Why you should watch The Vicar of Dibley
The most sinfully funny sitcom on television returns this Christmas with lockdown specials starring Dawn French.
There are some people who have been turning to spirituality during these troubling times, whether that’s through tarot cards or live-streaming Sunday services. But I’ve already found all the spiritual solace I need at the moment: in Dawn French’s Geraldine Granger. And with the festive season now upon us, the BBC are serving up a healthy portion of nostalgia alongside our mince pies, with a series of short The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown specials followed by classic episodes. What better time than to catch up on the past antics of our beloved vicar? So, for today’s Christmas sermon, I’m singing the praises of the heavenly Vicar of Dibley. Hang onto your dog collars. What is The Vicar of Dibley about? And lo, it came to pass that a female vicar came unto to the sleepy village of Dibley. And she was called: Geraldine. And the glory of Geraldine shone around Dibley, and all the villagers were sore afraid… or more accurately, horrified. Because back then, in the halcyon grainy-blurry past of mid-90s telly, the Church of England had only just introduced female vicars. And when Gerladine rocks up in her bright yellow raincoat and Monica Geller-style printed waistcoat, the conservative Dibley parish council aren’t best pleased with their new vicar. “You were expecting a bloke – beard, Bible, bad breath,” Geraldine says during the pilot episode. “And instead you got a babe with a bob cut and a magnificent bosom.” The parish councillors - led by the wealthy and crusty David Horton - even contemplate sacking her. But, of course, the show is called “The Vicar of Dibley”, because - spoiler alert - Dibley of course warms to its fabulous female vicar, who injects new life into the little village. How long is The Vicar of Dibley? Three seasons and a slate of Christmas specials (including “The Vicar in White”), with each classic episode clocking in around 40-50 minutes. How can I watch The Vicar of Dibley? All ye Netflix subscribers: rejoice! For the entire box set is currently available to binge-watch now. And BritBox subscribers, ye are also blessed with all five seasons (if you include the two sets of mini Christmas seasons) available to watch here. Unfortunately the Comic Relief shorts - including the ones featuring a young Johnny Depp and Sting - are missing from both streaming platforms. We pray for rectification. This Christmas the BBC will also be airing classic episodes following their new ten-minute specials, in which Geraldine (Dawn French) delivers Zoom sermons to her parishioners in lockdown. For everything you need to know about how to watch The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown over Christmas 2020, head on over to our dedicated page. Why should I watch The Vicar of Dibley? Overlook this sinfully funny sitcom at your own peril - it’s the perfect tonic for the times, at once nostalgic and prescient, with still-poignant lessons to be had on sexism, body positivity, and sex-positive clergy members. Plus, for the more discerning members of the congregation, there’s a young Richard Armitage to look forward to in the last season. Verily, your prayers have been answered. But for those uninitiated few who are taking their first communion at the altar of Saint Geraldine, let’s cut to the chase: there’s a reason BBC execs keep encouraging Dawn French to don the black cassock “one last time” (see BBC One’s Big Night In skit). The character is just so - Lord forgive me - goddamn joyful. Forget Fleabag’s Hot Priest: Geraldine is the original desirable priest(ess), a left-leaning bonne vivante whose eccentric (read: mad as hatters) fellow parish councillors almost all fall in love with her at some point or another - even if it’s just to admire her “lovely arse, Vicar”. Among the parish councillors, there’s a host of memorable characters. There’s the snooty David Horton (MBE, FRCS - and don’t you forget it) and his bumbling adult son, Hugo. There’s also foul-mouthed, inappropriate farmer Owen Newitt, and stuttering, sex-obsessed Jim Trott, whose constant repetition of the word “no” gets him into trouble - and whose Full Monty-inspired striptease (complete with tearaway red thong) during a village fundraiser always leaves me in hysterics. Then there’s walking-culinary-disaster Letitia Cropley, and Frank Pickle (“Britain’s most boring man”), whose coming-out via the Radio Dibley airwaves will bring an unexpected tear to the eye. Finally there’s Geraldine’s gormless verger, Alice Tinker, absolutely convinced of her own potent sexual “allure”, and whose dim-witted and confused responses to Geraldine’s jokes almost always round off each episode. Throughout the show, the comedy blends clever, tongue-in-cheek quips and throughly British sarcasm with toilet humour, dirty puns and pratfalls. <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2020/04/uktv_26261253200-6f6b704-e1736352677362.jpg" width="2422" height="1616" alt="The Vicar of Dibley - Series 2 - Picture shows: Dawn French as Geraldine, Gary Waldhorn as David Horton, James Fleet as Hugo Horton, Emma Chambers as Alice Tinker, John Blunthal as Frank Piggott, Trevor Peacock as Jim Spicer, Roger Lloyd Pack as Owen Newitt" title="Vicar of Dibley S3" /> Despite this being a binge-watch suggestion, I haven’t technically been bingeing The Vicar of Dibley - I’ve been rationing myself with a nightly episode, purely because I want to stretch out the joy for as long as possible. Even the opening credits make me smile: the soaring choral theme 'The Lord Is My Shepherd'; the scenic shots of rural Oxfordshire; the funny little vignettes in the early episodes that show ‘typical’ rural life, like a woman knitting straight from her sheep. (Oh, and another thing: Geraldine's Nineties-style knitwear. Especially the cream jumper with crucifixes). The whole experience is like being enveloped in a warm hug. At the time of writing, I have just finished the episode where Geraldine meets Harry (Armitage), an accountant, “towny b*****d” - and her future husband. It’s a brilliant episode, including a life drawing class, a Keeley Hawes cameo, Sense and Sensibility references, and a throwback to Geraldine’s iconic jump into a seemingly bottomless muddy puddle. I started my binge-watch earlier this year, beginning with the episode where Geraldine secretly dresses up as an Easter bunny - meaning that I still have the first few episodes to loop back to and watch when I reach the end of the last series. Purists may disagree with my methods and demand that I atone for my sins - but I’d argue that it makes it all the more fun being able to watch the last ever episode, and know that you still have some more to go. Amen to that. All three seasons and Christmas specials are available to watch on Netflix and BritBox. The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown starts on BBC One on Monday 7th December at 8:50pm, following a repeat of a classic episode from the series.
