The 33 best British TV shows of 2024, and where to watch them

Can British TV slow down for a second? This year has been a monster for must-see series out of the UK.

From the spectacular return of Doctor Who to the most talked-about show of the year, a third-season triumph, not one but two brilliant comedies about 18th-century outlaws, a series that makes us cry still thinking about it, the steamy return to the Ton, and the triumphant second chapter of our favourite all-women Muslim punk band, 2024’s TV offerings have been top tier.

Here’s the best British TV shows of 2024 and where you can watch them, both within the UK and outside it.

33. Shardlake

Based on C. J. Sansom’s novels, spanning the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, historical mystery series Shardlake was an unexpected delight this year. Mashable’s Belen Edwards described the series in her review as a “a (literally) old-school whodunnit. There’s nary a phone or a mention of DNA samples in sight, but there is still hardboiled case-cracking — with plenty of atmosphere and historical intrigue to boot.”

Set in Tudor England during the dissolution of the monasteries, the series sees Arthur Hughes (The Innocents) as titular barrister Matthew Shardlake, who lives with scoliosis and all the 16th century abuse that comes with it. He’s ordered by Thomas Cromwell (the illustrious Sean Bean), the king’s right hand, to investigate the murder of an emissary in the church of Saint Donatus, Scarnsea — where the monks are a little shady and politics is embedded in the very foundations. Anthony Boyle joins Hughes as Shardlake’s trusty (and handsome) sidekick Jack Barak, and this odd couple of detectives form the true heart of the show. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

How to watch: Shardlake is now streaming on Disney+.

32. Joan

Sophie Turner is an ’80s dream as British jewel thief Joan Hannington in Joan, a five-part series directed by Rain Dogs‘ Richard Laxton. Under threat due to her abusive, criminal boyfriend, Joan makes the brutal decision to place her beloved daughter Kelly in emergency custody and find temporary escape in London. Surrounded by blatant sexism and predatory male behaviour, and trying to make ends meet, she finds she’s got a gift for high-end, multiple-disguises-needed theft. Meeting antiques dealer Boisie (Frank Dillane, The Essex Serpent), Joan cannonballs into a suddenly glamorous-but-knife’s-edge life of crime — and somehow the IRA gets involved? Shoulder-padded to the nines in jaw-dropping costumes and many, many wigs, Turner gives an exceptional, genuinely moving performance, shimmering through extremely ’80s scenes bursting with The Pretenders, Soft Cell, Wham!, and enough hairspray to punch another hole in the ozone layer. — S.C.

How to watch: Joan is now streaming on ITVX in the UK and on BritBox in the U.S.

31. The Listeners

Rebecca Hall (Resurrection) yet again commands her lead in The Listeners, the BBC’s unsettling sci-fi thriller. Based on Jordan Tannahill’s novel about “The Hum” phenomenon with hypnotic direction from Janicza Bravo, The Listeners follows high school teacher Claire (Hall), who is gradually tormented by a low noise that no one else seems to be able to hear. Through her student Kyle (Ollie West), Claire finds she’s not alone in hearing this elusive noise, but their connection proves dangerous ground for a student and teacher. However, finding even more people who hear the humming means a lifeline for Claire, whose husband Paul (Prasanna Puwanarajah) and daughter Ashley (Mia Tharia) harshly dismiss her concerns. But what exactly is the hum? And is this group, led by Omar (Amr Waked) and his wife Jo (Gayle Rankin), really who they say they are, and is their means of creating a supportive community more sinister than it seems? And can you, too, hear a hum? — S.C.

How to watch: The Listeners is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. streaming dates TBC.

30. Blue Lights, Season 2

Thrilling Belfast-set BBC crime series Blue Lights returned with another intense season this year, and while it can’t quite beat the first season, it’s still a nail-biting ride. Written by Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, the series expertly unpacks the complexities of an under-resourced police force in Northern Ireland post-Troubles and all the grey areas within it. This season, the squad are recovering from their Season 1 dealings with the McIntyre crime family, a tense community, and the web of MI5 — only to be met with another sinister, violent force. Grace Ellis (House of the Dragon‘s Siân Brooke), and Tommy Foster (Nathan Braniff), Annie Conlon (The Dig‘s Katherine Devlin) are no longer rookie constables, sergeant Sandra Cliff (Andi Osho) ditches her desk for the field, shippers of Stevie (Martin McCann) and Grace were hooked, and there’s a new recruit Shane Bradley (Normal People‘s Frank Blake). And that finale had us all floored. — S.C.

