Stuart Heritage

Episodes shows what can go wrong in remaking telly

... but what would the US networks make of Last Of The Summer Wine?

It might not be to everyone's taste, but Miranda Hart's latest bout of broad slapstick silliness has been winning over a frightening number of viewers of late. You only have a few more days to catch the lot on iPlayer and, even if you've already seen it, it's probably the perfect fare for those too-full, slightly drunk, woefully inert, sofa-bound Christmas afternoons.

This sitcom came and went without much fuss in the summer. But even if you were put off by the gimmicky premise (two sports announcers give a running analysis on a young man's life) or the fact that star Rafe Spall looks like Olly Murs, it's worth investigating. Spall is likable as the bumbling titular twentysomething and the episodes all have good momentum - there are only five, so you can whip through the whole series and still have plenty of time left to visit those relatives you don't really care about.

The first series won the 2009 Bafta for best drama and, happily, the quality didn't subside during this year's follow-up. Thanks to its premise - some young Asbo types find themselves lumbered with special powers - Misfits is often described as 'Skins meets Heroes', although it's comfortably better than both. Funny, sexy, thrilling and often incredibly violent, it's worth clearing a day to acquaint yourself with this show. And if you're already acquainted, it's worth clearing a day to watch it all over again. Superb.

There are only two legitimate excuses for not watching The Trip over Christmas. The first is that you've already seen it, and the second is that you spent Christmas Day eating to such a relentless degree that the sight of food completely repulses you. If you don't fall into either of those categories, then a viewing is mandatory. The promos might have made this BBC series look like one long self-indulgent Michael Caine-off, but there's so much more to it than that. Steve Coogan gives a layered, pathos-drenched career-best performance - as himself, admittedly - and Rob Brydon proves to be his perfect foil. And Michael Winterbottom manages to make the Lake District look more beautiful than ever. It's extremely funny, too. Quite possibly the best TV series of the year.

Britain's Got Talent: what will Michael McIntyre add...

Michael McIntyre and The Hoff are replacing Piers Morgan on the Britain's Got Talent judging panel. Which in one way is excellent news ...

Jonathan Ross: his BBC highs and lows

As the final Friday Night with Jonathan Ross nears, here are some of his most memorable moments - for better or worse.

Is Tuesday the funniest night of the week on TV?

BBC2 is showing That Mitchell and Webb Look, Shooting Stars and Miranda on Tuesdays. But is it the best day to raise a smile?

Top Gear: the six best comedy stunts

The BBC's Top Gear will feature fewer crazy stunts in the next series. Here are six of the silliest so far.

Jonathan Ross's final guests: who would you choose?

Which stars should grace Wossy's farewell sofa? Russell Brand, perhaps - or just anyone but Ricky Gervais.