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TV, radio, film, Arts

TV shows/dramas/series worth a look.

(107 Posts)
Devorgilla Fri 30-May-25 14:15:29

We seem to have several threads about various shows watched and sometimes recommended with few comments. I wondered if it would be a good idea to have a general thread we can all post suggestions on. A bit like the Corrie one but wider variation.
For example, I have just binged watched two series on Netflix which I really enjoyed - 'Unseen' and 'Secrets we keep'. Thoroughly enjoyed both. If you are looking for a new series why not give at least one episode a go. So hoping for a second series for 'Secrets we keep'.

Wyllow3 Fri 30-May-25 14:32:03

Looked up "secrets we keep" and it looks promising but does it have very disturbing content?

I like a good film and always out on the lookout for something like "The Runaway Jury". it's an older one set in the US where the gun lobby is challenged in court. But it's through the eyes of a young couple determined to break Jury -rigging because of personal experience of guns that keeps the dramatic tension right to the end as the baddy jury riggers hit back. The "goodies" win against all odds against massive funding of the gun lobby...etc.....

Also "Hidden Figures" set in the US with a colour bar, and brilliant female mathematicians change it all....

TerriBull Fri 30-May-25 14:45:44

I started watching The Best Sister on Prime last night, I think it might be quite good, but have only seen one episode so far. I love The Cockfields on BBC IPlayer, so funny, set on The Isle of Wight, Sue Johnson is in it, she's always good, although her character is very irritating. Other than that, I am following the tragic PanAm/Lockerbie disaster, shocking and heartbreaking.

MayBee70 Fri 30-May-25 15:44:03

The Great House Revival. BBC catchup but also being repeated on daytime tv. Old houses in Ireland being restored to their former glory, from tiny cottages to sprawling mansions. All in a state of total disrepair and virtually beyond help. There are at least 4 seasons for me to watch, one of which covers the problems faced during the pandemic. What I like about it is that each programme follows the restoration fully and there is an element of A House Through Time in it, especially as some of the houses have been inherited and people restore them but have so many childhood memories of them and try to do it as sensitively as possible. What comes across is the love the presenter has for these old buildings and how emotional he gets about the fact that they have been saved. Most of the people are doing it on a limited budget and have to do a lot of the work themselves. I honestly don’t know how people have the patience to do the work or how they can live in such conditions for so long as many of the people actually live on site during the restoration.

Ilovecheese Fri 30-May-25 15:58:41

If you don't mind subtitles Bbbciplayer has three seasons of "State of Happiness" a Norwegian drama set from the time that oil was discovered in the North Sea and the effect that had on a town. What I like best about it is that it is character driven and there are no real goodies and baddies, just interesting people and events.
The costumes are good as well, flares in the first series, now poodle perms and shoulder pads in the third.

Allira Fri 30-May-25 16:06:58

I like Liane Moriarty books and The Last Anniversary is now a drama series but on iPlayer, not on a main BBC channel. Why, I wonder?

First I need to read the book.

Wyllow3 Fri 30-May-25 16:08:55

Ilovecheese

If you don't mind subtitles Bbbciplayer has three seasons of "State of Happiness" a Norwegian drama set from the time that oil was discovered in the North Sea and the effect that had on a town. What I like best about it is that it is character driven and there are no real goodies and baddies, just interesting people and events.
The costumes are good as well, flares in the first series, now poodle perms and shoulder pads in the third.

Good reminder, I recall the first series from the Saturday BBC4 " films.series from abroad" (or sometimes called Scandi noir) slot. I've started having subtitles on recently when possible after an ear crisis but kept going, you get used to them quickly.

Devorgilla Fri 30-May-25 16:16:14

Wyllow3, it doesn't have gratuitous violence. Anything of that nature is quite low key. It's quite an easy watch in that way. It covers a lot of everyday situations and how various people and their fortunes relate.
'Unseen' is more violent but has various twists. I started off with this one not sure I would stay the course but you get absorbed in it and the precarious lives some groups/individuals have.
Thanks, too, for the other suggestions posted. Looking for something new now. The historic houses of Ireland I dip into as and when.

JaneJudge Fri 30-May-25 16:22:41

Could it be done a bit like a book club? So we decide what to watch and then all watch and review? I understand that might mean we watch things we wouldn’t watch but it is part of being objective?