How to watch: Blue Lights is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on BritBox in the U.S.

29. Sweetpea

One for the girls who’ve been bullied, who’ve made themselves small, and who’ve found they’ve got a knack for getting away with murder. Wait, what? That’s Rhiannon (Ella Purnell, Yellowjackets, Arcane, Fallout), an administrative assistant at a local newspaper who’s blatantly dismissed by the people in her life — her boss basically uses her as a coat rack, and her high school bully (Sense8‘s Nicôle Lecky) continues to make her life hell in adulthood. When Rhiannon loses her one champion, her father, and her life gets turned upside down, she reaches boiling point — and that list of people she’d like to kill becomes pretty doable. Purnell is superb, as Rhiannon initially seems to want the ground to swallow her up in scenes where others steal the air from the room, before turning that fear into murderous rage, relishing in her newfound empowerment.

“By actually being comfortable with herself, looking in the mirror and being okay with what she sees, with being messy and breaking the rules, that allows her the confidence that she’s been looking for,” Purnell told journalist Hanna Flint for Mashable. “No one over here is endorsing murder (but) watching a woman learn how to stand up for herself especially when she’s gone through so much and been treated so badly, it feels good.”

How to watch: Sweetpea is now streaming on NOW TV in the UK and on Starz in the U.S.

28. Trying, Season 4

Andy Wolton’s uplifting series Trying returned for a fourth season, digging into some deeper themes around death and identity all while keeping us afloat with comedy. A heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of starting a family, Trying has long been one of Apple TV+’s underrated gems. This season, eternal optimist Nikki and deadpan delight Jason (Esther Smith and Rafe Spall) help their kids navigate major questions about family, including question marks about Princess’ birth mother. Episode 2, entailing an old-fashioned date with Jim Broadbent as George, is a season highlight. — S.C.

How to watch: Trying Season 4 is now streaming on Apple TV+.

27. The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin

One of two tales of highway robbery in 18th-century England this year, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is as silly and fun as its lengthy name suggests. Based on the exploits of Essex brigand Dick Turpin (Noel Fielding in full Vince Noir mode), the series seizes on the fact that Turpin’s life was wildly romanticised after his death at 33 (by hanging, for horse theft) — then amps it up to 11. Rolling about the woods with his Essex Gang of misfits, Turpin takes on a peril of the week in Monty Python meets Our Flag Means Death meets The Mighty Boosh fashion. Throw in some cameos from Britain’s biggest comedians, with standout appearances by Tamsin Greig, Greg Davies, and Sex Education‘s Connor Swindells, and you’ve got a surreal, satisfying, history-adjacent adventure on your hands. — S.C.

How to watch: The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is now streaming on Apple TV+.

26. Renegade Nell

Proving that you can never have too many highwaymen on screen, the delightful Renegade Nell continues the trend set by The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin.

Created by Happy Valley‘s Sally Wainwright and starring Derry Girls‘ Louisa Harland, Renegade Nell delivers a new heroine to root for in Nell Jackson (Harland). Framed for murder by nobles, Nell and her sisters find themselves caught up in a life of crime, with all of 18th-century England fearing Nell as a notorious highway robber. Expect stunts to die for, historical adventure, and magic, courtesy of Nell’s guardian spirit Billy Bly (Ted Lasso‘s Nick Mohammed). Plus, Harland cements her star status with a performance that is as charming as it is badass. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

How to watch: Renegade Nell is now streaming on Disney+.

