The 30 best dramas, comedies and documentaries of 2026 so far

The year 2026 started strong with the debut of Dennis Kelly’s fantastic new show, Waiting for the Out, signaling a promising year for television.

Over the past three months, we’ve enjoyed a fantastic range of shows, including gripping dramas, exciting thrillers, laugh-out-loud comedies, and thought-provoking documentaries.

Even though it’s only March, it feels like a good time to share some of the best TV shows of the year so far, as we move into spring. Highlights include series like Heated Rivalry, Lord of the Flies, the new Scrubs, and A Woman of Substance.

Ready to discover the best TV shows of 2026? Keep reading for our complete list, with details on where to watch them in the UK and US.

Waiting for the Out

Dennis Kelly, the playwright behind shows like Pulling, Utopia, and The Third Day, brings a complex and compelling drama to the screen with his new series. It feels more aligned with his theatrical roots, featuring extended scenes of dialogue within prison philosophy classes. These classes are led by Dan (Josh Finan), a bright but anxious young man whose difficult past has left him struggling with obsessive tendencies and the challenges of adult life.

In ‘Waiting for the Out,’ Dan, a teacher, finds his lessons on philosophers like Locke and Descartes challenged by his incarcerated students – whether they’re unfamiliar with the material or surprisingly knowledgeable. These discussions profoundly impact Dan as much as the inmates themselves. The show’s insightful writing is matched by a standout performance from Finan, who brilliantly portrays Dan’s complex mix of vulnerability and resilience. This drama is intellectually stimulating and truly unique. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

A Thousand Blows season 2

The acclaimed drama returned in 2026 for a second season, but things have taken a downturn for two of its main characters. Set in tough East London in the 1880s, a year after the events of season one, we find Jamaican immigrant Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and former boxing champion Sugar (Stephen Graham) struggling. Their lives are once again disrupted by Mary (played with captivating energy by Erin Doherty), the leader of an all-female pickpocket gang known as the Forty Elephants. Her latest scheme throws them back into the dangerous world of street crime, hardship, and opportunity, where ambition can lead to anything. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Disney+
  • Where to watch in the US: Hulu

His & Hers

This US crime drama offers a fresh take on the genre. Jon Bernthal plays a troubled police officer investigating a murder in Georgia, while Tessa Thompson portrays a TV news presenter looking for a career boost. What makes it interesting is that they’re divorced – and as they investigate the suspects, they start to suspect each other. The show cleverly explores the connections between the media and the police, adding layers of intrigue. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

Heated Rivalry

This Canadian drama has quickly become popular, especially with younger audiences, thanks to viral videos online – particularly reactions to one memorable scene. The series follows the years-long rivalry between ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, beginning in 2008. As they compete in the Major League, the press focuses on their competition, unaware that Shane and Ilya are secretly and passionately falling in love with each other.

While the show does feature many sex scenes, it’s being praised for exploring deeper themes. Critics have highlighted its nuanced portrayal of a relationship where one person is more comfortable with their sexuality than the other, as well as its examination of homophobia in both Russia and Western cultures. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Sky and NOW
  • Where to watch in the US: HBO Max

Industry season 4

When the show Industry began in 2020, few would have predicted it would last this long. It’s still a compelling watch, but it’s known for its complex, puzzle-like dialogue, often unlikeable characters, and scenes that frequently feature intense or awkward sexual situations and power dynamics.

It seems there’s a surprising demand for this kind of story. The world of finance depicted in the show continues to expand, though it remains sharply critical. However, the group of City traders we followed is now dispersed. Harper is managing a hedge fund, but, as always, she’s held back by less capable colleagues. Her old boss, Eric, is distracted by a golf game where Donald Trump is literally in his way. And Yasmin, the heiress, has reinvented herself as Lady Yasmin Muck – the show enjoys using names reminiscent of Dickens. The first episode introduces a new set of characters fighting over a payment app called Tender, and its CEO memorably requests a cocktail “bone dry and cold as space” – a phrase that perfectly captures the show’s icy tone. David Butcher

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: HBO Max

Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials

This Agatha Christie novel is lively and energetic. Set in the 1920s and featuring fashionable young people, it’s a thrilling story that feels more like ‘Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?’ than her classic mysteries with detectives like Miss Marple or Poirot.

