Five star - Latest Top Rated TV Reviews from the Guardian

Masters of the Air review – Spielberg and Hanks’s Band of Brothers follow-up is absolutely classic TV
With a sublime, star-studded cast and the backing of Hollywood royalty, this extravagant, thrilling series is finally here – and it’s worth the wait - Rebecca Nicholson
True Detective: Night Country review – a blazing Jodie Foster makes this show better than ever before
At last, this show drops the bloated, male-dominated stories of earlier series for an icy murder case in Alaska – with blistering turns from Foster and Kali Reis - Lucy Mangan
Big Boys review – so funny I almost choked
It’s rare that comedies arrive fully formed and actually make you laugh out loud. This is one of those unicorns – and it’s still as special, and even more gut-wrenching, the second time round - Rebecca Nicholson
Big Zuu’s 12 Dishes in 12 Hours review – the freshest, most irresistible food TV in years
The effortlessly hilarious host is joined by Will Poulter in Bologna for the first instalment of a foodie travelogue that’s an instant gem. Let’s hope he makes every episode this tasty - Jack Seale
The Traitors review – so thrilling it will make you gasp and yelp
The second series of Claudia Winkleman’s backstabbing smash hit is just as masterly as the first – and well and truly secures its place in the canon of genius reality TV - Rachel Aroesti
Taskmaster’s New Year Treat review – a magical, miraculous hour guaranteed to lighten your mood
Deborah Meaden and Kojey Radical show flawless comic timing as they are forced to eat a ludicrous number of poppadoms and draw themselves without using their hands - Jack Seale
Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster review – quite possibly the most deeply joyous show ever made
As Sir David realises he’s helped unearth a new pliosaur, the years fall away until the 97-year-old is a schoolboy fossil hunter once more. Talk about truly exciting television - Lucy Mangan
Men Up review – a TV masterpiece about the very first men to take Viagra
This wonderfully poignant drama about a group of Welsh men with erectile dysfunction who test a new miracle drug is perfectly judged. What a lovely way to round off the year - Lucy Mangan
Caroline Aherne: Queen of Comedy review – an unforgettable celebration of comedy brilliance
Craig Cash and other friends and collaborators look back at the phenomenal, but sadly all-too short, career of a woman who insisted comedy didn’t need jokes, only people - Rebecca Nicholson
Ghosts Christmas Special review – a beautiful farewell to a sublime sitcom
If you ever needed a sign that this comedy had reached classic status, this clever, spiky finale is it. It’s a perfectly-timed end to a show that will be sorely missed - Jack Seale
The Hairy Bikers: Coming Home for Christmas review – more moving than any other festive cookery show
This warm, touching festive special reunites the duo on TV for the first time since Dave Myers’s cancer treatment. It’s a genuine, unaffected tribute to food, loved ones and being alive - Jack Seale
Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution review – an absolute feast of a music documentary
This wonderful series documents the passion and idealism of the 70s music scene. It’s an immaculately soundtracked history lesson – and so much more besides - Rebecca Nicholson
Dodger review – this hilarious Dickens prequel is an utter treat
Nicola Coughlan! Lennie Rush! Paul Whitehouse! This festive special of the Christopher Eccleston-fronted show is a supremely funny, star-packed delight - Jack Seale
Lockerbie review – a masterclass in moving, urgent TV
This documentary on the 80s air disaster is a multi-layered, compelling watch. It’s a gripping detective story and a beautifully-made, sensitive portrait of grief - Rebecca Nicholson
Domino Day review – this fertile, fun witch drama is Buffy for a new generation
She needs to feed off human energy – and is using dating apps to find abusive male victims. This stylish supernatural show is a sign that women’s stories are finally starting to be told - Lucy Mangan
Black Cake review – one of the most visually stunning shows in recent memory
This highly intelligent, skilful novel adaptation might tackle heavy themes around race, grief and gender, but it’s an elegant, striking watch, featuring scenes with exquisite period costuming - Leila Latif
Putin Vs the West: At War review – did Liz Truss really storm out of her own office?