25. Big Boys, Season 2

Jack Rooke’s Big Boys returned for a second season this year, solidifying itself as one of the simultaneously sharpest and sweetest comedies on TV. Season 1 was a riotous introduction to these wonderful characters — Jack (Dylan Llewellyn, Derry Girls), Danny (Jon Pointing, Sweetpea), Corinne (Izuka Hoyle, Boiling Point), and Yemi (Olisa Odele, It’s a Sin) — whereas Season 2 moves them all into the bunker together for a second year at Brent Uni. The cast relish in their lived-in characters, effortlessly delivering Rooke’s heartfelt, hilarious script — and Season 2 gives plenty of wonderful moments to Camille Coduri and Harriet Webb as Jack’s mum and aunt. Each episode approaches major conversations about grief, mental health, sex, boundaries, and the future with hilarity, authenticity, and heart. This show makes you cry in the same moment it makes you crack up, and it’s a deeply special talent. However, the 2010s uni campus energy of this show is way too close to home for some Mashable editors. — S.C.

How to watch: Big Boys is now streaming on All4 in the UK and on Hulu in the U.S.

24. Big Mood

It’s officially the year of Nicola Coughlan, with both Bridgerton and Big Mood making this best-of list. The latter sees Coughlan in a brilliant pairing with It’s a Sin star Lydia West as two best friends in London who are navigating their thirties and all the social pressure that comes with it. Written by playwright Camilla Whitehill and directed by Rebecca Asher (Dead to Me, Grace and Frankie) Big Mood is a funny, moving, and superbly acted exploration of mental health and friendship, specifically through bipolar disorder and unprocessed grief. If you liked This Way Up, you might like Big Mood. — S.C.

How to watch: Big Mood is now streaming on All4 in the UK and Tubi in the U.S.

23. The Responder, Season 2

One of the best shows of 2022, Tony Schumacher’s tense, gritty police drama The Responder returned for a second season, bringing with it two of the best performances on TV this year. Martin Freeman continues his exceptional run as corner-cutting Liverpool cop Chris Carson, alongside superb Supacell star Adelayo Adedayo as his response team partner Rachel Hargreaves. As in the first season, Season 2 is a marathon of gray-area choices, with right and wrong thrown in the bin as the characters merely try to keep their heads above water. If you want to watch actors at the top of their game within a compelling drama that rattles the police procedural, this is it. — S.C.

How to watch: The Responder is streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on BritBox in the U.S.

22. Bridgerton, Season 3

First there was Daphne and the Duke. Then came Kate and Anthony and Queen Charlotte and George III. Now, with Season 3, Shondaland’s beloved adaptation of Julia Quinn’s romance novels brings us Penelope and Colin’s love story, the slowest-burn romance yet — she’s been burning for him since Season 1! It took traveling around the world for Colin Bridgerton to get a glow-up and realize what a great girl he had back home. Thankfully by the end of part one, he showed her his deep, probing affection in a carriage scene that left fans hot and bothered. 

Part two throws these lovers into each other’s arms and fresh drama. And we’re here for every moment, because Nicola Coughlan is our queen. Sure, there’s other plotlines this season, some spicy, some bewildering, and one involving a vegetarian who deserves better! But it’s Coughlan and her grace, her comedic timing, and her swoon-inducing charms that has made Bridgerton Season 3 among Netflix’s very best in 2024.* — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor

How to watch: Bridgerton Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

21. Ludwig

If you like your crime cryptic and cosy, Ludwig scratches the itch. Mark Brotherhood’s whodunnit follows professional puzzle-setter and identical twin John Taylor (Peep Show‘s David Mitchell), who is forced to impersonate his own detective brother after the latter suddenly goes missing. Along with the background mystery there’s also a new crime to solve each week, with John being forced to put aside his social awkwardness to bond with his partner DI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola, Landscapers), and employ his puzzle-solving skills to deftly wrap up a string of different murders. Expect a well-balanced mixture of mystery, comedy, and drama that’ll keep you hooked. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor

How to watch: Ludwig is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. release TBC.

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20. My Lady Jane

Why on Earth did My Lady Jane get the cancellation curse? Gemma Burgess’ flamboyant adaptation of Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, and Cynthia Hand’s novel series was binned by Amazon after just one season, despite being one of the best British TV shows of the year. The revisionist historical fantasy series sees Emily Bader in the revered role of Lady Jane Grey, England’s “Nine Days’ Queen,” a 17-year-old Protestant crowned after the death of her cousin Edward VI to stop a Catholic ascension, then executed at the Tower of London for treason.

