Things to watch in lockdown

I usually use this blog when I need to vent about my anxiety or my fatigue problems, but I thought, during the lockdown, we all need to know some good things to watch. In our house, we love a good series- that’s what we do in the evenings together. So, I’ve decided to make a comprehensive list of things to watch and listen to in lockdown. Most of these will be series (and the odd podcast) as we don’t tend to watch a lot of films and although we do like a range of genres, you can probably tell pretty quickly we like a good detective drama. 

I’ll give a little description of what each is about, who is in it and where you can find it in the UK.

Dramas

Hidden

What is it about?- Part English, part Welsh with English subtitles, Hidden is a crime drama following the lives of detective Cadi John and the perpetrators of the crimes she is investigating, simultaneously. Series One investigates the death of a girl whose body was discovered in woodland, whilst Series Two looks at the death of a schoolteacher found in his home after the police received a tip off. The drama weaves together the lives of all characters, from victims, police and criminals, together with the cases under investigation

Who’s in it?- DI Cadi John is played by Sian Reese-Williams, who has appeared in Silent Witness, Line of Duty and played Jenny in Emmerdale. Series One stars Rhodri Meilir  from My Family

Where can I watch it?- All eight episodes of Series One and six of Series Two are on BBC iPlayer

Line of Duty 

What is it about?- Starting off on BBC Two and moving to BBC One as it gained popularity, Line of Duty follows AC12 (AC stands for Anti-Corruption- they’re are a lot of acronyms to learn) as they investigate corrupt police officers. Snippets of Superintendent Hastings, and his officers Fleming and Arnott, personal lives are included, but this drama is very focused on the case at hand. Episodes often end of cliffhangers and take unexpected turns due to the great writing of Jed Mercurio. You need to really concentrate on this one as even the finest details could help you solve the case yourself, so not one you can just casually watch. One of the best British drama series at the moment. Their are currently five series to work through and a sixth in the pipe line. One of my favourite parts is also the little hints to the actors own lives, like Fleming’s son is played by the actress’ nephew and he has a mum of the team he supports in real life, Maneet’s son is the actress’ child and a picture of the wife an dog of Martin Compston (who plays Arnott) is included

Who is in it?- Adrian Dunbar plays Hastings, Vicky McClure (This Is England) plays Fleming and Martin Compston (who is actually Scottish) plays Arnott. Each series also has at least one high profile guest star: Series One stars Lennie James, Series Two stars Keeley Hawes, Series Three stars Daniel Mays, Series Four stars Thandie Newton and Jason Watkins and Series Five stars Stephen Graham and Anna Maxwell Martin

Where can I watch it?- All five series are currently on BBC iPlayer

Silent Witness

What is it about?- Long-running crime drama Silent Witness follows a group of pathologists and forensic scientists as they help the police to solve various crimes. I’ve only seen the later series, but always look forward to it’s return each year. Pathologists Nikki, Leo and Harry are all characters you can warm to an later as are the characters of Thomas, Clarissa and Jack (although the earlier scripts mean you are more invested in the lives of the first three). Each plot is a 2 hour episode and only minor details about their personal lives cross over from one plot to another, so you can jump in at any point of any series. Be careful if squeamish, as they do show postmortems in quite a lot of detail

Who is in it?- Amanda Burton starred in earlier series and Emilia Fox in the later. There are other recurring core cast in Liz Carr, Richard Lintern, David Caves, Tom Ward and William Gaminara

Where can I watch it?- Series Six to Series 23 are on BBC iPlayer

Riverdale

What is it about? American teen drama based on the Archie comics. The show follows the mysterious goings on in the town of Riverdale. Everything from death, impersonation and fraud to dangerous board games and sinister prep-school pupils is included in this show. Like shows such as Glee, it features special themed episodes, like throwback to the 80s and musicals and there is also a lot of singing. It also has a sister show, Katy Keene (Katy is played by Lucy Hale of Pretty Little Liars and features Josie from Riverdale), out in the US. The lives of Archie, Betty, Veronica and Jughead may seem far-fetched, to say the least, but it does keep you watching

