Michael Hogan

The 2026 Strictly Come Dancing lineup introduces new presenters, professionals and a revamped companion show. The contestants range from soap and television actors to athletes, influencers, a Love Island winner and Kim Kardashian’s hairdresser. The ranking favors the women, with Lacey Turner tipped to win ahead of Jaime Winstone and Dani Dyer, while John Nellis, Graeme Hall and Shaun Wright-Phillips are judged most likely to leave early. Several contestants bring substantial athletic, stage or dance experience, raising the prospect of a highly competitive series and a possible fourth EastEnders-linked champion.

Six composers describe how iconic children’s television themes were created and how those themes affected their careers. Julian Nott explains that Peppa Pig’s brief, synthetic tune began as a low-budget demo but ultimately provided financial security, despite driving some parents to distraction. Scott Gale, Martin Brammer, Joff Bush, Mark Mueller and Mike Harding recount the creative choices behind the themes for Saved by the Bell, Byker Grove, Bluey, DuckTales and Danger Mouse. The composers highlight unexpected royalties, global recognition, career opportunities and the enduring emotional and nostalgic power of music repeatedly heard by generations of children.

A ranked selection of 25 standout true-crime television documentaries and docuseries covers murders, wrongful convictions, serial killers, cults, scams, domestic violence, prison abuse and online crime. The list highlights Netflix’s dominance of the genre while also praising major HBO, BBC, ESPN and independent productions for investigative ambition, victim-centered storytelling and exposure of institutional failures. Recurring themes include racial and gender bias, media sensationalism, social-media vigilantism and the human consequences behind notorious cases.

A collection of affectionate appreciations of television’s happiest and most emotionally satisfying finales. The selections range from the career triumph and enduring friendship of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel to the hopeful political resolution of Derry Girls, the wholesome futures of Parks and Recreation, the romantic closure of Gavin and Stacey, and the bittersweet or darkly comic endings of Hacks, Only Fools and Horses, Mr Inbetween and The Leftovers. Across the shows, the strongest finales balance fan service and comedy with character growth, friendship, hope and emotional closure.

TikTok creator and former chemistry teacher Shabaz Ali has built a following of more than four million by satirizing influencers who display extreme wealth, framing his “Povvo” identity as a working-class badge of honor. His BBC documentary investigates whether billionaires are harmful products of a broken culture or capable of benefiting society. Ali remains convinced that billionaires hoard wealth, exploit tax loopholes and wield excessive political influence, although meeting philanthropist John Caudwell complicated his personal hostility without changing his core beliefs. He argues that audiences are rejecting the polished aspiration associated with the Kardashian era amid widening inequality and a cost-of-living crisis, and advocates taxing the rich more heavily.

A collection of 26 viral moments from the 2026 World Cup highlights comedic pranks, celebrity reactions, fan phenomena, unexpected reunions, on‑air mishaps and player friendships. Notable episodes include Gary Lineker’s playful return to BBC coverage, Wayne Rooney fulfilling a humorous rowing bet, Victoria Beckham’s meme‑worthy non‑reaction, the global spread of Norway’s Viking row celebration and Danny Murphy’s commentary quirks. Emotional reunions, such as a missing dog found through fan videos, and lighthearted controversies involving coaches, commentators and supporters contribute to a portrait of a tournament rich in off‑pitch entertainment.

A humorous countdown ranks the 20 best robots and androids in television history, spanning British and American science-fiction, comedy, children’s programming and drama. Bender from Futurama takes first place, followed by Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Kryten from Red Dwarf. The list also highlights iconic figures including K-9, Vision, Number Six, Sir Killalot, Marvin the Paranoid Android, Dolores Abernathy and Murderbot, while noting how television robots have evolved from comic mechanical helpers into characters exploring artificial intelligence, autonomy, identity and humanity.

The Guardian marks 25 years of the BBC sitcom The Office with 25 behind-the-scenes facts about its creation, casting and production. Highlights include Martin Freeman originally auditioning for Gareth, Mackenzie Crook being required to adopt an intentionally terrible haircut, the show nearly being cancelled after poor initial ratings, and a copyright dispute with the German series Stromberg. The feature also recounts improvised moments, difficult scenes, rejected theme songs, unusual props and the creative decisions behind the mockumentary’s most memorable characters and ending.

The article argues that The Pitt has become television’s most hopeful medical drama by combining grim depictions of U.S. healthcare with compassion, teamwork and competence. Despite storylines addressing insurance barriers, gun violence, abortion restrictions and other social issues, the series provides reassurance through acts of empathy, medical professionalism and communal support. Experts and fans highlight its uplifting focus on saving lives and its accurate portrayal of emergency medicine. The show’s progressive themes extend off-screen through Noah Wyle’s activism for healthcare reform. A third season is in production, set amid looming Medicare cuts and holiday pressures.

A decade after Caroline Aherne’s death, her most memorable comedic and television moments are revisited, spanning characters from The Mrs Merton Show and The Fast Show to seminal emotional work on The Royle Family. Iconic sketches, breakthrough interviews and her warm narration on Gogglebox illustrate both her comedic brilliance and lasting cultural impact, with reflections from collaborators underscoring her influence on British television.

A humorous mid-tournament ranking highlights memorable World Cup television moments, including Emma Hayes’s response to misogynistic criticism, Gary Lineker’s return to ITV, Merlin the duck’s viral fame, Alexi Lalas’s on-air insult of James Corden, unpopular hydration breaks, Rudi Garcia’s accidental soaking and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha’s emotional heroics. The piece also praises Japanese supporters’ stadium etiquette and Ally McCoist’s commentary while mocking England player portraits and the North American presentation of football.