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses – this time, a hidden gem which is about to drop some brand new episodes...
Search Party is quite possibly the most underrated show on television. This sharply written black comedy has become a cult favourite for its biting satire, gripping suspense and stellar performances, but deserves to be getting far more mainstream attention. As it prepares to drop its long-delayed third season, there's never been a better time to catch up on how an earnest search for a missing person turns into a waking nightmare for all involved. Here's why Search Party deserves to be your next lockdown binge... What is Search Party about? Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) stars as Dory Sief, a young woman stuck in a dead-end job and a boring relationship, who yearns for something to breathe meaning into her empty existence. It's for this reason that she becomes fixated on finding Chantal Witherbottom, a college acquaintance she barely knew who has gone missing under suspicious circumstances. The first season unravels this intriguing mystery, as Dory is led in strange and unexpected directions on her quest for answers, culminating in a gut-punch finale that sets the show on a darker path for its second outing. Why should I watch Search Party? Search Party has a thrilling narrative that lends itself beautifully to binge watching, with each 20-minute instalment packing an irresistible twist or clue that will send you straight into the next one. But it also functions as a timely and often hilarious commentary on vapid millennial culture, one that feels hyper-relevant and incredibly authentic. Dory's struggle with feelings of disillusionment and aimlessness will be instantly recognisable to anyone yet to find their path in life. She gets little solace from longtime partner Drew (John Reynolds), who has grown content with their state of lethargy and has little interest in breaking the status quo. Both are guilty of unquestionably selfish acts in their misguided attempts to be good people, but the compelling performances keep you onside even as the waters around them become increasingly murky. The writers unleash their more overt satirical side through Dory's close friends, Elliott (John Early) and Portia (Meredith Hagner), products of the social media generation who have grown up under the illusion that the world revolves around them. Both are textbook narcissists and the show is well aware of it, exposing their outrageous behaviour rather than elevating or idolising it as society has a tendency to do (looking at you, Kardashians). One example of Search Party's razor-sharp satire is Elliott's ego-serving charity POUR, which throws lavish fundraisers for its upper middle-class supporters with the goal of sending designer water bottles to remote African villages. "But obviously the problem in Africa is not that they don't have water bottles, it's that they don't have water," says one canny observer who Elliott quickly dismisses. It's the kind of tone-deaf cause that you can easily imagine certain influencers jumping on without a second thought and that's what makes it so brilliant. It also feeds into the overarching theme of the series, which explores the lengths that people will go to in order to make themselves feel special - and the eventual cost of such behaviour. Indeed, the second season of Search Party retains its sense of humour, but takes inspiration from Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thrillers as it delves into darker material. The series is stylishly presented throughout, with slick direction from creators Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers and Michael Showalter and an atmospheric soundtrack comprised of independent musicians. Where can I watch Search Party? In the UK, Search Party is available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video for just £4.99 per season. That means you can get every episode released so far for less than a tenner, which is an absolute steal. In the US, the first two seasons of Search Party are available to stream now on HBO Max, where the (brand new) third season will start airing from Thursday 25th June. Search Party is available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video. If you're looking for more to watch, check our our TV Guide.
Lockdown Binge #10: Agatha Christie's Poirot
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses - next up for your consideration is Agatha Christie's moustachioed detective...
In a game of charades, you would probably only need to twirl your imaginary moustache, a look of superior intellect on your face, before your fellow players' little grey cells would begin to hum. Throw in a couple of very small, considered steps around the room, hands behind your back, and they would all be yelling out one word: Poirot. The moustachioed, bow-tied Belgian detective holds a special and iconic place in the British imagination - and a near permanent spot on the afternoon telly schedule. But although the series first aired way back at the end of the 1980s, I'd argue that it makes for the perfect viewing for our times - and the ideal lockdown binge-watch. What is Agatha Christie's Poirot about? Based on Agatha Christie's books, the long-running show is set in the 1920s and '30s, and follows Belgian detective Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet), whose charming demeanour, foreign accent, and fastidious habits (he's often seen placing a handkerchief down before sitting on a park bench) often lull witnesses and potential suspects into a false sense of security. He's flanked by his throughly British sidekick Captain Arthur Hastings (Hugh Fraser), who, like the viewer, is always one step behind Poirot when it comes to solving their latest case (usually an unsolved murder). Most episodes feature a brand new cast of guest characters linked to the latest case that Poirot is investigating, but asides from Poirot and Hastings, there are a few other regular characters. Among them are: Poirot's long-suffering secretary, Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran), and the beleaguered Chief Inspector Japp (Philip Jackson), who throughout the show gradually warms towards the detective. How long is Agatha Christie's Poirot? The series ran from 1989 to 2013, with 13 series and 70 episodes in total - an intellectual feast for lockdown binge-watchers to get their teeth into! How can I watch Agatha Christie's Poirot? All 13 series of the ITV crime drama are available to watch on BritBox here. Don't have a subscription? UK viewers can also often find the show on ITV3's afternoon scheduling. Why should I watch Agatha Christie's Poirot? Right now, it can feel like the nation - and the world - has an ever-growing list of problems to solve. Turning on the news, while necessary, can feel disheartening. But in Agatha Christie's Poirot, here is a man who always manages to solve the problem presented to him - often knotted, life-and-death problems, too. No matter the obstacles, this genius (and impeccably dressed) detective always gets his man - or woman - and solves the crime. Not only is David Suchet absolutely perfect in the role, but the ever-revolving cast is invariably great, too. A slate of famous actors got their big break on the show back in the day, including Peter Capaldi, Damian Lewis, Emily Blunt, and Michael Fassbender. Overlook the grainer, blurrier quality of the early series, and the show is also beautiful to look at, with Art Deco backdrops, vintage cars, and flapper dresses at every turn. But, of course, the best part of every episode is the climatic reveal. The now-iconic showdowns always sees Poirot gather all the suspects in a glitzy drawing room, his manner still genial at first - before slowly his net tightens around the by-now squirming guilty party. "Voila," Poirot will say, revealing the murderer's identity with a near-menacing flourish. And the viewer, like the gawping onlookers, is left wondering exactly how he does it... Check out what else is on with our TV Guide
Our writers tell us which TV series are getting them through being stuck at home – here's why you should add Netflix's international obstacle course contest to your watchlist.
