The BBC series initially appeared on television screens in 2012 before making its comeback in 2016 for a second run, drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare’s theatrical works.
One perfect 10/10 review on IMDb bore the headline “Superb production” with the viewer revealing: “When I was at school, Shakespeare was as dry as the pages it was written on.
“To watch it, performed by actors who really know and understand Shakespeare, and can convey that in their work, is to enter a world of majesty, of subtle innuendo, of humour and of total understanding of the work of the Shakespeare who used his gift to allow ‘the common man’ to discuss and understand the goings-on and political machinations of his age.
“There are no ‘spoilers’ when it comes to Shakespeare – the work is out there in a myriad of forms and interpretations, waiting to be read. This production is one of the best available.”
Dame Judi Dench starred in the historical epic(Image: BBC)
Another glowing 10/10 review headlined “Shakespeare Taken to Another Level” saw the fan confess they weren’t “expecting this level of pure brilliance” and declared they were “totally immersed” in the programme. Adding: “Somehow this production has defied all the odds and managed to tick all the boxes.
“And can I say, I’m loving the portrayal of the women as strong, intelligent individuals, who, more often than not, appear to be better at scheming and deceiving than any of their male counterparts. I hope some day, all Shakespeare will be made this way.”
A third viewer praised the programme for featuring “the flower of British acting” thanks to its stellar ensemble and remarked: “Arguably one of the very best screen adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced.
“They have pulled off what many have tried and failed to do: make good cinema out of the plays. The necessary realism is there, without detracting in any way from the source material.”
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville appeared in the drama(Image: BBC)
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The Hollow Crown served as a BBC interpretation of Shakespeare’s historical dramas Richard II; Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; Henry V, Henry VI, Part 1; Henry VI, Part 2; and Richard III.
The programme was split into seven episodes across two series, with each chapter focusing on one of the Bard’s works.
The Hollow Crown brought to life the scheming and political battles of numerous medieval monarchs, featuring more backstabbing and manipulation than a Game of Thrones episode.
Additional performers who featured in the production included The Walking Dead’s David Morrisey, Dame Judi Dench, Sophie Okenedo, Julie Walters, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Lesser, John Hurt, Tom Sturridge, Sally Hawkins, Keeley Hawes and Adrian Dunbar, amongst many others.
The Hollow Crown is streaming on Prime Video for a fee
The acclaimed novel was turned into a groundbreaking series
The BBC series was groundbreaking (Image: BBC)
A period piece based on an acclaimed novel is now streaming and a must watch for any fans of costume dramas.
Audience members have praised the limited series on IMDb, with one user giving a 10/10 review and the title: “A skilled adaptation of an extraordinary novel”.
A second person titled their review “sublime” and said: “The BBC has done it again: this is a wonderful production of a very good book, and they have done it up in style.”
Another person heaped praised on the programme: “The sets and costumes are flawless, the direction is stylish and the characters are likeable. There is a fair amount of humor [sic] but it has surprisingly dark interludes. The protagonist is really a tragic figure, but not devoid of happiness.”
They added: “The BBC have made some wonderful productions in the past, and this adventurous period piece only confirms their standard of excellence on all fronts.”
Hugh Bonneville featured in the BBC series (Image: BBC)
A fourth commented: “This wonderful 3 part BBC production is one of the sweetest love stories that I have seen in a while.”
They went on to say: “The characters are well defined and very believable. I guess this is a by-product of a good adaptation from a well written novel.”
Tipping the Velvet aired on the BBC in 2022, based on Welsh author Sarah Waters 1998 debut novel of the same name.
The three-part series saw Pride and Prejudice and The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders screenwriter Andrew Davies overseeing the scripts.
Tipping the Velvet was set in the Victorian era and followed the sexual awakening of Whitstable native Nan Astley (played by Rachael Stirling) after she headed to the big smoke of London and fell in love with male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes).
The pair embarked on a passionate romance as Nan funded her life in London, before the pair form an onstage double-act.
Rachael Stirling and Keeley Hawes starred in the BBC period drama (Image: BBC)
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The series was a coming-of-age tale with moments of humour and darkness with a bawdy twist.