Who is in it?- New Zealander and brunette KJ Apa puts on a convincing American accent (and a lot of hair dye) to play red-head Archie Andrews, Lili Reinhart plays Betty Cooper, Cole Sprouse (The Suite Life of Zack & Cody) plays Jughead Jones and Camila Mendes played Veronica Lodge. Parents might recognise the late Luke Perry from Beverly Hills 90210 as Mr Andrews

Where can I watch it?- Four seasons are on Netflix and the next episode is on from 16th April

Pretty Little Liars

What is it about?- Pretty Little Liars, similar to Riverdale, follows the lives of four teenage girls who received receive text messages threatening to reveal their secrets unless they do as the sender, A, says. The only person who knows these secrets is their dead friend Alison, and they can’t tell anyone. Soon A is in every part of their lives and everything is out or their control. Like Riverdale, it is far-fetched, but this has more of a 90s/00s chick-flick vibe, think Mean Girls with blackmail. Series 6 suddenly jumps forward in time, which is when the series become laboured, but you’ve got this far an their is only one and a half series left to find out who uber-A is

Who is in it?- Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson, Shay Mitchell and Troian Bellisario (who went to Meghan and Harry’s wedding as her husband is Meghan’s on-screen husband in Suits) play the four school girls, with Janel Parrish, Tyler Blackburn, Ian Harding and Sasha Pieterse all having key roles too

Where can I watch it?- All seven seasons are on Netflix

Luther

What is it about?- Luther is a gritty crime drama series, centered around unconventional police detective John Luther. Gruesome and complex crimes are refer to the detective, whose home-life is just as complex. Series are not long and start of as individual cases, but in later series more revolve around Luther himself. A lot heavier than other BBC crime dramas and genuinely makes you want to check the doors and look under the bed at night. Series Five is the most complex and is 4 hour long episodes based on one case, so not one you can watch while on your phone

Who is in it?- Idris Elba plays John Luther with Ruth Wilson (The Affair, His Dark Materials and Mrs. Wilson, where she plays her own grandmother) and Warren Brown  (Liar and Hollyoaks) in supporting roles. Other familiar faces guest star, such as Hermione Norris in Series Five

Where can I watch it?- All five series of Luther are on BBC iPlayer at the moment and the first four are also on Netflix

Sex Education

What is it about?-  Part drama, part comedy about Otis, the son of a sex therapist who starts giving sex advice to his classmates, supported by his best friend, Eric. Admin and appointments are sorted by the mysterious Maeve Wiley, whose home life is not everyone expects. Sex Education explores lots of different themes around the awkward growing-up age. Pupils have to come to terms with their sexuality, as well as their academic and home lives. The characters are beautifully created and their lives weave seamlessly together in a hilarious coming-of-age series. Some darker themes of sexual assault and drug use are challenged in this series in a respectful way. Hopefully there is a Season 3, as Season 2 left on a bit of a cliffhanger for Otis and Maeve

Who is in it?- Otis is played by Asa Butterfield (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Hugo, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children), with Eric played by Ncuti Gatwa and Maeve by Emma Mackey.  Gillian Anderson is the big name star, playing Otis’ mum, but my fave is Aimee Lou Wood, playing dippy but lovable Amy

Where can I watch it?- Both seasons are available on Netflix

Never Have I Ever

What is it about?- The best way to describe this is probably Sex Education meets To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Not quite as raunchy as the former, but not the sweet romanticism of the later. Devi is trying to deal with life after the loss of her Dad and the temporary paralysis that followed, but she thinks her main problem is she’s not cool. Her plan to get a boyfriend changes, when she decides to ask her crush if he’ll sleep with her. She also has to deal with the attention her pretty cousin gets, her cultural differences between herself and her immigrant Indian mother and he academic rivalry with classmate Ben. I you want to know how well scripted this drama, created by Mindy Kaling, is they managed to get THE John McEnroe,someone with a temper to rival Devi’s . to narrate the series