Down in the depths of Netflix's back catalogue lurks the Beast, a mysterious metallic creature who can only be slain by the "Ultimate Beastmaster" – that is, an athlete who must rack up points on a devilishly difficult obstacle course to claim the title. And in these strange times, what better distraction than an entertaining competitive obstacle course show? Forget grim dramas and serious documentaries; it's time for some fun. Twenty-nine hours of fun, to be precise. What is Ultimate Beastmaster? It's hard to know where to start with Ultimate Beastmaster, so I'll begin with Netflix's synopsis: "In this intense obstacle course series, elite athletes from the US and other countries compete for cash prizes, individual glory and national pride." Money! Glory!! Pride!!! The stakes could not be higher. What Netflix has done is build a massive obstacle course inside a huge dragon-shaped structure ("The Beast") and invited a selection of different nations to send teams of 12 competitors each. Some of the athletes are pro climbers or Olympians or gymnasts, and some of them are architects or teachers or students who just happen to really like obstacle courses. They all earnestly pledge themselves to defeat the Beast. But the Beast can only be defeated if you run into his mouth, emerge intact from his bum, and then go through a "pyramid" afterwards (the anatomy is never fully explained). So in each episode, a dozen competitors in ultra-tight national-flag-coloured spandex suits take turns to launch themselves into "the belly of the Beast" and see how far through the course they can get. Most end up falling into the "blood of the beast" (the red-lit water below) or the "fuel of the pyramid" (blue-ish water) before they finish each round, but the point is to rack up as many points as possible by getting as far as possible and hitting as many "point thrusters" as possible – before getting entirely wet. Across three different obstacle courses within the Beast, competitors get progressively knocked out until – at the end of the hour – one of them is crowned Beastmaster. But that's not the title of the show, is it? This is Ultimate Beastmaster, as we are so often reminded throughout. So at the end of the series, the winners of each episode face each other in a final ultimate battle for the ultimate 'Ultimate' title. Watching from the sidelines are pairs of TV hosts from each competing country, who provide (ridiculous) commentary and try to ramp up the international rivalry across the season. Netflix produces localised versions of the show for each different competing country, so (for example) the Italian hosts are the stars of the show on Italian Netflix. But the main version is the American one, and that's what you'll get if you're watching in the UK – although confusingly, because season three finally has a team representing Great Britain, you also have the option of watching an edit of that particular season with the British hosts centre stage. (However, I recommend you stick with the Americans all the way through for comedy value.) How long is Ultimate Beastmaster? Where can I watch it? You'll find Ultimate Beastmaster on Netflix, where you can watch all three seasons – adding up to a total of 29 hour-long episodes. To give you a taste of the cheesiness of this all, the seasons are titled 'No Mercy', 'No Surrender', and 'Survival of the Fittest'. The first two seasons came out in 2017, and the third arrived in 2018, but sadly there has been no sign of a fourth season so far. Why should I watch Ultimate Beastmaster? In case the above description has left you on the fence about watching Ultimate Beastmaster (for some bizarre reason entirely incomprehensible to me), there are a ton of reasons why you should give this show a try... The ridiculous obstacles I just love how the obstacle course is un-ironically personified as a Beast that must be destroyed / conquered / slain / defeated. The competitors have to trash-talk the Beast with 100% earnestness. I'll have the Beast for breakfast, they say. I'll show the Beast who's boss. I'll make the Beast wish it was never born. The Beast is no match for me. But even better, the obstacles themselves all have silly names – many of them related to the Beast's innards. The contestants must climb up "Mother Tongue"; they must compete a series of vertical jumps onto platforms to complete "Spinal Descent"; on "Stomach Churn" they must jump between spinning platforms before scrambling up the "Digestive Track" and making the leap onto the "Dreadmills" without falling into the aforementioned "blood of the beast". Not all the obstacles are Beast-themed, however. Many competitors struggle with "Mag Wall", a horizontal climbing wall which they must scramble along before the magnetic handholds fall off. Or there's the "Crash Pads", where competitors have to land on unstable swinging platforms suspended by bungee chords. And to be frank, a lot of these obstacles look like they were built by GCSE Design & Tech students experimenting with MDF and shiny paint. The impressive competitors The obstacle names make this all sound kind of silly – except that the obstacle course is really, really hard. A lot of people (literally) fall at the first hurdle. Some of them get seriously hurt and end up dripping literal blood into the so-called blood of the Beast. To be crowned Ultimate Beastmaster, competitors have to have good long-jump skills, arm strength, leg strength, core strength, endurance, speed and aim. And that's part of the appeal of this show: these are amazing sportsmen and women, doing really dumb-looking stuff and wiping out in spectacular ways. We also get to know and love (or hate) the competitors. Most of the aspiring Beastmasters get a little intro clip where we learn how they've triumphed over adversity, X-Factor style, or we see how they have become world-class at their particular sport, or we hear from their mum about how they were always climbing trees in the garden as a kid or whatever. Some of them you fall in love with and spend the whole episode rooting for; some of them dab or preen for the cameras, and you can't wait for them to wipeout in the first round. There's a lot of emotional investment here for the viewer. The hosts and commentators Firstly, the initial season is officially 'hosted' by Sylvester Stallone, who puts in a quick cameo before pretty much... disappearing? That's funny in itself! Thanks for popping in, Sly! Catch you some other time! But the absence of Sly is no problem, because the show gets much more value out of its pairs of country-specific commentators. First up in season one we get Charissa Thompson (idk either) and none other than Terry Crews, the delightful former athlete and Brooklyn 99 actor. Terry is just endlessly