6 Caliphate - 8.2 Stars


Released this year, Caliphate is a Swedish drama exploring both the threat of terrorism and the dangers of radicalization. It is female-led, which makes for an interesting change of perspective in other similar dramas.

Beginning with characters who are realistic and sympathetic, the show's story rapidly develops to pit people against each other and detail how easily people can be groomed and radicalized. A thriller that drives the action through all 8 episodes with a truly tumultuous climax.

5 Wild Wild Country - 8.2 Stars


One of the most fascinating and bizarre stories of recent US history. A large cult, grown under the influence of a charismatic Indian guru, buy a huge plot of land in Oregon to build an entire city for its members.

The main structure of the series follows the battle between the cult and the local Oregonians, but it does also explore the almost magical influence the cult had on its members, many of whom have admitted to being brainwashed. The series does have a slightly creepy edge as it gets deeper and deeper into what happened in that desert.

4 Godless - 8.3 Star


In an interesting twist on the Western genre, Godless focuses on a town mysteriously run by women in 1880. They must defend it from the arrival of Frank Griffin, a violent outlaw who's come for revenge.

Entirely written and directed by Logan screenwriter Scott Frank, the series has a very tight single vision that is well delivered. With an ensemble cast who all give outstanding performances, this Western series is a tight and thrilling story, too easy to watch in one sitting!

3 Unbelievable - 8.4 Stars


Rightly showered in Emmys, this crime drama is full of excellent writing and incredible performances. It is a story that is deeply upsetting and quite scary, made all the more infuriating that it's based on a true story. Kaitlyn Dever plays Marie Adler, a young woman who was brutally attacked and then accused of lying by the police.

The series jumps between Marie in the aftermath and two female detectives conducting a separate investigation. Despite the upsetting subject matter, the show moves at the pace of a thriller making it near essential viewing.

2 When They See Us - 8.9 Stars


Ava DuVernay is a filmmaker at the top of her game. Her decision to make a TV show clearly demonstrates the passion and importance she holds for this story. The Central Park Five were five African American teens who were wrongly accused of a brutal attack in the 1980s and incarcerated despite the lack of evidence.

The series is driven by the emotion of both the creators and the performers, the sense of injustice is palpable in every episode. An important and timely series and an excellent example of the power of storytelling.