Our flawed and frequently ridiculous leaders emerge from this follow-up documentary with little credit. Yet despite the calamitous subject matter, the chaos is often downright funny - Jack Seale
Miners’ Strike 1984: The Battle For Britain review – the sadness and resentment still simmer
This documentary series to mark 40 years since the strikes is a vivid depiction of people’s lives and identities being shattered. It’s full of new interviews, and powerful emotions - Jack Seale
Griselda review – this intense Narcos spinoff is so much fun it’s appalling
The team behind Netflix’s hit drama turn their gaze to a terrifying female drug lord – and it’s a pulpy, stylish ride. It’s almost too entertaining, given the real-life suffering she caused - Lucy Mangan
Murder Trial: The Killing of Dr Brenda Page review – all true-crime shows need this level of drama
There are no embellishments to this look at a murder trial – and it’s all the better for it. This is an engrossing, dramatic take on the justice system which has you hanging on every thrust and parry - Jack Seale
Wilderness With Simon Reeve review – a majestic journey into a natural wonderland
Exotic wildlife, awe-inspiring landscapes, the terrifying rise of deforestation … this trip to the Congo Basin is a powerful tale of the importance of conservation - Jack Seale
Cristóbal Balenciaga review – this classy drama is utterly gorgeous
Sensuous lighting and smart camerawork showcase beautiful period details and astonishing couture in this biography of the fashion great. It’s a fitting tribute to a wonderful craftsman - Leila Latif
Keir Starmer: Up Close review – the Labour leader desperately tries to prove he’s sexy
Over three months with Anushka Asthana, Starmer attempts to make the general public love him and let him move into Downing Street. There’s only one hitch … - Stuart Jeffries
American Nightmare review – the woman who went through hell … then got blamed for it
This true-crime show examines the case of Denise Huskins, who police accused of faking her own kidnap in a Gone Girl-style plot. It’s an elevated example of the normally schlocky genre … but it will make you squirm - Leila Latif
The Artful Dodger review – this Dickens sequel is fast, furious and really great fun
Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s nimble-fingered rogue reunites with Fagin in a penal colony in Australia for a glorious romp full of stolen jewels and hacked off limbs - Lucy Mangan
Gladiators review – a camp, sugary old-school rush that will make you sweat
It might have new athletes, games and presenters, but this reboot is everything 90s kids remember watching on a Saturday night. The big question is: who will bite the dust? - Jack Seale
After the Flood review – an unexpectedly riveting disaster drama
After a predictably watery start, this six-parter becomes an ace murder mystery starring the wonderful Sophie Rundle and Lorraine Ashbourne. A rare treat from ITV - Lucy Mangan
Criminal Record review – Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo are great alone. Together, they’re mesmerising
We need an award for best joint performance and we need it now, for these two and their sublime turns in a clever, timely corrupt cop thriller - Lucy Mangan
Julia season two review – I could watch Sarah Lancashire argue about pastry for hours
This gorgeous, indulgent drama about TV chef Julia Child is back for a second helping. After taking a moment to warm up, it is rich with sumptuous scenes, spiky speeches and top talent - Rebecca Nicholson
Truelove review – an exquisite drama about bumping off your best mates
Could you kill your oldest pals as an act of love? That’s the question asked in this twisty, magnificent and deeply moving show starring Lindsay Duncan and Clarke Peters - Lucy Mangan
Mr Bates vs the Post Office review – Toby Jones is perfect in a devastating tale of a national scandal
A starry cast takes on one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history. They’re the ideal way in to skulduggery so terrifying it could be a Black Mirror episode - Rebecca Nicholson
The Tourist series two review – Jamie Dornan is hugely charming in this gloriously fun show
This raucous, entertaining thriller is the perfect vehicle for the one-time Fifty Shades star. It’s twisty, funny and unfailingly engaging - Leila Latif
Mortimer and Whitehouse Gone Hogmanay Fishing review – death hovers worryingly close
You won’t find a cheerier meditation on dying this Christmas. Bob and Paul share photos of their dead fathers, talk ill health – then rock out to 80s pop. Expect to shed a tear or two - Stuart Jeffries
The Piano at Christmas review – so moving it’s spine-tingling
The talent show’s festive edition is a generous-spirited joy, which catches up with past contestants and introduces celebrity guests. It warms the cockles of your heart - Michael Hogan
Doctor Who Christmas special review – Ncuti Gatwa is so charismatic you want to leap into the TV with him