Devorgilla Fri 30-May-25 16:29:49

JaneJudge, I've no objection to people doing that if that is their 'thing' but I am a bit of an erratic poster so probably wouldn't be interested myself. I'm more interested in someone posting the title and where to find it of a series they enjoyed and I can then decide to watch or not. A 'quick fix' if you like without any spoilers. However, there may be posters who prefer an 'in depth' approach.

blue14 Fri 30-May-25 20:38:07

Allira- just to let you know that The Last Anniversary is on BBC1. It started last week and continues every Saturday evening.

Wyllow3 Fri 30-May-25 20:55:36

Devorgilla, thank you, I need a new binge watch. so many series on Netflix its hard to know where to start.

Whiff Fri 30-May-25 22:22:14

Murder at the end of the world binge watched with Clive Owen think it's on ITVX . Watched after the Flood again ITX and now watching Wire in the blood from the start. It was a head of it's time I now realised when it was made. After binge watching all of duty now see what all the fuss was about . Riley is excellent. Black Snow , Cardinal ,Top of the lake . Darby and Joan, Father Brown of course , Miss Fisher mystery. The films on My 5 where the main character is Agatha Christie there are 3 of them.

Abitbarmy Fri 30-May-25 22:30:42

I normally like Liane Moriarty books but finding The Last Anniversary a real struggle. Think I’m giving up on it.

travelsafar Fri 30-May-25 22:34:04

I binged the series about Jane Austin on bbc iplayer this evening. I loved it and it explained to me so much about the her books made into films.

MayBee70 Fri 30-May-25 23:34:36

I like Jack Irish on Ch4. Binge watched the first series and am holding back from starting on season two as I know I’ll end up binge watching that, too.

Devorgilla Sat 31-May-25 14:45:00

I've just dipped into Dept.Q on Netflix. Has possibilities, I think. A lot of great suggestions on here. Thinking I'll have to choose between binge watching and doing housework - decisions, decisions. grin

lafergar Sat 31-May-25 14:55:15

Devorgilla

I've just dipped into Dept.Q on Netflix. Has possibilities, I think. A lot of great suggestions on here. Thinking I'll have to choose between binge watching and doing housework - decisions, decisions. grin

I'm enjoying this so far. The idea of the hidden person is disturbing though. ( choosing words carefully here!)

JamesandJon33 Sat 31-May-25 16:48:14

If you have Netflix, the Finnish drama Deadwind, is worth a look.

Ilovedogs22 Sat 31-May-25 16:53:27

travelsafar

I binged the series about Jane Austin on bbc iplayer this evening. I loved it and it explained to me so much about the her books made into films.

Yes! Completely agree with you travelsfar.
A wonderful programme for fans of Austin. 😊

Ilovedogs22 Sat 31-May-25 17:07:03

Oh while I'm here I have to mention one of my favourite BBC dramas. It's called "The last tango in Halifax" & it's brilliant & very well- acted too.
It's one of those programmes that you never want to end. A delight with a Stella cast too. 😊

Greyduster Sat 31-May-25 17:41:50

If any of you didn’t watch the first two series of The Diplomat on Netflix, it’s really well worth a go. Excellent cast, fast paced, slick dialogue and humorous in parts. I’m looking forward to series 3 which is due out later this year.

I also binge watched ‘Rizzoli and Isles’ on Prime a couple of times. A police drama with a side order of family complications for both main ‘chalk and cheese’ characters, and a lot of subtle humour.

Last Tango in Halifax was brilliant. I’ve watched it twice and wouldn’t think twice about watching it again.

Oreo Sat 31-May-25 18:45:50

Abitbarmy

I normally like Liane Moriarty books but finding The Last Anniversary a real struggle. Think I’m giving up on it.

I did give up on it, one episode was enough.

Oreo Sat 31-May-25 18:53:15

Black Mirror on Netflix. 7 series with several long episodes in every series, each one a complete and different story.Futuristic.
Another vote for the comedy series The Cockfields, I love it.
Resident Alien, Netflix a comedy set in a small town where an alien has to pretend to be human to survive, great acting from all and both funny and touching.
Number 9, long running series very quirky well written and very well acted.

Greyduster Sat 31-May-25 19:49:54

I’d forgotten about Resident Alien - very strange but very funny!