It’s been quite the year, it’s almost Christmas and what would the festive season be without some recognition of the best of 2026? Over the next 2 months we’ll shortlist five nominees in each of 17 categories for our Oscars, or monstas if you will, of 2026.

• Read on for the nominees for the monsta for Best TV of 2026 Previous winners 2025 Bookish, 2024 Lost Boys And Fairies, 2023 Eurovision 2023: Liverpool, 2022 Heartstopper 2021 It’s A Sin; 2020: I May Destroy You, 2019: Fleabag, 2018: Killing Eve, 2017: Queers, 2016: Stranger Things, 2015: The Bridge

1. Dear England (BBC1) Theatre review

2. Half Man (BBC/HBO) Reasons to watch

3. Heated Rivalry (Crave) Reasons to watch

4. Small Prophets (BBC2 and Apple)

5. Tip Toe (Channel 4) Q&A and preview

• Who should win? Tell us in the comments below or email us at neildurham3@gmail.com. Winner revealed on this site on 30/12/26
• Vote for 2026’s best podcast, best venue, best gig, best song, best album, best TV, best film, best tv/film actor, best tv/film actress, best new play, best revival, best performance of a song, best new musical, best theatre actor, best theatre actress, best theatre supporting actor and best theatre supporting actress
• Enjoyed this shortlist? Follow its author on Twitter @NeilDurham, email neildurham3@gmail.com and check us out on Instagram and Facebook