Radio Times Top 40 TV Shows of 2016: 20 to 11

19. Mum (BBC2)

There was something masterful about this warm yet wry sitcom by Stefan Golaszewski (the force behind the superb Him and Her) about a grieving family. In six episodes chronicling a difficult year, Lesley Manville played forbearing widow Cathy, who we observed quietly readjusting to life without her husband, corralling the gaggle of family and friends who rallied around her. Golaszewski’s dialogue was almost alarmingly natural: his uneasy silences penetrated, and his ability to lampoon class and manners with affection is unmatched. The bittersweet tone was perfectly pitched throughout, with the performances impressively subtle - and a star was born in Lisa McGrillis, who played Kelly, the completely endearing, hopelessly naïve and, at times, uproariously funny girlfriend of Cathy’s son. Sarah Carson