March 8, 2024
Catch up on Channel 4 streaming. There is a variety of genres to choose from including classic comedies, foreign language drama through the Walter Presents strand and some of the best documentaries.
The Real Serpent — Investigating A Serial Killer
Fans of the 2021 serial killer drama, which starred Jenna Coleman and Tahar Rahim, can now delve deeper into the story with the release of a new series focusing on the infamous Serpent himself. Released from a Nepali prison after 19 years, he agrees to be interviewed by forensic psychologist Paul Britton about five unsolved murders in Thailand in 1975.
The crimes, which occurred nearly half a century ago, continue to evoke fear, as the Serpent and his accomplices targeted young tourists on the “hippie trail” across Asia.
Now, former Metropolitan Police detectives join forces to investigate the remaining murders, seeking justice for the victims and uncovering the truth about one of the 20th century’s most prolific murderers, Charles Sobhraj.
The Rise And Fall Of Boris Johnson
As a child, Boris Johnson dreamed of becoming “world king,” a lofty ambition that, while not fully realised, saw him ascend to a remarkable level of power, as revealed in this sleek and insightful documentary series.
Through interviews with associates and observers like Ken Livingstone, Nigel Farage, and Michael Heseltine, the series delves into Johnson’s motivations and personality, tracing his transformation from a journalist who casually “chucked rocks over the garden wall” to the influential political figure known as “Boris.”
From his days in the Bullingdon Club to his role in Brexit, the series explores Johnson’s journey, yet leaves viewers pondering the enigmatic core of his persona. As one interviewee says, “He had it all and blew it”. No one was more influential to the outcome of the Brexit referendum than Boris and yet to the very end he was undecided whether to remain or leave.
Alice & Jack
Spanning 15 years across six episodes, this romantic drama captures the evolution of a complex love affair between Jack, an idealistic biomedical researcher played by Domhnall Gleeson, and Alice, portrayed by Andrea Riseborough as a manic pixie mean girl with a mysterious profession.
What begins as a one-night stand transforms into a soulful connection, depicted with wit and sensitivity by writer Victor Levin.
Fans of indie romantic comedies will be enchanted by the film’s whimsical moments, poignant soundtrack, and endearing cast, including Aisling Bea and Sunil Patel. As it was released shortly after the similarly themed One Day, they’ve often been compared but this is more complex.
The Miners Strike 1984 – The Battle For Britain
This is a compelling three-part series delving into the year-long strike that commenced in March 1984, described as a profound wound in the nation’s history. Each episode stands alone, offering distinct narratives.
The first episode focuses on Shirebrook, a pit village reminiscent of James Graham’s Sherwood, deeply divided between strikers and “scabs,” earning it the moniker “England’s Belfast.” Former miners share impassioned recollections, intertwined with vivid archival footage.
The second episode revisits the infamous “Battle of Orgreave,” where picketing miners clashed with thousands of police officers.
The third episode exposes the role of David Hart, a wealthy Tory supporter, in influencing the strike’s conclusion by exploiting divisions among miners in Nottinghamshire. Those of a certain age will remember well how divisive this period was, for some it was worth breaking the power of the Unions but for others whole communities were all but written off. Fascinating series.
Truelove
Lindsay Duncan, a cigarette, a fast car, and David Bowie’s “Queen Bitch” set the stage for this captivating six-part series. Co-written by Iain Weatherby and Charlie Covell of “The End of the F***ing World,” “Truelove” offers a rock’n’roll exploration of aging, mortality, and the complexities of ending one’s life.
At a funeral, a group of friends, fuelled by emotion and alcohol, make a pact to assist each other in death if needed—a gesture initially dismissed as drunken folly until one member signals for help.
The script balances wit and poignancy, with Duncan’s former police officer character lamenting the realities of aging to her husband. Sue Johnston, Peter Egan, Karl Johnson, and Clarke Peters round out the cast, breathing vibrant life into this drama about mortality.
It’s A Sin
It’s a Sin,” created by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, transports viewers to 1981 London, where a group of friends navigates the tumultuous Aids crisis over a decade.
Led by Olly Alexander and a talented ensemble cast, the beautifully written drama resonates with its poignant portrayal of friendship, tragedy, and resilience in the face of adversity. It challenges the emotional impact of Aids and the birth of homophobia. It’s graphic and not for everyone but if you give it a chance it will move you.