This exhilaratingly fun adventure features baby goblins and Davina McCall, but it’s the raw magnetism of the new Doctor that’s the real joy. He’s preternaturally, knee-weakeningly smooth - Leila Latif
A Ghost Story for Christmas: Lot No 249 review – Mark Gatiss’s camp, creepy tale is absolutely bang on
The Sherlock creator’s annual festive spookathon is predictably hammy and great. It’s a clever take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s mummy revenge story that’s as tight as a pair of Victorian breeches - Chitra Ramaswamy
The Heist Before Christmas review – Timothy Spall’s festive drama is a total triumph
Sure, it pits Spall and James Nesbitt against each other as Santa and Villainous Santa – but the child star Bamber Todd is who really steals the show. What a magnificent drama - Lucy Mangan
A Very Brassic Christmas review – Imelda Staunton’s guest appearance is just terrific
This larger-than-life festive special for the madcap comedy has many star cameos, but none are as great as The Crown actor’s. There’s a lovely poise and warmth to her scenes - Graeme Virtue
Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas review – this gorgeous festive outing is food-based poetry
Don’t ask questions about the odd premise. Just sink into this dreamy, seductive vision of the Dutch capital – and the stunning culinary delights on offer - Rebecca Nicholson
Imagine … Russell T Davies: The Doctor and Me review – a joyous profile of a blazingly brilliant writer
Riotous interviews! Political rage! Teabags bought in bulk! Alan Yentob delivers an absolute treat of a documentary about a once-in-a-generation talent - Michael Hogan
Reacher season two review – addictively watchable, F bomb-packed fun
The return of Lee Child’s crimefighting giant, sees him looking so huge he could wrestle a silverback. It’s an intense, violent ride featuring a lead with an oddball energy you can’t tear your eyes from - Graeme Virtue
Vigil series two review – Suranne Jones’s thriller doesn’t need a submarine to be brilliant
Political truth bombs are dropped Spooks-style as our intrepid detective is embroiled in murky goings-on in a fictional middle-eastern dictatorship – what could be more scary? - Jack Seale
An Audience With Kylie review – so fabulously extravagant it needs a camp-o-meter
The pop star’s commandingly fizzy fluff-fest is an all-out showstopping spectacular. Even she seems stunned by how wild she drives the celeb-packed crowd - Rebecca Nicholson
Smothered review – this fresh twist on a romcom is utterly lovely
Don’t expect histrionics from this comedy about the practicalities of love. It’s a sweet, deeply nice take on romance that is extremely watchable - Rebecca Nicholson
Slow Horses season three review – Kristin Scott Thomas is absolutely top-notch
As ever, this grubby spy thriller is an utter pleasure. It’s big, bold, daft and sees Scott Thomas on brilliantly droll form – alongside a joyously shambolic Gary Oldman - Rebecca Nicholson
The Couple Next Door review – a sexy, fantastic time with hot swingers
The plot of this trouble-in-suburbia thriller might be flimsy – but who cares when there’s so much sexual tension between our flirtatious foursome? - Lucy Mangan
Stasi FC review – the astonishing tale of the secret police’s football team
The games were rigged, players’ families were held and, eventually, all their fans deserted them. This is an astute look at the wild story of a Stasi-run East German club - Phil Harrison
Doctor Who: The Star Beast review – David Tennant and Catherine Tate have got this show flying again
Fun, light and fast – the first of Russell T Davies’s festive specials are exhilaratingly back on track. The comic chemistry of its two stars is absolutely faultless - Jack Seale
One Night review – Jodie Whittaker absolutely soars in this mystery drama
Forget Doctor Who, this Big Little Lies-esque Australian drama really lets the actor spread her wings. It’s a glossy female-centred look at past secrets that’s full of important questions - Lucy Mangan
Archie review – Jason Isaacs is every bit as smooth as Cary Grant
This charmingly cheesy four-part bio-drama profiles five phases of the Hollywood star’s life courtesy of stunning performances – which plunge into the actor’s dark depths - Jack Seale
Such Brave Girls review – properly brutal and properly funny
There is a particular joy in seeing a woman-led, female-written sitcom that revels in plumbing the depths. It is scabrous, unflinching – and hilarious - Lucy Mangan
To Catch a Copper review – a shocking, disgusting real-life Line of Duty
Corrupt police officers are exposed via their bodycams in this frequently jaw-dropping series – but the lack of disciplinary action is what really makes it such an urgent watch - Jack Seale
Trigger Point series two review – Vicky McClure’s bomb disposal drama goes harder than ever
Expect plenty of explosions, shouting and TV that isn’t exactly subtle. It may be nonsense, but it’s gripping nonsense - Rebecca Nicholson
Expats review – Nicole Kidman is running on the fumes of her talent