positive and charming and straight-up lovely. He sadly does not return for season two, but that's okay because our two new hosts are ex-athlete Tiki Barber and comedian Chris Distefano. They are fundamentally mismatched and form an uneasy partnership, which itself is comedy gold. Distefano makes wry self-deprecating comments and Tiki laughs uneasily. But over in the other booths, the different nations' hosts are having a ball and ramping up national rivalries. Italy's Bianca Balti (day job: model) keeps waving a wand and putting a curse on people (a gimmick that continues for two whole seasons) and Australia's Dannii Minogue is just here for a laugh. Lame and unfunny jokes are made. Props are tossed around. And as the evening progresses, the commentators get more and more hyperactive and chaotic – popping in and out of each other's booths and testing out their skills in each other's languages. It's a real multilingual experience. But my favourite American pairing comes in season three, possibly the best season, when Tiki returns – but with a new co-host, former WWE champion CM Punk. Partly I enjoy how over-earnest Tiki and Punk are together, but mainly I enjoy Punk's surname. Tiki keeps saying things like "Great story, Punk!" or "We didn't expect that now, did we Punk!?" and – well maybe you had to be there? Just go and watch it. You won't regret it. Seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Ultimate Beastmaster are available on Netflix now – check out our lists of the best TV shows on Netflix and the best movies on Netflix
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses - and Grand Designs makes for the perfect lockdown viewing.
As summer starts to hit its stride, we remain (for the most part) at home, dutifully doing our part and soaking up what sunshine we can on daily walks, the odd cycle ride and, if you're lucky, during time in the garden. But as our own four walls look increasingly familiar to the point of frustration, there's no better way to escape guilt-free and safely into the world of the ambitious, the creative — and the well-off — than with Kevin McCloud as your guide. What's Grand Designs about? Set in a world where people already have glamorous houses they can sell or mortgage to pay for yet more glamorous houses, Grand Designs sees presenter Kevin McCloud follow individuals, couples and families embarking on the project of a lifetime: building their dream home. As the name would suggest, there's always something intriguing, impressive or damn near impossible about the projects. Saving a crumbling castle from ruin without the help of an architect? On it. Building in the banks of the Thames whilst racing against time to bail the incoming water out in order to lay foundations? Absolutely. Making the world's biggest cob house in one of the rainiest parts of the country? You bet. Each episode, McCloud meets a fresh batch of characters, actual real people who genuinely think this is going to go without a hiccup and be finished in 10 months, under budget. His wealth of experience in the area smugly guides you along the rocky road of another bonkers build at a reasonable distance, close enough to salivate at the splendid glazing but far enough removed to find the monumental amounts of debt racked up a mere gawp-worthy amusement on the way. How long is it? The good news is there's a mountain of Grand Designs episodes waiting for you to tuck into during lockdown. The Channel 4 series first started in 1999 and hasn't stopped since, spawning 19 series and over 200 episodes, not to mention the spin-offs. Where can I watch it? A massive 180 episodes of are available to watch totally free on All4, Channel 4's online, on-demand platform. With a back catalogue dating back 21 years, that should keep you busy for a while, even if a few episodes are missing. Why should I watch Grand Designs? Since Boris Johnson announced we were headed into lockdown, Grand Designs is almost the only thing I can persuade myself to watch. Bored? Grand Designs. Sad? Grand Designs. Cheerful? Grand Designs. Nothing says lockdown like making snarky remarks about Kevin McCloud's snarky remarks. And nothing soothes a locked-down mind like million-pound-plus houses, installation art baths, entire walls of bespoke glass, eye-wateringly expensive foundations (necessary to secure a build teetering on the edge of a clifftop), or painstaking conservation methods, salvaging a wreck of a (listed) building and turning back into a resplendent grand design — none of which you have to pay for. If you want escapism, Grand Designs has got it by the bucketload. Whisked away to a land where money doesn't so much trickle as flat out gush away into the abyss, the worries of the world around you are miles away. Watch on in fascination as marriages are tested, disagreements magnified by down-to-the-wire finances, a partner who sells their business to extend the ever-increasing budget — "Idiot," you'll mutter incredulously at the TV. Roll your eyes as McCloud turns his nose up at an idea which is matter of taste, just one episode after he gave his last to-camera lecture about how you really should realise some things are just a matter of taste. Grit your teeth in frustration at some intrepid characters who blithely dismiss warnings from a string of professionals that their vision simply isn't possible within their budget and gesticulate with a mix of self-righteousness and despair as McCloud laughs in their faces as they bulldoze (sometimes quite literally) on. Then, of course, comes the Fourth Quarter, as it's come to be called in my house, the final segment of the show in which McCloud returns a while after we last saw the now-haggard, broke and often miserable protagonists at the centre of the episode in order to see the finished product — if they ever managed to finish it, that is... Sometimes our leads seem newly refreshed, revitalised by a handful of weeks spent living in the triumph of a property they pulled off by the skin of their teeth. Other times, we're treated to forced smiles, platitudes about how much over budget they wound up, the air thick with post-build trauma; all of which only makes the show more entertaining. But set aside from the rollercoaster that is the long-running Channel 4 programme is the one perfect episode, the exception to all the rules, the Grand Designs unicorn. It's the mid-2000s, Midlothian, and Pru and Richard Irvine are building their dream home on their stunning property, metres from their current abode, aiming for the mammoth building to blend into it's surrounds, which include an 18th century lime kiln. Every Grand Designs trope goes out of the window: try as he might, McCloud can't muster an ounce of his signature cynicism. There's barely a single cutting