This film prioritizes a fun, adventurous spirit over a complex mystery. It follows Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent, played charmingly by Mia McKenna Bruce, as she goes from the countryside to the nightlife of London while investigating a murder that might be connected to spies and secret organizations.

If this seems unbelievable, the writer, Chris Chibnall (known for Broadchurch and Doctor Who), clearly felt the same. After a slow start, the story becomes increasingly fun and playful. He’s helped by excellent performances from Helena Bonham Carter, who plays Bundle’s sharp-tongued mother, Lady Caterham, and Martin Freeman as the understated and witty Superintendent Battle – both actors skillfully avoid overacting. – David Brown

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

Hijack season 2

Previously, the action took place on a flight from Dubai to London. Now, Sam finds himself stuck in the Berlin subway with a growing number of anxious travelers. After planes proved dangerous and trains now seem equally risky, Sam would be smart to avoid cars altogether if there’s a third season. – David Brown

  • Where to watch in the UK: Apple TV
  • Where to watch in the US: Apple TV

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

It’s been almost seven years since Game of Thrones finished, and now we’re returning to Westeros with a new spin-off (following ‘House of the Dragon’, which will be back for a third season later this year). This story, based on short stories by Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin, is smaller in scale than previous shows. Instead of focusing on powerful families like the Targaryens and Baratheons, it centers around Dunk, a newly-made but struggling knight – known as ‘Ser Duncan the Tall’. When his boss dies, Dunk decides to gamble what little money and horses he has left at a local tournament. He’s so broke that he doesn’t even have a helper, so he gladly accepts the offer of assistance from a quiet, bald young man named Egg.

As a fantasy fan, I was immediately drawn into the world of Westeros again, even though it’s still a pretty harsh and brutal place. But what really struck me about this story was the hopeful spirit of the two main characters, Dunk and Egg. They’re a refreshing change of pace from the often cynical heroes we’ve seen in Game of Thrones. And the actors playing them – Peter Claffey, a former rugby player, and young Dexter Sol Ansell – are fantastic! They really bring these characters to life.

  • Where to watch in the UK: Sky and NOW
  • Where to watch in the US: HBO Max

Under Salt Marsh

This atmospheric mystery, which feels like something you’d see on ITV1, is set in a small Welsh town preparing for a huge storm – one that hasn’t happened in decades and could seriously impact the lives of the residents.

The rising sea levels emphasize how vulnerable this tight-lipped community is, especially after teacher and former detective Jackie Ellis (Kelly Reilly) finds the body of a student. This discovery stirs up painful memories of an old, unsolved case that deeply affects Jackie. Things become even more complicated when her ex-partner, Eric Bull (Rafe Spall), returns, making the past feel disturbingly present. – David Brown

  • Where to watch in the UK: Sky and NOW
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

Bridgerton season 4

The latest season of this popular historical drama is full of playful intrigue. A masked ball gives everyone in high society a chance to shed their usual image and maybe even misbehave. Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson), the second son, is particularly mischievous, starting the season in a scandalous situation that shocks his mother, Lady Violet (Ruth Gemmell). He quickly falls in love at the ball, but there are two problems: he doesn’t know who she is, and when he finally discovers her identity, he finds out she’s a maid named Sophie (Yerin Ha).

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

Shrinking season 3

Okay, let me tell you, the third season of ‘Shrinking’ picks right up where the magic happened before. This show is just one of those rare comedy-dramas that feels genuinely warm and smart. We’re back with this fantastic group of LA friends who clearly adore each other, even if they express it through constant ribbing. This season, we see Paul, played by Harrison Ford, grappling more with his Parkinson’s, and a truly touching encounter with Michael J. Fox’s character, Jerry, really grounds him. The whole season builds towards a big event, and it’s amazing how the show lets each character stumble into understanding their own feelings, all with a little push from their friends – it’s classic ‘Shrinking’ territory. We see Alice considering leaving home, and Brian, the lawyer, dealing with the realities of being a parent – both storylines are handled with that signature bittersweet touch. Honestly, the final scene? Prepare to be gently wrecked, in the best possible way. It’s just so affectionate and beautifully done.