Who is in it?-  Maitreyi Ramakrishnan plays Devi, Darren Barnet is Paxton and Jaren Lewison plays Ben. Devi’s friends Fabiola and Eleanor are played by Lee Rodriguez and Ramona Young

Where can I watch it?- The first season has just been added to Netflix

Comedy

Jane the Virgin

What is it about?-My current watch (currently on Season 2) is a narrated American comedy-drama and it is CRAZY. Trainee teacher and aspiring writer Jane took a Vow of Chastity and is a virgin when she is accidentally artificially inseminated with the sperm of her boss and ex-love Rafael- oh and the doctor was Rafael’s sister, Luisa. Meanwhile, Jane’s fiance, Michael is investigating a notorious crime boss who appears to have links to Rafael’s hotel. Then there’s Jane’s Ma and Abuela and Rafael’s cheating wife Petra. This show has everything, as it deals with Jane’s romantic life, deciding what to do about the baby and explores her family’s history and faith, whilst also having murder, drug dealing, illegal plastic surgery, impostors and a whole lot more. It is all so far-fetched (the nuns at the school in Season 1 a prime example) from Chapter 1 that nothing is unexpected an you’ll just roll with it. The characters are all really lovable and you’ll realise that whether you are #TeamMichael or #TeamRafael, you’re first and foremost #TeamJane… #WhatIsOnDisc142PartC?

Who is in it?- Gina Rodriguez plays Jane, Andrea Navedo plays Xo, Justin Baldoni plays Rafael and Brett Dier plays Michael. Yael Gobglas and Ivonne Coll also star a lot. There are also famous guest stars such as Britney Spear and Kesha

Where can I watch it?- All 5 seasons are available on Netflix

Outnumbered

What is it about?- Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkins created an enormously funny show when they created Outnumbered. Pete and Sue have three kids, Jake, Ben and Karen, and are most definitely outnumbered. The comedy follows their daily lives and how they struggle with all the normal challenges of parenting (and some not so normal when it comes to Ben). So funny as every parent can see themselves in it, but also because the kids are brilliant. Karen is an adult in the body of a five year-old and Ben is an untameable tearaway. Just the right balance of scripted to ad-lib, you just wish they’d had a fourth child at the start of the first series so it could have gone on longer

Who is in it?- Hugh Dennis (Mock the Week and Not Going Out) plays Dad, Pete whilst his now real-life partner Claire Skinner plays Mum. Tyger Drew-Honey (Cuckoo and Celes Go Dating), Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez play the children. If you want a real shock- little Karen is now at university. Samantha Bond (Miss Moneypenny in Tomorrow Never Dies and GoldenEye) also makes a few appearances as Auntie Angela (oh and Auntie must be pronounced in a Southern accent)

Where can I watch it?- Five series are available on Netflix and BBC iPlayer, but iPlayer might be better as it looks to have an extra Christmas episode

Gavin and Stacey

What is it about?- Gavin lives in Essex and meets the girl of his dreams, Barry Island’s Stacey, online. The couple have to decide how to make their relationship work long-distance. Their hilarious friends and family often clash on what they should do for the best, but ultimately they’re like one big dysfunctional family. Set to a soundtrack of late 00s hits, the comedy is still just as funny now as it was then. Some cliffhangers will also leave you screaming at the TV and the latest Christmas special has been written with the potential for future episodes

Who is in it?- Mathew Horne and Joanna Page play Gavin Shipman and Stacey West ( yes, the surnames were chosen on purpose) whilst writers James Cordon and Ruth Jones star as their best friends, Smithy and Nessa. Other well-known faces include Alison Steadman, Larry Lamb, Rob Brydon and Sheridan Smith

Where can I watch it?- Netflix only has a Christmas Special (with some behind the scenes footage not on iPlayer) and Series Three, but iPlayer has all three series and the recent Christmas Specials with behind the scenes