A humorous countdown ranks 20 fictional British television prime ministers, from Stephen Fry’s Alastair Davies in 24: Live Another Day to Paul Eddington’s Jim Hacker in Yes, Prime Minister. The selection spans heroic, incompetent, corrupt, authoritarian and satirical leaders, including Francis Urquhart, Harry Perkins, Vivienne Rook, Alan B’Stard and Harriet Jones. Yes, Prime Minister takes the top spot for its enduring depiction of the clash between elected politicians and the civil service, while the list also highlights how television has used fictional premiers to examine populism, scandal, racism, war, political corruption and institutional power.

Ebon Moss-Bachrach reflects on The Bear as it approaches its fifth and final season, discussing Richie Jerimovich, the show's obsessive international fanbase, its influence on fashion and food culture, and its realistic portrayal of restaurant work. The series turned its cast into major stars, boosted Chicago restaurant Mr Beef, popularized culinary language and “chefcore” fashion, and earned more than 100 major awards. The final eight episodes follow the restaurant's new partners as they face Carmy’s departure, mounting debts, disrupted supplies, a threatened building sale and a flooded kitchen while pursuing a Michelin star. Moss-Bachrach says the show ends on its own terms and hopes viewers find its conclusion satisfying.

A subjective countdown ranks 20 of television’s most memorable villains, from Vecna and Tommy Lee Royce to Joffrey Baratheon at number one. The selection spans crime, fantasy, science fiction, comedy, superhero satire and dystopian drama, praising characters such as Gus Fring, Marlo Stanfield and Aunt Lydia for their menace, while emphasizing Joffrey’s sadism and cowardice as the defining qualities of the ultimate TV villain.

A selection of 11 films, dramas, documentaries and plays is recommended as viewing before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The list spans England’s 1966 triumph, Gareth Southgate’s tenure, Scotland’s return to the tournament, Ireland’s 2002 dispute involving Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane, France’s 2010 player revolt, and several fictional or comic treatments of football. Highlights include Dear England, Saipan, The Bus: A French Football Mutiny, Mike Bassett: England Manager and Escape to Victory.

Mr Blobby, the pink and yellow character created for Noel Edmonds’ 1990s BBC show Noel’s House Party, is experiencing an unexpected revival. His recent appearances on television, performances with pop stars, merchandise sales and status as a modern British icon have revived debate over his appeal. Supporters view him as a uniquely British comedy device and nostalgic cultural touchstone, while critics see his repetitive stupidity and unsettling appearance as evidence of declining cultural standards. The renewed popularity has been dubbed the “Blobaissance,” with further appearances expected.

The Assembly has revitalised the television chatshow by putting celebrities and public figures before a 28-member panel of autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled interviewers who can ask anything. Originating in France and brought to Britain by Rockerdale Studios, the format moved from a critically acclaimed BBC pilot to a successful ITV series after budget constraints prevented the BBC from commissioning it. Its candid questioning has produced emotional, funny and unpredictable encounters with guests including Rylan Clark, Stephen Fry, Danny Dyer, Lenny Henry and Nicola Sturgeon. The programme has won industry recognition, been commissioned in 20 countries and provided rare, substantial screen representation for people with disabilities, while its creators argue that entertainment value is essential to making that representation reach a broad audience. A third series has not yet been confirmed, but the producers are seeking further high-profile guests, including politicians.

Jamie Bell discusses starring as closeted, self-loathing Niall in Richard Gadd’s six-part drama Half Man, including the demanding explicit-sex and violence scenes, the character’s conversion therapy and destructive relationship with aggressive ex-con Ruben. Bell connects Niall’s dependence on powerful men and struggles with masculinity to aspects of his own upbringing and self-criticism. He also reflects on toxic masculinity, parental dysfunction, working-class access to the arts and his upcoming roles in Peaky Blinders and Paul Greengrass’s The Uprising.

The BBC has appointed Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the presenting team of Strictly Come Dancing. Willis is viewed as a safe, experienced choice; Widdicombe faces the challenge of following Winkleman’s highly popular comedic role; and Radebe’s backstage brief is seen as a potentially inspired way to add dance expertise, flamboyance and appeal to younger viewers. The main risk is that splitting the former presenting roles among three people could overcrowd the format, but their reported chemistry and varied strengths may help revive the franchise after scandals and several professional-dancer departures.

The UK’s recent Eurovision failures are ranked from Andy Abraham’s 2008 last-place finish to Jemini’s historic nul-points result in 2003. The list criticizes gimmicky performances, weak songs and questionable artist choices, while noting the country’s repeated bottom-place finishes, James Newman’s 2021 nul points and Look Mum No Computer’s 2026 last-place result. Sam Ryder’s second-place finish in 2022 is identified as a rare recent success.

Eurovision 2026 returns to Austria amid controversy over Israel’s participation, boycotts by several countries and pro-Palestinian chants at the first semi-final. Despite the political tensions, the grand final is expected to deliver the contest’s usual mix of spectacle and eccentric pop. Eleven notable entries are highlighted, including Delta Goodrem’s dramatic Australian ballad, Finland’s pyrotechnic techno performance, Lion Ceccah’s anti-AI silver-robot staging for Lithuania, and energetic songs from Norway, Greece, Germany, Bulgaria and the host country Austria.