Foreign language drama
The Bank Hacker
After winning a hacking competition, IT nerd Jeremy Peeters is recruited by professional conman Alidor Van Praet for a grand heist targeting a Frankfurt bank.
What starts as a Belgian Ocean’s Eleven-style plan turns into a power struggle between Alidor and Jeremy.
Despite its length, the series offers plenty of twists, turns, and character development to keep viewers engaged until the end.
The Mafia Kills Only in Summer
Set against the backdrop of the Sicilian gangland wars of the late 1970s, this unlikely coming-of-age comedy offers an arch and humorous child’s perspective on family dynamics and young love.
However, it also delves into the darker themes of nostalgia’s deception and the harsh realities of living in close proximity to the Cosa Nostra.
The Hunter
This series exposes the tumultuous conflict between the mafia and state prosecutors in 1990s Sicily, drawing from real events. At the center is Saverio Barone, a prosecutor portrayed as the lone figure of integrity in this sun-drenched landscape.
Some of the Best Dramas
You can Google what are considered to be the best episodes of these series.
The Good Wife
Julianna Margulies shines as Alicia Florrick in “The Good Wife,” portraying a woman who returns to the legal profession after her husband’s scandal.
With a compelling script and standout performances, the show transcends typical procedural dramas, earning acclaim as one of the most celebrated series of its time.
The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin’s masterpiece, “The West Wing,” sets the standard for political TV shows.
Led by Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet, the top-tier ensemble cast, featuring Rob Lowe and Allison Janney, delivers snappy dialogue and inspiring storytelling. With innovative direction, this drama is a binge-worthy must-watch.
Comedy
Frasier
Frasier Crane’s return to Seattle to host a radio show, spun off from Cheers, seamlessly blends intellect and humour, achieving brilliance rarely seen in spin-offs.
Even if you saw all 250+ episodes when originally aired it is an absolute joy to rewatch everyone.
One of the best comedy series ever broadcast and having the two main leads as psychiatrists was inspired.
Cheers
Cheers, a legendary American sitcom, catapulted the careers of stars like Kirstie Alley, Ted Danson, and Woody Harrelson. Its spin-off, Frasier, starring Kelsey Grammer, further solidified its place in television history.
The iconic Boston bar where “everyone knows your name” remains a beloved part of sitcom lore, making revisiting Cheers’ excellent episodes a worthwhile endeavour.
The bar is one of Boston’s most visited tourist attractions.
Shameless
Paul Abbott’s edgy comedy-drama follows the dysfunctional working-class Gallagher family on the fictional Chatsworth council estate in Greater Manchester. Initially focusing on alcoholic father Frank (David Threlfall), the series later explores the lives of his children, relatives, and neighbours, portrayed by an ensemble cast including Anne-Marie Duff, James McAvoy, and Maxine Peake. The immensely popular UK series also inspired a beloved US remake starring William H. Macy.
Father Ted
Father Ted, set on Craggy Island off the coast of Ireland, was a sitcom sensation of the 1990s, garnering a large and loyal fanbase.
Dermot Morgan stars as Father Ted Crilly, navigating life in a surreal and often absurd world alongside Father Dougal McGuire (Ardal O’Hanlon) and Father Jack Hackett (Frank Kelly).
With its edgy humor and clever writing, Father Ted remains a prime example of Channel 4 comedy at its finest.
Peep Show
Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain’s sitcom has aged like fine wine, transitioning from a minor cult to one of the channel’s longest-serving comedies.
Centred around the dynamic between carefree Jez and timid Mark (portrayed by Robert Webb and David Mitchell), the duo cohabitates in a high-rise flat in Croydon, south London.
Renowned for its wit and innovation, the show features point-of-view shots and voice-over internal monologues, contributing to the evolution of comedy on television. Catching up with these two characters is always a delightful experience.
The IT Crowd
Geeks become unlikely heroes in this zany sitcom, centred around three computer experts holed up in their basement office. With standout performances from Richard Ayoade, Chris O’Dowd, and Katherine Parkinson, the show is packed with slapstick humour, recurring jokes, and quirky sketches. Plus, it offers sage advice for tech troubleshooting: just turn it off and on again!
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