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January 8, 2026
Find out what we consider the best culture of 2025. TV, Books, Podcasts and Films.
It’s been a year of some outstanding television, podcasts and books. This is what we consider to be the Top 5 in each category.
Television
Drama
5) Dept Q
Netflix
★★★★★
Cold cases, a maverick cop and a new department of misfits is nothing new to the genre. Aside from the performance by Mathew Goode, what we liked was how the plot and characters developed over nine episodes. This was particularly true of the egocentric character played by Goode.
What we said in our June Review “It is the characters and how they develop which makes this a compelling watch.”
4) Pale Mountains
Ch4
★★★★★
An inexperienced prosecutor and a seasoned detective are joined to resolve a decade old mystery of a serial killer. It’s a drama with many angles covering familial betrayal, systemic concealments, and broader social implications.
What we said in our June Review – “a meticulously crafted crime drama, distinguished by its thoughtful pacing, emotional depth, and high production quality”.
3) Blue Lights
BBC1 & IPlayer
★★★★★
A third series of one of the most awarded police shows. Set in Belfast where antagonism to the police is rife, it captures brilliantly the environment and the dangers faced by new recruits, all wrapped up in a plausible plot.
Read what we said in our October Review “In most police dramas, there’s a safety net around the
central characters, Blue Lights removes that because it’s an ensemble of characters, all of whom carry a risk factor and would be missed.”
2) Adolescence
Netflix
★★★★★
Rightly praised by critics and audiences, this original drama broke new ground not just in subject matter but also because each of the four episodes was filmed in a single take. A 13-year-old is accused of murdering a classmate. His father played by the excellent Stephen Graham refuses to believe his son capable of such an act. We know many will think it should be our No1 and we’re going against the herd of other end of year reviews.
What we said in our March Review “If you could only watch one drama all year, it would be this, and it wouldn’t be once because you would watch it again – it’s that good.”
Sky Atlantic
★★★★★
The reason this made it to No1 is because a missing child is a frequent and often predictable drama. This isn’t because it’s multiple plot themes and early revelations, keep you guessing throughout, so making it totally original and a standout in this genre. We believe it deserves a No 1 because it injects originality in what can be a tired format.
Read what we said in our November Review “This is brilliant, well-acted, written and plotted and best of all, unlike irritating Apple TV or Disney, can be binged to suit.”
Other dramas with 5 Star reviews include The Narrow Road to The Deep North (BBC iPlayer), Unforgiveable (BBC iPlayer), Inspector Gerri (Ch4+) and Gold Series 2 (BBC iPlayer
Documentaries
5) The Essex Murders: Who Killed Goldfinger
Sky Documentaries
★★★★
John Palmer’s involvement in the Brinks Mat robbery is a well-trodden path, less well known are the reasons why he was killed and who was responsible. Trying to solve the case is a former detective who sifts through the likely suspects and their reasons for assassinating Palmer.
Read what we said in our October Review “There’s always a fascination involving criminals and lots of money and this series delivers with a very plausible solution to an unsolved crime.”
4) Death of a Showjumper Sky Documentaries
★★★★★
A journalist and detective set out to prove that the suicide of a 21-year-old showjumper was highly suspicious. They go against popular belief in their pursuit of a prime suspect, who was a manipulator of women and fooled the local community into believing he was innocent.
Read what we said in our September Review “Their dogged pursuit of the likely suspect put their careers at risk and elevates the three-part documentary far and above the usual true crime stories.”
3) Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes
Disney+
★★★★★
The bombings on July 7th 2005 was the worst terrorist act perpetrated in London and in the aftermath, an innocent Brazilian was shot by the Metropolitan Police who then tried to cover their tracks. How the police got it so wrong could have been excused by the mood of the moment but not their denial over a lengthy period.
This what we said in our April Review “It’s rightly severe on the Met’s top brass but, crucially, never forgets the story of the blameless victim and the anguish of his family. It’s four episodes, very well told and dramatized.”
2) Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt
ITVX
★★★★★
This is not the first, nor will it be the last documentary covering the guilt or innocence of Lucy Letby, the nurse who was charged and convicted of the killing of seven babies. This documentary is a forensic examination of the evidence presented and the questions it raises. It remains to be seen if this will have a similar impact to Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Read what we said in our August Review “What this documentary does so well is put sentiment to one side and present step by step explanations for the evidence used against her.”
Netflix
★★★★★
We will admit there is some bias in selecting a sports documentary series as our No1 but there is plenty of justification for doing so. It is as much about the hubris of the two principal players as it is about events on the field of play. This is not the usual sports story of sanitising and casting glory on all concerned. It should lead the way to a more honest approach to stories that are rich in material.
Read what we said in our September Review “What is remarkable is how both protagonists, who always thought they were right, in the end admit to their own failings.”
Other highly rated documentaries include Live Aid at 40 (BBC iPlayer)
Books
5) Cursed Daughters Oyinkan Braithwaite
★★★★★
A curse, which is handed down the generations, befalls the females of a family living in Lagos. Three descendants are doomed to heart ache. This is so well crafted and engrossing, it could easily have been our No 1 book of the year.
Read what we said in our November Review “This an extremely well written and engrossing novel that poses many questions concerning jealousy, obsession and second chances.”
4) There Are Rivers in the Sky Elif Shafak
★★★★★
Another novel that spans different ages and, in this case, linked by a single drop of water. It’s an ambitious project with three characters from wildly different backgrounds and unconnected would fail in the hands of a lesser writer.
Read what we said in our August Review “This is historical fiction at its best with three stories that build to emotional conclusions.”
3) The Names Florence Knapp
★★★★★
A clever construct that works far better than you would imagine – can a name change a life? Three alternate versions to the life of Cora and her son are determined by the child’s name and it works brilliantly. One of the best reviewed books of the year.
What we said in our May Review “Examines the effects of domestic abuse, the complexities of family relationships, and the possibilities of autonomy and recovery.”
2) Heart The Lover Lily King
★★★★★
Another book that was extremely well received by the critics and rightly so. A university student is invited into the academic world of two exceptionally bright students and this examines the effect on all three. It’s highly charged as the past catches up with the present and deeply moving.
Read what we said in our October Review “One of those books with relatable characters and situations that perfectly captures the emotions of youth and how those feelings are impossible to shed.”
★★★★★
You may have spotted a theme to our favourite books – stories that unfold over passages of time. An appealing vehicle that allows a story to be told with great effect. This concerns two girls over three decades under the shadow of Iran’s changing history. We loved this book and have become a devotee of the author.
What we said in our February Review “a testament to the strength and resilience of women, and a celebration of enduring friendship.”
Other books we enjoyed include The Long Firm TrilogybyJake Arnott, Drayton and Mackenzie by Alexander Starritt, No Small Thing by Orlaine Mc Donald, Greenlights by Matthew McConnaughey, Smoke and Embers by John Lawton, The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham, Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.
All worthy of a Top 5 spot.
Podcasts
5) Charlene Somebody Knows Something
Various
★★★★★
Although we are averse to unresolved true crime podcasts, we found this one well worth listening to because it is extremely well researched and has access to all the main players except the police. It’s a three-year investigation by journalist Nicola Thorp who was raised in the same vicinity as missing 14-year-old, Charlene Downs.
Read what we said in our November Review “The series is gripping, with all the hallmarks of the genre, including reveals and cliffhangers that come with ethical questions about true crime as entertainment.”
4) The People vs McDonalds
BBC Sounds
★★★★
It’s scarcely believable the longest-running libel trial in British History should be between the fast-food chain, McDonalds, and two environmentalists who published a leaflet very few read. It was a case few could follow because it was so detailed and harrowing in parts because of what the defendants experienced.
