Missing You
Harlan Coben strikes again with Missing You, a gripping Netflix series about a police detective whose fiancé vanishes, only to resurface on a dating app years later. Packed with twists and emotional depth, this one’s a must-watch – if for the stellar cast alone, which includes Lenny Henry, Ashley Walters, Richard Armitage, Steve Pemberton, Jimmy Nesbitt and Matt Willis. Available now on Netflix.
Playing Nice
James Norton and Niamh Algar shine in this powerful ITV1 drama about two families discovering their children were switched at birth. Tension runs high, and Norton delivers a standout performance as a desperate father opposite an increasingly menacing and sly James McArdle. Available now on ITV1.
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action
A two-part Netflix documentary revisiting the sensational world of The Jerry Springer Show, This is a nostalgic yet thought-provoking look at its cultural impact and the rise of reality TV – plus it throws out some surprises about the man himself who not only changed the cultural landscape but once also harboured ambitions as a radical politician. Who knew? Available now on Netflix.
Prime Target
Leo Woodall stars alongside the magnificent Stephen Rea as a mathematician whose groundbreaking discovery in encryption technology puts his life in grave danger. A tense, high-stakes thriller that explores ambition and survival. Available now on Apple TV+.
Brian and Maggie
Brian and Maggie dramatises the tense lead-up to the pivotal 1989 interview between Brian Walden (Steve Coogan) and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Harriet Walter), which played a key role in Thatcher’s resignation. The two-part miniseries explores the fallout from their once-friendly relationship. Available now on Channel 4.
1923 (Season 2)
The latest addition to the Yellowstone universe has garnered plenty of acclaim, and with powerhouse actors like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren at the helm (an iconic pairing, no?), it’s hard to imagine it falling short. As the name implies, this series explores the roots of the Dutton family story, following in the footsteps of its predecessor, 1883. It’s becoming clear that these interconnected series are forming a sprawling TV legacy. Airing in February on Paramount Plus.
Amandaland
Oh how we adored the BAFTA-winning Motherland. And how we rejoiced when we learned that its co-creators, Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz, would be back with a spin-off following the newly single life of the Amanda, played to snooty perfection by Lucy Punch. At the time of writing a release date had not been confirmed, but the BBC had revealed that it’s expected to air this month on BBC1 and iPlayer.
Miss Austen
Miss Austen is a poignant, witty drama reimagining the mystery behind Cassandra Austen’s burning of Jane’s letters. Set in 1830, Keeley Hawes stars as Cassandra, who uncovers a trove of secrets while helping her niece avoid losing her home. A heart-wrenching story of sisterly love and untold stories. Expected February on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
Small Town, Big Story
This ambitious production is both created by and features Chris O’Dowd, alongside co-stars Christina Hendricks and Paddy Considine. The story unfolds in a quiet Irish village disrupted by the chaos brought on by a major Hollywood television shoot – a self-aware twist on the industry itself. O’Dowd has likened the show to a spiritual successor of his beloved series Moone Boy (2012–2015), marking his return to the spotlight with a project of significant scale. Airing on Sky Atlantic in February.
Dope Girls
One of 2025’s most hotly anticipated dramas of the year, Dope Girls, transports viewers to post-WWI Soho, where Kate Galloway (Julianne Nicholson) reinvents her failing tea shop as a buzzing nightclub. Inspired by Marek Kohn's Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground, this six-part BBC One series dives into the vibrant but treacherous world of underground nightlife. With a cast that includes Eliza Scanlen, Umi Myers, and Geraldine James, and direction by Shannon Murphy, Dope Girls explores themes of ambition, rebellion, and female resilience. Produced by Bad Wolf, this gripping drama is set to be a highlight of the year. Airing on BBC 2 in February.
The White Lotus Season 3
Everybody’s favourite skewering of terrible, terrible rich people is back, and this time it’s set in Asia. Starring Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood, we are all in. And while we’ll miss Jennifer Coolidge’s stellar turn, her favourite spa worker is the only character who appeared in season two. On in February on NOW TV and Sky Atlantic.
