Five star - Latest Top Rated TV Reviews from the Guardian

Nobody Wants This review – Kristen Bell and Adam Brody’s joyous romcom is as funny as When Harry Met Sally
This will-they-won’t-they between a rabbi and a sex podcaster is as funny, sweet, scabrous and romantic as comedy gets. Everybody will want this … - Lucy Mangan
Small Town, Big Riot review – a jaw-dropping documentary that says the unsayable
Why do racist riots keep breaking out in the UK? Mobeen Azhar investigates a nasty standoff in Kirkby between raging local people and refugees. What he reveals is grim, cathartic and supremely depressing - Jack Seale
The Penguin review – Colin Farrell deserves all the awards for this powerful Batman spinoff
It’s slick, fast – and doesn’t feature the caped crusader once. The Irish actor is a revelation in a series that’s so twisty it leaves you breathless - Lucy Mangan
Agatha All Along review – the perfect show for Halloween season
This royally entertaining Marvel series slips seamlessly from comedy to tragedy, and Kathryn Hahn is so good you can barely take your eyes off her. An absolute treat - Lucy Mangan
Colin from Accounts season two review – the smash-hit Aussie comedy is better than ever
This series about a couple bonding over an injured dog maintains the perfect blend of hard-edged laughs and genuine emotion. It’s an absolute joy to watch - Lucy Mangan
Kaos review – Jeff Goldblum’s furiously fun Greek gods drama is a masterpiece
Hilarious, profound and moving: this fantasy series is an utter triumph. Its tale of Zeus and co living in the modern day is intelligent, twisty and action-packed - Lucy Mangan
Only Murders in the Building season four review – by far the funniest thing on TV
With Eugene Levy and Eva Longoria added to the already stellar cast, the new series is as thrilling and side-splitting as ever. In fact, it’s pretty close to the perfect show - Rachel Aroesti
Sherwood series two review – even more spellbinding than the original masterpiece
It’s immaculately acted, brutally convincing and full of James Graham’s love, care and talent. We need this state-of-the nation drama now more than ever - Lucy Mangan
Fantasmas review – this wildly creative comedy is a beacon of hope for TV’s future
Ex-Saturday Night Live star Julio Torres’s oustandingly whimsical new series threatens to tear up television’s rules – and is packed with guest stars including Emma Stone and Steve Buscemi - Rebecca Nicholson
Hell Jumper review – the heartstopping tale of the volunteer who saved hundreds of Ukrainians
This documentary about Chris Parry, 28 – who died rescuing civilians from the frontline – is profoundly human. His bodycam footage is like watching a player in a dystopian video game - Jack Seale
Time Bandits review – the gloriously fun return of a fantasy classic
Taika Waititi! Jemaine Clement! Lisa Kudrow being the absolute master of the muttered aside! This remake of the 80s film is a confident, hilarious romp through history - Lucy Mangan
Lady in the Lake review – Natalie Portman’s TV debut is absolutely impeccable
This fearless, 60s-set thriller is astonishingly written and acted. It’s so sumptuous that its brilliance threatens to overwhelm you - Lucy Mangan
Four Kings review – boxing should be banned
This horrifying, tear-inducing documentary about Chris Eubank, Nigel Benn, Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis has awful details of detached retinas, brain damage and racism. It’s a real indictment - Stuart Jeffries
Surviving October 7th: We Will Dance Again review – an unflinching, moving account of Hamas’ attack
This visceral film about the massacre at the Israeli Nova music festival is a nightmarish look at what the victims went through. At points it’s like a disaster movie - Rachel Aroesti
La Maison review – an irresistibly moreish mashup of Emily in Paris and Succession
Frequently absurd and heavy on le fromage, this French soap set in rival fashion houses owes a lot to the Roys – and turns out to be very good mindless TV indeed - Rebecca Nicholson
Jamali Maddix: Follow the Leader review – he’s like Louis Theroux, only with more charisma
