Think inside the box

Best Freeview shows of the year so far

We’re probably all a bit bored of seeing ‘breaking news’ appear on our screens. So where do we go for a bit of respite? Most of us are turning to some tremendous telly and immersing ourselves in a different world entirely. With that said, we’ve spent the last few days escaping the heat by diving into our archive to narrow down our picks of the best Freeview shows of the year so far.

Julian • Flashback

10 Aug • 6 min read

Gently down the stream: why Netflix’s decline proves that viewers will always love great telly

As lockdown took a vice grip on all of our lives during 2020, so did our obsession with subscription TV services. Netflix was on-hand to take full advantage of our thirst for binge-worthy-series. But if you told bosses in 2020 that they’d lose 1 million customers in less than a couple of years, they’d call you crazy, right?

Alex

26 Jul • 6 min read

News like never before: Manhattan TV’s guide to biggest news stories of 2022

Now we’ve passed the halfway mark of the year, we thought we’d revisit some of the biggest news stories of 2022. From the heart-breaking events in Ukraine, to 'Partygate', to that Oscars slap, this year has already served up talking points that have left the nation glued to their screens.

Steven • News

18 Jul • 7 min read

From Pride and Prejudice to Sanditon: why TV adaptations are a hit

With the current buzz that Death on the Nile is enjoying across the pond, we got thinking about the seemingly guaranteed success of book-to-screen adaptations. It’s true, some things in life are just a winning combination. And the likes of Pride and Prejudice, Brideshead Revisited, and The Handmaid’s Tale have proven that TV adaptations are a firm favourite.

Steven

30 Jun • 6 min read

No time like the present(ers): a look back at some of British TV’s biggest national treasures

As viewers, it’s often easy to overlook those that present our favourite programmes. From the game show hosts that help keep law and order, as well keeping the score, to our reality TV presenters that are normally tasked with adding a little calm to the chaos of live television. They all play an integral part.

Julian • Flashback

21 Jun • 7 min read

Festival season on Freeview

The last couple of years have been largely forgettable for live music lovers to say the least. Gigs were cancelled left, right and centre - while festivals weren’t exactly top priority as we tried to navigate ourselves through the height of the pandemic. But there’s no doubt about it, they’re back with a bang this summer.

Steven

25 May • 6 min read

A nation of foodies: Britain's best cooking shows

There’s no doubt about it - as Brits, we’ve always been known for loving a good bit of telly. But after years of being infamous for a relative lack of interest in our cuisine, we’re slowly becoming a nation of foodies as well.

Julian • What to watch

10 May • 7 min read

Shock to the system: British TV's biggest OMG moments

If you needed any further proof that things don’t always go as scripted, then here’s our definitive breakdown on the biggest ‘OMG’ moments British telly has ever witnessed.

Alex • News

29 Apr • 7 min read

It’s all relative: Britain’s best on-screen families

From soaps, to reality TV, to cartoons, the family dynamic is something that always resonates with audiences.

Steven • Flashback

22 Apr • 6 min read

TV blunders: where would we be without them?

Admit it, there are few things funnier than a TV blunder. Whether it’s a live slip-up, or an outtake from one of your most beloved pre-recorded classics. We just can’t get enough of seeing our favourite actors and TV personalities make an untimely gaffe.

Julian • What to watch

19 Apr • 7 min read

A guide to the best sport on Freeview

It only seems like five minutes ago that we were faced with the bittersweet sight of live sports returning, only to be welcomed by empty stadiums and arenas. Fast forward less than a year though, and there isn’t a better sight than seeing our favourite sporting events packed to the rafters with spectators.

Alex • What to watch

24 Mar • 9 min read

TV reboots: there’s a time and a place

If the last couple of years have taught us anything - it’s that nostalgia is very much on the agenda when it comes to film and television.

Steven • What to watch

22 Mar • 8 min read

Cracking the case: British TV’s best crime-stoppers

After our recent piece on British TV’s best-ever cop dramas, we wanted to take a deeper look into the protagonists that make these great shows so enthralling.