This Hong Kong-set meditation on grief, greed and racism is a languorous, beautiful looking drama. But we’ve seen Kidman wafting about as a sad, privileged woman far, far too many times - Lucy Mangan
Pep Guardiola: Chasing Perfection review – might have been better if he was actually interviewed
It’s not exactly the most probing film, and the man himself is largely absent, but the story of Guardiola’s rise to glory is undeniably inspiring - Rebecca Nicholson
Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer review – we may never know the truth about these shadowy deaths
This fascinating documentary sees three sons investigate a group of Jewish retribution killers of Holocaust criminals – possibly involving their dad. It’s a wild historical education - Lucy Mangan
Born from the Same Stranger review – lovely, warm … and an ethical minefield
Davina McCall is back at her best with a series about donor-conceived people looking for their biological fathers. It’s a thorny subject, but Long Lost Family fans will love it - Rebecca Nicholson
Nuclear Armageddon: How Close Are We? review – TV that leaves you asking ‘Is that it?’
This documentary about the possibility of the apocalypse is bizarrely, frustratingly vague. Yes, things are bad – but exactly how bad? It’s about as useful as doomscrolling scary headlines - Lucy Mangan
Trump: The Return? review – it makes me wonder if Trumpers have a point
Robert Moore’s documentary about the US possibly having a ‘president serving from prison’ is baffling – and he fails to learn why so many people see the appeal - Lucy Mangan
Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse review – it will make you even more terrified of the internet
Is Mark Zuckerberg – the Facebook ‘dictator’ – really evil? Nobody in this two-hour tell-all seems to know or care. But it will make you question every website you dangerously rely on - Lucy Mangan
Echo review – the bloodiest show ever seen on Disney proves there’s life in the MCU yet!
A pandemic of Marvel fatigue is sweeping the globe. But this gnarly series about a young, deaf amputee assassin has some of the best action scenes in the entire multiverse – and it may just help save the day - Leila Latif
The Trust: A Game of Greed review – like a budget bootleg version of The Traitors
This US reality show has all the backstabbing of the global hit, but instead of being witty and fun it’s icky and gruesome. Still, it may well suck you in - Rebecca Nicholson
Brits Down Under review – the Paul Mescal lookalike is a champion farmer in a sweet reality TV treat
Aimless twentysomethings sign up for hard labour in rural Australia in this gentle reality show that’s surprisingly moreish – and has hilarious cliffhangers - Rebecca Nicholson
I Am Andrew Tate review – an exhausting, depressing hour with an awful human
The toxic masculinity influencer was arrested before he could give a new interview for this disturbing film about his rise. But he still manages to damn himself … - Lucy Mangan
The Brothers Sun review – Michelle Yeoh is supreme and gloriously lethal in gangster comedy
Oscar-winner Yeoh is a fiercely protective mother who defends her family from Taiwanese assassins. It’s a fun, action-packed show – if you don’t mind some extremely groanworthy jokes - Jack Seale
The Famous Five review – this Enid Blyton adaptation feels oddly like the Da Vinci Code
A bit Indiana Jones, a bit Swallows and Amazons, a bit Dan Brown, this adaptation of the 1942 book is a gently subversive take on a classic. Don’t expect lashings of ginger beer - Stuart Jeffries
MasterChef: Battle of the Critics review – the contestants get so stressed you fear they’ll need oxygen
Former champions from the show get to decide which of five food critics, including Jay Rayner and Grace Dent, deserves a knife and fork trophy. If you can’t stand the heat … - Stuart Jeffries
Murder Is Easy review – shines a whole new light on this Agatha Christie classic
This inventive take on a vintage crime tale replaces an English police officer with a Nigerian attaché. It tackles race, feminism and class, while still being quintessentially English - Rebecca Nicholson
Hell Camp: Teen Nightmare review – so dark it’s an anti-Christmas watchalong
This astonishing documentary is the latest in Netflix’s tradition of delivering trauma-based festive watches that rack up huge viewing figures. It’s a troubling look at institutionalised abuse - Stuart Heritage
Vera review – this non-stop whodunnit is totally unguessable
Brenda Blethyn’s long-running detective is like Columbo meets Paddington – and has the natural authority to keep her going and going. This festive special is highly enjoyable, sherry-soaked viewing - Jack Seale
The Unofficial Science of Die Hard review – hands down the daftest programme of Christmas 2023
From jumping off a building to blowing up a lift shaft, comics Paul Chowdhry and Chris Ramsey break down the blockbuster’s stunts to see if they would work in the real world - Lucy Mangan
The Winter King review – behold! The medieval nonsense of your dreams approacheth!
