The Best TV of 2016

And with the bonging of Big Ben, 2016 is over - a year that has tested even the most optimistic of optimists. Though it would probably do us all good to leave it in the past and never speak of it again, I'm going to linger a little longer and ask you to do the same, as I look back on those moments of light that led us through the darkness - the best TV of the year.

Les Misérables

Well readers, I am beside myself with excitement ... the BBC have just announced that they will be adapting Les Misérables, my favourite musical and one of the greatest books ever written, into a six part drama. While there may not be any singing, the new adaptation is going to be written by Costume-Drama God Andrew Davies, and will be produced by the team that created the astonishing War & Peace. Could it involve any more of my favourite things? Well, potentially. The success of this could all hang on its cast, so who's going to get the call? My friends and I have been imagining our dream line-up ever since we heard the news.

Upcoming Costume Dramas 2016

This year's shaping up to be an absolute cracker for Costume Dramas. We've already had the masterpiece that was War & Peace and I'm currently enjoying Victorian Ghost story The Living and the Dead on BBC One, but there are loads more period dramas coming up in the next few months. I'm donning my bonnet in anticipation.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 4

The day is finally upon us ... Doctor Who Series 9 begins tonight! So, without further ado, please enjoy the final part of my Doctor Who countdown: Eps 24 to 1.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 3

We're perilously close to Doctor Who day and I'm already preparing my sofa and snacks for the big event. To get you through the final few hours, here are numbers 49-25 in my countdown.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 2

Only two  more days until the start of Series 9, but really, you're all just waiting to see which episode will be number one in this definitive list aren't you? Go on, admit it! Well, you'll have to wait a bit longer ... here are numbers 73 to 50.

A complete ranking of every Doctor Who episode 2005-2015: Volume 1

In the first ever post I wrote for this blog, I talked about how the quote above had inspired the name The Optimist. There's definitely a link between optimism and Doctor Who - in a show about a strange man who roams time and space in a police box, there's no room for cynicism. You've got to invest in it, embrace the silliness and believe that this one, strange man can save the universe. Only then can you experience the occasional heartbreak and constant thrill that Doctor Who can bring. 2015 marks ten years since the show was brought back and in the run up to the start of Series 9 this Saturday, I've taken it upon myself to rank every episode up to now. Get ready for four days of unadulterated geekiness.

For anyone who hasn't been watching Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell ...

You must! The BBC's adaptation of Susanna Clarke's fantasy novel is a shining example of the boldness and brilliance of British TV.

Just a friendly reminder ...

Pride gets its DVD and download release in the UK today. If you saw it at the cinema, I expect you've had it on pre-order for months, if you didn't, read The Optimist's recommendation here then head down to your local VHS retailer and get yourself a copy. Like I said back then, you HAVE to see it. It's wonderful.

Upcoming Costume Dramas

The start of British Springtime may only be three weeks away but I think we can all agree that at the moment, it's still #nippy. So, while we wait for beer-garden season to re-commence, let's savour the last bit of Winter by making a vat of hot chocolate, pulling on a pair of bed socks and settling down to watch a costume drama or two - there's plenty on ...

The Best TV Dramas of 2014

Christmas is but 6 days away and I can smell the panic in the air. Need some last minute gift ideas? Well roll up roll up for I, a recognised television connoisseur have drawn up a list of 2014's best British dramas. Head on down to your local Woolworths Megastores and pick up a boxset or five.

Doctor Who

The time has come for the Timelord to return ... Doctor Who's back, and The Optimist could not be more excited! With Peter Capaldi taking control of the TARDIS, now's a great time for those not acquainted with the 50 year-old institution to get involved. You've only got 800 episodes to catch up on - that's twenty-five days of back to back, uninterrupted Who - sounds like the dream to me! If your boss is refusing to give you the time off work though, you could just take a look through The Optimist's edited highlights; 50 years of TV history condensed into five carefully selected episodes that you need to watch RIGHT NOW!