Georgia Dixon
TV

5 most exciting shows of the year so far

With star-studded casts and film-quality directing and production, we truly are in the golden age of television. Each new year it seems like we can’t possibly top the last year’s offerings, but we think these shows introduced in 2016 are some of the best. How many have you seen?

The Night Of

The American adaptation of the critically acclaimed British crime drama Criminal Justice is already generating serious Emmy buzz. The miniseries tells the story a young man accused of committing murder on a boozy night out, but there’s one problem – he doesn’t remember if he did or not. What follows is a thrilling trial that will have you on the edge of your seat as you edge closer and closer to the truth.

The Get Down

Netflix’s latest offering, The Get Down, is a musical drama series created by celebrated Aussie director Baz Luhrmann. Set in the Bronx in the 1970s’, the show follows a group of teenagers – and aspiring musicians – as they try to find the “get down” (that elusive, catchy song hook). Costing an outrageous $120 million to produce, you’ll absolutely love the music, the costumes and the characters in this series.

The Night Manager

Starring man-of-the-moment Tom Hiddleston in the role that’s thrust him into contention as the next James Bond, The Night Manager is a dramatic and tightly-plotted miniseries that’s received rave reviews and 6 Emmy nominations. Based on the novel of the same name by John le Carré and featuring a talented cast including Hugh Laurie, this is one espionage drama you won’t be able to stop raving about to your friends and family.

Stranger Things

Fans of Stephen Spielberg will absolutely love this wildly popular, critically acclaimed sci-fi series set in the 1980s. Netflix-exclusive series Stranger Things tells the story of a sleepy small town in the US which is rocked after a young boy goes missing under suspicious circumstances, unravelling a series of unexpected (and possibly supernatural events). The music, outfits and sets alone are enough to stir up those nostalgic ‘80s feelings.

War & Peace

Based on Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel of the same name, BBC’s War & Peace is a breathtakingly beautiful, haunting and fresh interpretation of the fictionalised history of the French invasion of Russia. Starring young up-and-coming actors Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton, there are a few familiar faces in there too, such as Gillian Anderson and Jim Broadbent. If you love well-made period dramas, this gorgeous miniseries is simply not to be missed.

Related links:

2016 is the year of TV reboots and remakes

10 best TV shows from the 60s

10 shocking facts you didn’t know about your favourite TV shows

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TV, Television, 2016, best, shows