Need a bank holiday binge-watch? 6 shows not to miss, from a new BBC drama to twist-filled thrillers

This weekend, which is a bank holiday, seems perfect for catching up on the most recent TV series available through streaming services.

For those seeking engrossing dramas, pulse-pounding thrillers, or some lighthearted reality entertainment, you’ll find an extensive selection across popular broadcast networks and streaming platforms. The BBC, for instance, offers a fresh historical epic featuring a stellar cast, while Netflix boasts several captivating new additions to keep you guessing.

Here, Digital Spy has rounded-up 6 of the best not to miss out on.

King and Conquerer

Titled “King and Conqueror,” this captivating drama features James Norton from “Happy Valley” and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau known for his role in “Game of Thrones.” The narrative unfolds around the intense rivalry between England’s King Harold Godwinson and the ambitious Norman, William the Conqueror.

The story unfolds, leading up to the epic battle at Hastings in 1066 – a conflict that would significantly shape England’s and Europe‘s future course.

This show features Clémence Poésy from “War and Peace”, Emily Beecham from “1899”, Luther Ford from “The Crown”, and Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson from “Killing Eve”. It appears to promise an intense viewing experience.

The new series premieres this Sunday on BBC One at 9:10 PM. Episode 2 airs on the Bank Holiday Monday at 9:30 PM. You can catch both episodes on BBC iPlayer.

The Gathering

The mystery-thriller that premiered on Channel 4 last year will be available on Netflix this coming Bank Holiday Monday. Don’t miss it!

Or:

Last year, the captivating mystery thriller made its debut on Channel 4, and now it’s arriving on Netflix this coming Bank Holiday Monday – definitely a must-see for your viewing list.

The six-part series set in Merseyside explores a brutal assault on a teenage girl at a rave on an isolated tidal island. It also follows a diverse group of adolescents, any one of whom might have carried out the crime, as well as their parents, whose actions raise similar doubts.

The television series titled “The Gathering” features the talented actresses Sadie Soverall from “Fate: The Winx Saga” and Eva Morgan from “This City Is Ours“. It was praised as a “compelling, gritty drama” by the Irish Examiner.

Available Bank Holiday Monday on Netflix.

Hostage

The highly-anticipated Netflix thriller has now debuted its first five episodes, priming audiences for an engrossing viewing experience this weekend.

The drama titled “Hostage” revolves around a fictional British Prime Minister named Abigail Dalton, portrayed by Suranne Jones. An unfortunate event unfolds where her husband gets abducted, coinciding with a visit from the French President, played by Julie Delpy. Both leaders find themselves in a precarious position, subjected to extortion, and compelled to make choices that seem almost unthinkable.

In “Bridge of Spies,” Matt Charman is the one who developed the script. Additionally, stars in this series include Corey Mylchreest from “My Oxford Year,” Lucian Msamati known for his work on “Conclave,” and Ashley Thomas, well-known for his role in “The Serpent Queen.

Available now on Netflix.

In Flight

In this fresh Channel 4 suspense series, the lead role is held by Katherine Kelly from Happy Valley. Digital Spy deemed it an engaging viewing experience from the very beginning until nearly the end.

The show centers around a woman named Jo Conran, whose adolescent child finds himself behind bars in Bulgaria under suspicion for murder. Faced with an urgent predicament, Jo encounters a ruthless crime boss who extorts her, threatening dire repercussions for her son if she declines his demands.

The television series “Slow Horses” was penned by Adam Randall and Mike Walden from Marcella, and it premiered a week ago.

Available now on Channel 4.

Harlan Coben’s Shelter

Recently, Channel 5 has begun airing a new show that originally premiered on Prime Video, hailing from the renowned thriller writer.

The story centers around a teenage boy mourning the loss of his father, who encounters a mysterious woman claiming his father might still be alive. She hints at the possibility that his father’s disappearance could be linked to someone familiar from their circle.

The show boasts an impressive 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with _The Australian_ describing it as nearly impossible to resist due to its outrageously complex plot twists and multitude of storylines.

Available now on Channel 5.

Love Is Blind: UK

The second season of the popular British dating show, hosted by Emma and Matt Willis, is currently airing, and viewers have been captivated by the fresh romances and plot twists over the past few weeks.

If you haven’t been following along, the reality TV series “Love Is Blind” features single individuals who are placed in pods where they attempt to establish romantic connections without seeing each other’s faces. After proposing marriage based solely on these initial connections, they eventually meet face-to-face and the show chronicles how their relationships develop as they work towards making a final decision.

This week marked the arrival of another set of episodes, building anticipation for the crucial wedding episodes coming up next week. Who among them will pledge their vows (or refuse)?

First eight episodes of season 2 available now on Netflix.

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2025-08-22 14:20