Tipping the Velvet featured a stellar cast, including Four Weddings and a Funeral star Anna Chancellor, Game of Thrones’ Jodhi May, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins, Line of Duty’s Daniel Mays, Downton Abbey favourite Hugh Bonneville, Monica Dolan of Appropriate Adult fame, and even a turns from Doctor Stranger star Benedict Cumberbatch, Johnny Vegas and Alexei Sayle.
Both the TV series and novel have had a positive impact on the depiction of queer characters on screen and led to more LGBTQIA+ stories to be told onscreen.
Previously reflecting on the success of her novel and the subsequent BBC adaptation, author Waters wrote at length about it in 2018, marking the book’s 20th anniversary.
She explained in The Guardian how she was “thrilled” by the reception among the queer community but the success among straight readers “took me by surprise”.
Waters also pondered on whether she’d write a sequel and would focus on Kitty.
Tipping the Velvet is available to stream on Prime Video for a fee
The Assassin is a fast-paced thriller interwoven with family drama
Kicking off with a high-energy opening sequence packed with fight scenes and cinematography that could rival a James Bond film, The Assassin certainly delivers, reports the Express.
The six-part series centres around retired hitwoman Julie Green (portrayed by Keeley Hawes), who is reluctantly pulled back into the game for one final, potentially fatal job.
However, there’s a significant hitch: Julie’s estranged journalist son Edward (played by Freddie Highmore) has decided to visit her for the weekend after four years, under the impression that she’s a simple head hunter.
What ensues is a thrilling, fast-paced drama intertwined with family dynamics as Julie and Edward truly reconnect.
This series marks a distinct shift in pace for Hawes, who earlier this year portrayed Cassandra Austen in PBS and BBC’s tranquil period drama Miss Austen. In fact, Hawes’ last venture into Greek territory was as Louisa Durrell in ITV’s heartwarming family series The Durrells, set on the picturesque island of Corfu.
Freddie Highmore and Keeley Hawes in The Assassin(Image: PRIME VIDEO)
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However, with her impressive performances in Spooks, Line of Duty and Ashes to Ashes, Hawes certainly has the action credentials to portray Julie convincingly.
The Assassin sees her reunite with writers Harry and Jack Williams, following her appearance in the second series of their International Emmy-winning show, The Missing.
Her on-screen partnership with Highmore is a match made in heaven as the contrasting pair compete in a battle of wits.
The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, forming the beating heart of the show.
Highmore effortlessly steps into the role of investigative journalist and vegan Edward, portraying his struggles while on the run with ease.
The former child actor is no stranger to intricate on-screen mother-son relationships, having previously played a young Norman Bates in the modern Psycho prequel, Bates Motel.
The Assassin is a sharp-witted thriller (Image: PRIME VIDEO)
Other notable members of the cast include Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, The Tourist’s Shalom Brune-Franklin, and David Dencik from Top of the Lake.
However, this isn’t your typical thriller – there’s a wickedly dark strand of British comedy woven throughout the storyline.
The sharp one-liners flow effortlessly between mother and son, showcasing the Williams brothers’ razor-sharp writing skills.
From Julie being dubbed a “menopausal James Bond” to Edward being cautioned that his search for his biological father “isn’t Mamma Mia”, The Assassin is loaded with as many witty remarks as it is with gunfire and expletives.
Sometimes you’ll find yourself uncertain whether to chuckle at the over-the-top scenarios, but the formula works brilliantly.
The Williams duo have struck gold once more with The Assassin – this is a genuine winner.
Whilst their previous series The Tourist delivered nail-biting tension, The Assassin balances the drama with considerable humour and wit, creating the perfect British action-thriller with a darkly comic twist.
The Assassin is available to stream on Prime Video now
There’s plenty of dramas in store this week, with Lauren Lyle reprising her role as Karen Pirie on ITV and Keeley Hawes fronting a new show on Amazon Prime. Get the lowdown.
Drama is all the rage this week on the box, with a string of new shows guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
For starters, BBC2 is airing a gripping show, Unforgivable, set to explore the impact of abuse with a star-studded cast. On ITV, Outlander star Lauren Lyle returns to Karen Pirie, ready to face a new cold case on-screen.