Taking history as a comment, this series takes magical liberties with the facts — mainly, that humans are able to transform into animals, known as Ethians, and they’re deemed outsiders to humans without such a skill, known as Verity. “This fantastical take on the much-less-fun conflict between Protestants and Catholics that raged in England at the time sets up a tense political divide,” writes Meg Walters in her review for Mashable. Stacked with a great cast — Rob Brydon, Jim Broadbent, Anna Chancellor, Dominic Cooper, Edward Bluemel, Máiréad Tyers, Jordan Peters, and more — My Lady Jane rewrites history, ditching Lady Jane’s oft-woven “damsel in distress” tale in favour of a fierce heroine at the centre of lusty politics.

How to watch: My Lady Jane is now streaming on Prime Video.

19. Black Doves

Not content to let The Day of the Jackal take the assassin/spy thriller crown this year, Black Doves proved a festive gift. Created and written by Joe Barton (The Lazarus Project) and directed by Alex Gabassi (The Crown) and Lisa Gunning (The Power), Black Doves sees Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw having an absolute ball in covert operative mode. 

Working for a private espionage company, Knightley plays Helen, a spy who’s been undercover and married to defence secretary Wallace Webb (Broadchurch‘s Andrew Buchan) for years. When her secret flame, the Ministry of Justice’s Jason Davies (Bullet Train‘s Andrew Koji), turns up assassinated, Helen’s reunited with triggerman Sam (Ben Whishaw) to uncover answers, working with their spymaster Reed (Happy Valley‘s Sarah Lancashire). A twisty, action-fuelled thriller with electric performances, this six-episode series scraped in at the end of the year as one of 2024’s best. — S.C.

How to watch: Black Doves is now streaming on Netflix.

18. We Might Regret This

An underrated comedy gem of the year, Kyla Harris’ sharply written We Might Regret This should already be on your must-watch list. The six-episode BBC series sees Harris up front as Freya, a Canadian artist who is tetraplegic, and whose best friend Jo (Elena Saurel) becomes her personal assistant — and generally sucks at the job, but she’s trying. Harris and Saurel are understated, hilarious leads, completely unfiltered with each other, especially managing Freya’s day-to-day practicalities and their relationships with staid lawyer Abe (Darren Boyd) and his flighty son Levi (Edward Bluemel). At just six episodes and two more seasons on the way, We Might Regret This is a smart, funny, and brilliantly character-driven comedy that nobody involved will regret. — S.C.

How to watch: We Might Regret This is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. release TBC.

17. Queenie

Candice Carty-Williams’ popular and critically lauded novel Queenie came to TV this year, produced by Channel 4 and launched on Hulu in the U.S. with Disney’s Onyx Collective. Dionne Brown is sublime as the titular protagonist Queenie Jenkins, a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman who’s putting one foot in front of the other after a major breakup. Set in London, the series sees Queenie attempting to move on with her life through casual hookups while processing unresolved trauma and finding her way to self-love.

“Queenie is a realistic representation of a young woman just trying to figure things out. She makes viewers question how different from her we really are. Yes, she is a mess and can be annoying, but she’s also smart, funny, and all the things in between, and isn’t that something we can all be?” journalist Liv Facey writes for Mashable. “Queenie stresses the importance of portraying Black women in their complete complexity, including their messy sides. The series reminds us that we need more characters like her, whom we are forced to look at with nuance and connect on a deeper level — even if that comes with discomfort.” — S.C.

How to watch: Queenie is now streaming on All4 in the UK and Hulu in the U.S.

16. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Season 2

Thanks to the forging of the Great Rings, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power grew a whole lot darker in Season 2 — and the audience is all the luckier for it. Watching Sauron (Charlie Vickers) manipulate Elven smith Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) made for a tragic backbone to the whole season, which also saw the corruption of Khazad-dûm, new revelations about the Stranger (Daniel Weyman), and further political unrest on Númenor. And who can forget the Siege of Eregion, which went for broke in one of the best TV episodes of the year? Epic doesn’t even begin to describe it. — B.E.