The Studio
Get ready for laughs and chaos with The Studio, a sharp comedy series premiering on 26 March. Starring Seth Rogen, who also serves as co-creator, the show offers a satirical behind-the-scenes look at the absurdity of the animation industry. Set within a struggling cartoon production house, the series dives into the eccentric lives of its quirky staff as they navigate deadlines, creative clashes, and corporate meddling. With Rogen’s signature humour at the helm, expect an irreverent take on the trials and tribulations of making animated magic. This promises to be a must-watch for fans of offbeat workplace comedies. Coming to Apple TV+ in March.
David Attenborough: Ocean
The legendary naturalist returns with a breathtaking look at Earth’s underwater wonders. This visually stunning series captures the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems while delivering a vital conservation message. Premiering on National Geographic and Disney+ in May.
Riot Women
This thrilling historical drama charts the rise of the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s. Created by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), the six-part series follows five middle-aged women who form a punk rock band to enter a local talent contest, leading them to confront personal challenges and a long-buried secret. The cast includes Tamsin Greig, Rosalie Craig, and Amelia Bullmore. Premiering on BBC iPlayer and BBC One later this year. A fiery and inspiring exploration of activism and social change. Later 2025, BBC and iPlayer.
Toxic Town Image attached
Inspired by the true story of the Corby toxic waste scandal, this four-part drama from the production team behind Black Mirror examines the devastating impact of corporate negligence on a community and their fight for justice. Expected 2025 on Netflix.
Photo Credit: Ben Blackall/Netflix
Government Cheese
Government Cheese is a quirky, surrealist family comedy set in 1969 San Fernando Valley, where the Chambers family’s dream-chasing antics defy reality. When Hampton (David Oyelowo) returns from prison, his reunion with wife Astoria (Simone Missick) and sons sparks chaos in their already unconventional household. Expect heart and hilarity. Expected April 2025 on Apple TV+.
Squid Game Season 3
The global phenomenon returns for its highly anticipated third season. With the stakes higher than ever, Squid Game delves deeper into the origins of the deadly competition while introducing a new set of morally complex characters. Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk promises more jaw-dropping twists, thrilling games, and profound social commentary. Fans can expect this season to push the boundaries of suspense and storytelling. Expected August 2025 on Netflix.
The Night Manager 2
Tom Hiddleston reprises his role in this highly anticipated follow-up to the hit espionage thriller. With more high-stakes missions and international intrigue, it’s bound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Expected late 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Babies
Get ready for Babies, an upcoming six-part drama series from the brilliant mind of Stefan Golazewski, the creator of Him & Her, Mum, and Marriage. This heartfelt story follows a young couple’s emotional journey as they navigate the challenges of starting a family. Featuring an incredible cast led by Paapa Essiedu (The Lazarus Project, I May Destroy You), Siobhán Cullen (Bodkin, Obituary), Jack Bannon, and Charlotte Riley, the show promises a raw and beautiful exploration of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Filming began in November 2024, so expect this gripping and poignant series to hit screens in late 2025 on BBC One and iPlayer.
Playdate
Playdate is a thrilling five-part series based on Alex Dahl’s bestselling novel, coming to Disney+. This gripping story dives into every parent's worst nightmare. Elisa agrees to let her daughter, Lucia, stay over at a new friend’s house, but when she goes to pick her up the next day, the household has mysteriously vanished — it turns out to have been a holiday rental. Lucia, her friend Josie, and Josie’s mother are all gone without a trace. As the search intensifies, Elisa and her husband Fred are thrust into the public eye, with shocking secrets from their past slowly unraveling, revealing why Lucia was targeted. The star-studded cast includes Denise Gough (Andor), Holliday Grainger (The Capture), Ambika Mod (This Is Going to Hurt), Jim Sturgess (Cloud Atlas), and Bronagh Waugh (The Suspect). Expected later 2025 on Disney+.
Grenfell
Six years on from the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives, the BBC is set to air a compelling three-part drama, delving into the harrowing events surrounding the disaster. Helmed by BAFTA-winning director Peter Kosminsky (Wolf Hall), the series promises an in-depth exploration from various angles — including the experiences of those who were directly affected, the brave firefighters on the scene, and the broader community’s response. With the official inquiry’s findings released in September 2024, Kosminsky is expected to weave these insights into the narrative. Given the sensitivity and complexity of the material, it may take some time before this drama makes its debut. BBC One and iPlayer.