And while there’s plenty more on streaming platforms, Sky viewers will soon wave goodbye to one of their all-time favourite series as Shemar Moore fronts SWAT for the last time.
Princess Kate and Prince William’s relationship has gone from strength to strength – but what do they really say when nobody’s watching?(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Lip Reading the Royals: The Secret Conversations
Saturday, 5
Ever wondered what Prince William whispers to his wife, Kate Middleton, during royal events? Lip Reading the Royals: The Secret Conversations reveals the monarchy’s most private exchanges, caught on camera at weddings, funerals and formal occasions.
With expert lip reading and royal insiders on hand, this eye-opening documentary decodes the hidden dialogue of the royal family – from knowing glances to tense exchanges – offering a rare glimpse behind palace walls. It’s the Crown, unfiltered.
Krays: London’s Gangsters
Saturday, Prime Video
Forget the movie mythos, this two-part documentary unpacks the real Reggie and Ronnie Kray. Featuring never-heard-before recordings from the brothers in prison, this film digs deep into the psychological bond that kept London’s East End crime lords together.
Through expert insights and interviews, this series explores their brutal reign, their unwavering loyalty and descent into popularity. Shedding the Hollywood sheen, this is the raw and unfiltered truth behind Britain’s most renowned gangsters.
SWAT
Sunday, Sky
Shemar Moore leads SWAT into its explosive eighth and final season as Hondo confronts his most personal mission yet. When a school bus carrying students and his former football coach disappears, the team races against the clock.
Meanwhile, tension mounts with new recruit Devin Gamble, whose criminal family ties raise serious red flags. Balancing action-packed sequences with emotional stakes, this season promises high-risk takedowns, moral dilemmas, and a powerful send-off for the elite unit that’s kept L.A safe for seven years.
The Veil
Sunday, C4
Elisabeth Moss trades Gilead for global espionage in this gripping thriller series. She stars as MI6 agent Imogen Salter, tasked with uncovering the truth behind Adilah El Idrissi (Yumna Marwan), a woman suspected of orchestrating a deadly terrorist plot.
As secrets mount and loyalties blur, both women engage in a psychological game of chess spanning Paris, Istanbul and London. It’s tense, atmospheric and rich in twists, exploring trust and the veil between fact and fabrication.
Another cold case haunts Karen Pirie in the second season of the ITV crime drama(Image: Brentwood Gazette)
Karen Pirie
Sunday, ITV
Lauren Lyle is back as cold case specialist DI Karen Pirie in this gripping adaptation of Val McDermid’s A Darker Domain. The second season tackles the 1984 kidnapping of heiress Catriona Grant and her toddler son Adam.
Their disappearance has rattled Scotland but when a body and Catriona’s car keys resurface in a remote quarry, Karen must untangle a web of secrets, betrayal and hidden romances. With its dual-timeline and Karen’s razor-sharp wit, there’s more deadpan banter, bold deductions and emotionally charged revelations.
Mandy Carter returns in a new season of Diane Morgan’s hit show(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Richard Harrison)
Mandy
Monday, BBC2
Diane Morgan dons the leopard print as Mandy Carter in the fourth season of the gloriously daft BBC comedy. This time, the loveable oddball finds herself in increasingly surreal misadventures and bizarre job trials. But don’t expect her to learn anything new – she’s still up to her old tricks.
Every episode is short and savage and packs absurdist laughs and deadpan brilliance, keeping the cult following firmly on board. There’s plenty of chaos in store for Mandy but in her world, disaster is always part of the plan.
Cold Case Forensics: The Cheesewire Killer
Monday, 5
George Murdoch’s brutal 1983 murder – committed with a cheesewire has haunted Aberdeen for decades. Now, this gripping forensic documentary reopens the chilling case with cutting-edge analysis and fresh leads.
Presented by Kirsty Ward and narrated by Unforgotten’s Nicola Walker, the film retraces the night of the crime, the botched early investigation and what new DNA technology might uncover. With emotional interviews, and detailed insights, this show explores whether justice for George is finally within reach.
