On the shortlist

On the shortlist

As a connoisseur of quality entertainment, I must say that this year’s lineup is nothing short of extraordinary! From the captivating mysteries of Death in Paradise to the heartwarming angling adventures of Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, there’s something for everyone.


As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly waiting to share with you the nominees for this year’s Screen Test Awards! Over the past month, you’ve cast your votes, and now it’s time to unveil the contenders across all seven categories. Let the anticipation build as we delve into the magical world of cinema together!

Last year, we conducted a survey in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at the University of Sussex involving 22,000 of our readers and users. This survey served as the foundation for the TopMob Screen Test awards, which are unique among television accolades as they focus on science-based programming.

The categories reflect the profound impact TV has on the way we feel, from our levels of happiness, to empathy, to trust and even stress. Because our Screen Test study showed that watching TV, far from being a passive pastime, is an activity that engages not only brain but our emotions too.

Examine the nominated programs, and you’ll find the one you voted for significantly impacting our lives in 2024. However, it is our jury consisting of scholars, psychologists, TV critics, and TopMob editors who will decide the ultimate winners. They will reveal the victors at a gala event in central London on November 5.

Happy TV Award

Ranging from podcasts about solving murders to stand-up comedy performances by deceptive Britons, these are the programs that bring the most joy to your life.

On the shortlist

  • Changing Ends (ITV1/ITVX)
  • Ghosts (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • Inside No 9 (BBC2/iPlayer)
  • Only Murders in the Building (Disney+)
  • Would I Lie to You? (BBC1/iPlayer)

 

Empathy Award for Drama

Among these individuals, I found myself deeply connected, feeling a stirring of emotions that propelled me to step into someone else’s life journey. Each character left an indelible mark on my heart, inspiring me to empathize and understand their stories more profoundly.

On the shortlist
  • Chris Carson — The Responder (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • Penelope Featherington — Bridgerton (Netflix)
  • Jo Hamilton — Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV1/ITVX)
  • Dr Abbey Henderson — Breathtaking (ITV1/ITVX)
  • Lali Solokov — The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Sky Atlantic/Now)

 

Watercooler Award

In its finest moments, TV has the power to captivate us and spark conversation among many. Such shows united us in 2024.

On the shortlist
  • Baby Reindeer (Netflix)
  • Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV1/ITVX)
  • Beckham (Netflix)
  • Doctor Who (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • The Traitors (BBC1/iPlayer)

 

The Reith Award

This honor celebrates the programs that most effectively reflect the BBC’s original goal of providing information, education, and entertainment, a vision set forth by its first director-general back in 1922.

On the shortlist
  • The Assembly (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • Clarkson’s Farm (Amazon Prime)
  • D-Day 80: The Unheard Tapes (BBC2/iPlayer)
  • Michael Palin in Nigeria (C5/My5)
  • Planet Earth III (BBC1/iPlayer)

 

Stress Buster Award

Stepping into a world of diverse realities is what television does for me, serving up a plethora of escapades right at my fingertips. Among the countless shows out there, these particular ones have been my go-to sanctuaries when I need a break from reality.

On the shortlist
  • Death in Paradise (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • The Great British Sewing Bee (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • The Marlow Murder Club (U&Drama/U)
  • Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (BBC2/iPlayer)
  • Race across the World (BBC1/iPlayer)

 

Trust Award For Audio

Through podcasts, the connection between listeners and audio content has never been more intimate. These are the programs that you rely on the most.

On the shortlist
  • The Great Post Office Trial (Radio 4/BBC Sounds)
  • Just One Thing with Michael Mosley (BBC Radio 4/BBC Sounds)
  • More or Less (BBC Radio 4/BBC Sounds)
  • The Rest is History (Goalhanger Podcasts)
  • Why Do You Hate Me? (BBC Sounds)

 

Best Box Set

In our contemporary world, overflowing with captivating storylines, it’s no longer necessary to harbor feelings of guilt over binge-watching. These shows often left us rearranging schedules to immerse ourselves in another installment, eagerly asking for “one more” episode.

On the shortlist
  • The Bear (Disney+)
  • Blue Lights (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • A Gentleman in Moscow (Paramount+)
  • The Long Shadow (ITV1/ITVX)
  • Slow Horses (Apple TV+)

 

The Art of Reflection

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, everyone craves a space for imaginative reflection. It’s these programs that successfully transport you into another person’s reality.

On the shortlist
  • First Night of the Proms (BBC2/iPlayer)
  • French and Saunders: Imagine (BBC1/iPlayer)
  • A Life in Ten Pictures (BBC2/iPlayer)
  • The Piano (Channel 4/C4 Streaming)
  • Portrait Artist of the Year (Sky Arts/Now)

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2024-09-18 14:06