/disney-plus-april-2022-releases/ Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:41:45 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/disney-plus-april-2022-releases/ Marvel's latest hero continues his debut journey and titans of the reality genre arrive. Disney Plus hasn't had a new Marvel Studios series to shout about for quite some time as the streamer opted quite wisely to give Spider-Man: No Way Home some breathing space.

However, in April, the comic book franchise will once again be delivering weekly appointment viewing as Oscar Isaac's Moon Knight series hits its stride.

Inspired by one of Marvel's most offbeat heroes, the show follows a man suffering from dissociative identity disorder, who is empowered by an ancient Egyptian god.

If you prefer reality to fantasy, Disney Plus also has you covered as the UK home to The Kardashians, a new reality series exploring the lives of the influencer family.

The project came about after their surprise decision to end their long-running show on cable network E!, in favour of a lucrative new deal with US streaming service Hulu (part of the Disney empire).

Other highlights include the final episode of long-running sci-fi drama The Walking Dead and a trio of documentaries launching to celebrate Earth Day, including the latest offering from Disneynature.

Read on for more information on what's coming to Disney Plus in April 2022.

Friday 1st April

Better Nate Than Ever (2022): Family comedy about a Pittsburgh schoolboy who runs away to New York City with his friend. Together, they plan to bag a role on Broadway after being shut out of the school play.

Monday 4th April

The Walking Dead season 11 episode 15: The final season of the post-apocalyptic drama continues.

Wednesday 6th April

Moon Knight episode 2: The second instalment in the Marvel Studios miniseries starring Oscar Isaac as a superhero with dissociative identity disorder.

Queens episode 12: There's more drama from Nasty Girl Records, as Valeria pursues a career as a single artist and Eric confronts his ex-wife.

Our Kind of People episode 8: In this episode, Angela attempts to help her sister's marital problems, while Nikki and Nate try to improve their relationship.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder episode 8: The latest episode of the animated comedy series.

Monday 11th April

The Walking Dead season 11 episode 16 – finale: See how the saga ends in the last episode of the long-running zombie drama.

Wednesday 13th April

Moon Knight episode 3: The latest entry in Oscar Isaac's Marvel series, which is being kept under wraps for now.

Ice Age: Scrat Tales: A series of animated shorts featuring the spectacularly unfortunate saber-toothed squirrel from the popular children's franchise.

Queens episode 13 – finale: The musical drama, which is yet to be renewed by US broadcaster ABC, concludes its first season.

Our Kind of People episode 9: Angela receives some devastating news, which prompts her to take action to secure her future.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder episode 9: The animated series continues.

Thursday 14th April

The Kardashians episode 1: The hugely popular showbiz family launch an all-new reality series, which takes viewers behind the scenes of their glamorous lifestyle.

Wednesday 20th April

Moon Knight episode 4: Oscar Isaac returns for another entry in the troubled hero's trippy origin story.

Our Kind of People episode 10: Raymond finds himself in a tough spot, as he attempts to manoeuvre Jack's shares away from Teddy as well as keep Olivia out of trouble with the cops.

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder episode 10 – finale: The family series caps off its first revived season.

Thursday 23rd April

The Kardashians episode 2: More drama from the wealthy family.

Friday 22nd April: Earth Day

Disneynature's Polar Bear: One-off nature documentary narrated by Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener, following the journey of a polar bear and her cub.

Explorer: The Last Tepui: National Geographic presents this one-hour documentary, which follows a group of experienced climbers as they journey into the Amazon jungle and attempt to climb a terrifying 1000 feet sheer cliff.

The Biggest Little Farm: The Return: Factual special focusing on John and Molly Chester, who left behind busy lives in Los Angeles to start fresh on a barren farm in Ventura County.

Wednesday 27th April

Moon Knight episode 5: The penultimate episode of Oscar Isaac's much-anticipated Marvel Studios series.

Our Kind of People episode 11: Teddy gives Angela an ultimatum and Aunt Piggy is left reeling by the shock return of a familiar face.

Thursday 28th April

The Kardashians episode 3: The new reality series continues.

Check out our Streaming Hub for more recommendations on what to watch, or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. 

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey. 

]]> New on Disney Plus UK March 2022 – every new film and show this month https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/disney-plus-uk-march-2022/ Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:48:58 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/disney-plus-uk-march-2022/ The MCU gets a little bigger and West Side Story dances its way onto the streamer this month. Disney Plus continues to heap dozens of new releases and classic content onto the UK service, and March looks set to be a particularly busy month.

While popular shows like Pam & Tommy and The Walking Dead continue to debut episodes weekly, new arrivals include Amanda Seyfried’s series The Dropout about Elizabeth Holmes, and Moon Knight, the latest and much-anticipated new entry in the MCU, starring Oscar Isaac.

Big new films are dropping too, including Oscar contenders West Side Story and Nightmare Alley, and Turning Red, the latest Pixar film to undoubtedly make us cry our eyes out.

Films from the Disney library set to debut on the streamer meanwhile include The King’s Speech, X-Men: First Class, and a whole lot from the Alien franchise.

It’s going to be a busy month for subscribers, so make sure to read on for the full list of titles coming to Disney Plus this March.

• Sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 for a year

Wednesday 2nd March

West Side Story Fresh off a Best Picture nomination at this year’s upcoming. Oscars, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of this classic musical is now hitting Disney Plus

Outrun by Running Man Season 1 A spin-off of South Korean variety show Running Man, where the cast participate in an array of games and challenges

Broken Karaoke Season 1 A series of animated shorts in which Disney Channel characters sing parodies of iconic pop songs

Single Parents Season 1-2 An ensemble comedy about a group of single parents starring Taran Killam and Leighton Meester

Cosmos: Possible Worlds Season 1 Documentary series that follows previous Cosmos series and is presented by Neil deGrasse Tyson

Rudolph’s Bakery Season 4-5 Baking show following master chef and baker Rudolph van Veen

Lost Treasures of Egypt Season 1 The second season of this documentary series is already available on Disney Plus, and both follow archaeologists hunting for and examining Egypt’s lost treasures

The Cleveland Show Season 4 The final season of this Family Guy spin-off following the exploits of Cleveland Brown and his new family

Pam & Tommy Season 1 Episode 7

Queens Season 1 Episode 8

The Wonder Years Episode 10

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 1 Episode 3

Bob’s Burgers Season 12 Episode 4

The Resident Season 5 Episode 7

Our Kind of People Episode 3

Mickey Mouse Funhouse Season 1 Episode 8-11

Thursday 3rd March

The Dropout Episode 1-3 This drama is based on the shocking true story of Elizabeth Holmes, the world’s youngest self-made billionaire and founder of Theranos. Starring Amanda Seyfried.

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Friday 4th March

Fresh This 18+ film follows Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Noa, who meets Steve played by Sebastian Stan and starts up a romance. However, when Noa goes away with Steve for a romantic weekend, she finds he has some unusual appetites.

