Pam and Tommy

Get ready: things are about to get crazy. Lily James and Sebastian Stan completely change their appearances with the help of makeup to portray Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee. The series follows the events surrounding their infamous sex tape – the first viral video – and how it all started with their marriage just 96 hours after meeting in 1995. But beyond exploiting a scandal, will it take a post-#MeToo perspective? Hollie Richardson

This Is Going to Hurt

Adapted from the popular and humorous book “This is Going to Hurt” by Adam Kay, this show on BBC One chronicles the challenges faced by a junior doctor working in the National Health Service. The series was in development for some time and was ironically delayed by the pandemic, which has highlighted the hard work and underappreciation of medical professionals. The lead role is played by Ben Whishaw.

The Responder

(BBC One) Once again, Martin Freeman gets under the skin of a disappointed (and disappointing) middle-aged man and renders him sympathetic. This time, Freeman is Chris, a police urgent response officer whose bleak, solitary night-shifts in Liverpool are disrupted by the arrival of rookie partner Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo). When Chris makes a rash decision, their previously mundane job becomes distinctly more dangerous. PH

Atlanta

RASE

Donald Glover’s unique and creative portrayal of the Black American experience has been one of the most relevant shows in recent years. In the last episode, Glover’s typically reserved hip-hop manager Earn betrayed his protege Clark County and gained the admiration of Alfred. However, this incident will likely affect their relationship in the future. Season three is expected to delve into the complexities of loyalty and betrayal.

Derry Girls

(Channel 4) The third and final season of Derry Girls is here, featuring the beloved characters such as “wee lesbian” Nicola Coughlan and “English fella” Dylan Llewellyn. This comedy show not only brings laughs, but also tackles the struggles of being a teenager during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, making it a heartfelt and emotional farewell. Keep an eye out for Skint, a series of monologues about poverty, which includes one written by Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee and will be airing on BBC later this year.

Riches

RASE

The creator of the show, Abby Ajayi, has described it as a tribute to the Black community in London. The premise carries echoes of Succession, with Hugh Quarshie portraying the wealthy patriarch Stephen Richards who has a stroke. As his family shows concern for his health, their hidden secrets and conflicts emerge as they vie for a share of the family fortune.

The Undeclared War

OTOS

(Channel 4) The conflict in question is an electronic warfare, and this political suspense film appears to be the type of serious, somewhat ominous content that director and writer (as well as seven-time Bafta winner) Peter Kosminsky excels at. He has brought together a talented cast: Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg, Adrian Lester, and newcomer Hannah Khalique-Brown take on the roles as the 2024 general election approaches and GCHQ is targeted. But who is behind the virtual attacks on the nation? PHOTOS

Superhoe

This show, praised as the next Fleabag, follows a similar path as it originated as a one-woman stage production with humor and depth. Nicôle Lecky, the creator, plays the lead role of Sasha Clayton, a 25-year-old aspiring musician whose struggles to provide for herself intensify after being kicked out by her family. Reviewed by Alexi Duggins.

Marriage

Stefan Golaszewski’s “Mum and Him and Her” presents two exquisitely accurate and charmingly humorous depictions of relationships on television. His upcoming four-part series, starring Nicola Walker and Sean Bean, is guaranteed to deliver more of the same. Prepare for dialogue that seamlessly transitions from comically mundane to deeply moving in just one sentence.

The Last of Us

VERTISEMENT

HBO and Sky Atlantic have selected a video game for a potential TV adaptation. The game, released in 2013, follows a smuggler’s journey to guide a young girl through a post-apocalyptic America. This will be HBO’s first adaptation of a console franchise and is expected to capture the game’s strengths, balancing the dark world of a zombie apocalypse with the heartwarming bond between the two main characters.

Queenie

Candice Carty-Williams’s popular book from 2019, featured on Channel 4, follows the journey of a young Black journalist in London. Her life takes a turn for the worse after she decides to take a break from her committed relationship. This thought-provoking and genuine novel delves into topics such as race, mental health, and womanhood, with a touch of humor. As Carty-Williams is working on adapting the story, it’s sure to satisfy fans of the book.

Top Boy

(Netflix) The Drake-backed Netflix reincarnation saw this already great drama about London’s drug gangs scale new heights of brilliance, as its longer episode count let narratives breathe and showcased the killer acting chops of MCs including Dave and Little Simz. The prospect of its return is hugely tantalising – not least due to the narrative drawing the rival gangs of Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kano) together with their intensely likable young rival, Jamie (Micheal Ward). AD

House of the Dragon

:

After a disappointing final season, fans are hesitant about the upcoming Game of Thrones prequel on HBO’s Sky Atlantic. However, there is hope that it will be better than the previous season. Set 200 years before the events of the original series, it will follow House Targaryen and feature actors Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy as Prince Daemon and Princess Rhaenyra respectively. Viewers can anticipate the typical elements of the show, such as mythical creatures, epic battles, and explicit content.