This novel adaptation is 10 hours of bloody warfare, pagan rites, horrible baddies and worse hair. Expect plenty of sex, violence, vengeance and the occasional bit of good acting - Lucy Mangan
Percy Jackson and the Olympians review – the kind of easy family viewing you don’t get from the MCU
This charming Disney reboot of the YA fantasy series about teen demigods is a lovely, multiverse-free way to spend an evening with kids - Leila Latif
24 Hours in Police Custody review – a staggering journey into the heart of an armed siege
This extended look at a gun-based standoff is stark, emotional TV which says as much about policing as the UK’s mental-health crisis. It’s quite a step-change from tidings of comfort and joy - Lucy Mangan
The Crown finale review – William’s university years are a weird campus romcom
The royal drama’s final episodes are an improvement on the wild ‘ghost Diana’ era … even if there is a dream sequence with Tony Blair as King, and Prince Harry is a mere cartoon - Jack Seale
Mary Berry’s Highland Christmas review – the ex-Bake Off host’s return is the perfect festive treat
This lovely, soothing special almost feels more than we deserve. It’s full of the chef’s usual poise, enthusiasm and recipes that will leave you ravenous – as well as hilariously posh anecdotes - Lucy Mangan
The Dog House at Christmas review – there won’t be a dry eye in the house
The festive special of this heartwarming series makes the world feel a little less bleak. It’s heartbreaking, moving and extremely hard to resist – no matter how sick-inducing you find their cutesy terminology - Lucy Mangan
The Real Full Monty: Jingle Balls review – naked celebrities is a new Christmas tradition
Watching starkers TV stars will always be very funny – especially this chaotic lot. But there’s also a deep sadness behind this strip show - Lucy Mangan
John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial review – Paul McCartney’s ambush by reporters is wildly odd
This look at the Beatle’s shooting and the legal investigation does justice to a profoundly strange moment – thanks to incredible archive footage - Jack Seale
Hunting the Rolex Rippers review – these brutal watch thieves are totally remorseless
This investigation into the rise of violent muggings shows teens who genuinely seem to hate their rich victims. It’s a skilful – if far too brief – look at a hugely lucrative crime - Leila Latif
Seeds of Deceit: The Sperm Donor Doctor review – a disturbing, awful new true-crime trend
This documentary tells the murky story of Dr Jan Karbaat, who secretly impregnated his female patients. It’s bleak to know we will never run out of stories of men being terrible to women - Lucy Mangan
Being Kae Tempest review – an extremely well-deserved good news story
This pleasingly hype-free documentary about the rapper and writer’s life shows them in a far happier place than in recent years. It’s very nice to see – even if it can tend towards the dull - Rachel Aroesti
The Great British Bake Off final review – one last spicy twist changes everything
The bakers are virtually identical, the format repetitive, the standards low – we’ve just seen everything on this show far too many times before. Until one final moment livens things up … - Jack Seale
The Doll Factory review – this twisty period drama is sumptuously atmospheric
Paramount’s adaptation of a best-selling novel is full of great performances and slow-burning tension. It’s a solid slab of Victoriana that keeps you guessing - Rebecca Nicholson
The Velveteen Rabbit review – the Matthew Perry connection makes it even more poignant
This tale of a toy rabbit who wants to become real is largely known in the UK due to Chandler referencing it in Friends. Yet another reason to be moved by this irresistibly tear-jerking tale - Rachel Aroesti
Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas review – not even the Grinch could resist this spectacle
The Ted Lasso cast doing skits! Misty-eyed reminiscences! Tonnes of showbiz glitz! The TV star’s relentless good cheer is contagious – if a little early - Rebecca Nicholson
