Were you horrified by Tip Toe? Here are 7 urgent TV shows to watch next.
Russell T Davies’s Channel 4 drama Tip Toe has taken the nation by storm. Starring Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as neighbours in a Manchester suburb, the five-part thriller sees them go from friendly acquaintances to deadly enemies. The show also explores the alarming rise of homophobia, toxic masculinity, and societal radicalisation. Following the final episode on Tuesday night, viewers were left speechless after a ‘harrowing’ ending. Cumming, who plays Leo – a proud, middle-aged gay man – also revealed his true feelings about the ending.
If you’re in the mood for another piercing state-of-the-nation drama, here are seven other brutal, yet urgent shows to binge next.
It’s a Sin
When Russell’s masterpiece It’s a Sin first aired, its impact was monumental. Charting the lives of a group of friends navigating the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1980s London, the five-part series is essential viewing. It is equally raw and heartbreaking as it is funny, balancing intimate personal stories with staggering social failures. Like Tip Toe, it leaves a lasting impact after the credits roll. It’s a Sin is available on Channel 4.
Pose
Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed show Pose is set against the opulent ballroom culture of 1980s and ’90s New York. This LGBTQ+ series celebrates identity, resilience, and community. While dazzling with fashion and dance, it never shies away from the harsh realities of prejudice, disease, and marginalisation. It reminds viewers that behind every headline are human lives demanding empathy. Pose is available on Disney Plus and BBC iPlayer.
I May Destroy You
Michaela Coel’s groundbreaking drama I May Destroy You has received high praise. Exploring consent, trauma, and modern relationships with unflinching honesty, the BBC series catapulted Coel to global stardom. Its fragmented narrative forces audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about power, memory, and survival in the digital age. I May Destroy You is available on BBC iPlayer.
Angels in America
Tony Kushner’s adaptation of his iconic play explores AIDS, politics, and identity in 1980s America. Airing on HBO in 2003, the series holds a 92% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes and boasts 11 Emmy Awards. The Mike Nichols-directed series doesn’t shy away from death, illness, and political corruption, yet maintains surreal, fantastical elements. Angels in America is available on HBO Max.
A Very English Scandal
Russell’s 2018 drama A Very English Scandal stars Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw. Grant plays Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe, who conspired to murder his ex-lover, Norman Scott (Whishaw). The three-part series blends true crime, political intrigue, and dark comedy, reflecting the fearful state of LGBTQ+ acceptance and societal hypocrisy. A Very English Scandal is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV Plus.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Since 2017, The Handmaid’s Tale has horrified viewers with intense viewing. Based on real events, Margaret Atwood’s dystopian vision is a brutal, urgent watch. As women’s autonomy is stripped away, the religious right imposes a violent dictatorship. In an oppressive world, subtle acts of resistance inspire a rebellion. The Handmaid’s Tale is available on Channel 4.
Queer as Folk
Last but not least, Russell T Davies’s original British series was groundbreaking with its frank depiction of LGBTQ+ life, love, and community. Chronicling three gay men in Manchester, the series illustrates the highs and lows of living authentically in a society that doesn’t always accept difference. Starring Aidan Gillen, Craig Kelly, and a young Charlie Hunnam, it is a natural companion to the moral urgency of Tip Toe. Queer as Folk and Tip Toe are available on Channel 4.
