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Time well spent
Your essential guide from The Observer’s books desk
Thursday, 23 April 2026
The Observer’s TV critic Barbara Ellen on the best new shows airing and streaming
Thursday, 16 April 2026
Wednesday, 1 April 2026
Our critic picks five cultural highlights, whether you have a few minutes, an hour or a night out to spare
Friday, 13 March 2026
As the Pussycat Dolls reunite after 17 years, our critic picks the best of 00s bangers
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
After the release of Harry Styles’s latest album, our critic picks the best tracks from artists who achieved success in their own right
Friday, 6 March 2026
Our critic picks five cultural highlights, whether you have a few minutes, an afternoon or a night out to spare
Thursday, 5 March 2026
From All Saints to Robbie Williams, our critic picks tracks by top Brit winners over the years
Thursday, 26 February 2026
Our critic picks five cultural highlights, whether you have a few minutes, an hour or an evening to spare
Friday, 20 February 2026
Our TV critic on the best new shows airing and streaming
Friday, 13 February 2026
Old, new, borrowed and blue, here are five romantic songs to suit all Valentine’s moods
Thursday, 12 February 2026
Jack Thorne’s chilling take on a tale of boyhood cruelty and the Detectorists’ Mackenzie Crook strikes gold again
Grammy success and a Super Bowl show: the Puerto Rican is the artist of the moment. Here are his essential tracks
Friday, 6 February 2026
Our critic picks five cultural highlights, whether you have five minutes, an hour or a night out to spare
From John Williams to Beyoncé, here are the best five hits according to the academy – and our critic
Thursday, 29 January 2026