X-Men: First Class (2011) Superhero prequel following the early friendship of a young Professor X and Magneto. Starring James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender

I Give It A Year (2013) British rom-com about the married life of Nat and Josh, played by Rose Byrne and Rafe Spall

The Mercy (2017) Biopic about the failed attempt by an English business to complete the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968. Starring Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) Tense Cold War spy thriller based on the novel by John le Carré and starring Gary Oldman

The Sense of an Ending (2017) Mystery drama film based on the novel by Julian Barnes and starring Jim Broadbent and Charlotte Rampling

Calvary (2014) Dark drama starring Brendan Gleeson as a priest whose life is threatened during a confession by an unknown parishioner

An Education (2009) Coming-of-age drama about a schoolgirl, played by Carey Mulligan, who is seduced by a charming conman, played by Peter Sarsgaard

I, Daniel Blake (2016) Drama directed by Ken Loach about a man struggling to navigate the UK’s benefits system, and a struggling single mother he befriends through the process

The King's Speech (2010) Oscar winning historical drama starring Colin Firth as King George VI, who has lessons to control his stammer

Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010) The first in the series, this comedy follows the adventures of young Greg Heffley as he attempts to gain popularity

World’s Biggest Great White? A national geographic documentary about a diving expedition which got more than they bargained for when they come across a great white off the coast of Oahu

Flooded Tombs of the Nile A national geographic documentary about a team of archaeologists who dive into a flooded pyramid to search for a king’s burial

Women of Impact: Changing the World National Geographic explores the stories of the women who are changing the world, from household names to rising stars

Monday 7th March

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 11

Wednesday 9th March

Week-end Family Season 1 A French language series about the lives of a new stepfamily that meets up each weekend

The Great North Season 2 Episode 1-3 Animated sitcom about a family living in Alaska, starring Nick Offerman and Jenny Slate

Gathering Storm Season 1 An immersive series filmed by people whose daily lives are affected by the worst weather imaginable

Jungle Animal Rescue Season 1 Documentary about a team of conservationists and vets in India

Emergence Season 1 Mystery thriller about a police chief who takes in a girl, found at the site of an accident, with no memory of who she is or what happened to her

Pam & Tommy Season 1 Episode 8

Queens Season 1 Episode 9

The Wonder Years Episode 11

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 1 Episode 4

Muppet Babies Season 3 Episode 22-26

The Resident Season 5 Episode 8

Our Kind of People Episode 4

Bob’s Burgers Season 12 Episode 5

Thursday 10th March

The Dropout Episode 4

This Is Us Season 6 Episode 7

Friday 11th March

Turning Red Pixar’s latest is streaming exclusively on Disney Plus, and tells the story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old who finds that whenever she gets too excited she turns into a giant red panda

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Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red A documentary about the all-woman team at the helm of Turning Red

The Hidden Kingdoms of China National Geographic series documenting secret wilds of China

Man Up (2015) Romantic comedy starring Lake Bell as a woman who is mistaken for a man’s blind date and decides to play along. Also starring Simon Pegg

Mindhorn (2016) Independent comedy film executive produced by Ridley Scott and Steve Coogan, about a television actor who is mistaken for his detective character by a real-life criminal

Our Kind of Traitor (2016) Spy thriller based on John le Carré’s novel and starring Ewan McGregor and Naomie Harris

Swallows and Amazons (2016) Family adventure based on the 1930 novel, starring Andrew Scott, Rafe Spall and Kelly Macdonald

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) Romantic drama about a writer in London who exchanges letters with a resident of Guernsey, soon after that island was under German occupation during World War Two. Starring Lily James

Monday 14th March

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 11

Wednesday 16th March

Nightmare Alley (2022) Best Picture nominated psychological thriller, directed by Guillermo del Toro and starring Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett

Jonge Garde Season 1-2 Dutch series about six students attending an exclusive culinary academy

Grey’s Anatomy Season 17 The longest-running primetime medical drama returns for its 17th season, following Ellen Pompeo’s Dr Meredith Grey

Beyond Magic with DMC Season 1 National Geographic series following magician Drummond Money-Coutts

X-Ray Earth Season 1 Docuseries exploring Earth as it’s never been seen before, by using cutting tools to travel deep into its crust

Wild Nordic Season 1 Docuseries exploring the forests and landscapes of Norway, Finland and Sweden

Queens Season 1 Episode 10

The Wonder Years Episode 12

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 1 Episode 5

The Great North Season 2 Episode 4

The Resident Season 5 Episode 9

Our Kind of People Episode 5

Muppet Babies Season 3 Episode 27-30

Rudolph’s Bakery Season 6

Spidey and His Amazing Friends Season 1 Episode 13-17

Thursday 17th March

The Dropout Episode 5

This Is Us Season 6 Episode 8

Friday 18th March

Cheaper by the Dozen A reimagining of the 2003 family film, this time starring Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff

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More Than Robots Follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for an international robotics competition

Mr Holmes (2015) An ageing Sherlock Holmes struggles to recall the details of his final case in this drama starring Sir Ian McKellen and Laura Linney

Song for Marion (2012) Film about an old man who joins a choir as per his late wife’s wishes, helping him to repair his relationship with his son. Starring Terence Stamp and Gemma Arterton

The Woman in Black (2012) Daniel Radcliffe stars in this adaptation of the classic ghost story

The Woman in Black: Angel of Death (2014) This sequel stars Phoebe Fox and Jeremy Irvine, and is set during World War Two

Alien Iconic science-fiction horror from Ridley Scott and starring Sigourney Weaver, from which a franchise was born

Alien 3 Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley crash lands on a planet housing a penal colony, filled with violent inmates. Also starring Charles Dance and Paul McGann

Alien Resurrection Set 200 years after Alien 3, a clone of Ripley teams up with Winona Ryder’s Annalee Call on a ship filled with aliens and heading to Earth

Alien Vs Predator Before the MCU came along, the biggest ever crossover came in the form of AvP, a film which sees the eponymous creatures face off

Aliens Vs Predator Requiem The aliens and predators continue to wreak havoc as they take each other on in this sequel

Alien: Covenant The latest film in the Alien franchise and a direct sequel to Prometheus sees Michael Fassbender return and more details of the Xenomorphs’ origins uncovered

Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes Documentary that follows the tragic story of NASA’s Challenger space shuttle which exploded just moments after lift-off

Lost on Everest A team of elite climbers set out to find a camera thought to have been lost by British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, when they disappeared on Mount Everest in 1924

Tuesday 22nd March

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 13

Wednesday 23rd March

The Eyes of Tammy Faye Jessica Chastain is Oscar-nominated for her role in this biopic about televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. Also starring Andrew Garfield

Parallels Season 1 A French-language series about four childhood friends who are left separated in parallel worlds and different timeframes after a mysterious event

Rise Up, Sing Out A series of musical animated shorts exploring race, culture and community, executive produced by Questlove

Car SOS Season 9 Tim and Fuzz return to find and restore more much-loved cars

Liar Season 1-2 Both seasons of this ITV thriller will be available on Disney Plus, starring Joanne Froggatt and Ioan Gruffudd

Alvin And The Chipmunks (2007) Live action/animation hybrid musical comedy starring Jason Lee and David Cross

Queens Season 1 Episode 11

The Wonder Years Episode 13

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 1 Episode 6

The Great North Season 2 Episode 5

The Resident Season 5 Episode 10

Our Kind of People Episode 6

Amphibia Season 3 Episode 6-9

Like Me! Season 1-2

Thursday 24th March

The Dropout Episode 6

This Is Us Season 6 Episode 9

Friday 25th March

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) Documentary film about the making of Olivia Rodrigo’s hit 2021 album

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The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse The second in a season of extended specials for animated series The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse

The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild The latest in the Ice Age series follows Buck played by Simon Pegg, as he re-teams with Crash and Eddie for another adventure

Quartet (2012) Comedy drama and the directorial debut of Dustin Hoffman, starring Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly as retired musicians

Seven Psychopaths (2012) Dark comedy starring Colin Farrell as a struggling screenwriter who inadvertently becomes involved in the Los Angeles criminal underworld

Tamara Drewe (2010) Gemma Arterton stars in this romantic comedy about a journalist who returns to her home town

The Love Punch (2013) Comedy starring Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson as a divorced couple who team up to recover their stolen pension money

The Proposal (2009) Romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock as an executive facing deportation from the US and Ryan Reynolds as her assistant who pretends to be her fiancé

Amelia (2009) Biopic about the life of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, starring Hilary Swank

Goal! Football drama about a young man from a rough background who is given the chance to trial for Newcastle United

The Aftermath (2019) Drama set in post-war Germany starring Keira Knightley and Jason Clarke as a British couple, who are tasked with rebuilding Hamburg. However, they will also be sharing the house with Alexander Skarsgård’s German widower and his troubled daughter

Rebuilding Paradise Documentary following the community in Paradise, California, as they attempt to rebuild their town after devastating wildfires

Buried Secrets of Cordoba An explorer joins archaeologists in using advanced technology to unearth the mysteries of Cordoba in this documentary

Tuesday 29th March

The Walking Dead Season 11 Episode 14

Wednesday 30th March

Moon Knight Season 1 Episode 1 The latest series from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Moon Knight follows Steven Grant, a gift shop employee who discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. Starring Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke.

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Knights of Castelcorvo Season 1 Italian fantasy series about four children who become the knights of Castelcorvo, facing challenges and puzzles along the way

Running Wild With Bear Grylls Season 6 The latest season of this survival series as Bear Grylls takes celebrities including Anthony Mackie, Terry Crews and Danny Trejo on his adventures

Siren Season 1-3 Fantasy drama following a siren who comes to a coastal town to look for her sister, who has been abducted

Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Animated/live action hybrid sequel starring Zachary Levi and David Cross, while Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate join the cast to voice the Chipettes

Queens Season 1 Episode 12

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder Season 1 Episode 7

The Great North Season 2 Episode 6

The Resident Season 5 Episode 11

Our Kind of People Episode 7

Minnie’s Bow-Toons: Party Palace Pals Season 1 Episode 13-20

Pet Seekers Season 1

Friday 31st March

The Dropout Episode 7

This Is Us Season 6 Episode 10

You can sign up to Disney Plus for £7.99 a month or £79.90 for a year now.

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our list of the best movies on Disney Plus and best shows on Disney Plus, or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey. 

]]> What's new on Netflix in March 2022 – all the shows and movies coming up https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/new-on-netflix-march-2022/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 15:40:38 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/new-on-netflix-march-2022/ The Adam Project, Top Boy season 2 and Bridgerton season 2 are all dropping in a packed month for the streamer. The Netflix schedule seems to ramp up year on year and this month it has a lot of new content (and some old favourites) heading our way.

It might no longer be starring Regé-Jean Page’s Duke of Hastings, but Bridgerton season 2 is still set to be an undeniable must-watch. The first season was viewed by a whopping 82 million households in its first 28 days on the streamer, but can season 2 once again break records?

Meanwhile, Top Boy returns for its second season on the streamer, or fourth if you include the original Channel 4 series, and Big Mouth is getting a brand-new (one would assume filthy) spin-off, Human Resources. The Last Kingdom is also set to air its fifth and final season.

New films landing on the platform include Ryan Reynolds’ latest sci-fi time travel epic, The Adam Project, and Windfall, a thriller starring Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother), Lily Collins (Emily in Paris) and Jesse Plemons (The Power of the Dog). Older films which will be available to stream include 2013’s romantic sci-fi Her, Spider-Man 2 and It: Chapter Two.

Read on for all you need to know about everything coming to Netflix this month.

Tuesday 1st March

Alive (1993) – Biopic starring Ethan Hawke about a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed into the Andes in 1972

Cujo (1983) – An adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel about a rabid and terrifying St. Bernard

Hell on the Border (2019) – Western and fictional retelling of the real-life first Black deputy US marshal west of the Mississippi river. Starring David Gyasi, Ron Perlman and Frank Grillo

Her (2013) – Romantic sci-fi starring Joaquin Phoenix as a man who falls in love with his artificially intelligent operating system

I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013) – Horror sequel to 2010’s remake

Love Is Color Blind (2021) – Filipino romantic-comedy about a woman who helps her best friend recover from an accident that took away his ability to see in colour

The Master (2012) – Paul Thomas Anderson’s Oscar-nominated psychological drama about a World War 2 veteran who joins a new religious movement

Three Days of the Condor (1975) – Political thriller about a CIA researcher whose co-workers are murdered, starring Robert Redford

Save the Last Dance (2001) – Teen dance film starring Julia Stiles

Spider-Man 2 (2004) – Tobey Maguire’s Spidey takes on Dr Octopus in the acclaimed comic-book movie sequel

The Guardians of Justice season 1 – Brand-new superhero satire, combining multiple animation styles

United (2011) – TV film about the tragic Munich air disaster and Manchester United’s Busby Babes, starring David Tennant

Worst Roommate Ever season 1 – Five-part true-crime documentary highlighting unsettling true stories about nightmare roommates. New from Blumhouse Television

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Wednesday 2nd March

Against the Ice (2022) – Netflix Original survival film starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Joe Cole about a real-life Danish expedition

Savage Rhythm season 1 – Spanish-language series about two dancers who clash on and off the dance floor

Thursday 3rd March

American Girl (2021) – Taiwanese drama that unfolds during the 2003 SARS outbreak

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe season 2 – Family-oriented CGI re-imagining of the 1983 series

Midnight at Pera Palace season 1 – Turkish drama about a young journalist who accidentally travels back in time

Power Rangers: Dino Fury season 2 – New season of the latest Power Rangers series

Surviving Paradise: A Family Tale (2022) – New nature documentary exploring the Okavango Delta, narrated by Regé-Jean Page

The Parisian Agency: Exclusive Properties season 2 – French reality series following a luxury property business

The Weekend Away (2022) – Netflix Original thriller starring Leighton Meester as a woman accused of killing her best friend on a weekend getaway in Croatia

Whindersson Nunes: My Own Show! (2022) – Brazilian stand-up special

Friday 4th March

Making Fun season 1 – Jimmy DiResta and his friends make pointless inventions thought up by kids

Lies and Deceit season 1 – Spanish remake of ITV thriller series Liar

Meskina (2022) – Dutch rom-com about a woman whose family desperately want her to couple up

Nightride (2021) – One-shot thriller about a dealer trying to pull off one last job in order to go straight

Pieces of Her season 1 – Brand-new drama starring Toni Collette as a woman who tries to piece together her mother’s dark past after a violent attack takes place in their small town

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The Invisible Thread (2022) – Italian film about the teenage son of two fathers making a documentary about them, until a plot twist occurs in his family

Saturday 5th March

August, Osage County (2013) – An all-star cast feature in this tragicomedy about a dysfunctional family

Sunday 6th March

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (2009) – Animated follow-up to 2007’s film