How to watch: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video.

15. House of the Dragon, Season 2

Yes, OK, so the finale was deeply frustrating, but House of the Dragon Season 2 was still flying high for all the reasons that made its first season — and, indeed, Game of Thrones — great. Murky medieval politics? Check. Characters you love to hate? Check. Epic dragon-themed battles that make for truly memorable TV? Huge, fiery check. Season 2 took us deeper into the Dance of the Dragons written about in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, with the clash between Team Green and Team Black escalating towards full-scale war. Did we wish Season 2 had finished with a big battle? Yes, absolutely. But that’s not going to stop us from tuning into Season 3 to see how everything goes down. — S.H.

How to watch: House of the Dragon is now streaming on NOW TV in the UK and on Max in the U.S.

14. Mary and George

Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine scheme and seduce their way to the top in Mary and George, a period drama all about the heady pursuit of power. 

Moore plays Mary Villiers, a countess in Jacobean England who pushes her son George (Galitzine) to be King James VI and I’s (Tony Curran) new lover. Rival suitors and political opponents have it out for the Villiers family, and while George claims his feelings for James are real, there’s no doubt he and his mother are using the fragile king for their own gain. As Mary and George’s influence continues to grow, the series weaves an intoxicating web of sex, politics, and scandal — one that threatens to collapse around the Villiers as they sacrifice anything and anyone to get ahead.* — B.E.

How to watch: Mary and George is now streaming on Sky and NOW TV in the UK and on Starz in the U.S.

13. The Day of the Jackal

One of the best assassin thrillers TV’s seen in an age alongside Black Doves, The Day of the Jackal was a surefire hit this year. Eddie Redmayne is superb as a master assassin with all the gadgets, tricks, prosthetics, and turtleneck sweaters requisite of such a role. No Time to Die star Lashana Lynch comfortably strides back into the covert operative thriller game as MI6 sniper-hunting specialist Bianca, hot on Redmayne’s heels. Both Bianca and The Jackal find their personal and professional lives crumbling into each other as the stakes get higher and higher — turns out you cannot have it all.

Written and created by Ronan Bennett and based on Frederick Forsyth’s 1971 novel, the series wields all the political thriller cards — top secret conversations in official cars, sniper stakeouts, disguises — without feeling tired or well-trodden. It’s slick action with a truly Bond-like theme song by Celeste — what more could you want? — S.C.

How to watch: Day of the Jackal is now streaming on NOW TV in the UK and on Peacock in the U.S.

12. Heartstopper, Season 3

This year, Heartstopper grew up fast. Maintaining the show’s signature sweetness, the third season of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel adaptation matured in more ways than one, with hormones raging, university choices ahead, and the Paris crew navigating their first sexual experiences. But the show also went deeper into themes of identity and mental health among its core characters, with Joe Locke giving a standout performance conveying Charlie’s immensely challenging time with anorexia — a feat not every show achieves with compassion or nuance like this — and Kit Connor gently exploring the relatable sense of helplessness in supporting someone you love through hardship.* — S.C.

How to watch: Heartstopper Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.

11. 3 Body Problem

Sometimes you want a light comedy; other times, you want to lean into potentially world-ending existential terror. The latter is firmly on offer in 3 Body Problem, a sci-fi epic based on Cixin Liu’s trilogy and brought to the screen by Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and The Terror‘s Alexander Woo. The series tells the story of an alien race called the San-Ti, who have been forced to leave their home planet and are several hundred years away from landing on their new home: Earth. 3 Body Problem is impressive because it asks some pretty big questions of the universe while also creating a very human story about how people might react when faced with possible future extinction. Oh, and there are some sequences that will never leave your head — hello, episode 5. * — S.H.

How to watch: 3 Body Problem is now streaming on Netflix.