Derry Girls

What is it about?- Set in the 90s, during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, Derry Girls follow the lives of 4 teenage girls and The Wee English Fella as they try to negotiate teenage life during a turbulent time for the city. Erin is desperate to be cool, Clare is desperate to stay out of trouble, Michelle is desperate to get into trouble and Orla is just contempt with being Orla. Oh, and James is there for the ride. Has the feel of a coming-of-age comedy, but a lot more crazy decisions. References to the political situation in Northern Ireland at the time, as well as pop culture references, are littered throughout the two series. Overenthusiastic Jenny Joyce adds to the comedy, but not as much as Sister Michael, whose quick remarks are not expected from a catholic school nun.  Series Two Episode One is a personal favourite

Who is in it?- Saoirse-Monica Jackson (The Five), Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan (Harlots) and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell play the girls. Dylan Llewellyn plays James, Siobhan McSweeney is Sister Michael and even Father Ted’s Ardal O’Hanlon (Dougal) makes an appearance

Where can I watch it?- Series One is on Netflix and Series One and Two are on All4, including a signed version

 

Factual 

Icarus

What is it about?- Icarus is a sport-science documentary where Bryan Fogel sets out to prove doping in sport is easier than we may believe. He plans to dope his way to amateur Tour de France victory, whilst still passing all the tests pro-cyclists would face. He enlists the help of a Russian scientist who helps him to uncover more than he expected. What started out as an experiment ends into him gaining insight into the murky world of state sponsored doping. The documentary opens up ethical questions too, as Fogel struggles to deal with this conscience whilst doping even at an amateur level. A documentary that seems ever more poignant in a sports world where more and more doping allegations come to light

Who is in it?- Bryan Fogel stars in his own documentary with Grigory Rodchenkov being the Russian scientist helping him to pass the doping tests

Where can I watch it?- Icarus is available on Netflix

The Bleeding Edge

What is it about?- The Bleeding Edge looks are flaws in the US system of approving medical devices. While medication may face stringent checks, devices are let onto the market a lot easier if they are similar to pre-existing devices. From hip replacements to re-purposed hernia mesh, the documentary looks at how this system has impacted on the lives of patients and looks to see whether some blame can be held with the manufacturing companies as well as the state

Who is in it?- Patients who have received devices approved under this shaky legislation as well as doctors who may approve or disapprove of these technological advancements

Where can I watch it?- The Bleeding Edge is currently on Netflix

Dark Tourist

What is it about?- This series follows David Farrier around the world as he travels to some of the more unconventional tourist hotspots. Dark Tourist looks at all sorts of weird to, well, dark, attractions including JFK assassination tours to nuclear weapons test sites. The Stans episode is really interesting as these countries are not really seen much in the media in the UK, whilst some of the attractions in the US are unbelievably mad, like the horror house. Farrier has a Louis Theroux vibe whilst participating is some of the bizarre activities. This is an alternative to the usual travel documentaries and hopefully there’s a second series to follow

Who is in it?- David Farrier is joined by fellow ‘dark tourists’ at the locations, as well as tour guides and owners of the surprising tourist hotspots

Where can I watch it?- Eight episodes of Dark Tourist, divided up by geographical location, are available on Netflix

Miss Americana

What is it about?- Every wondered what is it like to be a multi-million dollar pop superstar with the world’s eyes watching your every move? Miss Americana is an insight into the life and rise to fame of Taylor Swift, focusing on the change in mindset she experienced between the albums 1989 and Reputation, then Reputation and Lover. Taylor lets the film crew in on her personal life, with mentions of her mother’s cancer, her sexual harassment trial and how this affected her political views, her friends and family, rivalries and her body image issues. The struggles of never being able to do the right thing have taken their toll and the documentary shows how Taylor has decided to move on from trying to please everyone and do what is right for her. There wasn’t a mention of the Big Machine Records problem with her back catalogue, but there is enough in this documentary that adding it would need an extra half an hour