comment to be found. Instead he, like all of us, falls head over heels in love with Pru and Richard and, in turn, their eco-house. Everything goes according to plan (bar one beam which has to be cleverly resized): Pru project manages — usually a recipe for disaster on Grand Designs — and does a stellar job. The builders adore her almost as much as we do and the atmosphere is one of calm and cheer as she merrily brandishes a huge platter of bacon baps come mid-morning on site. The pricey build slots into place piece-by-piece, McCloud bravely attempting his usual tone of surprise but failing to mask his obvious confidence in Pru's ability to ensure the whole thing goes over without a hitch. The episode is one hour of pure joy. Comforting, as Grand Designs always is, but warmer, more wholesome. The exception that proves the rule, the Midlothian, 2007 instalment defines Grand Designs by what it isn't: devoid of the sarcastic, the frantic, the edge-of-the-seat money panic, it's utterly delightful. But such nourishment only makes the rest of the Grand Designs ride all the more fun. Snarky comments and all. All4 has 180 episodes of Grand Designs available online now. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses – Here's why The Office is pure TV comfort food right now.
Lockdown is proving tough on all of us. But look at the positives – we have mountains of great TV to see us through the days until we're released back into the wild, and what we all need right now is a good laugh, an escape, a welcome dollop of light relief. If you're tired of the same old Friends episodes on a loop, the US version of The Office is on hand to provide you with an alternative, a comedy series for the ages. What is The Office US about? The premise of The Office really is quite simple. The show is a mockumentary that follows the lives of employees at fictional paper supply company Dunder Mifflin focusing on the branch in Scranton, Pennsylvania led by zany boss Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Michael is immature, enthusiastic, petty and loveable all at once. For all his incompetence, capering and tone-deaf buffoonery, he is determined to be liked by anyone and everyone he comes into contact with. His office is one big dysfunctional family, with a fresh-faced John Krasinski playing the part of all-round nice guy Jim Halpert, who enjoys a mischievous love-hate relationship with intense, geeky colleague Dwight Schrute (Rainn Wilson). Receptionist Pam Beesly (Jenna Fischer) is tasked with sweeping up Michael's blunders – or pre-emptively averting them – while Ryan Howard (BJ Novak) is the new kid on the block, a temp worker whose main role in the first couple of seasons is to simply sit back and observe the chaos around him. Watch The Office on Amazon Prime Video The series is based on Ricky Gervais and Steven Merchant's hit UK show The Office, and even shares early storylines. The six-episode first season of the US series tries to replicate the UK show (perhaps without the same degree of effectiveness) but once the first season is over, the American characters come into their own and the show becomes an entity in its own right. The show attracted a host of guest stars throughout the run of the show, ranging from Amy Adams, Kathy Bates and Rashida Jones to Will Ferrel, Idris Elba and Catherine Tate. How long is it? Well... there's a lot of it. The show consists of 201 episodes spanning across nine seasons. Episodes are just 20 minutes long though, making it a super-easy 'popcorn' watch to fill in half an hour gaps in your day. In need of a quick pick-me-up? The Office has your back. Where can I watch The Office US? You can tune in to watch all nine seasons on Amazon Prime Video. You can grab a free seven-day trial to get the ball rolling, assuming you don't accidentally blaze your way through the entire series in a week. Why should I watch The Office US? The Office strikes a beautiful balance right in the sweet spot between the predictably cheesy heart-tugging of Friends and cutting perilously close to the bone as Gervais' UK version does. Friends can be sickly – every conflict is resolved, every situation works for the greater good, everybody 'wins' – while The Office feels somewhat grounded by comparison. It proudly shows off glimmers of pure joy in the mundane, and by the very nature of the show, the characters actually go to work, as opposed to dwelling in a coffee house for 20 hours a day and somehow finding means to pay. The humour is laugh-out-loud throughout, aided by snappy cuts to interview clips with key characters among whatever drama is unfolding. The absence of a laugh track also takes the sheen off the production, to its benefit. Many of the gags stem from subtle ramblings by Michael, often toe-curling remarks or awkward clashes that leave you embarrassed on his behalf. You'll be swept away with the characters as they begin to develop relationships between one another. Michael's relentless hatred of HR man Toby (Paul Lieberstein – also a writer and executive producer of the show) is a highlight, the Jim-Pam 'will they/won't they' feels relatable and real, while rivalries between clashing personalities (wait until Ed Helm rocks up as salesman/anger management patient Andy Bernard to rattle Dwight's cage) change and grow depending on circumstances. The Office also serves up superb set-pieces, often detached from the story of the episode before the credits even begin to roll. Office dunce Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) stars in iconic scenes featuring a doomed pot of his famed chilli and another involving the fight to save a crushed turtle. Another opener sees Dwight seal the office shut and light a fire for an extreme drill – a scene that lasts five whole minutes of perfection – while in the very same episode he severs the face off a test dummy during a CPR training masterpiece (check out Stress Relief: season five, episodes 14/15, one of the all-time greatest episodes). In all, The Office feels as fresh as the day it aired. Many are put off by the fact it's a US spin on a UK idea, but give this version a spin – it avoids the usual tired sitcom tropes, presenting a wonderful alternative to the norm that you'll want to watch again and again. The Office is available to watch now on Amazon Prime Video. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses - this time we're taking a trip to 1960s New York for a series regarded as one of the 21st century's best