Peaky Blinders

(BBC One) The BBC’s drama, set in Birmingham and centered around gangsters, has maintained high quality throughout its five seasons of illegal and violent activities. As the final season approaches, we can only hope for a satisfying conclusion as Tommy faces off against Oswald Mosley and the impending second world war. However, the show’s ability to handle the tragic passing of Helen McCrory is yet to be seen. On a positive note, Stephen Graham has joined the cast.

Euphoria

The highly anticipated teen drama on Sky Atlantic sparked conversations with its frequent nudity and depiction of substance abuse, as well as its memorable musical finale. However, it also showcased moments of genuine beauty and complexity, particularly through Zendaya’s raw performance as Rue, a woman battling addiction. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy for best actress, and we eagerly await to see how she continues to excel in the role as she matures.

Inside Man

Steven Moffat, known for his work on shows such as Dracula, Sherlock, and Doctor Who, brings us a unique and suspenseful thriller on BBC One and Netflix. The story follows three individuals: a death row inmate in the US, a vicar in a peaceful English town, and a math teacher trapped in a cellar. As their paths unexpectedly intersect, the cast, led by Stanley Tucci, Lydia West, and David Tennant, guarantees an incredible performance. HR

The Afterparty

:
The newly released show on Apple TV+, created by the award-winning directors of The Lego Movie, combines elements of a murder-mystery and comedy as it follows a death at a high school reunion. Each episode will feature a unique perspective from one of the characters, highlighting the comedic talents of Jamie Demetriou, Sam Richardson from Veep, and Ben Schwartz from Parks and Recreation.

Frasier

(Paramount+) Hey baby, I hear the blues are calling. Following an almost 20-year hiatus, Kelsey Grammer is back as Seattle’s snooty but beloved radio psychiatrist for tossed salads, scrambled eggs and a reboot fans are torn over. Part of the show’s enduring appeal was the relationship Frasier had with his dad Marty – but actor John Mahoney died in 2018. Can the show be as good without him? It’s not clear whether Niles, Daphne and Roz will come calling again, but we hope they’ll return to provide the show with a shot in the arm. HR

Everything I Know About Love

(BBC One) There’s not one millennial woman in London who has not read – or at least heard of – Dolly Alderton’s bestselling memoir about friendship and romance. In this dramatised adaptation, Maggie and Birdy (played by Emma Appleton and Bel Powley) are two pals in their 20s navigating their first phase of adulthood in a flatshare. But then the unthinkable happens – dependable Birdy gets a steady boyfriend. Just like the book, let’s hope the series is a brave yet vulnerable (and very funny) unpicking of what love means in all its forms. HR

Pistol

OTOS of the upcoming series on Disney+ do not instill much confidence, as the actors portraying the Sex Pistols appear more like roadies for Ed Sheeran than the rebellious punk rock icons they are meant to be. However, with Danny Boyle directing this adaptation of Steve Jones’s memoir Lonely Boy, there is hope that it will be well-executed. The plot, centered around friendship, music, competition, substance abuse, and loss, contains all the necessary elements for a compelling story.

Barbara and Alan met.

“The inspiring tale of disability rights advocates Barbara Lisicki and Alan Holdsworth is portrayed by acclaimed writer Jack Thorne and Genevieve Barr. Lisicki (played by Ruth Madeley) crossed paths with Holdsworth (played by Arthur Hughes) at a cabaret event in 1989, and together they fueled the Direct Action Network, whose demonstrations resulted in significant progress.”

The Crown

In season five of Peter Morgan’s epic series, there will be a shift in the main characters. Olivia Colman’s Queen Elizabeth II will step down and Imelda Staunton will take her place. The addition of Jonny Lee Miller as John Major and the continuation of Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Princess Diana adds to the anticipation for this season. However, we can’t help but feel concerned about the direction of Diana’s storyline. No spoilers here, but we have a feeling it may not end well.

Better Call Saul

VERTISEMENT

After 14 years, the long-awaited finale of the Breaking Bad spin-off, centered on the origin story of Saul Goodman, has arrived. In recent seasons, the prequel has approached the quality of the original series as Jimmy’s descent into darkness has intensified. This final season is sure to be a must-watch for fans as it marks the end of an era.

Heartstopper

(Netflix) TV could benefit from more trustworthy depictions of LGBTQ+ stories, which is why there is buzz around this eight-episode series based on Alice Oseman’s original graphic novel about a same-sex relationship in high school. The journey of Nick and Charlie, two teenagers attending a British all-boys school, as they fall for each other, will also introduce fresh and promising actors, such as Yasmin Finney, a transgender woman from Manchester who has gained fame on TikTok.

The Lord of the Rings

(Amazon Prime) It’s a big year for fantasy revivals, as JRR Tolkien’s epic world of hobbits, wizards and elves is brought to the small screen with a whopping budget (apparently $1bn in total). Aside from a confirmed September release date, fans only know that the series will take place in the Second Age thousands of years prior to the Lord of the Rings books and The Hobbit. All other details are being kept under wraps, which only makes the wait even more exciting. HR

Source: theguardian.com