Who is in it?- Taylor’s song writing and recording process intoduces you to producer Joel Little and Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco) is enthusiastic when recording ME!. Her mum, dad and childhood best friend Abigail also appear. Notable absences from her brother, Austin and boyfriend, actor Joe Alwyn, but some aspects of her life are obviously allowed to remain private. Most importantly, her cats, Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button, and her mum’s dog Kitty, feature

Where can I watch it?- Miss Americana is available on Netflix

Sunderland ‘Til I Die

What is it about?- When Sunderland AFC were relegated from the Premier League, Netflix took the opportunity to document their attempts to return the following season, through promotion from the Championship. The way their season plays out doesn’t go to plan and makes for, probably and even more interesting series. Netflix looks into all aspects of the club- players, transfers, fans, owners, behind the scenes staff- giving an incite very few have. I won’t spoil what happens in Season Two for those who don’t know what happened (even though most interested probably do) but it takes more of a one-sided view. Season Two was filmed the following 2018-19 season and focuses more on the new owners, which is slightly disappointing after staff and supporters we had become invested in were not mentioned or included as much in this season to focus on Charlie Methven (more Johnny Williams please). They also seem to hype up to Will Grigg’s introduction for him to barely be mentioned the next episode. If there is a Season Three, I hope it’s more like the first

Who is in it?- A variety of staff, players and Sunderland supporters. Even the local vicar makes and appearance. In terms of player appearances, if by the end of Season One you don’t feel for George Honeyman, Robbin Ruiter and especially Johnny William, you have no heart.  Season Two also heavily features PR dream Luke O’Nien. Unfotunatley for myself, Lewis Grabban, now at my beloved Nottingham Forest isn’t so heavily featured and his return to Bournemouth isn’t portrayed in a positive light

Where can I watch it?- Sunderland ‘Til I Die Seasons One and Two are available on Netflix

 

True Crime

Amanda Knox

What is it about?- This documentary interviews the infamous Amanda Knox, found guilty then acquitted of the murder of  Meredith Kercher, a student at the University of Leeds on exchange in Italy. American Knox was nicknamed Foxy Knoxy by British press, as she came to light as a suspect, along with her boyfriend, of the murder of Meredith. In this documentary she answers questions which have been speculated about with regards to her actions and the events surrounding Meredith’s death, in an attempt to clear her name

Who is in it?- Amanda Knox gives a sit down interview with snippets of information about the case from others involved and the press

Where can I watch it?- Amanda Knox is available on Netflix

Podcasts

Birthday Girls’ House Party

What’s it about?- If you are looking for three new best girlfriends to help you through the lockdown, this is the podcast for you. Comedy sketch group Birthday Girls are joined each week by a guest to one of their themed house parties (the most out-there theme is probably Tudor Feast). The girly chat is interspersed with features, like Dick of the Week, and games which fit the theme of the party. The girls are warm and funny and invite you into their homes each week whilst arguing about whether presents are necessary. Be prepared to learn a little bit too much about the girls  as nothing is off limits, including Camille’s IBS

Who is on it? The Birthday Girls is comprised of actress Beattie Edmondson (star of film Patrick and sit-com Josh and also daughter of Jennifer Saunders and Ade Edmondson), Rose Johnson (in Lee and Dean, but also a children’s TV writer) and Camille Ucan (also in Lee and Dean and writer for various TV shows). The girls are also joined each episode by a host of comedians, like James Acaster and Lolly Adefope. Also, if you have dietary requirements, they be lifestyle choices, ethical choices, allergies or intolerance, Camille has a great Instagram account called The Greedy Weasel, where she posts about the best food products she purchases, with her own dietary requirements, and restaurants to visit. She also includes opinions on the foods and restaurants of those with less restrictions than herself to show how to cater to everyone’s tastes

Where can I listen to it?- Birthday Girls’ House Party is available on BBC Sounds (but unfortunately the BBC is not recording anymore episodes) as well as Acast and Spotify