When it came to selecting a TV show to binge during lockdown, I was faced with two equally appealing options: should I seek solace in a comforting favourite or take the plunge and finally watch a classic series I'd never quite got round to? And while it was undoubtedly tempting to go for the former option (a Twin Peaks rewatch will have to wait for now), eventually I decided this was the perfect opportunity to at long last dig into one of the most critically lauded series of my lifetime, and one I had always been meaning to watch. And so, a trip to 1960s Manhattan was in order - I was finally going to dive headfirst into Mad Men... What’s Mad Men about? If you’ve followed TV in the last 15 years, you’ll no doubt be at least vaguely familiar with the premise: Mad Men takes an, on the face of it, rather dull topic - an advertising agency in 1960s’ New York - and turns it into one of the most compelling series of the 21st century so far. The series, created by former Sopranos writer Matthew Weiner, centres primarily on Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the mysterious creative director at the fictional Sterling Cooper ad agency. Over the run, the show delves deep into his troubled psyche and explores his work life, his home life and, crucially, his past life, as he and the other characters adjust to the quickly changing times amid the cultural revolution of the 1960s. There are also a vast range of other lead and supporting characters which lend the show a real sense of depth, from the terrific Elisabeth Moss as young upstart Peggy Olsen to Vincent Kartheiser as the ambitious and largely detestable young account executive Pete Campbell. How long is it? In total the show ran for seven seasons, from 2007 to 2015, encompassing some 92 episodes - each roughly 45 minutes in length. Where can I watch Mad Men? You can watch all of the brilliant Mad Men on Sky as a box set right now! The series is also available on NOW TV. Why should I watch Mad Men? If you’re anything like me, there’s bound to be a long list of shows that have been on your watchlist forever but which, for whatever reason, you’ve just never got round to. Perhaps you’ve simply been daunted by quite how many episodes there are, or too busy catching up with shows that are currently airing to find the time to go back and start something from scratch. For me, Mad Men is one of many shows to fit this description. In truth, I’d made a couple of false starts in the past - watched the first few episodes, enjoyed what I’d seen, but ultimately been distracted by some shiny new toy and left the project unfinished before it had hardly begun, safe in the knowledge that I’d watch it when I just had a bit more time. And so now - a time when evenings-in are hardly in short supply - seemed like the perfect time to finally take the plunge and tick it off the list. Thankfully, it has not been a let down: Mad Men has quickly found its place among my very favourite TV series. Of course, declaring the show as a masterpiece is hardly a new or original stance to take - but this is one of those shows that very much lives up to the hype. For a start, the setting, that of 1960s Manhattan, is one that is uniquely fascinating. Often you’ll find yourself marvelling at the wonderful ‘60s aesthetic, wishing you could be transported back to that time, only to find yourself disgusted by some of the atrocious social attitudes on display and be thankful we’re living in a more progressive age. There’s a real joy in watching the characters adjust to the changing times (some of them, it must be said, adapting with greater ease than others) while all sorts of cultural milestones appear throughout, including the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam war, woven expertly into the drama without ever appearing shoehorned in. It also makes great use of the pop culture of the period - movies and TV shows regularly appear in the background, often with subtle significance, while every episode ends with an expertly curated song, normally in some way linked to that episode’s plot or themes. The storyline itself can’t really be summarised in a pithy one or two line description - there are numerous character arcs, with side characters coming and going throughout the seven seasons. But what the show is really about is, essentially, the struggle to find happiness and fulfilment in a society where it’s easier to lie about your identity, and where it’s simpler to do what’s expected of you than to pursue what you truly want. Each of the show’s major characters repeatedly attempts to come to terms with themselves and their respective situations, trying to battle their demons and self-destructive tendencies - often with little success. There are occasional sojourns into melodrama (a grisly incident involving a lawnmower instantly springs to mind), moments of great catharsis (an office fist-fight between two partners is particularly rewarding) and some truly tragic incidents that will leave even the most hard-hearted viewer struggling to hold back the tears (none more so than the demise of one character in season five). But what’s truly remarkable is it’s a show with hardly a bad episode or misstep, somehow managing to continue to improve on itself even when it seems to have peaked. It’s also a show with an unbelievable range of characters, nearly all of whom are remarkably well-drawn and three dimensional, with likeable qualities that engender great empathy but also no shortage of, sometimes unforgivable, flaws. Everyone will have a favourite - whether that might be the trailblazing Peggy Olson, the somewhat eccentric Michael Ginsberg or the hilarious though undeniably selfish Roger Sterling - and everyone will have a least favourite, almost certainly Pete Campbell, a truly despicable piece of work whom it is endlessly fun to hate. The performances across the board are also wonderful - from the remarkable Kiernan Shipka as Don’s daughter Sally (she was just eight at the show’s genesis) to Hamm in the lead role, who brings an effortless depth to Draper, a truly enigmatic figure whose often cool exterior masks all sorts of inner turmoil. On the face of it, the show might not seem suited to binge-watching - it’s a relatively slow burn, seldom making use of cliff-hangers or other such devices and with complex plot threads playing out over several episodes. But the world is so fully realised and the writing so subtly brilliant that once you press play it’s near impossible to tear your eyes away from. Apart from anything else, it will make you, for a short while at least, forget all about lockdowns and viruses - and at this moment in time isn’t that exactly what we need from telly? So if, like me, you’d been putting off this show for years - now is the perfect time to put that right. Now, it's probably about time I finally got round to The Sopranos... Mad Men is available to watch in full on Netflix. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses. Here's why spellbinding Norwegian drama Twin should be added to your watchlist.
