Painkiller (Netflix)
My favourite was Painkiller. I gave it a try because of a teenage loyalty to Ferris Bueller and it featured Matthew Broderick, who plays the middle aged CEO of a failing drug company. I had limited knowledge of prescription drug addictions in the US and this dramatisation of real events was such compelling viewing it led me down a rabbit hole of research. It’s one of those shows that you recommend to everyone – and can’t stop thinking about. Sharon Giles, 52, Guildford
The Gallows Pole (BBC Two)
It’s got to be The Gallows Pole. I took part in a fell race called Coiners, which started in Mytholmroyd with a route that visited Cragg Vale and passed the old coiners’ cottages of Bell House and Keelam. The history of the coiners – who feature in the TV show – was told to me at the race by a fellow runner, so you can imagine my surprise when a couple of weeks later I came across The Gallows Pole. It was brilliant. Knowing the area so well, it really brought the history to life. I have read the book by Benjamin Myers, which is significantly darker, and I’m hoping there is a second series as there is more to be told. Sarah, 60, Harrogate
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The production was top notch, the cast was brilliant, and the writing was even better. You could practically smell the coat of Gary Oldman’s character through the telly. Richard Groot, 62, Seattle, Washington, USA
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+)
With Star Trek having gone on for as long as it has, it could easily have lost its shine. However, watching this series in its second season has been shiny and new, mixed with old familiar icons such as Captain Pike and Spock. With delightful guest appearances from Captain Kirk, and a cast of flawed but lovable characters, this series has reimagined the original vibes of the earliest Star Trek shows. My highlight was definitely the musical episode, which had stunning songs and incredible singing that blew me away. Madeleine Heal, 26, Wellington, New Zealand
Happy Valley (BBC One)
Happy Valley was outstanding in every way. The script-writing must have been every actor’s dream. The ending left me with a feeling of complete satisfaction; every loose end was tied up very cleverly, some threads with only a couple of words. A masterpiece. Nora Boswell, Thornton, Bradford
Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)
I never imagined that two of my top TV series of the year would be football-related (Ted Lasso and Welcome to Wrexham). The third and final season of Ted Lasso was so highly anticipated I was worried it wouldn’t live up to my expectations. I adored the way the series teased out character development over the three seasons, with redemption arcs and, in particular, the complex and emotional male relationships. The final season found the perfect culmination of an underdog story, melding a sports comedy with a love letter to Britishness. I didn’t want it to end, but they wrapped it up so beautifully that I can’t be mad. Eleanor, 26, Wellington, New Zealand
Taskmaster (Channel 4)
Greg and little Alex Horne are a joyfully dynamic comic duo and the interactions with the talented contestants are genuine, full of personality and always entertaining. It’s so interesting to observe how they approach a task. I especially loved it when the guests were clever-clever and beat the task by thinking outside the box. Scott, 60, Chicago, IL, USA
Such Brave Girls (BBC Three)
Such Brave Girls was beautifully written and directed, and tackled difficult issues with a lot of heart. There’s great chemistry among the actors, and it struck a wonderful balance between humour and dark subject matter. Antal Wozniak, 41, Irby, Wirral
Somebody Somewhere (HBO)
My winner (just ahead of The Bear) is Somebody Somewhere, season two. A gem of a series, driven by superb acting and underpinned by low-key writing and direction. What could have been mundane and soapy was elevated to a sensitive and deeply touching look at the human condition. Charles Charalambous, Bristol
The Bear (Disney+)
Everything about this show was perfect: the writing, the performances, the relationships between the characters, the soundtrack. Like the later seasons of Atlanta, this one took its time with individual characters, and changed locations. Some episodes had lots of space in terms of the script, while others, especially the notorious Christmas flashback episode Fishes, were intense and visceral. The humanity of the writing and performances created realistic and relatable characters. Sometimes I was in tears with laughter, sometimes in tears of sadness. In my opinion, it was the best TV since The Wire. Andrea Osborne, Edinburgh