  • Where to watch in the UK: Apple TV
  • Where to watch in the US: Apple TV

The Lincoln Lawyer season 4

This engaging legal drama, from the creator of popular shows like LA Law and Big Little Lies (David E. Kelley) and based on Michael Connelly’s Bosch novels, left viewers on the edge of their seats at the end of its third season. The fourth season kicks off with Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), a lawyer who operates out of his car, facing trial himself after a body was found in his trunk. New cast members Constance Zimmer and Cobie Smulders join the series for these episodes. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

Lord of the Flies

As a huge movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by stories that explore what happens when people are pushed to their limits. William Golding’s novel, which has won a ton of awards, really gets at that. It shows how quickly things can fall apart when rules and civilization are taken away, and how easily people can lose their way morally. It’s a powerful story about human nature, honestly – a bit unsettling, but brilliant.

The story begins after a plane crash, with the thoughtful and asthmatic Piggy and the newly chosen leader, Ralph, trying to come up with a plan for survival. But most of the other boys are more interested in games and having fun than in building shelter. Jack, who seems innocent at first, realizes he can gain control over the others by appealing to their wilder instincts, and he quickly becomes more and more ruthless.

This classic story, originally published in 1954, has been adapted for the screen twice before – once in a black and white film in 1963, and again in 1990. However, Jack Thorne’s latest adaptation, known as Adolescence, stays true to the heart of the original. Director Marc Munden brings a strong cinematic feel to the production, and the young cast – many of whom are acting professionally for the first time – deliver remarkably impressive performances. – Jane Rackham

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

Small Prophets

Michael Sleep, a man in his middle years, seems to have lost his spark. His life is reflected in his neglected appearance and rundown car – he’s simply going through the motions at work. We discover his partner, Clea, vanished seven years ago, and he’s been stuck in a rut ever since. But even in the everyday, there’s a quiet beauty to be found, much like in the creator’s previous work, Detectorists.

Michael and his coworker Kacey connect because they both dislike their boss, Gordon, a strict and unhappy man (who also happens to be the show’s writer). Despite his father Brian being in a care home, Michael has a warm and loving relationship with him – a refreshing change from the often-difficult father-son dynamics seen on television. Brian even believes he can assist Michael in finding out more about Clea, and he intends to use unusual and almost magical methods to do so.

Despite exploring themes of loss and loneliness, Small Prophets is ultimately a hopeful story about the power of friendship. It’s a uniquely brave and imaginative novel, but at its heart, it’s a deeply relatable and human tale. This book further solidifies Crook’s reputation for quality. – Mark Braxton

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

How to Get to Heaven from Belfast

Lisa McGee’s new show, from the creator of Derry Girls, initially feels comfortably familiar – it centers on a group of school friends reconnecting in Northern Ireland years after they’ve grown up. It’s easy to see echoes of the Derry Girls characters in the three main leads: screenwriter Saoirse is a bit like the eager Erin, the outspoken Robyn brings to mind the bold Michelle, and even quiet Dara shares some of the quirky personality of cousin Orla. And, just like in Derry Girls, there’s a somewhat hapless English character thrown into the mix.

The show feels familiar thanks to recurring jokes and cast members like Keenan, Ardal O’Hanlon, and Peter Campion, but it’s a departure from a typical sitcom, leaning more into mystery and thriller elements. Saoirse, Robyn, and Dara reunite when their friend Greta (Natasha O’Keefe) dies, and they believe her death wasn’t natural, suspecting her family. However, flashbacks of fires, strange signs, and violence hint at a deeper, older conflict and potential revenge. This adds a layer of suspense reminiscent of ‘Bad Sisters’ to the show’s already clever writing and humor. – Huw Fullerton

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

The Night Agent season 3

Netflix’s popular thriller, The Night Agent, returns for its third season with the same reliable formula. Gabriel Basso is back as Peter Sutherland, a highly skilled and genuinely kind intelligence agent – imagine Jason Bourne, but more approachable. His unofficial investigations quickly uncover a conspiracy reaching the highest levels of power, likely involving the Oval Office, based on storylines from the previous season. While familiar faces return, there’s a fresh set of villains and brave heroes. The season kicks off with a fast-paced chase through Istanbul, hinting at another major cover-up filled with danger and potential betrayal. Though the plot isn’t entirely new, you can be confident that Peter, with his unwavering integrity, will ultimately succeed in a way that’s enjoyable, if not revolutionary. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

Cecil: The Lion and the Dentist

The story of a Minnesota dentist killing a famous lion in Africa back in 2015 caused widespread anger around the world, focusing attention on the practice of trophy hunting. The online reaction was intense, with some people even calling for violence against the dentist. As a symbol of the public’s grief, an image of the lion, named Cecil, was famously displayed on the Empire State Building.

