Amazon Studios<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Prime Video<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
From the moment an Ant-Man style supe exploded out of a man\u2019s *ahem*, it was clear this was going to be a big year for The Boys<\/span><\/a>. The show had upped the action, the vulgarity, the gruesome deaths and the searing satire. The\u00a0Boys<\/span>\u00a0has never been about subtlety, but by leaning into its unique brand of indulgent mayhem, this season became easily the best so far.<\/p>\n
Roaringly funny and with engaging character arcs for all its main players, season 3 also delivered an all-timer of an episode with Herogasm, a storyline which just shouldn\u2019t have worked on screen but which was grounded in character development and emotional stakes.<\/p>\n
Amongst the stellar cast, Chace Crawford\u2019s The Deep became a new comedic MVP and Antony Starr shone brighter than ever as the delightfully heinous Homelander. Following that chilling final scene, fans appetites are whetted for a fourth outing that is truly\u2026 diabolical. \u2013 James Hibbs<\/a>, Drama Writer<\/b><\/p>
29. Neighbours<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Channel 5\/Fremantle<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\n
In July 2022, we said (what we thought was a) goodbye to Neighbours after an astonishing 37 years. The Australian soap was brought to an end after failing to be recommissioned by Channel 5, prompting an unprecedented outpouring of love for the continuing drama.<\/p>\n
With the stage set, Neighbours announced a bunch of returning characters, including none other than Guy Pearce as Mike and Margot Robbie as Donna alongside Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan. More than just stunt returns (for the most part), Neighbours served up a satisfying ending which actually tied up a few loose ends and even reunited Mike and Plain Jane after decades. Not only that, but the longest running members of the cast served up arguably their best ever performances, with Jackie Woodburne in particular delivering a tear-jerker of a monologue.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the best news of all, though, is that Neighbours was saved by Amazon Freevee<\/a> off the back of the sheer outpouring of love and is returning in 2023. Warm up your vocal chords and get ready to belt out that iconic theme song all over again. \u2013 Helen Daly<\/a>, Associate Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
28. Heartstopper<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Netflix<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Netflix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
No other show has warmed the heart this year quite like Netflix\u2019s secondary school romance\u00a0 Heartstopper<\/span><\/a>. Based on the graphic novels of the same name<\/a> by Alice Oseman,\u00a0Heartstopper<\/span> tells the sweet love story of popular school rugby player Nick (Kit Connor) and thoughtful pupil Charlie (Joe Locke), as they both figure out their identity while moving through the most tumultuous years of their lives.<\/p>\n
Of course, much of this is par for the course for a teen drama, but to have such an eclectic mix of LGBTQ+ characters depicted in a British school feels so fresh and so inclusive, but is always depicted with honesty and spirit. Showing off such capable young talents as Connor and Locke themselves and co-star Yasmin Finney, it\u2019s little wonder that the show has won such a loyal and supportive fanbase \u2013 the second season cannot come fast enough. \u2013\u00a0Lewis Knight<\/a>, Trends Editor (SEO)<\/strong><\/p>\n
27. Stranger Things<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Netflix \u00a9 2022<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Netflix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
You may have been forgiven following a slightly underwhelming third season of Stranger Things<\/a> for not being as excited for the fourth outing of Netflix\u2019s flagship series. However, those who\u2019ve stuck by Eleven and the Hawkins gang were well rewarded for their patience, with not just the best season of Stranger Things, but one of the most ambitious, smart and gripping blockbuster events of the year.<\/p>\n
The stakes had never felt higher for the residents of Hawkins town, with the evil Vecna cruelly snatching vulnerable residents and feeding off their fear. Enter fragile Max (Sadie Sink). Sink\u2019s performance throughout was outstanding, offering a delicate nuance to a teenager going through a quite terrible time with her mental health, while also fighting for her life. In an already stand-out cast, Sink shone brighter than all.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s perhaps more impressive is just how much of a worldwide impact season 4 had, gaining more than critical acclaim \u2013 social media virality. Kate Bush\u2019s Running Up That Hill was propelled to the top of the charts with young viewers discovering the \u201980s icon for the first time. Metallica enjoyed a new found popularity thanks to unexpected heartthrob Eddie Munson\u2019s love of the band. In a world where it\u2019s hard to keep shows<\/span>\u00a0fresh and vibrant, the fact that Stranger Things is bigger and better than ever can only be a good thing for the future of\u00a0TV<\/span>.\u00a0\u2013 Helen Daly<\/a>, Associate Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
26. Slow Horses<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Apple<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Apple TV+<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
2022 was a strong year for Apple TV+ but amongst a packed roster of quality programming from the streamer, Slow Horses stood out as one of the most distinctive and addictive new series to debut this year.<\/p>\n
Adapted from the book series by Mick Herron, Slow Horses saw its slovenly and cynical protagonist Jackson Lamb brought vividly to life by Oscar winner Gary Oldman. Lamb leads a team of disgraced MI5 agents looking to redeem themselves, amongst them the brilliant but impulsive River Cartwright (Jack Lowden, ensuring his name should absolutely be in the running for the next 007<\/a> with an energetic, charismatic performance), with the two seasons released this year \u2013 shot back-to-back, allowing for the show\u2019s rapid return \u2013 seeing them go up against both external threats and internal mistrust.<\/p>\n
A gorgeously grubby, no-frills portrayal of espionage, Slow Horses feels like a natural successor to the BBC\u2019s Spooks<\/a> \u2013 like that show at its peak, this rookie series can deliver explosive action, but is buoyed by flawed characters portrayed by an exemplary cast.\u00a0\u2013 Morgan Jeffery<\/a>, Executive Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
25. The Traitors<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
BBC<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Sky<\/a> and BBC iPlayer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