The Great Climate Fight review – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall goes ‘not strictly legal’
Kevin McCloud is undercover, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall does some flyposting and Mary Portas sends a Jilly Cooper book to the PM. This government-baiting show is impressively angry TV - Chitra Ramaswamy
TikTok: Murder Gone Viral review – this documentary’s social media obsession is utterly bizarre
Two of these killers had a perverse mother-daughter dynamic that would make Freud faint. So why is this show so determined to unconvincingly pin the blame on TikTok? - Leila Latif
Sexy Beast review – there is just no good reason for this movie prequel to exist
The chemistry is dull, the story overly simplistic and the violence weirdly perverted. Even the cast seem to lack enthusiasm for this spinoff to the Ray Winstone-starring gangster film - Leila Latif
Six Nations: Full Contact review – like a desperately dated rugby highlights package
Will this Netflix docuseries be rugby union’s Drive to Survive? Not judging by how formulaic, shallow and ludicrously behind the times it is - Michael Hogan
Around the World in 80 Weighs review – I thought this kind of depressing, deeply misguided TV was over
In an oddly jaunty new documentary, ‘plus-sized pilgrims’ travel the world to get dieting tips. It seemed like we’d put the years of shaming weight-loss shows behind us. Until now - Rebecca Nicholson
Tell Me Lies review – truly ludicrous toxic erotica
This tale about a helpless poppet and a dangerous older man who won’t stop whipping off his T-shirt is a flimsy, soapy affair. It’s wild that a show with so much nudity and steamy sex can leave you so dissatisfied - Jack Seale
Rob & Romesh Vs Lapland review – their meeting with Santa is so unfunny it’s painful
The two comics head to the sparklingly weird place dedicated to Father Christmas … and fail to be amusing. Jokes are clearly contrived, rarely funny, and – on occasion – genuinely excruciating to watch - Jack Seale
Fur Babies review – this sickly-sweet series shows a total lack of respect to animals
There are plenty of charming moments in this look at pregnant pets, but it fails to consider that they have their own feelings. It’s a disappointing exercise in rampant anthropomorphism - Rebecca Nicholson
Platform 7 review – this tedious thriller is a waste of good actors
The paper-thin script on this mystery drama about a suspicious death makes for a very long watch. It’s a shame, seeing as it features stars like Top Boy’s Jasmine Jobson and Phil Davis - Lucy Mangan
Evil Genius With Russell Kane review – a deeply bewildering and disturbing piece of TV
Ill-informed comedians debate whether Churchill was a good man, then bluff their way through talk of atrocities with nary a gag being cracked. Who thought this was a good idea? - Jack Seale
The Reaction review – the Daily Mail talkshow is apocalypse now. Head for your bunkers!
In what feels like the instant death of both TV and society, Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce moan about untimely topics but mainly prove they’re Team Prince Andrew. Why has this monstrosity been made? - Michael Hogan
The Big British Beef Battle review – this utterly shoddy climate documentary is an insult
Presenter Ade Adepitan’s attempt to highlight the environmental impact of beef is totally clueless. It’s stupid, shouty and patronising - Lucy Mangan
Obliterated review – this thriller is so bad you long for the villains to use the nuke
The heroes are US special forces who must find a nuclear bomb while drunk; the villains are … who cares? This action show from the Cobra Kai team is crass, sexist and so unfunny it’s painful - Leila Latif
Faraway Downs review – Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman play two of the worst characters ever
Baz Luhrmann’s six-part adaptation of his bloated 2008 film Australia is … even more bloated. It’s clumsy, confused, borderline exploitative and totally lacking a good story. Enjoy! - Phil Harrison