BBC\/Jack Barnes\/Kieron McCarron<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on BBC iPlayer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
What a year it\u2019s been in Walford, as EastEnders<\/a> has gone above and beyond to give viewers new and old something extraordinary to sink their teeth into. When Chris Clenshaw took over the reins to the Good Ship Queen Vic, none could expect the stratospheric levels he\u2019s taken EastEnders to. And now we\u2019re living in this period, it\u2019s simply divine.<\/p>\n
In February, the BBC soap introduced a flash-forward to Christmas Day containing a dead body and a secret killer, prompting a 10-month mystery and endless speculation over whodunnit. It\u2019s been an exemplary storyline<\/a> tying in lots of different strands, including hard-hitting issue-based stories, before all culminating in the soap home, the pub. Sisterhood and community are at the heart of the drama, which has been magnificent and soapy from the start to that oh-so-brilliant ending.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to believe that was only just one facet of EastEnders\u2019 fantastic output this year, too, with iconic (and presumed dead) character Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) making an almost surprise return to the Square, reinstating the Beales with her at the same time. On top of that, we\u2019ve had Lola\u2019s death, too, which deservedly won awards everywhere it was nominated. The talent on show night after night both on- and off-screen is remarkable, with young performers like Lillia Turner especially matching greats like Lacey Turner.<\/p>\n
One struggles to think of another year EastEnders has been this strong. In fact, it\u2019s difficult to think of a year a soap in general has flown this high. It\u2019s just what the genre needed after being dismissed by many \u2013 no other TV format will give you as much as this one does, and we\u2019re all richer for it. Soap is no longer a poor man\u2019s drama. The episodes put out this year are among the biggest and best episodes of TV you\u2019ll ever see. Don\u2019t underestimate<\/span> soaps ever again. \u2013 Helen Daly<\/a>, Associate Editor<\/strong><\/p>\n
9. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"Queen$ \n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Netflix<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on Netflix<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Shonda Rhimes\u2019s first spin-off in the Bridgerton universe is proof that a new series based around some of the original series\u2019s older characters can work very well. Queen Charlotte was a pleasant surprise for many, providing a swoon-worthy back story to the love between Queen Charlotte (Golda Rosheuvel) and King George, which was initially just seen as a politically advantageous arrangement. <\/span><\/p>\n
While also delivering some of the lines and glances that are almost perfectly made for social media fandoms, this multi-layered Netflix series made poignant statements on mental health, race and class, as well as retaining the not-so-perfect fairytale romance between the two royals, played by India <\/span>Amarteifio<\/span> and Corey Mylchreest.<\/span><\/p>\n
Unlike Bridgerton\u2019s notably steamier scenes, Queen Charlotte is altogether much more of a delightfully sweet watch that pulls you along gently for this young romance, but also acts as a testament as how to how far and wide the Bridgerton universe could grow. \u2013 Morgan Cormack<\/a>, Drama Writer<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
8. Doctor Who<\/strong><\/h2>\n $\"David$ \n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
BBC Studios<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div>\nAvailable on BBC iPlayer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
We all love a TV comeback, but only Doctor Who<\/a> could give us one like this \u2013 David Tennant, one of the best-loved actors to have ever played the Doctor, alongside actual national treasure Catherine Tate, back as Donna Noble. Potentially even more importantly, showrunner Russell T Davies, who ushered Doctor Who into a new age in 2005, is officially back in business.<\/span><\/p>\n
The three 60th anniversary specials couldn\u2019t have done the job better, celebrating the past of Doctor Who while also looking forward to the future, and introducing us to the Fifteenth Doctor, Ncuti Gatwa. They grew in confidence as they went, culminating in The Giggle<\/a>, one of the best Doctor Who episodes in years, with Neil Patrick Harris clearly delighting in the role of the menacing Toymaker, complete with a spectacular Spice Girls dance number.<\/span><\/p>\n
As the show turns 60, it\u2019s about to be reinvented once again \u2013 and you have to admit, it\u2019s never been more exciting to be a Doctor Who fan. Allons-y! \u2013 Louise Griffin<\/a>, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
7. Boiling Point<\/strong><\/h2>