“The Night Manager’s new rival”: 7 “hidden gem” Olivia Colman dramas to watch on ITV, Netflix, the BBC & more

If you’ve worked your way through Olivia Colman’s exceptional performances in Broadchurch and The Crown, and need something to watch while you wait for her upcoming appearance in the new series of Only Murders In The Building – you’re in luck. We’ve delved through her impressive catalogue of work to uncover some sensational dramas that might have passed you by.

From a series so good it was praised as The Night Manager’s new rival, to a royal drama co-starring Emma Stone and a moving yet hysterical family saga – there’s an option for however you’re feeling. So, remotes at the ready, here are seven hidden-gem Olivia Colman dramas to watch now on ITV, Netflix, the BBC and more.

Secret Invasion

In this series, which was coined The Night Manager’s new rival when it first premiered in 2023, Olivia Colman plays spy again. This time she’s Sonya Falsworth, a sharp-tongued MI6 agent and old ally of protagonist Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). The plot centres on Fury and Talos (Ben Mendelsohn) as they race against an imminent invasion by shape-shifting Skrulls (renowned alien figures in the Marvel universe), while Sonya is charged with protecting the UK’s national security interests. Colman is enchanting and unpredictable in the role, leaving you questioning what side she’s really on. Secret Invasion is available to watch now on Disney +.

The 7.39

Olivia takes on a smaller but significant role in BBC’s drama The 7.39, which follows two commuters Olivia Thorn (Sheridan Smith) and Carl Matthews (David Morrissey) fall in love after catching the same commuter train into London every morning. The catch? They’re both in relationships, and Carl is married to his college sweetheart Maggie (Olivia Colman), with whom he shares two children – and Colman’s portrayal of the betrayed wife is deeply moving. The 7.39 is available to watch now on Sky and BBC iPlayer.

The Favourite

It’s another star-studded ensemble, with Olivia Colman joining Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, but, as we travel back to early 18^th century England, when the country is at war with France. The historical drama sees Olivia as the frail and emotionally turbulent Queen Anne, who depends on her confidante and advisor Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) to go about her regal duties. However, when Sarah’s downtrodden cousin (Emma Stone) arrives as a servant, she has an ulterior method to climb her way back into the aristocracy – and she won’t let anyone stand in her way. The Favourite is available to watch now on Disney +.

Run

Olivia Colman delivers one of her most emotionally charged performances in Run, a four-part anthology series that weaves together the stories of seemingly disconnected characters facing life-altering decisions. Olivia stars a Carol, a single mum of two teenage boys, who’s struggling to make ends meet. When her son commits a random violent attack, which results in the death of a stranger – she faces an impossible decision. Run is available to watch now on ITVX.

Wicked Little Letters

For another perfect period drama, based on an outrageously true story, Wicked Little Letters takes us to a 1920s English seaside town where two neighbours are at war. On one side is the deeply conservative Edith Swan (Olivia Colman), on the other is rowdy and unapologetic single mother Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). Scandal breaks out when residents start to receive absurd ‘wicked little letters’ filled with profanities, and potty-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. But is she really the town’s mysterious troll? Wicked Little Letters is available to watch now on Channel 4.

The Lost Daughter

Adapted from Elena Ferrante’s 2006 novel,The Lost Daughter is a moving exploration of motherhood following Leda (Olivia Colman) who becomes fascinated with a young mother, Nina (Dakota Johnson) and her daughter whilst holidaying in Greece. Leda acts on a strange impulse to steal and keep the daughter’s doll, despite watching the turmoil it inflicts on the family. Through flashbacks we learn what might have pushed Leda to act in such a way, as she confronts tough memories of how she raised her own children. The Lost Daughter is available to watch now on Netflix.

Flowers

Brilliantly eccentric and deeply moving, the Flowers family have more than their fair share of problems. On top of each other in a ramshackle home, Deborah (Olivia Colman) is a music teacher trying to keep her marriage to children’s author Maurice (Julian Barratt) together, while caring for his ailing mother, and maladjusted teen twins. Across two series, the BBC series tackles poignant themes of mental health, unconditional love, and the way families spectacularly fail to communicate. Don’t worry – there are plenty of laughs, too! Flowers is available to watch now on U .