January 1, 2025
Check out the TV shows that made our Top 10 in 2024. It was a year like no other as quality programmes were delivered by so many channels.
A great year for television with shows that moved the dial, series that made a successful return and others that reached a satisfactory conclusion. Here are our Top 10.
10) Tour De France Unchained (Netflix)
There were any number of Sport documentaries we could have chosen –Man In The Arena Tom Brady was certainly one of them charting the phenomenal career of the quarterback with interviews from both sides of the touchdown.
This is a genre that has transformed the way sport stories are told, and we’ve chosen Tour De France Unchained Series 2 which is just as compelling as Series1. You don’t have to be a cycling enthusiast to appreciate what a feat of endurance the Tour is, and, in some respects, it helps if you aren’t as the drama is intensified if you don’t know the final outcome. It is the ultimate team sports because a rider can spend 28 days covering over 2,000 miles with no thought of as his sole purpose is to ride for the benefit of another.
9) Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix)
Boy Swallows Universe, based on Trent Dalton’s critically acclaimed novel, is a captivating Australian drama that masterfully blends coming-of-age storytelling with gritty realism. At its heart is Eli Bell, portrayed with remarkable depth by Felix Cameron, whose performance brings authenticity and charm to the screen.
Set in the working-class suburbs of 1980s Brisbane, the series explores themes of love, family, addiction, and redemption. Eli’s life is anything but ordinary, surrounded by a cast of vivid characters including his ex-convict stepfather, a drug-addicted mother, and a mute brother. Despite these challenges, Eli’s unwavering determination and unique perspective on life make him an endearing protagonist.
However, while the series shines in character development and emotional depth, its conclusion may leave some viewers questioning its plausibility. The final resolution, though heartfelt, feels somewhat rushed and convenient compared to the otherwise grounded narrative.
8) Blue Lights (BBC iPlayer)
Blue Lights Series 2 continues to deliver gripping drama with its raw portrayal of frontline policing in Belfast. Building on the success of the first season, the series deepens its exploration of the personal and professional lives of its officers, offering a nuanced perspective on law enforcement in a divided community.
The ensemble cast, led by Siân Brooke, Nathan Braniff, and Katherine Devlin, brings authenticity to their roles, portraying the daily challenges faced by the PSNI with sensitivity and realism. The characters’ development is a standout aspect of this season, particularly as they grapple with moral dilemmas, intense pressure, and the ever-present tension of policing in Northern Ireland.
With its strong performances, engaging storytelling, and poignant social commentary, Blue Lights Series 2 solidifies the series as one of the most authentic and gripping police dramas on television today.
7) The Corridors of Power (BBC iPlayer)
This is what the BBC does best – thought provoking documentary. Subtitled, should America rule the world? It traces America’s involvement in genocide following the holocaust when it was vowed “Never Again”. That was a false promise as the wrestling between justice and involvement becomes ever more fraught under various US Presidents. The inescapable truth is that US procrastination whether it be in Syria or the Ukraine plays into the hands of Vladimir Putin.
The Corridors of Power stands out as a thought-provoking and meticulously crafted documentary that sheds light on the often opaque world of politics, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding how power operates behind closed doors.
6) Happy Valley (BBC iPlayer)
The final series of Happy Valley delivers a gripping and emotionally charged conclusion to one of British television’s most acclaimed crime dramas. Creator Sally Wainwright masterfully weaves together tension, character depth, and social commentary, ensuring that the series ends on a high note.
Sarah Lancashire gives a tour-de-force performance as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, balancing steely resilience with heart-wrenching vulnerability. Her complex relationship with Tommy Lee Royce, played with chilling intensity by James Norton, remains the beating heart of the series. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between the two is more electrifying than ever, culminating in a finale that is both devastating and satisfying.
The series excels in portraying the harsh realities of life in West Yorkshire, blending gritty crime narratives with intimate family drama. The supporting cast, including Siobhan Finneran and Rhys Connah, adds depth and authenticity to the story.
5) Wolf Hall The Mirror and the Light (BBC iPlayer)
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light offers a fitting and masterful conclusion to the acclaimed historical drama, bringing Hilary Mantel’s final novel to life with precision and depth. This final installment continues the story of Thomas Cromwell, navigating the treacherous waters of Tudor politics with intelligence, ambition, and vulnerability.
Mark Rylance reprises his role as Cromwell with remarkable subtlety, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and calculated brilliance. Damian Lewis returns as Henry VIII, delivering a performance that balances charm, menace, and unpredictability. The dynamic between Cromwell and Henry remains as compelling as ever, providing the series with its emotional and narrative core.
The production design, cinematography, and period detail are impeccable, immersing viewers in the splendor and brutality of the Tudor court. Peter Kosminsky’s direction ensures a measured pace that allows the political intrigue and character development to unfold organically.
Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light stands as a triumphant end to a landmark series, offering a nuanced and gripping portrayal of power, loyalty, and survival in one of history’s most turbulent eras.
4) Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (BBC iPlayer)
Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland is a powerful and poignant documentary series that offers a deeply personal and unflinching look at the Troubles, one of the most turbulent periods in modern British and Irish history.
Through a masterful blend of archival footage and raw, heartfelt interviews, the series gives voice to those who lived through the conflict—on all sides. The storytelling is intimate yet comprehensive, capturing the emotional weight of decades of violence, division, and eventual peace.
Director James Bluemel, known for his work on Exodus: Our Journey to Europe, brings a humanistic approach that avoids sensationalism. Instead, he focuses on the personal narratives that reveal the profound impact of the Troubles on individuals, families, and communities.
The series is both educational and deeply moving, offering historical context while highlighting the enduring scars left by the conflict. The careful pacing and thoughtful editing ensure that each story resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.
While some viewers may find the content harrowing, Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland stands as an essential watch, providing a balanced and compassionate account of a painful chapter in history that continues to shape the present.
3) Tell Me That You Love Me (Disney+)
It’s very satisfying to stumble across a series that you wholeheartedly commit to. This Korean drama is one of them. The premise is simple, a deaf artist meets an aspiring actress. The unfolding story over 16 episodes is sustained by the simplicity of their communication – he by text until she learns basic sign language and she by expression.
The standout performances from the lead actors infuse the series with authenticity and raw emotion, making the characters’ struggles feel deeply relatable. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, drawing viewers into their turbulent yet tender journey.
Visually, the series is beautifully shot, using intimate close-ups and muted tones to reflect the emotional intensity of the story. The writing is sharp and introspective, tackling themes of mental health, intimacy, and self-discovery with sensitivity.
Tell Me That You Love Me is a touching and thought-provoking series that resonates long after the final episode, offering an honest portrayal of love in its most vulnerable form. It deserves greater recognition.
2) The Deepest Breath (Netflix)
I urge you not to be put off by the subject matter – Freediving. On a single breath, a free diver attempts to dive as deep as possible before returning to the surface. The speed with you descend is crucial as is the return to the surface to avoid “The Bends”. Blackouts are frequent which is why safety divers, again on a single breath, are there to meet you below the surface in the event of a blackout. In the past freediving had a purpose – sponge divers, pearl divers, collecting shellfish from the sea floor, all evolved to have spleens 50% larger than average – the organ stores oxygenated red blood cells, allowing for longer dives.
The Deepest Breath is a breathtaking documentary that immerses viewers in the perilous and awe-inspiring world of freediving. Directed by Laura McGann, the film offers a poignant and visually stunning exploration of human ambition, resilience, and the deep bond between athlete and coach.
The documentary follows Alessia Zecchini, a world champion freediver, and her safety diver, Stephen Keenan, as they pursue their passion for the sport while confronting the immense risks it entails. Through a blend of archival footage, interviews, and mesmerizing underwater cinematography, The Deepest Breath captures the beauty and danger of the ocean depths.
What sets this documentary apart is its emotional depth. It not only highlights the physical challenges of freediving but also delves into the psychological and emotional toll it takes on those who dare to push their limits. The bond between Zecchini and Keenan is portrayed with sensitivity, making the film as much about human connection as it is about sport.
The Deepest Breath is a compelling tribute to the pursuit of greatness and the profound sacrifices that often accompany it, making it a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike.
As I sit at my desk, I can look at a photograph of the pair freediving. It never fails to inspire me. Watch it and you’ll understand why.
1) Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITVX)
The history of television is littered with dramas and documentaries that have made a difference, but few have had such an impact as this one. It led to a public inquiry, sackings and revealed one of the worst miscarriages of justice. By now, we are conversant with the flawed Horizon software that activated false accusations of fraud and theft by The Post Office against sub postmasters.
It took 20 years for this story to be told and that it has been, is of great credit to ITV who knew they were likely to lose a million pounds because of it’s limited international appeal. This is a David v Goliath story, but the Goliath is a multiheaded beast, emerging from a tangle of old institutional power and modern corporate practices. The criminal proceedings against sub postmasters did not need to go through the police, because for the last 300 years the Post Office has run its own criminal investigations. Fujitsu, the Japanese tech company that supplies (note the present tense) the Horizon software, is shown to have covered up what it knew about faults in the system. The fact that the victims managed to take this on is remarkable and powerful, and their victory is as rousing as it should be.
It’s a story that reflects our society in which incompetence, failure to acknowledge mistakes and cover up were accepted and would never have come to light without the dogged persistence of Mr Bates. It’s still scandalous that so many of the falsely accused are still waiting for compensation. Lives were destroyed. Some were imprisoned and some committed suicide.
What you do appreciate is that when conviction and the truth is on your side, the rule of one can still defeat the misrule of many .
Other programmes of note during 2024 were the conclusion to Succession (Sky TV) Series 2 of The White Lotus (Sky), The Last of Us (Sky), The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (Prime), Shogun ( Disney+) Until I Kill You (ITV), Nobody Wants This (Netflix), Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV), Slow Horses (Apple TV), Big Boy (Channel4) The Miners Strike 1984 (Channel4) and 20 Days in Mariupol (Prime)
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