2 hours ago
1
Andor
(Disney+) It’s embarrassing to say about a product released by the Disney Corporation within the Star Wars brand, but it’s by far the most searing and narratively sound portrayal of the creep of totalitarianism I’ve seen on-screen in years. Airtight character work, pitch-perfect action and the ideal moment to tell an inherently political story about the hope of truth and resistance against an endless barrage of falsehoods and atrocities. Eoin, London
The Rehearsal
(Sky/Now) I’ve always been a fan of Nathan Fielder’s work but this show was incredible. The work and detail put into this was amazing. So many layers. So many hoops he had to jump through and then, the most incredible ending I’ve ever seen. I won’t spoil it. It has to be seen to be believed. Keith Miller, 57, Surrey
Pluribus
(Apple TV) Pluribus is another great show by Vince Gilligan. It completely overturns the theme of alien invasion, leading the viewer to ask philosophical questions about society, the concept of freedom and free will. Rhea Seehorn is phenomenal in carrying the entire series practically on her own shoulders. Fabio, Long Eaton
Blue Lights
(BBC One/iPlayer) My favourite show of the year is Blue Lights. This series was absolutely fantastic in its storytelling, with a cast of characters you really empathise with, even if they don’t always act in the best way. The tensions of being a police officer in Northern Ireland are portrayed really well, with a genuine sense of tension and dread at times. One of my favourite moments was after a character is stabbed and bleeding out through their femoral artery, a 999 paramedic talks the police officer through the steps to saving the officer’s life, then we get 10 seconds of that unnamed telephone emergency paramedic getting their next call and dealing with yet another life-threatening situation calmly and effectively. The show that makes you wonder why anyone would put themselves through this! Catherine O’Grady, 60, Coventry
Leonard and Hungry Paul
(BBC iPlayer) Leonard and Hungry Paul was a joy. I’d read Ronan Hession’s book and loved it dearly, so was fearful of this adaptation. Yet from the form of the storytelling to the characterisations, we saw Leonard and Hungry Paul realise their paths from grief and change, upending their norms. What might love and opportunity do for these friends? These two pass under our radar so how can Leonard hope that someone might love him in return? Will anyone appreciate how much he misses his mother? This series is perfect. The light, hope and dexterity of the storytelling is intact and honoured so carefully and beautifully. Bronnie Mayho, Hertfordshire
Heated Rivalry
(Coming to Sky on 10 January) Heated Rivalry has been the television event of the year, if not the decade. I haven’t ever been so invested and hyper-focused on a show before, and judging by the reactions on social media I am not alone. Watching the evolution of the two main actors – from the first casting announcement in the spring to overnight success – has been phenomenal. Episode four was possibly the best piece of television I have ever seen in my life. I had a visceral reaction to the final scene which left me sobbing, having felt every possible emotion within just a few minutes. Jacob Tierney is a legend and needs to be given an Emmy. Plus, there’s the portrayal of a successful autistic character on the screen, helping people feel seen like never before. Stephanie, UK
Paradise
An awe-inspiringly wonderful series that had me gripped from the start. You think you are in for a political thriller based in the White House, but it is so much more. Sadly it is almost impossible to write about without giving away the plot twists that make it so very good. Suffice to say those twists will astound and amaze you. Superb acting, particularly from Sterling K Brown, and sharp scripts make this a total pleasure to watch. Although the whole series is brilliantly done, episode seven – The Day – is possibly the best hour of television I have ever watched. Edge of your seat goes nowhere near describing its tension. I actually had to pause it halfway through to regain my composure and remind myself to breath. A truly outstanding episode in a brilliant series. And we will get season two in February. I can’t wait. Gary Chapman, retired, New Forest
The Death of Bunny Munro
(Sky/Now) The Death of Bunny Munro kept me gripped with its story about a sex-addicted salesman on the run with his young son. Combining moments of sadness with moments of hilarity, the show was a welcome relief at the end of a somewhat chaotic 2025. Matt Smith did not seem the obvious choice for the character of Bunny but he quickly won me over and proved himself charismatic and fully adept at playing both comedy and tragedy simultaneously. The show was brilliantly directed and the setting of Brighton was well captured. The show left me feeling melancholic but also pleased that in an era of self-censorship and extreme caution, a character like Bunny Munro can still be presented flaws and all. Khalid Peerbaccus, London
Slow Horses
(Apple TV) Great acting and a witty, clever script. Suspenseful and engaging, but still humanistic. I’d like to think that there are actual slow horses out there, fighting the good fight. Lynn Meng, New Jersey, USA
Dept Q
It is so lovely to see a book transported from its native land to Scotland, with love and care. The adaptation carries the spirit of the film beautifully. The cast are all superb and such incredible acting. I have watched the entire series twice and am saving it for a third viewing on Christmas Day. The baddies are truly awful and the goodies are deeply flawed. Gail, retired, Surbiton
Dying for Sex
(Disney+) What I loved so much about this show (and what left me in tears, contemplating my most intimate relationships romantic and otherwise) is that at face value it is a crude, nihilistic adventure of a woman quickly approaching her death on a quest for sexual satisfaction before she leaves the world. But what really struck me about the show was how her non-romantic relationships changed (and didn’t) with the news of her imminent death. Jenny Slate’s performance as the protagonist’s best friend was remarkable and left me wondering what type of friend I would be – or what type of friend I would need – in the case of my young, untimely journey towards the grim reaper. David, 30, Ithaca, New York, USA
The Pitt
(HBO Max – coming soon in the UK) The Pitt was my favourite, obviously. So realistic and timely. I have to watch it in small increments because it can be heartbreaking and stressful. The viewers are treated to real life situations that happen every day, sometimes too emotional to digest all at once. Jean Moore, 80, USA
Peacemaker
(HBO Max) Peacemaker season two took the character in a new direction and stopped being just a superhero show and more of a character study. We got to look at the effects of mental health, government over reach, systemic privilege and found family in very smart ways. Renee, Delaware, USA
