Members of the team pick their favourite programmes of 2022 and predict what will cut through next year
Alice Redman
Head of content, Broadcast Intelligence
Top 3 programmes of the year:
Yellowjackets (Showtime) – Technically from 2021, but it came to the UK this year. A perfect exploration of female friendship and the pains of being a teenage girl, with some stellar casting. And that’s without the gripping plane crash, cannibalism and thriller elements.
Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) – I am a sucker for perfectly written female relationships in a dark and twisty story. This ticks all the boxes.
Everything I Know About Love (BBC1) – This was a perfect reflection of life in your early 20s in London living with your best friends. I’m sure a majority of millennial women saw themselves in these characters, myself included. Interviewing Dolly Alderton about it on the podcast was easily a highlight of my year.
Programmes that surprised you the most:
The Traitors (BBC1) – I will admit, I had given up on game shows and reality this year. But I am fully gripped by The Traitors; proof that a new concept will be eaten up by audiences. Special shout out to Maddy for being the most hilarious contestant, and also for working as a temp at Broadcast Intelligence way back in 2018 – she was just as brilliant in the Broadcast office as she is on TV.
Special mention for:
The Bear (FX on Hulu/Disney+) – two words: yes, chef.
I also want to shout out Stranger Things (Netflix), because my housemate and I both cancelled dates to sit in and watch part two of series four.
Favourite news story of the year:
The news was too bleak this year to have a favourite bit.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
I’m going rogue with a film here but The Muppet Christmas Carol, now Disney+ has restored the song When Love is Gone.
A prediction for 2023:
Eddie from Stranger Things is not dead and will return in the next series. In serious predictions, I think more co-productions to cover increasing budgets, and murmurs of streamer consolidations as everyone cuts back on what they subscribe to. Merry Christmas.
Anna Evdokimou
Media researcher, Broadcast Intelligence
Top 3 programmes of the year:
House of the Dragon (HBO) - Despite admittedly not having very high expectations for the spin-off, I thought it was brilliant and I loved the cast!
The White Lotus Season 2 (HBO) - I had high expectations for this one. I loved the first series and, having seen the cast announcement, the second instalment did not disappoint. Although I’ve still got two episodes to watch I’m already sure it’s in my top three.
Slow Horses (Apple TV+) - I loved everything about Slow Horses and have nothing else to say other than that.
Programmes that surprised you the most:
Abbott Elementary – After years of binge-watching New Girl, Friends and My Wife and Kids repeatedly, I didn’t think I would find a modern day sitcom that would make me laugh.
Special mention for:
Wednesday (Netflix) and Everything I know About Love ( BBC)
What will you be watching over Christmas:
Same as last year, all of the Harry Potters.
Ellie Kahn
Senior reporter, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
The Traitors (BBC1), I Am Ruth (C4), Andor (Disney+)
Programmes that surprised you the most:
Mood (BBC3) - Bits of Nicole Lecky’s breakout musical series were so good I had to rewind and rewatch – shout out to the song ‘Don’t Blame Us’ in episode two.
Special mention for:
Heartstopper (Netflix) – this LGBTQ+ teen series is so important for all ages to watch.
Favourite news story of the year:
The BBC strikes a landmark deal with Disney+ for Doctor Who, and nearly a year of negotiations ends as Bectu accepts Pact’s revised TV drama agreement offer
What will you be watching over Christmas:
The English (BBC2)
Prediction for 2023:
Much scrutiny around the practicalities of the BBC’s digital-only future, with broadband rollout high on the agenda.
Heather Fallon
Reporter, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
Big Boys (C4) – A perfect encapsulation of finding humour in grief and friendship through loss. It’s just an utterly wonderful comedy, filled to the brim with noughties nostalgia.
The Traitors (BBC1) – A risky choice given that it hasn’t ended yet, but anyone unfortunate enough to have watched it and had a conversation with me this month will know I am totally addicted. For those who have lost their mind playing Mafia or a similar game with their friends, I implore you to watch this captivating series.
Jeremy Kyle Show: Death on Daytime (C4) – A rigorous interrogation of what was one of TV’s most popular daytime shows. You hear a lot of things working in the industry, but some of the accounts in this documentary left my skin crawling. A really important watch.
Programme that surprised you the most:
How to With John Wilson (HBO Max) is truly one of the most unique shows I’ve ever seen. So compelling and clever, Wilson’s mock ‘guide to life’ takes you in the wildest of directions and you’re just so happy to be taken along for the ride. Yes, it came out two years ago but only debuted on iPlayer this year, so it still counts.