With the realm of reality TV becoming increasingly overpopulated, a brand new show needs an extraordinarily fresh and addictive format to compete with the likes of Love Island<\/a>, Love Is Blind and all the other programmes with \u201clove\u201d in the title. While playing wink murder in a Scottish castle doesn\u2019t sound like a concept that could be a reality contender, The Traitors<\/span><\/a> quickly became a word-of-mouth TV triumph.<\/p>\n
Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, who shuns her Strictly persona to become a glam grim reaper in fingerless gloves, The\u00a0Traitors<\/span>\u00a0sees 22 contestants enter Ardross Castle with the hopes of finding the saboteurs among them before they\u2019re murdered (AKA eliminated) by the undercover double-crossers. This cat-and-mouse chase unsurprisingly descends into a Lord of the Flies situation thanks to the literal cloak and metaphorical dagger antics that play out \u2013 making The\u00a0Traitors<\/span> a mesmerising, moreish watch and arguably the best reality competition of the year. \u2013 Lauren Morris<\/a>, Entertainment and Factual Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n
24. Black Bird<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Apple<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Apple TV+<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
In the booming world of true crime dramas, it can often be hard for a series to cut through the noise. Black Bird, though, stood out from the crowd \u2013 not only exploring a chilling real-life case of deception, it\u2019s also a magnificent feat of slow and brilliantly sustained tension.<\/p>\n
Taron Egerton stars as high-flying drug dealer Jimmy Keene who faces a decade-long prison sentence. Even there, he remains the smooth-talking, popular inmate, but when the FBI approaches him with the chance of freedom, it\u2019s an offer that\u2019s too good to miss. The catch? Keene must befriend serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) and elicit a confession from him.<\/p>\n
Not only are both lead actors superb in this, but the Apple TV+ drama also explores our perception of seemingly \u201charmless\u201d characters, masculine ideals and morality in a haunting way that shouldn\u2019t be missed. \u2013 Morgan Cormack<\/a>, Drama Writer<\/strong><\/p>\n
23. Hacks<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Jake Giles Netter\/HBO Max<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Prime Video<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
The on-screen chemistry between Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder is Hacks<\/span>\u2019 secret sauce.<\/p>\n
The premise is nothing new: Smart plays a legendary comedian, Einbinder a down-on-her-luck comedy writer and opposites attract while the pair also learn that they have more in common than they initially thought. In the hands of lesser performers, the writing could have fallen flat, but there\u2019s a magnetism to their dynamic that keeps you pressing play, and not even because you\u2019re especially curious about how the latest complication will resolve itself, but simply because you enjoy their combined company.<\/p>\n
In a year which served up its fair share of anxiety-inducing telly, there was never a better time for\u00a0Hacks<\/span>.\u00a0\u2013 Abby Robinson<\/a>, Drama Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
22. The Staircase<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
HBO Max<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Sky<\/a> and NOW<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
The biggest question surrounding The Staircase when it debuted earlier this year was \u2013 why bother? The real-life case of Michael Peterson, convicted of murdering his wife Kathleen, had been chronicled so powerfully \u2013 and so exhaustively \u2013 by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade\u2019s superb documentary series that it really felt like there was little point in revisiting it.<\/p>\n
Happily, this HBO Max series \u2013 which, like de Lestrade\u2019s project, goes by the name The Staircase after the site of Kathleen\u2019s death \u2013 proved us all wrong. Packed with powerful performances, this eight-part series was arguably an even more personal examination of grief, mistrust and the US legal system than its predecessor. Did it sometimes stray from the truth in its dramatising of events? That accusation has certainly been levelled at the series \u2013 but again, exploring avenues that the documentary didn\u2019t is what made this version of The Staircase feel so vital and essential.<\/p>\n
Unflinching and intimate, with a stellar central turn from Colin Firth\u00a0as\u00a0Michael Peterson, The Staircase brought a fresh perspective to a story we thought we knew inside and out. \u2013 Morgan Jeffery, Executive Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
21. Peaky Blinders<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"""\"$ <\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
BBC\/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd\/Robert Viglasky<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Sky<\/a>, BBC iPlayer<\/a> and Netflix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
By order of the Peaky Blinders,<\/a> the BBC\u2019s hugely popular series drew to an end \u2013 but not without a bang. Time was running out for Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy) and his family, as it looked like the threat in America in his cousin Michael Gray, plus the growing danger of Oswald Mosely and his heinous views in the UK, and his devastating cancer diagnosis, would be just enough to finish him off.<\/p>\n
The final season would also be the first without Helen McCrory, who sadly died during the production, and Steven Knight had the unenviable task of paying tribute not just to the iconic Aunt Polly, but the titan of the entertainment industry herself. Needless to say, Knight\u2019s touching tribute completely nailed the entire sentiment of anyone who\u2019s ever loved McCrory and her work, showing the impact she had across the series, not just in one scene.<\/p>\n
The eventual conclusion was stunning. The increased pace of the series resulted in a breathless and thrilling ride, with Tommy\u2019s final moments on the BBC playing out with intrigue, suspense, and leaving just enough questions to keep us\u00a0more<\/i>\u00a0than excited for the highly-anticipated movie<\/a>. \u2013 Helen Daly, Associate Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you\u2019re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0 Streaming Guide<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Christmas double issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<\/strong>subscribe now<\/strong><\/a>. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the\u00a0<\/strong>Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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