10. Wolf Hall

The BBC’s adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies has been a momentous chapter of TV this year, taking us back into the world of political chicanery in the court of King Henry VIII. Director Peter Kosminsky and writer Peter Straughan reunited for the continuation of the series, which tracks the rise of royal consigliere Thomas Cromwell, played by the legendary Mark Rylance. Damian Lewis is formidable as the Tudor king, with Claire Foy as Anne Boleyn and a mighty cast including Harriet Walter, Jonathan Pryce, Kate Phillips, Harry Melling, Timothy Spall, Lydia Leonard, Charlie Rowe, Alex Jennings, and more. This is the stuff British TV series dreams are made of, with Rylance reconnecting with his iconic role amid a world of intricate historical detail, costumes, sets, and production design. — S.C.

How to watch: Wolf Hall is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. streaming dates TBC.

9. Supacell

Showrunner, creator, and director Rapman’s Netflix series finally landed this year, and it’s a dynamite new approach to the superhero genre. Supacell sees five strangers in South London — Michael (Tosin Cole), Sabrina (Nadine Mills), Andre (Eric Kofi Abrefa), Rodney (Calvin Demba), and Tazer (Josh Tedeku) — who develop different superpowers, all while navigating the realism of everyday life. Some use their power to protect those they love (including an excellent Adelayo Adedayo as Michael’s girlfriend Dionne) or simply to put food on the table, while others crave power and respect. When Michael’s ability to travel through time gives him a glimpse at a terrible future, he needs to find and unite the five as sinister forces begin to circle. With deeply compelling performances, a tightly woven story, and some impressive visual effects deployed across London, Supacell shakes up the superpowers format with realism. — S.C.

How to watch: Supacell is now streaming on Netflix.

8. Mr Bates vs the Post Office

It’s not often a TV drama is powerful enough to make real-world change, but Mr Bates vs The Post Office — ITV’s dramatisation of the wrongful conviction of hundreds of sub-postmasters in the UK, whose lives were ruined after a faulty IT system led to them being accused of theft and false accounting –—snowballed in such a way that then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a new exoneration and compensation scheme for those affected. Beyond its real-world impact, Gwyneth Hughes’ and James Strong’s four-part drama is a heart-wrenching watch, bringing together a large group of characters struggling to fight back against a company that’s taken everything from them. — S.H.

How to watch: Mr Bates vs The Post Office is now streaming on ITVX in the UK and on PBS in the U.S.

7. Kaos

Pour a giant glass of Meander water out for Kaos.

The End of the F***ing World writer Charlie Covell’s covertly nerdy, overtly soapy Greek mythology-based series was unceremoniously canceled after one brilliant season, despite being one of the best Netflix shows of the year. With directors Georgi Banks-Davies and Runyararo Mapfumo at the helm, Kaos is a satisfying, dark interpretation of the Greek myths set in modern Krete. Thanks to flamboyant and meticulous performances from the stacked cast, detailed production design, and an immensely clever interweaving of several long-told stories, Kaos looked established for multiple seasons of Olympian-caused pandemonium. But alas, it’s done for now.* — S.C.

How to watch: Kaos is now streaming on Netflix.

6. Doctor Who, Season 14

Showrunner Russell T Davies returned to Doctor Who this season, bringing with him plenty of panache. Not only did he gift audiences the splendor of Ncuti Gatwa as the ever-charming Fifteenth Doctor and Millie Gibson as the irrepressible Ruby Sunday, he also offered thrilling guest stars, like Broadway’s Jonathan Groff as the dashing Rogue, Susan Twist as the season’s biggest mystery, and RuPaul’s Drag Race two-time champion Jinkx Monsoon as the melodic and maleficent baddie called Maestro.

Week after week, Davies and his company introduced compelling new creatures to the Whoniverse, like Bridgerton-obsessed bodysnatchers, while tapping into classic lore for fresh reveals. And with each new adventure, Davies presented a different flavor for fans established and brand new. So, “Space Babies” gave us a creepy yet silly monster-of-the-week fairy tale, while “Devil’s Chord” got boldly theatrical. Want a war story? A folk horror story? A Black Mirror episode? A period romance? No matter what kind of Who you hunger for, Davies kept the children fed in “the queerest season” the series has ever seen. And it’s been marvelous. —K.P.