Alex • What to watch

14 Mar • 6 min read

Celebrating the women that have shaped British telly

Not that we need an excuse, but International Women’s Day seems like the perfect time to shine a light on some of the most incredible female figureheads British TV has ever seen.

Steven

8 Mar • 7 min read

Guilty Pleasures

With Lent just around the corner, we’ve taken a look at the ‘guilty pleasures’ we couldn’t ever give up. We all have them - shows we might not shout about, but ones we can’t imagine living without.

Alex • What to watch

28 Feb • 7 min read

The best cop dramas Freeview has to offer

As a nation, there’s few things we love more than a battle between good and evil. And nothing encapsulates this winning formula better than our favourite police dramas!

Alex • What to watch

22 Feb • 8 min read

Love is in the air[waves]!

With Valentine’s day just around the corner, what better way to celebrate it than to have a look back at some of the greatest on-screen romances? We’ve compiled a list based on some of our favourites, but as always, we’d love to hear your thoughts too.

Alex • News

11 Feb • 8 min read

Britain’s best ever Freeview show

It’s time to settle the debate. We want to find out what the best Freeview show to ever grace British screens is. You could call it an impossible task - we just see it as a challenge! From the nation’s favourite gripping dramas, to tense cliffhangers from Soapland, when it comes to a good bit of telly, us Brits really do it best!

Steven • Flashback

26 Jan • 7 min read

The best Freeview shows to watch out for in 2022

If Christmas is a time for nostalgia and reflection then January is definitely the period for looking forward. So, with that said, we’ve put together our list of must-see shows for 2022. From a few familiar faces to unmissable new dramas, we’ve covered all the bases.

Steven • What to watch

13 Jan • 7 min read

It’s never too late to catch the year’s best telly

Thanks to the magic of catch-up TV on the T3 and T3-R there’s still time to catch up on the year’s best telly.

Steven • What to watch

22 Dec • 7 min read

There’s no time like the past

Everyone loves a period drama - here's the ones which top our rewatch list this Christmas.

Steven • What to watch

13 Dec • 7 min read

Making the most of your Freeview Recorder

Wondering whether a Freeview Recorder is something you really need in the age of catch up? Here's why we think a TV recorder is still an essential addition to any home TV set up.

Alex • Guides

9 Dec • 6 min read

Find your TV's perfect partner with our new matchmaker

Not sure which freeview box or freesat box to buy for your tv? Our matchmaker will help you find the right box for you.

Julian • Guides

15 Nov • 5 min read

The most explosive moments in British TV history

British TV's had its fair share of memorable moments over the years - here's our favourites.

Steven • What to watch

11 Nov • 7 min read

Manhattan’s 5 worst ways to go on-screen: voted for by you!

We asked and you answered - here's the TV and movie deaths you'd least like to experience

Steven • Flashback

29 Oct • 7 min read

Land of soaps and glory

The UK's favourite soaps have announced a special crossover to help fight climate change. Here's the storylines we'd love to see them tackle.

Steven • What to watch

19 Oct • 7 min read

TV Jargon made Simple

Ever wondered what terms like set-top box, refresh rate or HDR mean? Our guide to TV jargon has the answers!

Alex • Guides

13 Oct • 10 min read

British TV's greatest double acts

From Morecambe & Wise to Eddy and Patsy, we've enjoyed some incredible double acts over the years. Read on to find out why we all love a double act.

Steven • Flashback

7 Oct • 7 min read

British TV's Greatest Villains

Who are the best telly villains of all time? Here's our picks of the British scoundrels we can't forget.

Steven • Flashback

29 Sep • 8 min read

British TV's greatest heroes

Every show has its star - but not every show has a hero we all love to root for. Here's our list of the greatest heroes of British telly- the people who inspire us as much as they entertain.

Alex • Flashback

2 Sep • 7 min read

The best moments of New Who

We've rounded up the best moments of each Doctor Who from the new era - from Eccleston saving the world to Whittaker visiting post-war India.