Rick and Morty season 5 – The latest season of the hit adult animated sci-fi

Tuesday 8th March

An Astrological Guide for Broken Hearts season 2 – Season 2 of the Italian romantic comedy series about a woman who befriends a charismatic astrology guru

Taylor Tomlinson: Look at You (2022) – Netflix Original stand-up special

Wednesday 9th March

Queer Eye: Germany season 1 – German spin-off of the popular American reality series

The Andy Warhol Diaries – Documentary series based on the famous pop artist’s diaries, from executive producer Ryan Murphy

The Bombardment (2022) – Danish film telling the story of a World War Two bombing mission that accidentally targeted a school

The Last Kingdom season 5 – The final season of the historical series based on The Saxon Stories

Thursday 10th March

Karma’s World season 2 – Children’s animated series produced by and starring Ludacris

Kotaro Lives Alone season 1 – Japanese anime series about a lonely little boy who moves into an apartment building on his own

Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania (2016) – Animated follow-up to the 2007 film, featuring the voices of WWE Superstars including John Cena and The Undertaker

Friday 11th March

17 Again (2009) – Comedy film starring Zac Efron and Matthew Perry about a 37-year-old man who becomes his 17-year-old self

Formula 1: Drive to Survive season 4 – The fourth season of the documentary series taking a look behind the scenes of Formula 1

Hail, Caesar! (2016) – A Coen brothers comedy about 1950s Hollywood starring George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson and more

Life After Death with Tyler Henry season 1 – A reality series about clairvoyant medium Tyler Henry

Once Upon a Time… Happily Never After season 1 – Spanish comedy about a couple who must find each other to break a spell on their town

The Adam Project (2022) – Ryan Reynolds and Mark Ruffalo team up as father and son in this time-travel sci-fi film. Also starring Jennifer Garner and Zoe Saldana

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Sunday 13th March

IT: Chapter Two (2019) – The final part of this modern remake of Stephen King’s IT, starring James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain

Tuesday 15th March

Catherine Cohen: The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous (2022) – Netflix Original stand-up special

Marilyn’s Eyes (2022) – Italian film about two people who meet at a mental institution and turn a fictional restaurant into reality

Untouchable (2011) – Multi-award-winning French comedy-drama which tells the true story of a wealthy aristocrat with quadriplegia who hires an ex-con as a caregiver

Team Zenko Go season 1 – Animated children’s series from DreamWorks

Wednesday 16th March

Heist: The Great Robbery of Brazil’s Central Bank season 1 – Brazilian true crime docuseries about thieves who stole 160 million reais in 2005

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives. (Limited Series) – A limited series from the executive producer of Tiger King, this docuseries tells the story of a celebrity vegan restaurateur who became a fugitive

Thursday 17th March

Rescued by Ruby (2022) – Starring Grant Gustin, this drama based on a true story explores the bond between a state trooper and a dog named Ruby

Friday 18th March

Alessandro Cattelan: One Simple Question season 1 – Italian talk-show series

Black Crab (2022) – Post-apocalyptic Swedish action-thriller starring Noomi Rapace as a soldier on a desperate mission

Cracow Monsters season 1 – Polish fantasy series about a young woman who joins a mysterious professor to investigate paranormal activity

Eternally Confused and Eager for Love season 1 – Indian comedy series about a lonely man in his twenties who is guided by an imaginary wizard in his quest for love

Human Resources season 1 – A Big Mouth spin-off that follows the former series’ collection of monsters in their workplace

Is It Cake? - Guessing game in which bakers are asked to create cakes that resemble everyday items

Light the Night part 3 – Mandarin drama about the red-light district in 1980s Taipei

Standing Up season 1 – French comedy series about four friends trying to make it in the world of stand-up

Top Boy season 4 – The long-awaited fourth season of the former-Channel 4 crime drama starring Ashley Walters

Windfall (2022) – A Netflix Original thriller film about a wealthy couple who interrupt someone robbing their holiday home. Starring Jason Segel, Lily Collins and Jesse Plemons

Without Saying Goodbye (2022) – A Spanish language romantic film about a chance encounter between two strangers in Peru

Young, Famous & African season 1 – A South African reality series following famed and affluent stars in Johannesburg

Thursday 24th March

Love Like the Falling Petals (2022) – Romantic Japanese drama about a photographer who falls in love with a hairstylist

Friday 25th March

Bridgerton season 2 – The Shonda Rhimes-produced international hit Bridgerton returns for its second season

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Transformers: Botbots season 1 – New animated Transformers series

Monday 28th March

Thermae Romae Novae season 1 – Anime series about an architect from ancient Rome who starts randomly surfacing in present-day Japan

Tuesday 29th March

Johnny Hallyday: Beyond Rock season 1 – A biographical French docuseries about rock and roll and pop singer Johnny Hallyday

Mighty Express season 6 – Canadian CGI children’s series

Check out our lists of the best series on Netflix and the best movies on Netflix, or see what else is on with our TV Guide.

The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now – subscribe now to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey. 

]]> Take our Radio Times Podcast survey for your chance to win! https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/radio-times-podcast-survey/ Mon, 07 Feb 2022 16:45:26 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/audio/podcasts/radio-times-podcast-survey/ Let us know your thoughts on the Radio Times Podcast for your chance to win one of five £100 Amazon vouchers. Take the survey now!

Each week on the Radio Times Podcast award-winning broadcaster and podcasting star Jane Garvey interviews the biggest names in entertainment from Ricky Gervais and David Tennant to Lin-Manuel Miranda and Martin Freeman.

Plus, our resident TV expert Rhianna Dhillon joins Jane to review the latest exciting offerings in the world of TV and film. The Radio Times team would like to ask you what you think about the Radio Times Podcast and about any other podcasts you may or may not listen to.

Are you an avid podcast listener? What podcasts do you listen to? How do you find out about podcasts and where do you listen? What do you want to hear from us?

Let us know in our survey and be in with a chance of winning prizes too!

The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes of your time and all UK residents who complete the survey will have an option to enter into a prize draw for a chance to win one of five £100 Amazon vouchers.

The questionnaire will be open until 11:59pm on Sunday 6th March 2022.

Take the survey now!

For full terms and conditions please click here.

Listen to past episodes of the Radio Times Podcast:

• The Winter Olympics Special of The Radio Times Podcast
• Ed Gamble joins Episode 20 of The Radio Times Podcast: listen now
• Martin Freeman joins Episode 19 of The Radio Times Podcast: listen now
• Ricky Gervais joins Episode 18 of The Radio Times Podcast: listen now
• Shazad Latif joins Episode 17 of The Radio Times Podcast: listen now

Visit our TV Guide to find something to watch tonight.

]]> The best TV shows on BritBox to watch now https://www.radiotimes.com/collections/the-best-tv-shows-on-britbox-to-watch-now/ Thu, 20 Jan 2022 13:34:05 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/collections/the-best-tv-shows-on-britbox-to-watch-now/ The streaming service boasts an impressive line-up of British television to choose from. BritBox continues to boost its catalogue of both old and new shows, with a raft of classic British content now available.

Not only does the platform house new series such as Sanditon, The Beast Must Die and Spitting Image, but it also has iconic titles such as The Thick of It, Downton Abbey and Gavin and Stacey available to watch at the click of a button, as well as exclusive content such as the third season of David Tennant and Michael Sheen's comedy Staged.