This documentary series sees the comic tackle subcultures from paedophile hunters to a cult led by someone called King Bullethead – and his natural magnetism exposes extraordinary truths - Leila Latif
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez review – bleakly compelling tragedy
Ryan Murphy’s TV empire gets a new strand with a sharp look at the sad story of the NFL superstar turned murderer - Andrew Lawrence
In My Own Words: Hanif Kureishi review – so frank it’s breathtaking
Two years ago, a catastrophic fall changed Kureishi’s life in an instant. But it’s clear from this film that it hasn’t changed his wild, hilarious, trailblazing spirit - Chitra Ramaswamy
Billionaire Island review – like Succession … with salmon farmers
Sadly it’s not a reality show where the 1% battle for survival. No, this is a wry, droll and incredibly understated Norwegian family saga about tasty pink fish - Jack Seale
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter review – a staggering, mesmerising true-crime tale
When Cathy Terkanian learned that the daughter she was persuaded to place up for adoption had gone missing, she knew the police would never bother to find her. So she did it herself - Lucy Mangan
In My Own Words: Alison Lapper review – a hammer blow to your heart
At points, the formidable artist’s story makes you flinch at the toxicity she’s faced. Her incredibly frank account of being rejected by her mother and losing her son is almost beyond comprehension - Lucy Mangan
The Perfect Couple review – Nicole Kidman’s gorgeous murder mystery is ludicrously good
It’s almost impossible to resist bingeing the entirety of this classy detective drama set around a posh wedding in Nantucket. It’s a glorious, perfectly paced delight - Lucy Mangan
The Zelensky Story review – you can feel the humanity radiating from the Ukrainian president
To watch this documentary about the one-time comedian’s astonishing journey to statesmanship is to feel that you’re witnessing the birth of a hero - Lucy Mangan
Slow Horses season four review – Gary Oldman roars like a bear dipped in chip fat
The faultlessly directed spy thriller is back with an even more stellar cast – and its lead actor’s role evolving into something that is occasionally quietly beautiful - Jack Seale
Sambre: Anatomy of a Crime review – the misogyny of the French police will make you want to scream
This Gallic drama about a real-life serial rapist is an important artefact of the attitudes that saw him go free for 30 years. It’s an uncomfortable, but hugely valuable watch - Rebecca Nicholson
Strictly Amy: Cancer and Me review – an exceedingly raw real-time battle
The Welsh dancer invited a team to film her as soon as she got her diagnosis – then they followed her through every scary step. It’s a bold, uplifting and very teary journey indeed - Daisy Jones
Sven review – this portrait of the ex-England manager is deeply profound
Sven-Göran Eriksson’s terminal cancer diagnosis give this documentary a depth most sports biopics never reach – and his refusal to accept tabloid moralising is highly invigorating - Jack Seale
Pachinko season two review – this excellent drama is extremely close to being an all-time classic
There’s a rare emotional intelligence to this deft, heartfelt look at Koreans living in Japan. It’s a methodically observed drama about the agonies of being human - Jack Seale
Slavery at Sea review – my God humankind can be depraved
Based on a three-year investigation, this rage-inducing documentary explores allegations of human trafficking by a Scottish fishing fleet – and its claims are truly grotesque - Lucy Mangan
We Might Regret This review – wonderful, witty TV that is totally liberating to watch
What would it be like to hire your best friend to help you wash, move and go out, asks this joyous disabled-led show that’s also a veritable who’s who of modern British comedy - Frances Ryan
Daddy Issues review – Aimee Lou Wood and David Morrissey’s dad-daughter comedy is daftly touching
This thought-provoking tale of a pregnant woman flatsharing with her father out of necessity is hard not to warm to. It’s honest, moving and full of laughs - Lucy Mangan
Stags review – the exhilarating, gorgeous tale of eight idiots
