Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen star in *Best Interests*. Credit – Samuel Dore—Best Interests Productions Limited
After a sluggish start, the television landscape for 2025 is picking up speed. While popular returning series such as Severance and The White Lotus dominate discussions, February has also introduced several intriguing new shows deserving of attention. Below, discover three captivating British dramas, a delightful project by Mindy Kaling, an update to a groundbreaking documentary series, and a clever, mind-bending animated thriller poised to become a cult favorite.
*A Thousand Blows* (Hulu)
Renowned writer, producer, and director Steven Knight, best recognized for the BBC-Netflix hit Peaky Blinders, has faced some recent setbacks. His 2023 adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel *All the Light We Cannot See* was criticized as one of the worst TV shows of the streaming era, alongside the extravagant 2019 Apple TV+ sci-fi/fantasy series *See*, which was marred by Elisabeth Moss’ miscasting. Last spring, Knight’s FX espionage thriller *The Veil*, while an improvement over his previous works, failed to make a significant impact.
However, Knight makes a strong comeback with *A Thousand Blows*, set in the 1880s criminal underbelly of London. The series follows two young Jamaican men, Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Lovehall), as they navigate the impoverished and racially charged East End. Forced to risk their lives in bare-knuckle boxing matches, they challenge the reigning champions, Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham) and his brother Treacle (James Nelson-Joyce). The story also intertwines with the cunning Mary Carr (portrayed excellently by Erin Doherty), leader of the all-female Forty Elephants gang, whose ambitions extend beyond mere thievery. With a narrative focused on survival, *A Thousand Blows* shines through its fast-paced storytelling, compelling characters, stellar performances, and immersive world-building, despite occasional instances of overly extravagant dialogue.
*Best Interests* (Acorn)
Preteen Marnie has battled a rare form of muscular dystrophy since birth. Her parents Nicci (Sharon Horgan) and Andrew (Michael Sheen), along with her 17-year-old sister Katie (Alison Oliver), have long been aware of the limitations on Marnie’s lifespan. When Marnie (Niamh Moriarty) faces a critical respiratory issue and her doctor, Samantha (Noma Dumezweni), suggests a shift to palliative care due to slim chances of recovery, the family is emotionally tested. While Andrew leans towards letting go, Nicci is determined to fight for Marnie’s life, even seeking support from a Christian anti-abortion group to challenge the hospital legally.
These everyday human stories, portraying
Rare on TV, this emotional yet never melodramatic four-part drama, penned by Jack Thorne and helmed by Michael Keillor, stands out as a remarkably empathetic and insightful piece. Nicci and Andrew, deeply in love, have dedicated over a decade to caring for their ailing child. Their differing views on her future create a rift in their marriage. Samantha, a compassionate physician, breaks down in private after Nicci questions her intentions. Katie, raised in loneliness while her parents focus on her disabled sister, adores Marnie but struggles with feelings of abandonment. Through flashbacks, viewers see Marnie as more than just a hospital patient, a lively girl who cherishes her challenging life. The series delves into complex family dynamics and the sacrifices made out of love and obligation.
Exploring more complex and lesser-known issues and individuals, the series delves into intersectionality, addressing topics such as environmental racism, class, gender, and LGBTQ rights. Particularly noteworthy is the premiere episode, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, which profiles housing activists in the Bronx in the late ’70s and a Muslim woman leading the fight against AIDS in Philadelphia’s Black community.
In “Running Point” on Netflix, the dysfunctional Gordon family, owners of an iconic Los Angeles NBA team, must navigate the legacy of their deceased patriarch. As they grapple with updating the business, eldest son Cam’s recklessness leads to his sister Isla stepping up to the challenge, played by Kate Hudson. Drawing comparisons to “Succession,” the show blends affluenza, competition, and family dynamics with a comedic twist, offering a fresh take on the sports drama genre.
Meanwhile, “Toxic Town” on Netflix follows the journey of two pregnant women, Susan and Tracey, in 1995 Corby, England, where a redevelopment project leads to a high rate of birth defects. Based on a true story, the series depicts the residents’ fight for justice against a toxic-waste cover-up, intertwining personal struggles with political intrigue. With standout performances by Jodie Whittaker and a talented British cast, the show sheds light on a community’s quest for accountability.
Coyle, Bridgerton’s Claudia Jessie, Joe Dempsie from Game of Thrones, and—aptly for the period setting—’90s icon Robert Carlyle, of Trainspotting and The Full Monty fame. Please contact us at letters@time.com.