BritBox isn't stopping there either, as the service continues to add some of the best programmes to have been shown on BBC, ITV and Channel 4. It's a particularly strong library for lovers of crime series, whether you're a fan of Agatha Christie's Marple or Broadchurch.

However, with all these choices available it could be tricky sifting through them, taking up plenty of watching time with scrolling and deliberating.

That's where we come in. RadioTimes.com has compiled a list of some of the best of BritBox, meaning you can dive right in no matter whether you're feeling like a classic crime drama or an up-to-date comedy.

Read on for the best BritBox television picks from the RadioTimes.com staff, from Love Island to The State Within.

]]> What’s new on Netflix UK in July 2021 – all the shows and movies coming up https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/new-on-netflix-july-2021/ Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:10:11 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/new-on-netflix-july-2021/ From an entirely new horror film trilogy to the continuation of a classic 80s animated series, here's everything you can expect to arrive on Netflix this July. It's already July - which means sun, sea and sport, especially with Wimbledon 2021 and the Olympics 2021 taking place this month.

But if you want a break from the heat and potential disappointment from England, then Netflix will be your go-to for both box sets and box office hits.

From a streaming first with the release of all three Fear Street films to Kevin Smith's Masters of the Universe reboot to the return of hit originals such as Virgin River, there's certainly variety this month.

There are also several archive hits finally coming to the streaming service, with the chance to catch spin-off Hobbs & Shaw before you see Fast and Furious 9, as well as adult entertainment from Quentin Tarantino's Once upon a Time in Hollywood and cult horror Midsommar.

Or there's also an opportunity to watch all-time classic ET the Extra Terrestrial for the umpteenth time - tissues at the ready!

Read on for all our picks of Netflix’s July releases – and you can always catch up on the June releases also!

Thursday 1st July

Akira (1988) Classic cyberpunk anime movie about a biker with telekinetic powers

An American Girl: Saige Paints the Sky (2013) Family film with Jane Seymour about an aspiring nine-year-old art student

Assault on Precinct 13 (2005) A loose remake of John Carpenter's 1976 film about a police precinct under attack from a corrupt officer

Bridget Jones's Baby (2016) Comedy sequel, starring Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth, Patrick Dempsey, Emma Thompson and Sally Phillips

A Certain Magical Index: the Movie – the Miracle of Endymion (2013) Anime movie based on the light novels about super-powered students

Code Red (2013) Sci-fi horror about a Second World War chemical agent that awakens the dead

Coming to America (1988) Eddie Murphy stars as a bored African prince defies his father's plans for an arranged marriage and escapes to the USA to find a bride on his own terms

Could You Survive? season 1 True stories of narrow escapes presented by Creek Stewart

Crash Pad (2017) Comedy starring Domhnall Gleeson as a hopeless romantic looking for love with an older woman

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Ang Lee's tale of a warrior who resolves to hang up his sacred sword and live a life of peace - but the weapon is stolen

Dynasty Warriors (2021) Live-action adaptation of the fantasy video game series of the same name

ET the Extra Terrestrial (1982) Classic Spielberg sci-fi about a stranded alien who just wants to go home

Fly Away Home (1996) Family adventure based on a true story, starring Jeff Daniels, Anna Paquin and Dana Delany

Generation 56K season 1 Italian romcom series about a couple reminiscing about how the internet changed dating and their relationship for ever

Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? Arrow of the Orion (2019) Anime movie based on the light novels about the partnership of a newbie adventurer and a goddess

Jungle (2017) Daniel Radcliffe plays an Israeli adventure-seeker who is enticed off the tourist track and becomes lost in the dark heart of the jungles of Bolivia

The Land before Time XIV: Journey of the Brave (2016) Animated 80s dinosaurs Littlefoot and co return for a 14th film

LA’s Finest season 1 Bad Boys spin-off starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba

Masameer County season 1 Saudi Arabian animated comedy series

Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway (2021) Anime feature film based on the best-selling Japanese novels

My Hero Academia season 1 Hit anime series based on Kōhei Horikoshi's manga

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019) Second film spin-off to the hit anime series

Nacho Libre (2011) Jack Black stars as a portly Mexican friar working as a cook in an orphanage who adopts the guise of a masked wrestler

No Country for Old Men (2007) The Coen brothers' Oscar-winning crime thriller, starring Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Tommy Lee Jones, Kelly Macdonald and Woody Harrelson

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Classic romantic drama starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger

On the Job (2013) Filipino crime drama inspired by the real-life scandal that saw prison inmates temporarily released to carry out political executions

Pokemon Journeys: the Series - The latest instalment of the long-running anime series based on the videogames Pokemon Sword and Shield

Puss in Boots (2011) Animated comedy spin-off from the Shrek movies, with the voices of Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek

Quarantine Tales season 1 Indonesian anthology series from five different directors telling stories of life in the pandemic

Rainbow Rangers season 1 Children's animated series based on the popular toy line

The Serpent Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim star in this true crime drama about Charles Sobhraj's crimes in south-east Asia in the 1970s

The Snow Queen (1995) Animation starring Helen Mirren based on the beloved fairy tale

The Talented Mr Ripley (1999) Anthony Minghella's thriller, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cate Blanchett

Winx Club season 6 Children's animated series centred on the Alfea School for Fairies

Young Royals season 1 Swedish coming-of-age drama centred on the strong-minded prince attending a prestigious new boarding school

Friday 2nd July

The 8th Night (2021) South Korean mystery-thriller that sees a monk fight a malevolent spirit

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) The Rock and Jason Statham reprise their Fast & Furious roles in this high-octane spin-off

Fear Street Part 1: 1994 (2021) First film in Netflix's new trilogy based on RL Stine’s teen horror novels

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Mortal season 2 French drama about teenagers who make a deal to gain superpowers

Sunday 4th July

We the People season 1 Animated musical series produced by the Obamas that teaches rights and citizenship through song

Monday 5th July

Midsommar (2019) Black Widow's Florence Pugh stars in this well-received horror about a pagan cult

Split (2016) M Night Shyamalan's thriller, starring James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy and Betty Buckley

You Are My Spring season 1 Korean romantic drama following three residents of a building that becomes the site of a murder (episodes weekly)

Tuesday 6th July

Born to Be Wild season 1 Andrew Ucles presents this travel show set across three continents

I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson season 2 The offbeat comedy sketch show from the American comedian returns

Wednesday 7th July

Cat People season 1 Docuseries exploring dedicated cat owners

Dogs season 2 The perfect companion, Dogs celebrates the emotional bond between humans and their four-legged friends

Major Grom: Plague Doctor (2021) Russian action film based on the comic book of the same name

The Mire season 2 80s-set Polish thriller about the police's suspicious handling of a double murder

Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019) A fading actor and his stunt double attempt seek fame and success in Tarantino's 60s homage

This Little Love of Mine (2021) Australian indie about a workaholic lawyer who returns to her tropical island home

The War Next-Door season 1 Mexican comedy series about the clash of two family matriarchs

Thursday 8th July

Elize Matsunaga: Once upon a Crime Netflix true-crime documentary looking at the grisly 2012 murder that shocked Brazil

Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness season 1 CG series based on the hit videogame series following Leon Kennedy's investigation of an incident at the White House

Friday 9th July

Atypical season 4 The fourth and final season of Sam’s journey as he moves into an apartment and contemplates life after university