A stellar comic cast beautifully play this chronicle of a pre-wedding South American week of debauchery gone very, very wrong. It’s a thrilling, albeit unexpectedly gory, ride - Lucy Mangan
Celebrity Race Across the World review – Kelly Brook’s checkpoint sprint is white-knuckle stuff
The contestants are so likable you’ll find yourself rooting hard for them on this South American odyssey. It’s utterly, wonderfully captivating TV - Daisy Jones
Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour review – an utterly stirring way to come back from that car crash
It starts as the tale of a teenage cricket team going to India, until a horrific Top Gear accident turns it into so much more. This is shocking, moving, transformational TV - Jack Seale
The Body Next Door review – a jaw-droppingly addictive true-crime tale
The discovery of a decaying body in South Wales was just the beginning of a breathlessly twisty case spanning five decades, two continents – and where the prime suspect was already dead - Rachel Aroesti
Slip review – this orgasm drama features a shot of pure pleasure to the soul
Every time the lead climaxes, she leaps into a parallel dimension. This show’s astonishing talent and ambition deserve to be lauded – and at least one scene will leave you feeling healed - Lucy Mangan
Atomic People review – the quietly devastating truth about surviving Hiroshima
This deeply moving documentary gives a voice to the ‘hibakusha’ who endured the horrific US bombings – and are running out of time to tell their stories - Lucy Mangan
A Storm Foretold review – a terrifying glimpse into Trump’s time in the White House
This extraordinary film spends three years on the trail of Donald Trump’s political adviser Roger Stone. It’s a shocking tale of the ex-president’s inadequacies - Lucy Mangan
Heels review – this stunning wrestling drama’s fights feel more Swan Lake than WWE
There are acrobatics, broken hearts and so many narrative twists it leaves your head spinning. No wonder fans are delighted by Netflix acquiring this tale of small-time scrappers - Leila Latif
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple review – seeing Springsteen’s sidekick take on apartheid is an air-punch moment
He’s raised a ruckus with the Boss, smashed segregation in South Africa and sparkled in The Sopranos – this entertaining documentary showcases a wild life - Jack Seale
Saucy! Secrets of the British Sex Comedy review – a cheeky look at cinema’s wild sexploitation craze
From ooh-er-missus innuendo to innocent workmen being ravished by lusty housewives, this look at the phenomenon of the saucy films of the 60s and 70s is truly eye-opening - Rebecca Nicholson
Linford review – the scenes about the racist fetishisation of his genitals are heartbreaking
He may have been one of Britain’s most successful ever athletes, but Christie’s triumphs opened him up to abuse from the press, the police – and sexual harassment - Stuart Jeffries
Sophie Morgan’s Fight to Fly review – the degradation of disabled people is jaw-dropping
From the women manhandled out of their wheelchairs to the man forced to drag himself along a plane floor, this searing documentary is packed with horrors that will be painfully familiar to many people with disabilities - Frances Ryan
Surviving the Post Office review – fresh details of the appalling scandal will make you even more angry
Will Mellor meets the Post Office workers whose lives have been torn apart – including the remarkable operator who, after paying back money she never owed, feels sick each time she still has to use the Horizon system - Rebecca Nicholson
Britain Behind Bars: A Secret History review – the inside story of a broken, brutal prison system
Rob Rinder’s nuanced look at the penal system through the ages unearths horrifying revelations – from conditions so bad they caused a riot, to the cruelty current inmates face - Leila Latif
Simone Biles: Rising review – the greatest gymnast of all time sets the record straight
Through extraordinary access to Biles, this dramatic docuseries takes on the dark side of being an elite athlete. It’s a touching plea for compassion that sets up her Olympics return beautifully - Rebecca Nicholson
The Jetty review – could this be the new Happy Valley?