What have you been doing on Saturday nights during lockdown? Perhaps you've been taking part in virtual pub quizzes with family and friends, or losing yourself down the rabbit holes of Netflix. Me, I've been transported to the stunning fjords of Norway, immersed in one of the best drama series I've seen in a long time. What’s Twin about? Twin is a Nordic noir, a Norwegian thriller that played out quietly in double bills on BBC Four. Its title refers to Adam and Erik, identical twins in looks but not character, estranged for 15 years for reasons that slowly reveal themselves via flashbacks over the course of the series. Adam is a beloved father and capable businessman, managing a guest house perched on a fjord where tourists come to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Erik, on the other hand, is a surfer free of responsibilities, living at one with nature on the beach. His existence may sound idyllic, but Erik is a drifter without an income who finds himself in severe financial difficulty. Following an argument with his landlord and driven by desperation, he visits his brother to plead for help - but their meeting has devastating consequences, leading to a deception that threatens to unravel at every twist and turn... How long is it? There are eight 45-minute episodes, so Twin doesn't require a huge amount of commitment. Where can I watch it? The whole series is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. Why should I watch Twin? If a series can be both gentle and edge-of-your-seat, then this is it. Without wanting to give too much away about the plot, Twin is about a crime, family tensions, sibling rivalry and secrets and lies, all set against an otherworldly backdrop. Twin features a stellar performance by Kristofer Hivju (you may recognise him as Tormund Giantsbane from Game of Thrones), who plays the contrasting roles of the brothers to perfection - the calm, considered but internally tormented Adam, and the laidback, grizzly-bear-of-a-man Erik, whose life is lacking fulfilment. Watch this series and you'll know what I mean when I say that the acting doesn't stop there... There's a strong female lead too, in Adam's wife Ingrid (Rebekka Nystabakk), whose world is suddenly turned upside-down by Erik's reappearance, along with that of her already-troubled teenager Karin (Mathilde Holtedahl Cuhra) and young adopted son Fredrik (Oyvind Samuel Palerud). Meanwhile, a dogged young policeman (Gunnar Eiriksson) is determined to uncover the truth – but dispel clichés from your mind, his and the other characters feel fresh and real. Meanwhile, like the home crowd at a football match, the breathtaking Norwegian setting is the extra player, arguably deserving of a credit on the cast list in its own right. Filmed on the Lofoten archipelago in the north of the country, the brooding skies, crystal-clear waters and snow-scattered mountains are simply a joy to behold, even more so in these times of confinement. The guest house featured in the series is a genuine business, and when all this is over and travel restrictions are lifted, the owners will have to make up some more beds to accommodate the extra visitors Twin will undoubtedly have attracted (and that includes me). The reaction on Twitter to Twin was overwhelmingly positive, with some fans clamouring for another series after the finale had aired. But the ending was flawless, so a second run would be unnecessary. So, if you fancy escaping your living room for a few hours of bliss, head on to over to BBC iPlayer and dive into this glorious drama. You’ll be glad you did: Twin is truly one of a kind. Check out our list of the best TV shows on BBC iPlayer - or see what else is on with our TV Guide
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses – and this one's from the master of self-isolation
Stuck indoors, looking to pass the time but not sure which TV show to watch next? Well, there's one series which immediately sticks out like a pants tent as being the perfect bingewatch: Curb Your Enthusiasm. Here's why you should take a lesson from the master of self isolation, Larry David. What's Curb Your Enthusiasm about? HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm follows the extraordinary life of a fictionalised version of Larry David, the man who co-created Seinfeld. View oEmbed on the source website Having partially retired from television writing, Larry finds himself in more unusual situations than you can shake a stick at - and the outcomes are always hilarious. Be it an unfortunate typo in the episode 'Beloved Aunt' (you can join the dots...) or the creation of a musical about the life of Larry David and the death sentence on his head, there's never a dull day in the life of our kind of hero. Throughout the show's 10 seasons, Larry and his showbiz pals Jeff Garlin, Cheryl Hines, Richard Lewis and Ted Danson navigate their fictional lives in Los Angeles and Larry finds himself in socially awkward situations which are almost too embarrassing to watch. Almost. The situation comedy also boasts a wealth of special celebrity guest stars, such as Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Kimmel, David Schwimmer, Mel Brooks, Salman Rushdie and Jon Hamm to name but a few. How long is it? To date, there's a whopping 101 episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm, split between 10 seasons. It first aired with a one-off special in October 1999 with season one following the year after. Each episode is roughly 30 minutes long, so with our estimate, it will take you around 50 hours and 30 minutes to binge the entire series. So you best get started ASAP! There have been rumours of an 11th season, but that hasn't yet been confirmed. Where can I watch it? Curb Your Enthusiasm in its entirety is available to watch right now on Sky as a box set. Seasons 1-9 are available on NOW TV. Why should I watch Curb Your Enthusiasm? Although it's been on the air since 1999, I first saw Curb Your Enthusiasm way back in 2012, when I'd just started