THE WATCH LIST: 6 OF THE BEST TV SHOWS TO BINGE OVER CHRISTMAS
Including some under-the-radar gems

Words
HANNA WOODSIDE

Whether you love or hate Christmas, hopefully, the festive period will provide pockets of downtime, when you can indulge in some uninterrupted TV viewing. For me, this time of year is about sinking into a quality drama, something engrossing enough to put down my phone and stop second screening. As someone who watches a lot of television as part of my role as Grazia Deputy Editor, I’ve curated a guide to the shows that really hit the spot right now: smart, unexpected and full of characters you’ll care about. There’s plenty of options to choose from, spanning period dramas and sweet rom-coms, but anything with Gillian Anderson is usually a sure bet, so her new feminist Western, The Abandons, ticks all my boxes.

These are the shows I think are worthy of your (precious) time.

Amadeus It’s the time of year when I hanker for some sumptuous period drama. Whisking you away to the old-world grandeur of 18th century Vienna, Amadeus follows the life and professional rivalries of Wolfgang ‘Amadeus’ Mozart, played by Will Sharpe. Starts 21 December, Sky	Down Cemetery Road Put two actors of such calibre together – Ruth Wilson and Emma Thompson – and you’re onto TV dynamite. A twisty conspiracy thriller with emotional heft. Apple TV+ (finale airs 10 Dec)
Film Club Aimee Lou Wood stars in this tender, clever romantic comedy about friendship, cinephilia and quiet vulnerability. Streaming now, BBC iPlayer	The Abandons Gillian Anderson stars in this epic feminist Western about power, survival and rivalry on the frontier. Starts 4 December, Netflix
Pluribus A darkly comic, philosophical sci-fi drama about happiness, humanity and isolation. Streaming weekly on Apple TV+	The Paper A sharp, warm satire about a struggling local newspaper, starring Domhnall Gleeson. Streaming now on Sky and NOW

Hanna Woodside is Grazia’s Deputy Editor. Follow her on Instagram at @hanna_woodside.