Jenna Coleman stars in a very good thriller that evolves into a dark, funny and moving look at how women navigate the brutally male world. It’s better than you would ever expect … especially after that opening - Lucy Mangan
Kings From Queens: The Run-DMC Story review – incredibly honest and raw TV
This look at the hip-hop legends spares no effort in telling their tale exactly as it was, from substance abuse to their darkest hours. It’s intelligent, nuanced TV – even if it could be more open about Russell Simmons - Leila Latif
The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning review – feelgood TV that expands your heart
Amy Poehler narrates this funny, practical series about sorting out your clutter before you die. It’s a moving – if not delicate – look at our mortality - Rebecca Nicholson
Grotesquerie review – horror as gorily unsubtle as you’d expect from Ryan Murphy
This tasteless, grisly, state-of-the-nation tale is certainly bold. Who knows what it’ll be like when Travis Kelce makes his long-awaited acting debut later in the series? - Rebecca Nicholson
Ludwig review – like watching Peep Show’s Mark join the police force
The Peep Show actor is at his very best as a puzzle setter who poses as his twin in order to find out why his brother has disappeared - Lucy Mangan
The Great British Bake Off review – Paul Hollywood doles out handshakes like cheap mini-muffins
We’re straight back in with a dozen underwhelming new bakers, an almost instantaneous bit of glad handing - and the smuttiest innuendo in the show’s history - Jack Seale
Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music review – the racism that’s seen artists brutally ripped off for 100 years
Nile Rodgers, Ice T and Trevor Nelson join music historians to lay bare the horrific industry practices that have denied Black musicians millions. It’s just a shame it doesn’t offer more anti-capitalist analysis - Ellen E Jones
Frasier season two review – so old-fashioned at points it makes you dizzy
The humour is basic, the laugh track extremely dated and the dialogue creaky. But Kelsey Grammer and co’s fantastic performances lift it until it just about gets away with it all - Rachel Aroesti
A Very Royal Scandal review – Michael Sheen is excellent as Prince Andrew in THAT interview
There’s a buffet of top-tier acting talent in this elegant, if slight, take on the disastrous Newsnight appearance – from Ruth Wilson as Emily Maitlis to Sheen’s buffoonish royal - Rebecca Nicholson
What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates review – has Tom Hanks really joined his secret lizard society?
The Microsoft founder’s look at the challenges of AI might lack depth, but he does discover some chilling truths – including very odd conspiracy theories about himself - Lucy Mangan
Israel and Gaza: Into the Abyss review – an indelibly traumatic viewing experience
Would a fully honest portrayal of what has happened in Gaza this year be unbroadcastable? This film is full of unforgettably harrowing moments – but still, so much more should have been said - Jack Seale
In Vogue: The 90s review – Anna Wintour and pals offer up hour after hour of fabulous nothingness
From Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss to Kim Kardashian, anyone who’s anyone shows up in this fantastically chic spectacle. What a shame none of them say anything of note - Lucy Mangan
Ross Kemp: Mafia and Britain review – it’s astounding he gets gangsters to open up this much
Why did the Godfather live in a caravan park in Preston? Kemp traces the links between Italian and British hard men … then heads to Italy for a fascinating and revealing encounter - Rebecca Nicholson
Trump: Should We Be Scared? review – no, we should be absolutely terrified
Judging by these interviews with the Donald’s fans about everything from a national abortion ban to immigration, the future of the US looks unstable at best. But why the lack of pushback? - Lucy Mangan
Funny Woman series two review – Gemma Arterton is tediously perfect
The actor’s character is flawless to the point of being dull in this second outing based on Nick Hornby’s novel. It’s an invitingly warm and gentle watch, but it feels like a soap - Rachel Aroesti
English Teacher review – promising high school comedy has work to do
Online comedian Brian Jordan Alvarez takes on school boards, concerned parents and Gen Z in this clever, if slight, high school comedy set in Texas - Adrian Horton
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 review – needs to remember it’s a drama
Amazon’s prequel series looks visually impressive, but the script is frequently just lore – said with such comical portent that it’s a turnoff to casual viewers. It really needs more action - Jack Seale
Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me review – the Queen star could save so many animals’ lives
May’s four-year experiment into whether badgers actually need to be culled is eye-opening stuff – but he’s so gently spoken that astonishing facts slip by almost unnoticed - Lucy Mangan
The Walking Dead: Dead City review – this hugely fun spin-off rattles along like a disreputable B-movie
Expect ruthless warlords, zombies dropping from skyscrapers and frenemy energy aplenty: bitter enemies Maggie and Negan are back. And they’re teaming up - Graeme Virtue
Secret Lives of Orangutans review – David Attenborough’s new series is utterly relaxing TV
This fascinating documentary – which shows apes making leafy beds, clinging to their mothers and swinging through the treetops – is an immense privilege to watch - Daisy Jones
Dame Judi and Jay: The Odd Couple review – Dench and Blades’ real-life friendship fills you with wonder
The acting legend and the Repair Shop host lift the lid on their relationship in a way that is intimate and beautiful – despite the show’s insistence on tiring stunts - Lucy Mangan
Faye review – where are all the hair-raising stories of Dunaway’s nightmare behaviour?