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Biohackers season 2 German thriller following medical student Mia Akerlund, and her research into the advanced technology of biohacking

The Cook of Castamar season 1 Spanish period drama based on the novel by Fernando J Múñez

Dora & the Lost City of Gold (2019) Live-action adaptation of the children's series starring Eva Longaria and Michael Peña

Fear Street Part 2: 1978 (2021) The second Fear Street film sees the residents of Camp Nightwing band together against a terrifying killer

Finding Hubby (2020) Nigerian romcom about three friends looking for love and happiness

How I Became a Superhero (2021) French sci-fi thriller about superheroes given the chance to become mere mortals

How to Become a Tyrant season 1 Documentary series looking at the world's worst dictators and their rise to power

Lee Su-geun: the Sense Coach (2021) Stand-up special from Korean comedy star Lee Su-geun

Virgin River season 3 Based on the bestselling books, Netflix’s smash hit returns for more romance in the remote Northern California town

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The Water Man (2020) Feel-good family drama directed by David Oyelowo

Saturday 10th July

Chicken Run (2000) Classic Aardman stop-motion animation following a cockerel who leads chickens in an escape from their evil owners

120 Beats Per Minute (2017) French drama about an advocacy group protesting the government and pharmaceutical companies in 1990s Paris

Outback Lockdown season 1 A Hollywood stuntwoman and a British chef attempt to survive Australia's unforgiving outback

Tuesday 13th July

Days of Destiny (2021) Nigerian sci-fi adventure following two teenage brothers who travel back in time

Naomi Osaka season 1 Sports documentary following the tennis superstar over two years as she explores her cultural roots and prepares for the Tokyo Olympics

Ridley Jones season 1 Animated children's series set in the Museum of Natural History

Wednesday 14th July

A Classic Horror Story (2021)  – Italian Horror Thriller following five carpoolers who find themselves lost in an endless forest following a crash.

Heist season 1 – True-crime docuseries about ordinary people who (nearly) got away with some of the biggest heists in history.

Private Network: Who Killed Manuel Buendia? (2021) – Documentary about the murder of Mexican journalist Manuel Buendia and the ties between politics and drug trafficking.

The Guide to the Perfect Family (2021) – French language comedy-drama about a Québec couple raising children under the pressure of a social media-obsessed society.

Thursday 15th July

A Perfect Fit (2021)  – Bali-set Rom-com about a fashion blogger who questions her engagement when she meets a gifted shoemaker.

BEASTARS season 2 – The anime series about anthropomorphic animals returns.

Last Men in Aleppo (2017) – Award-winning documentary documenting life in Aleppo during the Syrian Civil War.

Never Have I Ever season 2 – The coming-of-age comedy-drama about an Indian-American teenage girl returns, based on Mindy Kaling's own childhood.

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Friday 16th July

Crawl (2019) Horror starring Skins star Kaya Scodelario as a woman trapped in her flooding house during a hurricane

Fear Street Part 3: 1666 (2021) The final entry in Netflix's experimental Fear Street trilogy, which rewinds back to 1666 to explain the origin of the town's curse

Good Boys (2019) Coming-of-age comedy about three schoolchildren getting into misadventures on their way to a party, produced by Seth Rogen

Johnny Test A revival of the popular animated series about a boy and his genius sisters

Naomi Osaka Intimate three-part sports documentary following the tennis player over a two-year period

2 Weeks in Lagos (2019) Nigerian romance about an investment banker who defies his parent's marriage wishes

Saturday 17th July

Ali & The Queens (2021) – Indonesian family drama following teenager Ali as he travels to New York City in search of his estranged mother following the death of his father.

Wednesday 21st July

Chernobyl 1986 (2021) – Russian movie about a fireman who worked as a liquidator during the Chernobyl disaster.

Sanitation Day (2020) – Nigerian thriller following two detectives who must solve a murder before the crime scene is wiped clean.

Sexy Beasts season 1 – Dating show in which singletons wear elaborate makeup and prosthetics while looking for love.

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Too Hot to Handle – Brazil season 1– Brazillian edition of the reality series in which couples must live without sex.

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans (2021) –  Animated crossover between the Trollhunter series, 3 Below and Wizards from Guillermo del Toro.

Thursday 22nd July

9 to 5: The Story of a Movement (2020) – Documentary examining the impact of the women's rights organisation and the classic Dolly Parton film of the same name.

Cousins (2021) – New Zealand film following three Maori cousins over the decades after one is taken away and raised in an orphanage.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2020) – Anime about a shy boy who expresses himself through haiku and his summer with a bubbly but self-conscious girl.

Friday 23rd July

A Second Chance: Rivals! (2021) – After failing to qualify for the Australian Gymnastics Olympics team, a young girl starts coaching the next generation.

Bankrolled (2021) – Mexican comedy about two brothers who have to come up with a new social justice app.

Blood Red Sky (2021) – Action-horror about a young woman with a mysterious illness who intervenes when terrorists hijack a transatlantic flight.

Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021) – A special feature-length episode of the hit Korean zombie series.

Masters of the Universe: Revelation part 1 – A continuation of the original 80s series from Kevin Smith about He-Man's ongoing battle with Skeletor.

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Sky Rojo season 2 – Spanish drama from Money Heist creator Alex Pina following three women who run away from their pimp.

The Movies That Made Us season 2 – Return of the documentary series that charts the behind-the-scenes stories of classic films.

Monday 26th July

The Current War (2017) – A dramatisation of the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Shannon.

Tuesday 27th July

Mighty Express season 4 – Animated children's series about a team of trains.

Thursday 29th July

Resort to Love (2021) – Rom-com following a washed up singer who takes a gig at a swanky island resort -  where her ex-fiancé happens to be getting married.

Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy: Kingdom – The final chapter in the War For Cybertron trilogy.

Friday 30th July

Centaurworld season 1 – Children's animated series following a fearless war horse who is transported to a fantasy land.

Outer Banks season 2 – The hit teen mystery drama returns as the Pogues continue the search for the legendary treasure.

The Last Mercenary (2021) – Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in this French action-comedy as a former secret service agent who must save his son from false drug trafficking charges.

Check out our lists of the best series on Netflix and the best movies on Netflix, or see what else is on with our TV Guide.
Too much buffering? Improve your streaming game with the best broadband deals.

]]> Best TV shows in 2022: Top 22 series to look forward to this year https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-2022/ Wed, 12 Jan 2022 16:45:23 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/best-tv-shows-2022/ There's a lot of exciting telly to look forward to in the next 12 months. Despite the difficult times we live in as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing has been a constant: television.

2021 offered us further great television series, including the likes of Netflix behemoth Squid Game, HBO dynastic drama Succession, the return of Doctor Who, and - of course - RadioTimes.com's top show of the year: Channel 4 drama It's A Sin.

However, now 2022 has started in earnest, we think it best to look ahead to the huge new series to come our way.

Whether it is returning dramas such as gangster show Peaky Blinders and royal drama The Crown or fresh and new offerings in the schedules, we have you covered!

Read on for some of the Best TV shows in 2022 to look forward to.

Best TV shows in 2022

So, as we begin a brand new year, this means a brand new calendar of television series.

Here are some of the best returning and new series that we have to look forward to and do be sure to make a note of when to expect each of them to hit your screens.