Special mention for:
House of the Dragon (HBO) – Having felt so badly burned (pun fully intended) by the final series of Game of Thrones, I didn’t think I’d be so easily pulled back into Westeros, yet found myself manically googling the Targaryen family tree and rooting for an incestuous power couple. These things happen.
Favourite news story of the year:
Channel 4 audience bulges with 10pm penis doc
Props to my colleague Ellie for the headline of the year. Don’t act like you didn’t click on it.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
The rest of The Traitors! I also seem to have developed a habit of watching The Sopranos every Christmas, so there’s some festive fun.
Prediction for 2023:
Move over dating, social deduction and sabotage reality shows will become the next big entertainment trend and I will continue to pray that 2023 paves the way for the return of the sketch show.
John Elmes
International editor, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
The Bear (FX on Hulu/Star on Disney+)
The English (BBC2)
The Thief, His Wife and the Canoe (ITV).
All the ‘Thes’. I have no notes and I will be taking no questions
Programmes that surprised you the most:
Hacks (HBO Max/Amazon Prime) – I was adamant it would not appeal. It made me laugh so much it hurt; The Sandman (Netflix) – I assumed it would be another expensive failure. I was wrong about the second part; The Traitors (BBC1) – At the eleventh hour, 2022 delivered a barnstorming return to water cooler entertainment TV.
Special mention for:
Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams (BBC1) – Some of the rubbish written about this programme by critics was incredible. A series which has potential to move the dial on attitudes within and towards cricket. Series one proved that. Series two can have impact way beyond its “TV” confines.
Derry Girls S3 (Channel 4) – A comedy series has not ended so affectingly since Blackadder Goes Forth.
Abbott Elementary (ABC/Disney+) – Quinta Brunson is a genius. Plain and simple.
The Outlaws S2 (BBC1) – I might have to plug it every year until it it’s decommissioned. One of the BBC’s low-key gems.
Married At First Sight UK S7 (E4) – The shade, oh my word, the shade.
Better Things (FX) – Probably the most consistently brilliant series of the last decade came to a glorious conclusion. The fusion of nostalgia and forward-looking themes is perfectly balanced. And the music is fire.
Favourite news story of the year:
It’s a toss-up between Adjani Salmon’s Dreaming Whilst Black finally getting the series it deserves; UK distribution smashes back after coronavirus dip; and the Jimmy Carr Destroys Art commission – a favourite story for highlighting the most ridiculous order of the year.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
Motherland Xmas special (BBC1) – because, obviously.
A Christmas Carol: a Ghost Story (BBC4) – Mark Gatiss blew my socks off last year with The Mezzotint, so hoping he can do the same for what is (whispers) a pretty boring Xmas tale, IMO.
Treason (Netflix) – Mostly for the reason my dear friend John Rogers worked on the lighting, so it’s bound to look beautiful. But I have hopes Charlie Cox et al can reinvigorate Netflix originals.
Prediction for 2023:
Warner Bros Discovery will be sold – becoming a spin out of a spin out. Apple will buy Netflix. Abbott Elementary will become the next Parks & Recreation/The Office.
Marian McHugh
Reporter, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
Derry Girls (Channel 4) – As a child of the peace process (from the other side of the border), watching Erin and Michelle fall out over the Good Friday Agreement in the finale brought home just how big a leap of faith Ireland took in voting it through and how much is at stake if the political landscape continues to deteriorate. Just when I was emotionally overcome by that voting scene, up pops Chelsea Clinton in the most unexpected cameo of the year. A glorious, heartfelt end to a comedy classic.
Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) – The opening episodes felt akin to a live-action Looney Tunes, but I was truly taken aback at just how dark the show was willing to go. Its black heart was deftly handled with a light touch however, and my loyalties never swerved from the homicidal clan. Claes Bang did a standout job bringing to life JP, a character so cartoonishly awful, he could easily have been turned into a panto villain in lesser hands.
Hacks (HBO Max) – an expert examination of the science of comedy that never lost its funny bone. Jean Smart deserves every award as narcissistic, old-school comedian Deborah Vance, trading on past glories while failing as both mother and employer. Her growing relationship with Gen Z comedy writer Ava is equally caustically hilarious and heart-warming, despite their repeated attempts to sabotage each other. Hacks proved old dogs can learn new tricks.
Programme that surprised you the most:
A particularly treacherous moment in The Traitors shocked me so much I literally fell off my couch. The twists, the authentically diverse casting and Claudia Winkleman as villain-in-chief, reignited my love of reality-competition.
Special mention for:
Here We Go (BBC1) is a criminally underrated gem. It didn’t get the credit due when it was released, but is an entertaining entrant to the mockumentary canon.
