Last year we weren't sure whether TV could get any better, and politics any worse. Lo and behold, 2017 came around and Trumped our expectations. Favourites like Insecure, Master of None and The Crown came back for a second season, whilst new shows like Glow, The Handmaid's Tale and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel knocked us for six. Here's a round-up of our favourite performances to date.
Madeline Brewer as Janine in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Though Elisabeth Moss, Samira Wiley, Alexis Bledel and so many more were amazing in the TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale, it's Madeline Brewer as Janine who stood out for us. Whilst other's steely determination in the face of a cold-hearted religious regime is how we hope we would fare, Janine represents the very possible alternative reaction - madness. Brewer's depiction of a mental breakdown is as compassionate as it is terrifying.
Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin in 'Stranger Things'
The curious, loyal and intelligent character of Dustin in the throwback Netflix hit Stranger Things is a fan favourite. Gaten Matarazzo acts as the level-headed go-between of his fellow social outcast friends. His unlikely friendship with Steve Harrington won our hearts and his off-screen antics quickly melted them.
Alison Brie as Ruth Wilder in 'Glow'
The terrible, precocious and earnest Ruth Wilder charmed us. Alison Brie's take on the spunky lead for the female-backed Glow was real and hilarious. Though perhaps controversial Brie has also stood by her character's decisions, which we adore.
Lena Waithe as Denise in 'Master of None'
Lena Waithe became the first African-American woman to take home an Emmy award for comedic writing. Her episode of Aziz Ansari's groundbreaking Master of None, Thanksgiving, explored family, sexuality, blackness and friendship all in an hour.
Rachel Brosnaham as Mrs. Miriam 'Midge' Maisel in 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'
Though we were briefly acquainted with the glorious Rachel Brosnaham in House of Cards, we get to see her comedic chops in Netflix's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Playing the hilarious lead Brosnaham keeps Maisel from being a caricature, despite her mid-century Jewish housewife persona.
Rachel Bloom as Rebecca Bunch in 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'
Created and starring the amazing Rachel Bloom, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend approaches mental health issues, love and feminism in it's hilarious musical interludes. Everything that comes out of Bloom's mouth has us saying, 'same girl, same.'
Maggie Gyllenhaal as Candy in 'The Deuce'
Maggie Gyllenhaal's Candy makes the move from sex-worker to pornographer in this new show. Based in Time Square in the 70s, Gyllenhaal both starred and produced the controversial show that charts the legalisation of the ponography business.
Issa Rae as Issa Dee in 'Insecure'
Our favourite 'Awkward Black Girl' came back with a second series of her Golden Globe nominated Insecure this year. Charting dating, friendship and being a bit cringe, Rae never fails to make us laugh (and cry).
Nicole Kidman as Celeste Wright in 'Big Little Lies'
Whilst the entire of the Big Little Lies cast deserve a notable mention, Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Celeste was outstanding. In the TV adaptation of Liane Moriarty's novel Big Little Lies, Kidman played the affluent and beautiful Celeste with a dark private life with her abusive husband. Kidman starred and produced in the show that is set for a second season and we, can't wait.
Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margaret in 'The Crown'
Vanessa Kirby is the supporting actress in one of the most binge-able shoe around. The Crown, now in its second season, charts the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and those around her. Kirby fabulous portrayal of the young Princess Margaret has to be our favourite part of the regal show.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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