Peaky Blinders season 6

Tommy Shelby and co return for what is set to be the final season of Steven Knight's hit Birmingham gangster drama – before a theatrically released film closes out the saga for good. Cillian Murphy’s character is set to go up against Sam Claflin’s Oswald Mosley once again, while we can also expect the return of Tom Hardy's Alfie Solomons, with Knight promising that Peaky Blinders will go out with “a bang”. New additions to the series include Boiling Point star Stephen Graham and Amber Anderson.

Peaky Blinders will premiere on BBC One in early 2022.

Sanditon season 2

Three years after the first season of this beloved Jane Austen adaptation aired – and following a large fan-led campaign to save it from cancellation – Sanditon will return for a second season this year, although without Theo James, who played the main love interest Sidney Parker in season one. The season will follow Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) as she returns to the titular seaside town of Sanditon and quickly becomes embroiled in another romantic entanglement.

Sanditon season 2 will be released on BritBox in March 2022.

Conversations with Friends

The first Sally Rooney adaptation to air on the BBC, Normal People, became one of the biggest TV hits of 2020, and so expectations are sky high for this TV version of the Irish novelist's debut Conversations with Friends. The cast includes debutant Alison Oliver as 21-year-old college student Frances and American Honey’s Sasha Lane as her best friend Bobbi – as their friendship sours when Frances becomes romantically involved with an older married man. The series also stars Girls actress Jemima Kirke and The Favourite star Joe Alwyn.

Conversations with Friends is coming soon to BBC Three.

The Gilded Age

The latest lavish period drama from Downton Abbey scribe Julian Fellowes, The Gilded Age focuses on the boom years of the 1880s in New York City and the conflicts between two wealthy families, in a tale of old versus new money. The all-star cast for the nine-part drama includes Carrie Coon, Taissa Farmiga, Cynthia Nixon, and Christine Baranski – so this certainly seems like a must-watch.

The Gilded Age is released on Sky Atlantic and NOW on 25th January 2022.

Happy Valley season 3

Few announcements in the world of TV in 2021 were greeted with as much excitement as the news that Sally Wainwright's superb drama series Happy Valley would finally be returning for a third run – more than five years after the second season. According to a synopsis, the season will follow a murder mystery that leads Sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) back to her old adversary, Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton) while there are new developments in her relationship with her grandson Ryan – who is now 16-years-old.

Happy Valley season 3 will air on BBC One in 2022.

Pam & Tommy

Lily James looks unrecognisable in promotional stills for this new eight-part drama, which sees her star as Pamela Anderson during the peak of the Baywatch star's '90s fame. Pam & Tommy follows the scandals and leaked sex tape that came to dominate her relationship with Motley Crew drummer Tommy Lee, played here by the MCU's Sebastian Stan.

Pam & Tommy premieres on Disney Plus UK on 2nd February 2022.

Derry Girls season 3

Lisa McGee's hugely popular sitcom Derry Girls returns for its third and final season – with star Nicola Coughlan previously teasing that the new run is "a lot more of an epic scale this time." The series will once again follow 16-year-old Erin and her eccentric friends and family in 1990s Northern Ireland during The Troubles, as they get up to all sorts of escapades and misadventures.

Derry Girls season 3 is coming to Channel 4 later in 2022.

The Crown season 5

At one point in time, season five was set to be the final season of The Crown – but that's no longer the case, with the hit royal drama having been renewed for a sixth run. Still, this will mark the beginning of the end as the cast completely changes for the third time in the show's run – with Imelda Staunton taking over from Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II – focusing on the events that transpired during the early '90s. Elizabeth Debicki will also take over from Emma Corrin as Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Crown season 5 will be released on Netflix in November 2022.

This Is Going to Hurt

Based on former junior doctor Adam Kay’s bestselling memoir of the same name, This Is Going to Hurt stars Ben Whishaw as a version of Adam as he deals with the highs, lows and gruelling 97-hour weeks that come with being a junior doctor. Harriet Walter and Alex Jennings are among the supporting cast, while the series also shows the effect that the tough job has on Adam's home life.

This Is Going to Hurt will be released on BBC One in early 2022.

Inside Man

A new Steven Moffat series would be exciting regardless of the cast, but the fact that the former Doctor Who showrunner is teaming up with David Tennant for his new show is particular cause for celebrations. The series – which also stars Lydia West, Stanley Tucci, and Dolly Wells – apparently follows a prisoner on death row in the US, a Vicar in a quiet English town, and a maths teacher trapped in a cellar, as they cross paths in the most unexpected way. Sounds intriguing...

Inside Man will be released on BBC One later in 2022.

Litvinenko

As ever, 2022 looks to be a busy year for David Tennant, and as well as starring in season 2 of Good Omens and the aforementioned Inside Man, he takes on the role of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko in this ITV true-crime drama from Lupin‘s George Kay. Litvinenko will follow Scotland Yard Officers as they spend 10 years trying to prove who was responsible for the title character's death.

Litvinenko will air on ITV later in 2022.

I Hate Suzie season 2

Secret Diary of a Call Girl writer Lucy Prebble reteamed with Billie Piper for one of the best new shows of 2020 – and now I Hate Suzie is returning for a second run. The season will pick up following events of the first run – which saw married actress Suzie Pickles deal with unwanted media attention after her phone is hacked and a compromising image is leaked online.

I Hate Suzie season 2 is coming to Sky and NOW in late 2022.

The Devil's Hour

Doctor Who alumni Peter Capaldi and Steven Moffat will reunite for The Devil's Hour, an intriguing new series for Amazon on which the latter serves as an executive producer. Described as a "mind-bending thriller", the six-part series follows a woman called Lucy, played by Jessica Raine, who wakes up with terrifying visions every night at exactly 3:33am – in the middle of the so-called Devil's Hour.

The Devil's Hour will be released on Amazon Prime Video later in 2022.

House of the Dragon

Three years after Game of Thrones ended in now notoriously divisive fashion, we're heading back to Westeros for this new series, the first of many mooted spin-offs based on George RR Martin's world. House of the Dragon tells the story of the Targaryen civil war which took place 300 years before the original series – with the impressive cast including Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, and Emma D'Arcy.

House of the Dragon will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW later in 2022.

Lord of the Rings

It's been a long time coming, but the highly-anticipated – and stunningly expensive – TV series of Lord of the Rings is finally arriving on Amazon this year. The series will not be telling the same story as the iconic Peter Jackson films from the early '00s, but rather will delve into an earlier period in JRR Tolkien’s monumentally large universe – with the cast including the likes of Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo and Joseph Mawle.

Lord of the Rings will premiere on Amazon Prime Video on Friday 2nd September 2022.

His Dark Materials season 3

The first two seasons of the BBC's adaptation of Philip Pullman's beloved His Dark Materials trilogy have more than lived up to the terrific source material, and so hopes are high that this final season will prove just as successful. Based on The Amber Spyglass, the final novel in the trilogy, the season sees Lyra and Will's journey go to magical and unpredictable places as they aim to finally work out the secrets of Dust.

His Dark Materials season 3 will air on BBC One later in 2022.

Gangs of London season 2

Gareth Evans' gangster series Gangs of London was a huge hit when it arrived on Sky in 2020, and now two years later it's back for a second run. The original season left on a major cliffhanger, with the fate of lead character Sean (Joe Cole) left unclear, so it will be very intriguing to see if he makes it into the second run alive.