Race Across the World (BBC One)
As much as I loved Happy Valley and Succession, I don’t want to live in their worlds! Race Across the World, on the other hand? I lived vicariously through it. I love to see people grow and challenge themselves. Who wouldn’t want to visit Canada after the series this year? Across the three series, and the celeb one, I’m not sure there is anywhere I haven’t wanted to go yet. Antony, 48, Staffordshire
The Marvelous Mrs Maisel (Prime Video)
The final series of The Marvelous Mrs Maisel was beautifully scripted and brilliantly acted. Rachel Brosnahan was a tour de force as Midge, as was Alex Borstein as Susie Myerson. I loved to see this period in history, the absolute upper middle class Jewishness and the nod to reality with Lenny Bruce as a long term on-off love interest and confidant. The final episodes and the past, present and future scenes were very cleverly done. Just brilliant – I’m sad it’s over. Cliff Browne, Marlow, Buckinghamshire
Blue Lights (BBC One)
I absolutely loved Blue Lights. Set in Northern Ireland, it focused on three new recruits to the PSNI. The storyline was fast-paced, interesting and good humoured. The main character Grace behaved with the sort of guts, empathy, and hope that I’d like to think is core to all police officers, but isn’t. Her home life and the experiences of her son, who is mixed race, added an interesting vein into the story. There were some likable characters and some you loved to hate. I was pleased to hear a second series is on the way. Marion Durose, 51, Ketton, Rutland
Lockwood & Co (Netflix)
The first half of the year has been exceptional for quality TV. Succession, The Bear and Happy Valley were the best for me – and oh, Guardian TV Top 50, how can I forgive you for forgetting Unforgotten? But my secret favourite was Lockwood & Co. So many elements – great cast, nicely pitched retro-future aesthetic, darkly gothic London – that made for charming entertainment. Joe Cornish and team created something special with this. It’s sad that we won’t see more of it. Mike Paterson, Melbourne, Australia
Doctor Who 2023 specials (BBC One)
The return of Doctor Who under Russell T Davies had horror, family drama, spaceships, apple crumble, aliens, joyful endings, old villains and new beginnings. Doctor Who never fails to make life a bit better. I’m not sure what else you’d want on your list, frankly. Chloe, 51, London
Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (BBC Two)
I’m 58 and grew up hearing of the Troubles and the bombings as an English citizen. It was just always there: they were the bad guys, the Provisional IRA, and there was no context shown in the media. I watched this as if an alien from another planet even though it happened in my time. The things that are done in our names … it made me feel powerless, clueless, and scared that the times we are in now are just as misrepresented. Astonishing TV. Paul Osmond, 58, Melton Mowbray
For All Mankind (Apple TV+)
Think Mad Men, but for 1960s Nasa and in space. The overall concept is: what would have happened if the Soviet Union had landed on the moon before the United States? It was well written and acted, with nuanced performances and character arcs. Each series takes place a full 10 years after the last. The graphics were incredible and all the lunar challenges and politics made for gripping viewing. Alan, 35, Leeds
Ghosts (BBC One)
It has to be Ghosts. The Horrible Histories team managed to conjure a series that was heart warming, funny and entertaining. We remained invested in each ghost’s personal story as well as enjoying the dynamics of how they coped as housemates. The Captain storyline has been managed superbly, in the sweetest way. A fantastic display of writing and acting that was an absolute joy to watch. Catherine Armitage, 43, Chester-le-Street, Co. Durham
The Piano (Channel 4)
The talent shown by so many wonderful people, the joy of the judges at their work, the generosity of the programme makers to the finalists, and the heartwarming love given to Lucy, the winning contestant. I was delighted to hear that there is going to be a further series of this programme – can’t wait! Diane Blakeley, 70, Suffolk
The Gilded Age (HBO)
The Gilded Age extended the Julian Fellowes Downton touch to 19th century, upper east-side New York. Part Henry James, part Dynasty and Dallas, part Upstairs Downstairs, the show channelled a whole history of soap archetypes we love to loathe. It was an overcooked escapist fancy that’s not unlike gorging on a full fat supermarket pudding. The costumes were sumptuous and the use of quality CGI otherworldly. A worthy guilty binge. Jake Blay, London