This misty-eyed homage to Bonnie and Clyde star Faye Dunaway (with her involvement) papers over her reputation for being difficult – but is still a troubling portrait - Rachel Aroesti
Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story review – TV as nonsensical as the crime it’s based on
There’s a big problem for this admirably accurate dramatisation of the real-life abduction of a British model: the facts are convoluted, bitty and frustrating - Jack Seale
Bad Monkey review – Vince Vaughn’s easy-going detective drama is tons of fun
There are femme fatales, drive-by shootings and plenty of sticking it to the man in this pulpy comedy-mystery. Its beautiful Florida location will make you yearn for a holiday - Rebecca Nicholson
My Tiger Family review – no matter how many times you see them, these precious beasts always blow you away
Film-maker Valmik Thapar’s love letter to a tiger clan in India has been 50 years in the making. You’ll be left agog at this tale of obsession, survival – and poachers out for blood - Lucy Mangan
Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes review – they don’t make stars like this any more
This absolute treat of a documentary uses a treasure trove of newly discovered audio interviews to paint an intimate, captivating picture of the actor - Lucy Mangan
Mr Throwback review – Steph Curry plays himself in charming new comedy
The NBA star takes on an unusual new role in a shaggy new series imagining what would have happened to his less successful childhood friend - Andrew Lawrence
Irvine Welsh’s Crime series two review – as dark and twisted as Luther
This police drama’s at its best when it does bold, dastardly action, with Dougray Scott every bit as compelling a lead as Idris Elba. Shame about the more po-faced scenes … - Leila Latif
The Influencer review – judging by these social media stars, humanity’s future is bleak
Truth doesn’t matter as Korean influencers battle for popularity in this reality TV show. It’s a horribly compelling insight into their world - Rebecca Nicholson
Yorkshire By the Sea review – God’s own country lives up to its name in every gorgeous shot
The towns are beautiful, the wildlife stunning, the people lovely: this piece of quintessential summer filler is a charming (if lightweight) watch - Lucy Mangan
Titanic In Colour review – a gripping history, once you’ve made it through three minutes of staring at a carpet
This documentary is so obsessed with its odd pigment-based premise that it can feel downright pointless. But when it takes a wider lens, it becomes an intriguing, detail-filled tale - Rachel Aroesti
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon review – finally, the zombie show has a spinoff you can actually care about
There are jokes! And a relationship you can genuinely get invested in! A couple of pleasing twists take place in Daryl’s French adventures – even if they’re largely predictable - Lucy Mangan
Batman: Caped Crusader review – this noirish reboot feels utterly refreshing
This new 10-part series plunges into a 1940s-inspired world of tough guys, trenchcoats and Tommy guns. It’s a highly satisfying, bat-to-basics take on the hero - Graeme Virtue
Women in Blue review – calling this a real-life story is nothing but a misleading PR exercise
This supposedly ‘inspired by true events’ drama following Mexico City’s first female police unit – and its hunt for a serial killer – takes serious liberties with the facts - Rachel Aroesti
The Decameron review – this starry medieval show is non-stop fun
Bandits! Sword fights! Buboes! Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Zosia Mamet and co have a whale of a time in this plague-riddled comedy-drama set in 14th-century Italy - Lucy Mangan
Piglets review – this comedy is so weak you wonder why the police bothered to complain about it
The ‘highly offensive’ title of ITV’s new comedy may have seen officers’ federation throw its toys out of the pram, but this slight sitcom goes easy on years of reports of corruption - Lucy Mangan
Those About to Die review – Anthony Hopkins’s Rome epic is disgustingly effective
This attempt to be Game of Thrones in togas is all about the cheap thrills. It’s packed with gore, gladiators and gratuitous brothel tours - Jack Seale
Mr Bigstuff review – Danny Dyer does the business