How to watch: Doctor Who is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Disney+ in the U.S.

5. Rivals

Disney’s smouldering adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s classic novel pits former Olympic show jumper Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassall) against network boss Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) in a bitter upper class clash. A true TV highlight of the year, Rivals is one of those shows that does an excellent job of splicing comedy and romance with some fairly intense drama, weaving together a large tapestry of characters — Poldark‘s Aidan Turner is there as top TV interviewer Declan O’Hara, while Sex Education‘s Bella Maclean plays his conflicted daughter Taggie — while the main story still ticks along at an impressive pace. Brace for plenty of scheming, nudity and withering British comebacks. — S.H.

How to watch: Rivals is now streaming on Disney+ in the UK and on Hulu in the U.S.

4. We Are Lady Parts, Season 2

After three long years on hiatus, We Are Lady Parts is back with a second season that was well worth the wait. 

Created by Nida Manzoor, this sensational comedy series centers on Lady Parts, a punk band made up of Muslim women who are figuring out life, love, friendship, and faith in contemporary London. Between the setting and some familiar themes, Season 2 has echoes of Bridgerton, but with an irreverent sense of humor that is not only totally modern but also absolutely hilarious. Whether following wallflower guitarist Amina (Anjana Vasan), hard-headed frontwoman Saira (Sarah Kameela Impey), warm-hearted bassist Bisma (Faith Omole), mercurial drummer Ayesha (Juliette Motamed), or their ever-strategic manager Momtaz (Lucie Shorthouse), We Are Lady Parts rocks, peppered with playful punchlines, rapturous fantasy sequences, rousing musical numbers, and a cameo from the one-and-only Malala Yousafzai. Whether you’re new to this series or not, Season 2 is too good to be missed.* — K.P.

How to watch: We Are Lady Parts is now streaming on Channel 4 in the UK and Peacock in the U.S.

3. One Day

In February, we did a whole lot of TV-induced crying, as Netflix’s One Day broke our damn hearts. An ambitious, romantic, and fresh adaptation of David Nicholls’ novel, this impeccable, slow burn series gave the story more room to breathe than Lone Scherfig’s 2011 film. Following students Emma and Dex (magnetic, lived-in performances by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall) across decades of their complex friendship, One Day makes a cinematic epic of long-game love while unpacking the politics of privilege in relationships. Even hearing the name of the series will induce starry-eyed looks into the horizon and a palm to the heart.* — S.C.

How to watch: One Day is now streaming on Netflix.

2. Baby Reindeer

For better or worse, Baby Reindeer is a show that sticks with you: It’s amusing in parts, tense in others, and emotionally shattering overall. Based on creator Richard Gadd’s own experience of being stalked, the series follows the budding comedian (who plays a version of himself) as he balances career disappointment with his job in a London pub — until a woman named Martha (a brilliant and terrifying Jessica Gunning) comes in one day and develops an obsession with him. “This isn’t the type of show with a clear resolution,” I wrote in my review for Mashable. “It’s messy, thought-provoking, and — like a dream that’s difficult to shake — you’ll find your mind going back to it long after the credits have rolled.”* — S.H.

How to watch: Baby Reindeer is now streaming on Netflix.

1. Industry

For its first two seasons, Industry‘s cocktail of sex, drugs, and business earned it comparisons to Succession, Euphoria, and Skins. But in its third outing, Industry puts those comparisons to rest with its most ambitious season yet.

Co-creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay pull no punches in Season 3. Not only do we get new high-profile characters (played by the likes of Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington and Barry‘s Sarah Goldberg), we also get flashbacks, drug-induced visions, solo character episodes, and references to everything from Uncut Gems to period dramas. Somehow it all works, with the formal experimentation coming to resemble the high-risk, high-reward gains Pierpoint & Co.’s employees chase day after day. It’s thrilling to watch any show broaden its scope and take risks, but it’s even more thrilling to watch said risks succeed. That’s why Industry is the year’s most exhilarating — and of course, stressful — TV-viewing experience. — B.E.

How to watch: Industry is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Max in the U.S.

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