Steven • Flashback

26 Aug • 7 min read

The good, the bad and the reality of TV’s most controversial genre

Love it or hate it - you can't ignore reality TV. Read on for our pick of the most famous moments from the last 20 years of British reality telly.

Steven • Flashback

9 Aug • 7 min read

The best freeview channels for kids

Looking for something new to keep your kids entertained this summer? We've rounded up the best Freeview channels for under 11s.

Steven • What to watch

5 Aug • 7 min read

How to choose the right TV

Looking to buy a new TV but not sure where to start? Our guide outlines what you need to consider when it comes to size, price and resolution.

Alex • Guides

19 Jul • 7 min read

Britain's best TV game shows

After long arguments and endless rewatches of classic telly, we're delighted to present our list of the five best game shows ever made.

Alex • Flashback

5 Jul • 8 min read

A Brief History of Manhattan TV

Join us on a trip down memory lane as we explore how Manhattan TV became the company you know and love.

Alex • News

28 Jun • 7 min read

The must watch games of Euro 2020

Euro 2020 is nearly here and all the games will be live on Freeview and Freesat. Here's our pick of the must-watch games for fans of England, Scotland and Wales.

Steven • What to watch

7 Jun • 6 min read

The unmissable TV of the past 12 months

The past year has been a feast of great telly - we've rounded up the best shows of the past 12 months which you can still watch on catch-up services.

Steven • What to watch

7 Jun • 7 min read

Side-splitting comedies to watch on your Manhattan TV box

Nothing brightens up an evening like a bit of top-notch comedy, we round up some of the best you can watch for free using your Manhattan TV Freeview Box.

Alex • What to watch

20 May • 8 min read

From Brit Hit to Brit Miss - it's time to get excited about Eurovision

We couldn't be more excited for Eurovision 2021 and to celebrate we've taken a trip down memory lane and looked at some of the UK's most memorable moments in the competition.

Steven • Flashback

20 May • 7 min read

Looking to quit Sky or Virgin? The Manhattan T3-R is your perfect replacement

Sky and Virgin's expensive subscriptions aren't the only ways to enjoy great telly. If you're looking to replace them, but don't want to miss out on your favourite British shows, the Manhattan T3-R is the ideal, subscription-free replacement.

Steven • Guides

28 Apr • 7 min read

What makes Freeview Play the perfect telly experience?

Freeview Play is simply the best way to watch your favourite British telly - live or on demand. Read on to find out about its smartest features.

Alex • Guides

19 Apr • 7 min read

Your guide to the best sport you can watch for free in 2021

No Sky? No problem. We've rounded up all the best sport you can watch for free on Freeview and Freesat - from the Olympics to Euro 2020, there's something for every sports fan.

Steven • What to watch

19 Apr • 8 min read

How soaps stayed on air during Covid

The best TV soaps are a window into daily life - join us as we explore EastEnders, Coronation Street and Emmerdale handled the Covid-19 pandemic.

Steven • What to watch

12 Apr • 6 min read

What features make for the best Freeview box?

Looking for a new Freeview TV box, but not quite sure which features are a must have and which you can skip over? Our guide has the answers you're looking for.

Alex • Guides

25 Mar • 7 min read

Celebrating the women that make British telly great!

Our screens have been graced by some incredible performances over the years. To mark Women's History Month, here's 5 female stars we can't stop thinking about.

Alex • What to watch

22 Mar • 6 min read

Relive classic concerts thanks to the magic of YouTube

Just because we can't go to gigs and shows right now, doesn't mean you have to miss out on the joy of live music. We've collated some of the best recordings you can watch from the comfort of your sofa.

Steven • Flashback

23 Feb • 7 min read

Just who is the Queen Vic's biggest crown jewel?

Love it or hate it - you can't deny EastEnders influence on British telly. We look back on some of the most famous matriarchs to have graced the square.

Steven • Flashback

16 Feb • 6 min read

Tis’ The Season For Great Cinema

No season is more exciting than film season - find out who we think the hottest contenders for this year's Oscars are.