This powerful documentary re-examines a case that initially appeared straightforward – a matter of wealth and entitlement – but reveals surprising complexities. Ultimately, it suggests that our relationship with the natural world, whether through hunting or simply observing, is deeply flawed.

Walter Palmer allegedly paid $50,000 to hunt Cecil the lion. Cecil was attracted out of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park using an animal carcass. Palmer then shot Cecil with a bow and arrow from a hidden position in a tree. According to one local conservationist, Cecil was essentially brought to Palmer, making the hunt easy.

While the story is ultimately tragic, the film broadens its scope to explore the lives of the hunters, the challenges faced by people living near lions, and the often-romanticized, yet carefully managed, reality of the wilderness. – David Butcher

  • Where to watch in the UK: Channel 4
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

The Tony Blair Story

Tony Blair’s reputation is currently suffering. Many people still associate him with the controversial decision to enter the Iraq War, his move of the Labour party towards the center, and what they see as the roots of our present problems. His recent involvement with Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” has also drawn criticism, and there aren’t many public figures actively defending him.

Given the current moment, it’s a good time to revisit Tony Blair’s story – what he truly accomplished and how he’ll be remembered. Michael Waldman, known for his insightful and detailed documentaries about figures like Karl Lagerfeld and Boris Johnson, now turns his attention to Blair’s legacy.

The program features interesting details, such as the fact that Tony Blair’s grandparents were performers and he never bought his wife, Cherie, flowers. However, its main focus is a compelling portrait of young Blair, showing the early signs of his future success beneath his charming smile. – David Butcher

  • Where to watch in the UK: Channel 4
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

Dirty Business

In this compelling three-part drama, a character played by David Thewlis observes, “People lie when they have something to hide.” This series, like others such as Toxic Town and Mr Bates vs The Post Office, powerfully exposes wrongdoing by corporations and shares the experiences of those affected. This particular story, based on a ten-year investigation, focuses on individuals in England who believe their lives have been ruined by sewage contamination.

Timothy Thewlis and Jason Watkins star as an unusual pair in Oxfordshire: a retired police detective and a biology professor. They become concerned when fish start dying in their local river and decide to investigate. Their investigation uncovers a shocking series of failures, negligence, and heartbreaking events, including the tragic death of an eight-year-old girl. Her parents believe she contracted E coli from illegally dumped sewage on a beach in Devon.

This story jumps effectively between different time periods and cases, blending fictional scenes with real news footage and visuals. It’s a shocking story that’s told with real power. – Michael Hogan

  • Where to watch in the UK: Channel 4
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

The Dunblane Tapes

The Dunblane Primary School shooting on March 13, 1996, was a horrific event. As Ann Pearston later described, a single pistol fired 105 shots in just three minutes, resulting in the deaths of 17 people and injuries to 14 others. Will Stone’s documentary sensitively portrays the massacre and its lasting impact on the community. However, the film primarily focuses on the Snowdrop Campaign – a movement started by Pearston and the bereaved parents – to achieve a complete ban on handguns before the snowdrops bloomed the following spring.

Looking back, what seemed destined to happen actually wasn’t easy at all. A strong and well-financed gun rights group took advantage of a conservative government that was worried about losing the next election. The parents’ grief is still deeply felt, especially in moving home videos, but they also remember their efforts with a sense of accomplishment. It’s impossible to know how many lives their work might have protected. Gabriel Tate

  • Where to watch in the UK: Channel 4
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

Scrubs

It’s been about 20 years since the popular medical comedy Scrubs originally aired, but fans are still actively sharing and discussing their favorite moments online. The new revival doesn’t pretend time hasn’t passed; the characters are older, though not necessarily more mature. Zach Braff returns as JD, now an experienced doctor mentoring a new generation, while John McGinley is back as the delightfully quirky Dr. Cox, still playfully tormenting JD. Donald Faison reprises his role as JD’s best friend, Turk, and the two are trying to recapture their youthful energy, even if some of their antics feel a bit ambitious for their age. Sarah Chalke as Elliot and Judy Reyes as Carla also return for the new season. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Disney+
  • Where to watch in the US: Hulu

