12 underrated TV gems from 2025 – from The Assembly to Worlds Apart

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Beyond the year’s biggest hits like Adolescence, The White Lotus, and The Celebrity Traitors, we’ve also enjoyed some fantastic, lesser-known shows.

1. Confessions of a Brain Surgeon – iPlayer

2. Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action – Netflix

Jerry Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati, created a hugely popular TV show that claimed to defend free speech, but many blamed it for negatively impacting American culture. He famously compared his show to Oprah Winfrey’s, joking, “She does a talk show, I do a circus – just no lions.”

3. Worlds Apart – Channel 4

In this new reality show, six young British adults are paired with senior citizens for an incredible journey across Japan. They’ll work together to solve challenges, and the winning team will receive a £50,000 prize. The show focuses on the heartwarming bond between generations, celebrating understanding and teamwork rather than age differences.

4. Last One Laughing – Amazon Prime Video

Ten comedians compete to make each other laugh, but the catch is they’re not allowed to smile! It just goes to show how hilarious it is to watch someone desperately trying to maintain a poker face.

5. Jane Austen: Rise of a Genius – iPlayer

This compelling two-part documentary explores how Jane Austen bravely defied expectations. By turning down a loveless marriage and risking financial hardship, she avoided a typical life for women of her era and ultimately became one of history’s most celebrated novelists.

6. Once Upon a Time in Space – iPlayer

This account shares the incredible successes and heartbreaking failures of the twenty-year space race, told through the personal stories of the people who lived it. Anna Fisher, the first mother to travel to space, explained to RT that she didn’t aspire to be a female astronaut, simply an astronaut.

7. Live Aid at 40 – iPlayer

As a film buff, I always get chills thinking about the day Bob Geldof rallied the world with music. Brian May actually told RT it was one of those rare moments where everyone involved just knew they were doing something truly good. Honestly, it’s worth watching just for that incredible ‘Radio Ga Ga’ clap-along – it’s iconic!

8. Richard Burton: Wild Genius – iPlayer

9. The Assembly – ITVX

Young people with autism, learning disabilities, and other neurodivergent conditions recently interviewed celebrities like David Tennant and Gary Lineker. Their interviews are surprisingly open and heartfelt – particularly when Danny Dyer is being questioned, making for really engaging television.

10. Chris McCausland: Seeing into the Future – iPlayer

Comedian and Strictly champion Arthur McCausland, who has been blind since his mid-20s and describes himself as a tech enthusiast, is uniquely positioned to explore how technology from Silicon Valley can help people with visual impairments. He sees this as a way to connect the blind community with the wider world.

11. Ride or Die – iPlayer

This documentary looks at how Christian faith impacts the lives of road racers – a sport known for its danger. Many of these racers carry religious medals with them under their protective gear. It offers a glimpse into the lives of people who embrace risk while finding inner peace.

12. Noel’s Kiwi Adventure – ITVX

This funny and heartwarming series follows Edmonds as he tries to build a peaceful life in the New Zealand countryside. He’s often a bit like Alan Partridge – sometimes charming and relatable, other times cringe-worthy. It’s impossible not to root for him, and his sheer dedication makes him a standout TV personality, especially during the holidays.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2025-12-23 11:34