Critical: Between Life and Death
Wednesday, Netflix
From the producers of 24 Hours in A&E, this Netflix docuseries offers unprecedented access to London’s Major Trauma System. Cameras follow paramedics, surgeons, nurses and patients across four hospitals – St George’s, Royal Londo, St Mary’s and King’s College – as they tackle life-and-death emergencies.
Shot in real time, Critical: Between Life and Death delivers raw and unfiltered moments from the frontline. Brace yourselves for harrowing injuries, emotional recoveries and the incredible teamwork that keeps Brits alive against the odds.
Acapulco
Wednesday, Apple TV
The sun-drenched dramedy Acapulco returns for its fourth and final season as Maximo Gallardo faces the past – and the future. In 1986, young Maximo (Enrique Arrizon) tries to reclaim the top hotel title after a shock defeat.
Meanwhile, present-day Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) works tirelessly to revive Las Colinas before its grand reopening. Acapulco’s final chapter wraps up loose ends with heart, humour and the show’s trademark neon charm. Expect generational reflections and heartfelt growth for this last dip in Acapulco’s glamorous poolside chaos.
Mr Bigstuff
Thursday, Sky
Danny Dyer is back as loudmouth Lee in Mr Bigstuff’s second season, fresh off a 2025 TV BAFTA win for his performance in the bonkers Sky comedy.
This time, family drama ramps up when Lee and younger brother Glen (Ryan Sampson) discover their supposedly dead father may still be alive.
But as tensions rise between them – and with Glen’s fiancee Kirsty (Harriet Webb) keeping huge secrets – old wounds reopen. Guest stars include Fatiha El-Ghorri and EastEnders icon Linda Henry. With brawls, breakdowns and belly laughs, season two dives deeper into dysfunction with twisted humour and heartfelt honesty.
Anna Friel fronts Unforgivable, due to air on BBC2(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC / LA Productions / Kerry Spicer)
Unforgivable
Thursday, BBC2
Jimmy McGovern delivers a gripping new BBC Two drama with Unforgivable, where he delves deep into the emotional wreckage left by grooming and abuse within a working-class family.
Anna Friel leads the cast as Anna McKinney, a mother desperately trying to keep her family together, while Bobby Schofield plays Joe – a man sent to rehabilitation after his release from prison, seeking redemption with help from a former nun (Anna Maxwell Martin). It’s gut-punch storytelling at its finest.
Tom brings Spain to viewers with a deep dive into their biggest delicacies(Image: ITV)
Tom Kerridge swaps British classics for Iberian delights in this six-part travelogue series. Journeying through Spain’s most flavour-packed regions, Tom samples all kinds of delicacies – from sherry vinegar aged since 1896 in Andalusia to anchovies in Santoña and explores seafood culture in Valencia.
Made in partnership with M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign, this series offers rich local insight, culinary history and vibrant visuals. Expect a mouth-watering tour of tapas, tradition and technique, filled with Tom’s trademark warmth and love of food. You won’t want to miss a bite.
Marissa Anita commands the screen in this taut, psychological Indonesian drama where she plays Milla – a privileged housewife on the brink of madness after convincing herself she’s contracted a mysterious and incurable illness.
Her body feels alien, her family’s dismissive and, soon enough, reality starts to blur. As her seemingly perfect life teeters on the edge, Milla has to confront uncomfortable truths or cling on to delusion. Dark and unflinching, A Normal Woman explores identity, repression and the cost of being believed.
Keeley Hawes portrays a retired hitwoman thrown back into business in The Assassin(Image: PA)
The Assassin
Friday, Amazon Prime
Keeley Hawes stars as Julie, a retired hitwoman whose peaceful life in Greece is upended when her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore) arrives – unearthing secrets that put both of their lives at risk. When enemies from Julie’s shadowy past surface, the duo are forced to collaborate for survival.
Created by Harry and Jack Williams (The Tourist), this six-part thriller blends emotional depth, covert manipulations and sun-soaked suspense. Expect sharp twists, explosive action and a gripping exploration of legacy, family and redemption.