The ex-EastEnder is all charisma and comedy chops in this patchy sitcom about two wildly different brothers. The show leans heavily on his talent … and he delivers - Lucy Mangan
Into the Jungle With Ed Stafford review – a show so stupidly insensitive you’ll wish pain on the makers
The survivalist takes vulnerable children and their fathers to the jungle – then turns them into absolute audience fodder. It is awful to witness - Lucy Mangan
Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story review – exhausting horror show
Ryan Murphy’s follow-up to Netflix hit Dahmer tells a compelling true story but grabby moments and high class acting can’t save an overlong and repetitive relitigation - Jesse Hassenger
After Baywatch: Moment in the Sun review – the Leonardo DiCaprio reveal is quite something
This documentary about the hit lifeguard drama famed for slow-mo shots in skimpy beachwear is oddly po-faced. It’s a shame given wild anecdotes about Playboy, being stoned – and turning down a Hollywood megastar - Rebecca Nicholson
Nightsleeper review – fantastically dreadful
The script is woeful and the action hero so expressionless it will drive you to distraction. This allegedly high-octane train thriller is almost laughably abysmal - Lucy Mangan
America’s New Female Right review – this lazy BBC documentary fails to tackle dangerously extreme views
This shoddy programme neglects to properly challenge the hard-right views of the women interviewed. It’s a wasted opportunity - Lucy Mangan
City of God: The Fight Rages On review – small screen follow-up loses power
The Oscar-nominated Brazilian drama gets a HBO sequel series but the original’s authenticity and drive has been whittled down to nothing - Radheyan Simonpillai
Untold: The Murder of Air McNair review – save yourself an hour and Google it
Netflix’s documentary about the killing of the American football star reveals almost nothing you wouldn’t learn in 10 minutes on the web - Jack Seale
Love Is Blind: UK review – the results are in … love isn’t blind
The British twist on this franchise sticks to the US formula, down to the gold goblets. But given the show’s track record, surely we know the premise doesn’t work? - Elle Hunt
Cowboy Cartel review – a tale told so poorly even the talking heads call it ‘anti-climactic’
The real-life story of a Mexican cartel laundering money within the world of horse racing could be gripping. Sadly, it is not - Jack Seale
Art Matters With Melvyn Bragg review – a shallow, unenlightening waste of time and money
This chummy, ineffective look at the arts crisis offers no solutions. And by featuring only one contributor aged under 50, it is itself part of the problem - Rachel Aroesti
Dirty Pop: The Boy Band Scam review – the shocking, surreal swindle behind ‘NSync
The Justin Timberlake-fronted boyband and the Backstreet Boys may have conquered the world, but their manager’s huge fraud devastated lives. This is the staggering tale - Rebecca Nicholson
Elsbeth review – a tedious spinoff for the Good Wife character who makes you want to smash your TV
This murder-of-the week drama – with its screamingly obvious solutions – was seemingly dreamed up in five minutes. It’s like a charmless Columbo, with brighter clothes - Lucy Mangan
Dating Naked UK review – the US version blurred out the nudity. We didn’t get so lucky
The title is the most subtle part of this nightmarish clothes-free romance show full of thong-shaped tan lines – and the only vaguely entertaining thing about it is the host: Rylan Clark - Rebecca Nicholson
Emily in Paris season four review – as exciting as watching paint dry … if you really hate paint
This televisual black hole is devoid of plot, charisma and intrigue. Absolutely nothing happens, bar the odd dead-eyed conversation about the price of face cream - Leila Latif
Orlando Bloom: To the Edge review – even Katy Perry doesn’t care about her fiance’s irritating exploits
Legolas from Lord of the Rings learns new skills in a way that makes you curl up with embarrassment. Even his pop-star partner can barely feign interest - Lucy Mangan
Exploding Kittens review – unfunny, infuriating and life-sapping
The plot – if you could call it that – of this adaptation of the popular card game makes no sense. The jokes don’t work and the writing is so bad it’s as if they gave up halfway - Lucy Mangan