🔥💥 “A 10/10 crime drama”: 8 “brilliant” TV shows coming to Netflix, ITV, the BBC and more this week
As the crisp chill of autumn settles over the UK, television lovers have reason to rejoice. This week marks one of the most jam-packed, exciting releases of the season, spanning smart crime dramas, dark thrillers, heartfelt rom-coms, and celebrity reality twists. Whether you’re a devoted binge-watcher, a fan of tense moral dramas, or simply looking for some escapist entertainment after a long day, this week delivers.
From BBC’s Riot Women to Netflix’s intimate docu-style peek into Victoria Beckham’s life, these eight shows promise to captivate, shock, and entertain. Here’s everything you need to know about the highlights.
Riot Women – BBC One & BBC iPlayer, Sunday 12th October, 9 PM
Long-awaited from the mind of Sally Wainwright, creator of Happy Valley, Riot Women promises scandal, empowerment, and music. Set in the quirky town of Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire, the series follows five women, played by Tamsin Greig, Joanna Scanlan, and other acclaimed actors, as they form a makeshift punk-rock band to compete in a local talent contest.
The premise might sound lighthearted, but as Wainwright herself explains, this series is “more exciting than anything else I’ve ever written.” These women are grappling with HRT, wild romance, and the constant shadow of corrupt town officials — all while trying to write their first song. It’s a story about finding your voice, literally and figuratively, against all odds.
The show’s mix of humor, pathos, and real social commentary makes it a standout entry in Wainwright’s oeuvre. Expect witty banter, memorable performances, and the kind of character-driven narrative that leaves you rooting for each woman, long after the credits roll.
Murder Before Evensong – Channel 5, Tuesday 7th October
If you’re a fan of clever crime dramas, this six-part adaptation of Reverend Richard Coles’ acclaimed novel is not to be missed. Matthew Lewis stars as Canon Daniel Clement, the mild-mannered rector of Champton, living in the rectory with his widowed mother Audrey (Amanda Redman) and two dachshunds.
The seemingly peaceful parish is thrown into chaos when Daniel proposes installing a lavatory in the church — a plan that divides the congregation — and soon after, a body is discovered at the back of the church. Critics are calling it a “10/10 crime drama,” praising its balance of subtle comedy, gothic undertones, and thrilling mystery.
Channel 5 viewers can expect intricate plotting, a cast who bring depth to even the most eccentric characters, and a story that blends quiet English village life with murder and intrigue.
Film Club – BBC Three & BBC iPlayer, Tuesday 7th October, 10 PM
For those who crave heartwarming narratives with a twist, Film Club introduces us to Evie (Aimee Lou Wood), an agoraphobic young woman who hasn’t left her home in six months. Her only solace is a film-making project with her best friend Noa (Nabhaan Rizwan).
As Noa lands his dream job across the country, Evie must confront her anxieties and find new ways to engage with the world. The series also stars Amy Lou Wood, fresh from The White Lotus, offering a nuanced performance that grounds the drama in relatable, human emotion. The series is a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the small triumphs that shape our daily lives.
The Celebrity Traitors – BBC One & BBC iPlayer, Wednesday 8th October
Reality television takes a cunning twist in The Celebrity Traitors, where 19 famous personalities including Stephen Fry, Kate Garraway, Clare Balding, and Jonathan Ross compete in a high-stakes social strategy game. Claudia Winkleman returns as host, guiding viewers through a maze of alliances, betrayals, and shocking eliminations.
The show has captured attention not just for its celebrity cast but for its sophisticated social gameplay. Fans have already placed bets on Clare Balding’s strategic acumen, suggesting that intelligence and calm judgment may triumph over flamboyant deception. Expect scheming, suspense, and unexpected emotional moments that make it far more than a simple reality contest.
Victoria Beckham: Behind the Spotlight – Netflix, Thursday 9th October
Following the Emmy-winning success of David Beckham’s Netflix docu-series, Victoria Beckham’s three-part documentary offers an intimate view of her dual life as a fashion icon and mother. Cameras follow her preparation for a major fashion show while capturing personal and family moments, giving viewers a rare glimpse behind the curtain of her public persona.
Fans of fashion, music, and celebrity culture will be enchanted, as the series blends the glamour of the runway with everyday domestic life, showing Victoria’s creative process alongside the struggles and triumphs of balancing family and work.
The Last Frontier – Apple TV+, Friday 10th October
Fans of action-packed, high-stakes dramas like Prison Break or Lost will find much to love in The Last Frontier. Set in the desolate Alaskan wilderness, the 10-part series stars Jason Clarke as US Marshal Frank Remnick, the only law enforcement presence in a remote town.
When a plane carrying violent inmates crashes nearby, Remnick faces the impossible: protecting the town from escaped criminals while uncovering a larger, sinister plot behind the crash. Critics have praised the series for its intense pacing, suspenseful plotting, and Clarke’s commanding performance. Viewers can expect breathtaking landscapes, relentless tension, and a story that combines classic survival drama with smart mystery twists.
Grey’s Anatomy – Disney+, Friday 10th October
Returning for its 22nd season, Grey’s Anatomy sees Ellen Pompeo reprise her role as Meredith Grey. The previous season ended with a devastating explosion, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. According to showrunner Meg Marinis, the new season is emotionally charged, designed to make audiences feel the stakes of life, loss, and the human connections that define us.
“People need to care,” Marinis told The Hollywood Reporter. “If no one is upset when a character leaves, then we’re failing. It’s supposed to be emotional, raw, and real.” Fans can expect tears, tension, and the kind of storytelling that has made Grey’s Anatomy a staple of contemporary television.
The Woman in Cabin 10 – Netflix, Friday 10th October
Rounding out the week is The Woman in Cabin 10, adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel. Keira Knightley stars as a journalist aboard a luxury cruise who witnesses a murder that no one else can corroborate. With every passenger accounted for, the story becomes a high-stakes guessing game that keeps viewers on tenterhooks.
The film blends mystery, psychological tension, and immersive storytelling. Knightley delivers a compelling performance, balancing fear, determination, and intelligence as she navigates a dangerous, isolated environment. Fans of thrillers and crime dramas will find themselves riveted, guessing every step of the way.
Why This Week is a TV Lover’s Dream
From crime thrillers to heartfelt comedies, reality TV intrigue to fashion documentaries, the upcoming week of television is remarkable not just for its quantity but for its diversity and quality. Each program promises to engage viewers differently, ensuring there is something for every mood, interest, and personal obsession.
BBC, Netflix, ITV, Apple TV+, Disney+, and Channel 5 have curated lineups that reflect contemporary storytelling trends — complex characters, morally ambiguous plots, and narratives that resonate with real-life challenges, triumphs, and fears.
Television has never been more immersive, and for fans looking to escape into worlds of suspense, laughter, or drama, this week’s schedule offers unparalleled options.
Whether you’re tuning in for the adrenaline of The Last Frontier, the ethical dilemmas in Murder Before Evensong, the playful rebellion of Riot Women, or the intimate peek into celebrity life with Victoria Beckham, one thing is certain: the upcoming week of TV is nothing short of spectacular.
So grab your snacks, settle onto the sofa, and prepare to be entertained, shocked, and inspired. Autumn has never looked so compelling.