Kerry Godliman returns as Pearl Nolan, the food-loving, crime-solving seaside sleuth in Whitstable Pearl’s third season. In six new episodes, Pearl balances running her restaurant with investigating a string of mysterious deaths across Kent’s coastal community.
With DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles) complicating things both professionally and personally, Pearl finds herself in deeper waters than ever.
Get ready for local secrets and emotional tension as the amateur detective tackles love, loss and layered cases in this quietly compelling Brit drama.
The Jessops are back for another series of Here We Go – and things are more chaotic than ever(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Gary Moyes)
Here We Go
Friday, BBC2
The Jessops are back for the third season of Here We Go – and they’re just as chaotic as ever. This time, the lovable family faces everything from disastrous holidays to awkward jobs – even baby bombshells – all with their usual mix of mishaps and mayhem.
Created by Tom Basden and starring Jim Howick and Katherine Parkinson, the hit BBC comedy continues to capture the hilarious ups and downs of everyday life. Expect more laughs, heart and more family m havoc.
Keeley Hawes stars in Prime Video’s upcoming thriller series, The Assassin, opposite Freddie Highmore
Keeley Hawes admitted, “I find them funny”, as she made a rare family admission.
The Bodyguard actor is set to star in Prime Video’s upcoming thriller series, The Assassin, which comes from The Tourist writers Harry and Jack Williams.
The six-part drama follows a retired assassin called Julie, played by Keeley, who has made a new life for herself on an idyllic Greek island.
However, when her estranged son, Edward (Freddie Highmore), turns up with questions about his father, Julie’s dangerous past soon catches up with her.
“With questions around Edward’s paternity and Julie’s past life as a hitwoman, the pair go on the run across Europe, working together in a fight for survival,” reads the official synopsis, reports the Express.
Keeley Hawes plays retired assassin Julie(Image: Prime Video/Robert Viglasky)
“Along the way, their dysfunctional relationship is tested to its limits. They uncover a dark conspiracy they believe to be their only threat, but a greater danger emerges that could destroy their relationship entirely.”
The description concludes: “In a race against time, Julie fights to save Edward and salvage their relationship as past and present collide in a showdown across the globe.”
Alongside Keeley and Freddie, the series also stars Shalom Brune-Franklin, Devon Terrell, Gina Gershon, Jack Davenport, Alan Dale, Richard Dormer and David Dencik.
Speaking to Reach and other press ahead of the show’s premiere, Keeley shared how her real-life parenting experiences helped inform her character Julie’s relationship with her son.
Freddie Highmore plays Julie’s son Edward(Image: Prime Video/Robert Viglasky)
The 49-year-old actor shares 20-year-old daughter Maggie and 18-year-old son Ralph with her husband, Succession actor Matthew Macfadyen, and is also mum to 24-year-old Myles McCallum, whom she shares with her first husband, Spencer.
“I have two sons – three children, two sons… So, I can totally relate to it,” Keeley said.
“What I loved about it is quite often you see relationships on screen and it’s people getting along and they don’t feel particularly real. Whereas, this feels very honest, very authentic.”
Reflecting on her own home life, she added: “You know, you do get p***** off with each other when you have children, and they certainly get p***** off with me. There is quite a lot of sarcasm and my kids, I find them very funny so I really related to this and loved how truthful it felt.”
The Assassin will premiere on Prime Video later this month(Image: Prime Video/Marq Riley)
When discussing Julie and Edward’s dynamic, Keeley noted: “They’re brutal with each other a lot of the time, and those relationships that you have with your children, sometimes they’re the only people that you can be that brutal with, because they can’t get rid of you.
“It doesn’t matter what you say or what they say, so that’s what I took from it that was quite useful for me.”
Keeley went on to reveal that she is “great friends” with her eldest son, which she feels translates into Julie’s layered on-screen relationship with Edward.
“My oldest son is 25 next month… I was young when I had him,” she shared.
“I am his mother, I’m very much his mother but at the same time, we have a relationship that is not like siblings, but we’re great friends as well. And I think something similar has happened there.”
The Assassin will premiere on Prime Video on Friday, July 25