Read what we said in our October Review “Narrated by Mark Steel with contributions from some of those involved this is well worth a listen.”
3) The House at No 48
BBC Sounds
★★★★★
A rich and unusual story of a son, Antony Easton, who researched the secretive life of his father. It all starts with a brown suitcase; his father kept under the bed and what its contents revealed.
Read what we said in our October Review “It’s a fascinating story that unfolds over eight episodes as Easton comes face to face with those who benefited from the family’s legacy.”
2) Scam Inc
The Economist Podcast
★★★★★
Sadly, it’s a reflection of our times that so many podcasts are dedicated to scams and those who perpetrate them. What separates this one from the usual is how the investigator reveals mind boggling details of how sophisticated the industry is and how that affects us.
What we said in our March Review “This is a great in-depth investigation about the scale and impact of online fraud.”
BBC Sounds
★★★★★
In our opinion, a successful podcast needs a great narrator and content that makes you think. This one has both in spades – David Dimbleby as the narrator and an explanation of the history that has changed our political and economic landscape.
What we said in our May Review “This extremely well-documented piece weaves through history from the Battle of Britain to present-day Trump time.”
If you are a fan of the celebrity interview there are a few worth mentioning Rosebud with Gyles Brandeth, This Cultural Life with John Wilson and This Life of Mine with James Corden. None quite measure up to Desert Island Discs (BBC Sounds) especially as Lauren Laverne has grown into the role.
Films
5) A Complete Unknown
Disney+
★★★★☆
An excellent portrayal of Bob Dyan by Timothee Chalamet as Dylan is discovered and transitions from folk to electric guitar. This is no sanitised biopic as it recognises Dylan’s genius as well as his callous behaviour to others.
What we said in our February Review “a bold, engaging, and thoroughly entertaining take on a pivotal moment in rock history.”
4) Anora
Sky Cinema
★★★★★
A sex worker resists and then marries the son of a Russian Oligarch and faces cultural differences and family obstructions. It’s funny, poignant and deservedly won a Best Actor for Mikey Madison as Anora.
What we said in our February Review “Its success is a testament to its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances.”
3) A Real Pain
Disney+ & various
★★★★★
Another Oscar winner, this time it’s for Kieran Culkin of Succession fame. This is a witty and emotional film by Jesse Eisenberg, one of two cousins travelling to Poland to honour their late grandmother, a survivor of Auschwitz. Culkin is the other half of the odd couple whose behaviour is a constant challenge to those whom he meets. As different as they are, the cousins are bonded by a deep affection.
What we said in our February Review “recalls the best of Hollywood’s golden age, proving that smart, character-driven storytelling is still very much alive.”
2) One Battle After Another
General release/ Sky Store
★★★★★
A film that’s quite likely to win multiple Oscars. Leonardo Di Caprio is the star and teams up once again with Paul Thomas Anderson, a powerful combo and supported by Sean Penn. It starts with Di Caprio as a revolutionary attacking migrant holding prisons on the Mexican border under the command of his partner before she betrays them. 16 years later, he’s raising their daughter as a single dad whilst still being hunted by the authorities who are led by Sean Penn.
Read what we said in our October Review “a film with many layers, great imagery, is laugh out loud at times and has original foot and car chases.”
BBC iPlayer
★★★★★
Nominated for an Oscar, this documentary film tells the tale of a fearless battle for justice by journalist, Shiori Ito, who was raped by a well-connected fellow worker. But this is Japan, where such battles are often defeated by lack of media interest, out of date laws and bias. Ito’s courage confronting a culture of silence and lack of support makes her story quite remarkable. It’s no wonder that so few of these cases, wherever they may happen, find justice.
What we said in our February Review “Raw, urgent, and deeply affecting, this documentary is not just a personal story—it’s a wake-up call.”
Other films we much enjoyed were The Ballad of Wallis Island and F1
That wraps up our Top 5’s, do please tell us your No1’s
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