Paradise season 2

I was so thrilled to see this show get an Emmy nomination – it really deserves the recognition! What sets it apart is the incredible performance by Sterling K. Brown as Xavier Collins. From the very beginning, I was hooked by the show’s central mystery: a seemingly normal city turning out to be a massive underground bunker built after some terrible disaster. We’ve slowly uncovered the truth about what happened and the events surrounding the assassination that threw Collins’ life into chaos. But season two is taking things to a whole new level – Collins is finally venturing back to the surface world, desperately hoping to find his wife, or anyone at all, still alive. It’s a really powerful premise, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. – Jack Seale

  • Where to watch in the UK: Disney+
  • Where to watch in the US: Hulu

Young Sherlock

Guy Ritchie returns to the world of Sherlock Holmes after 17 years, this time with a TV series. However, this isn’t the familiar detective we know. The show follows a young Sherlock Holmes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) before he became famous, portraying him as a troubled young man often in trouble with the law. His brother, Mycroft (Max Irons), tries to turn his life around by getting him a job at Oxford University. There, Sherlock uncovers a secret plot and begins a friendship with a promising student named James Moriarty.

This show definitely feels like a Guy Ritchie film – expect fast-paced action, physical fights, and dry humor. It also offers enough twists and clues to keep mystery lovers engaged. Interestingly, Sherlock’s father, Silas, is played by Joseph Fiennes, who is the real-life uncle of the actor playing Sherlock, Fiennes Tiffin (Ralph Fiennes is another uncle – quite a family!). However, while Donal Finn delivers a witty and compelling performance as the future villain Moriarty, Fiennes Tiffin’s portrayal of Sherlock feels a bit awkward and unnatural in comparison. – Huw Fullerton

  • Where to watch in the UK: Prime Video
  • Where to watch in the US: Prime Video

Vladimir

I’m a sucker for a good campus comedy, and this one is brilliantly mischievous! It’s a sharp miniseries – produced by Sharon Horgan’s company and adapted from a popular novel – that really grabbed me. Rachel Weisz plays a literature professor who used to be the ‘it’ girl at her college, all thanks to a novel she wrote years ago. But she’s starting to feel her influence – both as a teacher and a woman – slipping away. Then this incredibly attractive young colleague, Vladimir (played by Leo Woodall), arrives, and let’s just say things get… complicated. Weisz brilliantly breaks the fourth wall throughout, which makes you feel like you’re right there with her, complicit in all the messy fun. It’s a wild ride!

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

The Capture season 3

This thrilling third installment of the series ramps up the tension surrounding deepfakes and technological manipulation. It explores how easily our perceptions can be distorted and raises the frightening possibility that those with malicious intent are constantly leveraging the latest technology to stay ahead.

As a huge fan of thrillers, I was immediately hooked by this setup! It centers around Rachel Carey, a former detective now leading counter-terrorism efforts, played brilliantly by Holliday Grainger. She’s teamed up with Isaac Turner, a rising political star – Paapa Essiedu – and they’ve developed this incredible new surveillance system designed to catch deepfakes as they happen. We get a pulse-pounding scene at Heathrow where it seems to be working perfectly… but then things take a really dark and unexpected turn. Honestly, it’s a total shock!

The series boasts a fantastic cast – including Ron Perlman, Indira Varma, Andrew Buchan, Lia Williams, and Hugh Quarshie – who expertly build suspense throughout its many surprising plot twists. Even if you don’t typically enjoy conspiracy thrillers, this show will make you question everyone and trust no one. Prepare to be shocked more than once! It’s truly unsettling. – Jane Rackham

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A, seasons 1-2 on Peacock

A Woman of Substance

Barbara Taylor Bradford’s 1979 novel, a compelling story of overcoming hardship to achieve success, quickly became a hit. The subsequent television adaptation in 1985, featuring Jenny Seagrove and Deborah Kerr, drew a massive audience of over 13 million viewers.

