Looking for a new show to start this Christmas? We’ve got you sorted.
After giving you a brief roundup of our favourite new TV shows at the midway point of the year, we’re back to complete the collection with our best TV shows of 2018.
Once again, it’s worth noting that we’re only chatting about brand new shows, so the latest seasons of Atlanta, Better Call Saul, GLOW, The Good Fight, Big Mouth, Narcos, The Americans and other shows that have been around for a while aren’t included here.
If you’re looking for something new to start, here are some of the best picks.
Killing Eve
In a nutshell: A bored and frustrated security operative in M16 hunts for an international assassin going rogue.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: An action drama that’s perfect for binge viewing. It’s brilliantly paced, superbly written, and violent as hell, it’s like a weirder version of Jason Bourne where he, and those chasing him, seem to malfunction.
Originally aired on: BBC and RTE.
Derry Girls
In a nutshell: The comedy of the year with brilliant writing from Lisa McGee. Wise up if you haven’t seen it yet.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: Some genuine laugh out loud moments.
Originally aired on: All4.
Sharp Objects
In a nutshell: A reporter confronts the psychological demons from her past when she returns to her hometown to cover a violent murder.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A twisting murder mystery with excellent performances. Stylish as hell and Amy Adams is at her very best.
Originally aired on: Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.
The Young Offenders
In a nutshell: Conor and Jock’s never-ending ability to torment their teachers, parents, Gardaí and pretty much everyone else continues in this wonderful adaptation of the hit film. What sets this show aside is the amount of heart evident throughout.
Conor and Jock are quintessentially Cork and despite the fact that they’re two absolute gobshites, you can’t help but love them. Special praise is reserved for Hilary Rose and her wonderful performance as the long-suffering Mairéad.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A brazenly unique comedy that sticks two fingers up at everyone else… but still hugs its mam. Aww.
Originally aired on: RTE and BBC
Bodyguard
In a nutshell: Police Sergeant David Budd, a heroic British Army war-veteran suffering from PTSD, is now working as a bodyguard for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of London’s Metropolitan Police Service. He is assigned to protect the ambitious Home Secretary Julia Montague, whose politics stand for everything he despises.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: An incredibly addictive thriller that hooks you right from the start. Game of Thrones star Richard Madden is excellent in the lead role.
Originally aired on: BBC
Succession
In a nutshell: A dysfunctional American global media family conspire against each other as they each look for their share of the company and finances.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: Nasty people doing nasty things to each other.
Originally aired on: Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.
Wild Wild Country
In a nutshell: Jesus, where do we begin? When a controversial cult leader builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert, conflict with the locals escalates into a national scandal.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A story that truly defines the term ‘the truth can be stranger than fiction’. Sex, drugs, cults, bioterrorism, conspiracies and surveillance. It’s nuts.
Originally aired on: Netflix.
The Terror
In a nutshell: In 1848, two real life warships, HMS Terror and HMS Erebus, sent on a Royal Naval expedition to find the treacherous Northwest Passage, become trapped in ice near the Arctic and face starvation, mutiny, cannibalism and a demonic polar bear.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A brutal, beautiful and visceral thriller/horror that really immerses you in the survival horror of the elements. It’s a belter.
Originally aired on: BT
The Haunting of Hill House
In a nutshell: The Crain family are terrorised by the ghosts, ghouls and spectres that haunt Hill House. After leaving in extremely mysterious and gruesome circumstances, they ultimately must come together to solve the mystery of why their family seems predisposed to destruction and heartache.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: A layered, methodical and expertly-paced horror that really values character.
Originally aired on: Netflix
Barry
In a nutshell: A depressed, low-rent hitman from the Midwest. Lonely and dissatisfied in his life, he reluctantly travels to Los Angeles to execute a hit on an aspiring actor.
Watch it if you’re in the mood for: Something that’s so different to anything else – a nihilistic dramedy that really doesn’t give a shit about being liked or easily categorised. A show that revels in the weirdness of the ordinary.
Originally aired on: Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