Steven • What to watch

10 Feb • 6 min read

Rest your eyes and wow your ears with the best podcasts on BBC Sounds

Did you know your Manhattan T3 or T3-R offers more than just the best of British telly? Thanks to BBC Sounds, you can also explore a wide range of podcasts, covering every interest under the sun. Not sure where to start? Check out our favourites.

Alex • What to watch

26 Jan • 6 min read

Best of British - 2021's Hottest New TV

Up to date on all the shows that mattered from 2020? Bored of rewatching your old favourites? We know the feeling - so to give you something to look forward to we've rounded up 5 of the hottest British shows which will be hitting our screens in 2021.

Steven • What to watch

12 Jan • 6 min read

The T3-R v2 software is here

We’re delighted to announce that v2 of our T3-R software is out today, bringing BritBox and some of the most-requested features to the T3-R along with many other improvements and fixes.

Alex • News

16 Dec • 10 min read

Christmas TV Crossword

Think you know your Christmas TV? Put your knowledge to the test with the Manhattan TV Christmas Crossword.

Alex • Flashback

16 Dec • 5 min read

BritBox is now available on Manhattan TV

It's one of the questions we get the most - can I access BritBox on a Manhattan TV box? And we're delighted to now be able to say yes - from today you can watch BritBox on the T3-R.

Steven • News

8 Dec • 6 min read

The Past and Present of Top Gear presenters

To celebrate all the entertainment it has given us over the years and this year's 29th series, we're taking a trip down memory lane to look back at three of the most memorable generations of Top Gear presenters.

Alex • Flashback

7 Dec • 6 min read

Why we're called Manhattan TV

Ever wondered why we're called Manhattan TV? Grab a cuppa and a pack of biscuits and read on...

Alex • News

30 Nov • 5 min read

Top 5 Shows to ‘Telly-port’ Overseas

TV has been a great form of escapism for many of us, as we find ourselves spending more time in our homes. If a holiday abroad, or even a staycation wasn’t on the cards for you this year, don’t fret – these top travel programme picks will have you transported overseas from the comfort of your sofa

Steven • Flashback

24 Nov • 6 min read

The Hidden Gems of My5

My5 is one of the unsung heroes of streaming - it’s there when you want to binge watch Storage Hunters on a rainy Sunday afternoon or are craving a new historical documentary to get your teeth into. But it’s got far more to offer than you’d think. In fact, it’s got a whole library of hidden gems nestled away beneath the surface.

Julian • What to watch

4 Nov • 6 min read

Meet the new Manhattan TV

We've made some changes to how we look and sound - read on to find out all about the new Manhattan TV.

Alex • News

4 Nov • 6 min read

The best shows to watch in a weekend

There’s nothing we love more than those rare weekends where the stars align and you realise you can dedicate some serious time to watching great telly. Add in a comfy chair and some tasty snacks and you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable weekend. But, then comes the big question, what should I watch?

Steven • What to watch

3 Nov • 8 min read

Freeview or Freesat - which one’s for you?

Freeview and Freesat both offer all the great British TV you love – so how do you choose between them? Read on to find out.

Alex • Guides

2 Nov • 6 min read

Pausing Live TV - the reality

Remember those days when you had to dust off an old VHS tape, hope that the ‘video player’ was working, press a bunch of weird and wonderful buttons and then spend the rest of the day panicking. All that so you could watch your favourite show in two halves - one before dinner and the other after. Well thankfully, those days are long over.

Alex • Guides

2 Nov • 6 min read

Do I need to care about 4K and HDR?

4K and HDR are the hottest abbreviations in TV right now. But what do they actually mean? Let's find out.

Alex • Guides

1 Nov • 7 min read

Why being able to record your favourite TV still matters

It’s a question we get asked everyday: why should I get a set-top box that records to a Hard Drive if I can just stream what I want to watch from catch-up and on demand services?

Alex • Guides

30 Oct • 6 min read