Brenda Blethyn stars as Emma Harte, a powerful and wealthy woman driven by a lifelong quest for revenge. The story also follows young Emma, played by Jessica Reynolds, as a clever and determined kitchen maid working at a large estate in Yorkshire during the early 1900s.

The first episode focuses heavily on the difficult, cruel, and unhappy life young Emma experiences. It’s understandable she’s drawn to Edwin (Ewan Horrocks), who convinces her they share a connection, even though viewers at home clearly see that isn’t true.

This fun adaptation features well-known actors like Will Mellor, Emmet J Scanlan, Lenny Rush, and Leanne Best. Jane Rackham also appears in the cast.

  • Where to watch in the UK: Channel 4
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere

Louis Theroux points out that what used to be considered extreme or unusual beliefs are now becoming increasingly mainstream, largely due to the rapid spread of information online. What were once niche, harmful viewpoints are now attracting millions of followers. He focuses on the “manosphere,” where misogynistic ideas are being presented as a solution to problems, and suspects this is primarily driven by a small number of male influencers looking to profit from it.

To investigate this idea, he got to know prominent figures like HStikkytokky (Harrison Sullivan), Myron Gaines, and Justin Waller, examining their business strategies and what motivates them. He found these men often had difficult pasts, and their trauma seemed to fuel anti-feminist views. However, the wealth and success they portray is largely a facade, and unattainable for most of their followers. David Brown

  • Where to watch in the UK: Netflix
  • Where to watch in the US: Netflix

The Other Bennet Sister

This is a fresh take on Pride and Prejudice, told from the perspective of Mary Bennet (played by Ella Bruccoleri), the studious and somewhat awkward sister who spends much of her time reading and playing the piano in the original story.

I have to say, watching the series, Mary really stood out – but not always for the right reasons. Compared to her sisters, Elizabeth and Jane, who were so lively and radiant, Mary seemed a bit lost and unsure of herself. Her mother, Mrs. B, definitely favored the girls who were more likely to attract husbands, and honestly, she saw Mary as a bit clumsy and awkward. While Elizabeth and Jane were out dancing, poor Mary was often stuck fetching drinks! It’s clear Mrs. B was focused on marrying off her more dazzling daughters and didn’t really pay much attention to Mary, who seemed much more reserved.

This compelling adaptation of Janice Hadlow’s popular novel focuses on a family member often overlooked, revealing the emotional impact of feeling excluded. Mary responds to this isolation by throwing herself into her studies. However, it quickly becomes clear that education isn’t necessarily a path away from loneliness, but rather a way to hide within it. – David Brown

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: Britbox from 6 May

Storyville: Portrait of a Confused Father

This moving film beautifully captures the relationship between a father and son, tragically cut short. Norwegian filmmaker Gunnar Hall Jensen spent two decades documenting his son Jonathan’s life, from infancy to adulthood – a vibrant, energetic young man with a tendency to lose his temper.

The story itself is already quite dramatic, but it’s made even more compelling by the underlying sense that Jonathan won’t live a long life – though the cause of his death remains a mystery. As the narrative unfolds, the relationship between father and son becomes increasingly strained. Things then take a troubling turn when Jonathan rebels and flees to Brazil, losing himself in a dangerous online world with warped ideas about success. Ultimately, the film is a captivating and profoundly sad exploration of fatherhood, dissatisfaction, and the pain of failure. – David Butcher

  • Where to watch in the UK: BBC iPlayer
  • Where to watch in the US: N/A

LOL: Last One Laughing UK season 2

The hilarious show “Straight Face” is back! A new group of comedians, including the previous winner Bob Mortimer, are put in a room and challenged not to laugh or even smile. It’s especially difficult for Alan Carr, who often struggles to keep a straight face – remember his uncontrollable laughter on “Celebrity Traitors”? He looks like he might burst out laughing at any moment!

David Mitchell appears uncomfortable with having to silently judge his fellow comedians. He describes it as watching and dismissing great performances, like discarding delicious food. However, when someone does finally manage to make him laugh – which happens in one of the first three episodes – it’s truly remarkable. The author suggests the laugh was so unusual, the crew probably weren’t sure if they needed medical or spiritual assistance. – Huw Fullerton

  • Where to watch in the UK: Prime Video
  • Where to watch in the US: Prime Video

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a global TV production company. He has a BA degree in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-03-20 11:15