It's the late 1960s, homosexuality has only just been legalised and Jeremy Thorpe, the leader of the Liberal party, has a secret he's desperate to hide.
The take
Led by fine-tuned performances from Ben Whishaw and Hugh Grant at the top of their game, this three-episode series dives headfirst into the sex scandal between Norman Scott and former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe with devastating wit. Neither character is treated as morally superior over the other, as both become consumed by the media frenzy surrounding the English justice system's thirst for controversy. And Russell T Davies' writing and Stephen Frears' direction allow the show's tone to pivot from brilliantly timed notes of humor to profoundly sad stretches of tragedy and drama. Given its short length, A Very English Scandal seems to be designed for binge-watching, but it should still reward patient and attentive viewing.
A level of attention to aesthetics usually reserved for the most elaborate films, mixed with a complex and relevant story, make this series from Turkey unmatched in its quality
9.9
Caliphate
A psychological thriller that provides insight on what drove so many young people to ISIS.
8.9
Occupied
Norway's most expensive show ever is a timely thrill ride with a grim geopolitical premise.
8.7
Pretend it’s a City
A wildly entertaining series of interviews with a New York legend
9.2
Unorthodox
A well-acted fact-based thriller about untangling the grip of a close-knit community
8.5
Wild Wild Country
Almost too outrageous to be true – this captivating true crime docuseries tells the unlikely story of an Indian cult in America
9.8
Escape at Dannemora
Based on a true prison escape story, this slow-burn suspense thriller features once-in-a-lifetime performances by a star-studded cast
9.3
Unbelievable
Critics lauded the angle and feminist edge of this grim true crime miniseries.
8.8
Sex Education
Already a future classic, Sex Education is an explicit but endlessly charming teen comedy that will also teach adults a thing or two.
8.9
The Looming Tower
A well-written thriller miniseries about the rivalry between the CIA and the FBI and how they failed to prevent 9/11.