Favourite news story of the year:
Krishnan Guru-Murthy calling Tory MP Steve Baker a c**t.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
The White Lotus and The Crown
Prediction for 2023:
Netflix will be bought by either Disney or – leftfield – Google. HBO’s The Last Of Us will break the video game adaptation curse, winning awards galore. Sarah Millican will be the new Bake Off presenter.
Paul Weatherley
Online content manager, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
Slow Horses (Apple TV+) – the script is just delightful. Every word uttered by Gary Oldman is an absolute joy.
Severance (Apple TV+) – so clever, interesting and some great twists at the end of the first series. Roll on series two.
Brassic (Sky Max) – the fourth series perhaps didn’t match the heights of its predecessors, but the writing is so good. Each episode is a perfect way to spend an hour.
Programme that surprised you the most:
Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams (BBC1) – I was a big fan of Andrew Flintoff the cricketer, but I had doubts I would warm to this South Shore series. But it did a top job in shining a light on classism in cricket. I also thought ITV’s The Ipcress File just looked beautiful. I loved the retro approach.
Special mention for:
Meet the Richardsons (Dave) – Never fails to make me laugh. I do enjoy some self-deprecating humour and this comes in bucketloads.
Black Bird (Apple TV+) – gripping series with a terrific performance from Paul Waler Hauser as serial killer Larry Hall.
Floodlights (BBC2) – a very sad story well told.
Favourite news story of the year:
Big shout-out to the likes of A+E Networks, Sky, ITV, Whisper and others who have generously given staff financial support as we all try to get a grip on the cost-of-living crisis.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
It’s unlikely I’ll be able to wrestle the remote away from the kids, so anything from Paw Patrol to The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch version). But I am looking forward to watching Stonehouse on ITV1 in the new year.
Prediction for 2023:
One of these programmes will be revived: The Pyramid Game, We Are the Champions, Whose Line is it Anyway?
Rebecca Cooney
Insight editor, Broadcast
Top 3 programmes of the year:
The English (BBC2) – Visually beautiful show full of great actors which both paid homage to the Western genre and at the same time interrogated and challenged it.
Derry Girls (Channel 4) – great ending to a flawless show.
The Expanse (Amazon) – OK, the ending here was less than perfect, but this show is one of my all-time favourites and I live in hope that Amazon might resurrect it. In the meantime, I’ll be harnessing my inner Aviserala as often as possible.
Programme that surprised you the most:
The Repair Shop (BBC1). By ‘surprised’ what I actually mean is ‘made me burst into unexpected tears at least once an episode’.
Special mention for:
Around the World in 80 Days (BBC1) - I just loved how it did what all good adaptations should - it took the heart of the book, fleshed out and delved into the characters, updated elements where necessary but stayed true to the spirit of the original. It was also just joyful, swashbuckling fun. I may have bought a waistcoat after watching in a bid to emulate Leonie Benesch’s gender-flipped Fix.
Favourite news story of the year:
Rose Ayling-Ellis’s blunt, uncompromising and eloquent Alternative MacTaggart didn’t get half as much attention as it deserved to.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
His Dark Materials (BBC1) – I’m a huge fan of the books. I’ve had a sneak preview of the first couple of episodes and they have absolutely nailed it. Can’t wait to see the rest. A Ghost Story for Christmas: Count Magnus (BBC2) – I love a good ghost story. Riches (ITVX) – again, I’ve seen the first couple of episodes and am really excited to see where this fun, stylish but also political story is going.
Prediction for 2023:
I don’t want to be gloomy but I think the talent crunch is going to get worse before it gets better. That said, I also think we’re going to see surprising new talent have the opportunity to cut their teeth, so it’s not all bad.
Tom Williams
Media researcher, Broadcast Intelligence
Top 3 programmes of the year:
Louis Theroux Interviews (BBC2) for the return of the documentary king, this time meeting some of the UK’s most well-known and treasured figures.
House of the Dragon (HBO) living up to the heights of the first season of GoT and trying its best to redeem the disastrous ending of its predecessor.
And lastly, The Tinder Swindler (Netflix) as I don’t know how Netflix could possibly top that with a story as crazy and unbelievable.
Programme that surprised you the most:
FIFA Uncovered’s (Netflix) unbelievable access to putting Sepp Blatter in the hot seat while teaching the average football fan the downward spiral of FIFA.
Special mention for:
White Lotus’ funky theme tune because it’s the only excuse for why an intro should ever be that long.
Favourite news story of the year:
BBC Breakfast booking Brian Cox and the other Brian Cox for the same show.
What will you be watching over Christmas:
The Home Alone films and the Peep Show Christmas episode, no turkey Jeremy?
Prediction for 2023:
FAST channels to cement themselves in the mainstream TV landscape and the UK to finish dead last in Eurovision, as usual.
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