‘Sheer genius’: your best TV of 2026 so far

3 hours ago 7

I absolutely loved Legends. It was tense, thrilling and even funny in bits, with an evocative early-90s soundtrack. The acting was all top quality, especially Johnny Harris [as Eddie McKee], who gave another great, morally nuanced performance. Although fictionalised, it brought well deserved attention to the amazing work of Customs kept secret for so long. I would have watched it in one go if I didn’t have to get up the next day! And we got to see a bit of Thatcher’s tearful leaving speech, which is always enjoyable. Edie, 47, Leeds, west Yorkshire, UK

The Boroughs (Netflix)

Alfre Woodard as Judy in The Boroughs.
A winner for sure … Alfre Woodard as Judy in The Boroughs. Photograph: Courtesy of Netflix

The Boroughs is edgy, creative and unpredictable, with fantastic actors, diverse characters and realistic relationships. My partner and I love sci-fi with a twist of humour and feisty characters that are willing to cross the lines of authority to do the right thing. This is a winner for sure. Mary, 78, retired librarian, Eugene, Oregon, US

Criminal Record (Apple TV)

Cush Jumbo in Criminal Record.
Truly epic … Cush Jumbo in Criminal Record. Photograph: Matt Towers/Apple

Criminal Record is a superior police show. This is a truly epic programme and the cast are at the top of their game. Cush Jumbo and Peter Capaldi make perfect adversaries: she believes justice must be acquired through fair means, and he believes the result is everything, even if innocent people get hurt en route. This second series focuses on a charismatic right wing agitator called Cosmo, played brilliantly by Dustin Demri-Burns, with his weekly podcast broadcast to stir anti-immigrant sentiment. The police, Jumbo and Capaldi have used a mole to infiltrate the shenanigans and attempt to stop a terrorist attack. It is all very tense and brittle. I highly recommend this and series one. Paul, 62, nurse, Manchester, UK

DTF St Louis (HBO Max)

DTF St Louis.
Quirkily hilarious … Jason Bateman and David Harbour in DTF St Louis. Photograph: Sky Atlantic

DTF St Louis was deeply moving, quirkily hilarious and had a profound, intimate and painfully affecting relationship between the two male leads, played to perfection by Jason Bateman and David Harbour. The non linear, multi perspective structure continually played with emotions and confounded your loyalties. An exquisite show. Nadia, 55, self-employed tutor, Enfield, UK

Small Prophets (BBC Two and iPlayer)

Small Prophets was perfect. Uniquely British, laser-like in its observations of modern life and acted superbly. A genuine feelgood show cheerleading for the awkward squad. Rich, semi-retired, Weston-super-Mare, UK

Tip Toe (Channel 4)

Alan Cumming, David Morrissey, Tyler Dobbs and Munya Mswaka in Tip Toe.
Exceptional … Alan Cumming, David Morrissey, Tyler Dobbs and Munya Mswaka in Tip Toe. Photograph: Gareth Gatrell/Channel 4

For sheer genius, it has to be Tip Toe, written by the brilliant Russell T Davies, which gives us the full treatment of working-class resentment, entitlement and bigotry. David Morrissey and Alan Cumming are exceptional as warring neighbours. Tip Toe made for squirming, uncomfortable viewing, but a reminder to all of us how dangerous hatred and not a whit of understanding of other people can be. It is so very topical. Liz, research administrator, London

Your Friends & Neighbors (Apple TV)

Jon Hamm and Olivia Munn in Your Friends & Neighbors.
So sharp … Jon Hamm and Olivia Munn in Your Friends & Neighbors. Photograph: Jessica Kourkounis/Apple TV

It’s one of those rare shows that manages to be stylish, intelligent, funny and genuinely engaging all at the same time. The writing is sharp, with characters who feel believable and complex rather than stereotypical. Every episode seems to reveal another layer of the story, keeping you interested without relying on cheap twists. What really stands out is the balance between drama and humour. The series explores wealth, relationships and personal ambition with a satirical edge that often had me laughing out loud, while still delivering moments of real tension and emotion. The performances are excellent across the board, bringing depth and charm even to the most flawed characters. Raymond, works in vehicle logistics, Cumbria, UK

Babies (BBC One and iPlayer)

Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen in Babies.
So rare … Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen in Babies. Photograph: BBC/Snowed-In/Sam Taylor

It is rare for television to touch on such a raw topic as miscarriage but Babies managed to do it tenderly and sensitively while adding humour. Siobhán Cullen and Paapa Essiedu convincingly played a young couple coping with their harrowing attempts to get pregnant. Alongside this, the programme dealt with toxic masculinity and fatherhood through the skin-crawling character of Dave, adeptly played by Jack Bannon. It took on massive issues that made it a tough watch, but for me it was a well overdue series. Esther, retired, Bristol, UK

The Pitt (HBO Max)

Noah Wyle in The Pitt.
Magical … Noah Wyle in The Pitt. Photograph: HBO

I’d been patiently waiting for The Pitt to arrive on UK screens, and it was absolutely worth the wait. It’s almost magical to find such a well written and superbly acted show crammed with fully realised characters you actually care about (Dr Abbott! Santos! Robby!). A refreshing departure from the usual hospital dramas, focusing less on getting it on in the on-call room and more on occupational mental health and the harsh reality of the US healthcare system. It continues to grip and surprise each week without resorting to tired cliches and schmaltz. A true binge watch. Claire, 50, PA, Manchester, UK

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