Gangs of London will premiere on Sky and NOW later in 2022.

Bridgerton season 2

Few shows that have debuted in the past couple of years have made as much of a splash as Bridgerton, the romantic period drama romp based on Julia Quinn's bestselling novels. This time around, the drama will focus on the romance between Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and his potential bride Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) – with breakout star Regé-Jean Page absent from the cast list.

Bridgerton season 2 will be released on Netflix on Friday 25th March 2022.

Trigger Point

When you see Jed Mercurio's name attached to a crime drama, that's normally a sign that it's going to be worth watching – and the Line of Duty creator is producing this new ITV series, starring Vicky McClure as an ex-military bomb disposal operative. Trigger Point also stars Adrian Lester and has been described as “nail-biting” – promising to give viewers a real insight into counter-terrorism policing.

Trigger Point premieres on ITV on Sunday 23rd January 2022.

Obi-Wan Kenobi

There have been a few Star Wars series released on Disney Plus in recent years, but none have been quite as exciting as this one – which sees Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor reprise their roles from the prequel films after almost two decades. Obi-Wan Kenobi will follow the title character and Anakin Skywalker 10 years after the events of 2005’s Revenge of the Sith, with producer Kathleen Kennedy promising "the rematch of the century”.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is released on Disney Plus later in 2022.

She-Hulk

2021 gave us four brand new live-action MCU series on Disney Plus, and they just keep on coming this year – with another four new shows set to arrive throughout 2022. The pick of the bunch so far seems to be She-Hulk, which finds Orphan Black favourite Tatiana Maslany starring as Jennifer Walters, whose ordinary life as an accomplished lawyer is turned upside down when she gets an emergency blood transfusion from Bruce Banner.

She-Hulk will premiere on Disney Plus later in 2022.

The Last of Us

Video game adaptations for both the small screen and the big screen haven't always had the best reviews, but this new series looks set to be an exception. Boasting an impressive cast including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and some great talent behind the camera such as Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin and acclaimed Russian director Kantemir Balagov, everything seems aligned for this adaptation of the post-apocalyptic zombie game to be a mega-hit.

Also arriving in 2022

Other shows returning for their latest seasons include Good Omens, The Last Kingdom, McMafia, The Capture, World on Fire, Industry, Euphoria, Killing Eve and Sex Education.

Meanwhile, other brand new shows include Di Ray, Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities, Without Sin, Inventing Anna, The Dropout, Marriage, The Responder, Life After Life, The Midnight Club, and Rules of the Game.

Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out our TV Guide. 

]]> What's on TV on New Year's Day? https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/christmas-tv-guide-saturday-1st-january/ Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:00:12 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/what-to-watch-tv/christmas-tv-guide-saturday-1st-january/ It's a brand new year - but lots of old favourites are returning tonight. Christmas may have come and gone - but it has some serious competition from New Year's Day, which is airing some of the very best Christmas TV.

Plenty of TV heavyweights are getting into the seasonal spirit tonight, with Doctor Who, Taskmaster, Mrs Brown's Boys and The Great British Bake Off all kicking off 2022 with brand new specials.

Meanwhile a brand new series of outlandish guessing game The Masked Singer starts tonight, while those after a good old-fashioned thriller can catch Jamie Dornan in The Tourist. And for a nice easy watch after a long night, look no further than the Downton Abbey film!

Here are your first TV picks for 2022 - and happy new year!

Doctor Who: Eve of the Daleks – 7pm, BBC One

The Christmas break wouldn't be complete without a Doctor Who special - which is now returning in its now-usual New Year's Day slot. Joining Jodie Whittaker's Doctor are Aisling Bea (Home Sweet Home Alone), Adjani Salmon (Dreaming Whilst Black), Pauline McLynn (Father Ted) and, of course, Daleks!

New Year's always seemed a fitting setting for a timey-wimey Doctor Who adventure, especially with The Doctor and her friends seemingly stuck in a time loop - let's hope they escape in time for Jodie Whittaker's final two specials!

The Masked Singer - 7pm, ITV

As with last year, the bizarre part talent show, part guessing game returns during the festive period, with a whole host of new celebrities donning extravagant outfits and performing to Joel Dommett and the panel. The Masked Singer has already revealed the season 3 contestants - well their costumes at least - so get ready for another round of outlandish guesses, shock reveals and dodgy attempts to hide accents!

The Great Festive Bake Off - 7:40pm, Channel 4

After Christmas Day's It's A Sin special, it's time to welcome back some former bakers in The Great British Bake Off's annual reunion episode. Kim-Joy and Jon from series 9 and Hermine and Rowan from series 11 will be returning for three seasonal baking challenges - will we see Paul Hollywood in a festive mood when it comes to giving out handshakes?

Downton Abbey - 8:30pm, ITV

The well-received film spin-off finally gets its network premiere, fittingly airing on ITV where it ran for six series. The stakes are raised for this big-screen feature, with all sorts of commotion caused when the royal family descends upon the titular estate - along with an assassin...

Perfect for a rewatch ahead of the release of Downton Abbey: A New Era in March 2022.

The Tourist - 9pm, BBC One

Last year The Serpent was BBC One's big prestige drama launch - this year it's The Tourist, with Jamie Dornan headlining this intriguing mystery thriller.

The Tourist stars Dornan as a British man who is driven off the road in the Australian outback by a huge tank truck. When he wakes up, he has no idea who he is or why he is in Australia - but some shadowy figures pursuing him certainly do...

Taskmaster - 9pm, Channel 4

Last year's New Year's Treat saw Greg Davies and Alex Horne welcome several non-comedians to the iconic house for the first time, a format that worked so well it is being replicated for the 2022 special. Strictly Come Dancing‘s Claudia Winkleman, broadcaster Adrian Chiles, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, rapper and TV personality Lady Leshurr, and former Cabinet minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi are the celebrities set to take part in ridiculous challenges in this one-off - in front of a live audience for the first time in three seasons.

Mrs Brown's Boys - 10pm, BBC One

Following a Halloween and Christmas special, holidays now seem synonymous with a visit to Mrs. Brown's. This New Year edition is titled Mammy’s Mickey, and sees the titular Uncle Mickey visit Grandad in the hopes of getting him to invest in a South African gold mine. Obviously, everyone is suspicious - everyone except Grandad that is...

Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight. 

]]> The best TV box sets of 2021 to stream now https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/the-best-tv-box-sets-of-2021-to-stream-now/ Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:26:10 GMT https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/the-best-tv-box-sets-of-2021-to-stream-now/ The top TV shows to binge from 2021, from The Beatles: Get Back to Line of Duty The festive season is always a great time to catch up with some of the best shows of the year – and there's been no shortage of superb series to debut in 2021.

From documentaries like The Beatles: Get Back and Clarkson's Farm to brand-new dramas such as Mare of Easttown and It's a Sin, it's been another bumper year for television, with something for just about everyone to enjoy.

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There was also the latest series of Jed Mercurio's smash-hit crime drama Line of Duty – the finale of which proved a little divisive among fans – and the latest exceptional season of Jesse Armstrong's immensely acclaimed Succession, which continues to go from strength to strength.

And perhaps the biggest show of all was Netflix's huge South Korean break-out hit Squid Game, which became the most-watched series in the streamer's history and inspired all manners of Halloween costumes this year.

Read on for our pick of ten of the best box sets of 2021 - and how to watch them.

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