university and needed some light relief from all those "studious" Fresher's Week activities. At just 30 minutes an episode, and people telling me multiple times how much I would love this show, it seemed rude not to give it a go. Episode one of season one starts with Larry and his fictional wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) debating the horror of a pants tent - the shape a zipper makes in trousers when one sits down. What on earth was I watching? But of course, this being Curb Your Enthusiasm, an awkward situation arose out of that tiny moment of observational comedy causing an almighty kerfuffle with Cheryl's friend in a darkened cinema where that tent appeared to be more... I could barely watch. But also, I couldn't tear my eyes away. The beauty of Curb Your Enthusiasm is found in the simplicity of it all. Half fly-on-the-wall mockumentary, half improvised comedy, each episode starts with a relatively small situation that quickly spirals out of control to the point of absurdity. Somehow, none of this ever feels too far-fetched, and maybe that's down to our lead character. Curb's Larry is a man who you really wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of, but who you'd love to be a part of your life, especially right now. He's a paranoid germaphobe - aren't we all these days? - and he will always ensure you have the best table in the restaurant. He will certainly enforce a fair payment system where you all split the bill and the tip equally. Hurrah! A man who speaks truth to power! Larry's rules become the rolling theme of the show and sure, some of them seem ridiculous, but who hasn't yearned for social interactions like Larry has? His iconic "Stop and Chat" refusal is honestly relatable and yes, we all grumble if we have a wonky table. But Larry sorts it out. He steps forward and busts people trying to do a "chat and cut". An icon, really. I was hooked from the beginning, but it was season one, episode eight 'Beloved Aunt' which really showcases what a horrifying, hysterical show Curb Your Enthusiasm can really be. When Larry is tasked with penning an obituary for Cheryl's aunt, an unfortunate typo sees him kicked out of the wake. Curb doesn't do things by half - it uses the strongest swear word in the English language in the most awkward and taboo situation. I can't think of another comedy that could get away with this, yet bold and cheeky Larry can, with remarkable ease. What's more, the later seasons include convincing wider arcs, be it a musical (or two), or Larry donating a kidney with disastrous consequences. What was once a fly-on-the-wall-type series becomes more of a snapshot in a month of Larry's life. And it makes the finale episodes bigger and better. There's even a pleasant Seinfeld reunion which makes for pleasing viewing. But what really captured my imagination was the random and genius inclusions of special guests. Curb becomes even more magical with the unlikely friendship in season six onwards between Leon Black (J.B. Smoove) and Larry - a comedy pairing which is still going in the 10th seeason. Crass, bold as brass and hysterically funny, Leon never fails to bring a smile to my face and his arrival transports Curb to a new level of comedy. Jon Hamm pops up in season 10 and can do a mean Larry David impression, while Michael J Fox uses his Parkinson's diagnosis as a comedic set-up for one of the most cringeworthy encounters with Larry ever. A particular highlight of mine falls in season four, when Mel Brooks offers Larry the chance to star as Max Bialystock in a new adaptation of The Producers, opposite first Ben Stiller and later David Schwimmer as Leopold Bloom. Full of awkward moments and uncomfortable blunders, season four is perhaps the peak of Curb Your Enthusiasm and if you make it through the whole 10 episodes without hiding behind your hands, you've got a stronger nerve than me. It's quite difficult to list all the reasons you should watch Curb Your Enthusiasm. But in these uncertain times, it's nice to have some order in my life that I can only really get from Larry. By the time you get to season 10, you know exactly what's going to push his buttons and it's strangely comforting knowing that Larry's morals haven't changed since 1999. Pandemic or no pandemic, Larry would never be wishing you a happy birthday if he misses you on the day. And there's some decent lessons to be learned too: if you want someone to socially distance from you, simply don a MAGA hat. Though maybe that's not for everyone... After recommending it to almost everyone I can think of in my own life, perhaps the most fitting tribute I can pay to it here is the most simple: it's pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good. Curb Your Enthusiasm is available to watch now on SkyGo and NOWTV. If you’re looking for more to watch check out our TV guide.
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses - next up for your consideration is the fiercest drag competition on television
Since we all must (chantay you) stay at home, I've been binging the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race – the campy reality competition with all the hilarity, drama and glamour you've been missing in self-isolation. With 12 seasons available on Netflix, here's why the fiercest drag competition is a perfect lockdown watch. Lockdown Binge #1: Buffy the Vampire Slayer What's RuPaul's Drag Race about? Each season of Drag Race follows fourteen drag queens as they compete for the title of America’s next drag superstar, a one-year supply of Anastasia Beverly Hills products and $100,000 (£80,000). Most episodes of the show start off with a 'mini challenge', where the contestants are asked to complete a task in very little time or under difficult circumstances – for example, during season five, the queens were challenged to do their make-up in the dark. The winner of the 'mini challenge' usually wins the opportunity to choose their teammates for the 'maxi challenge' – the main challenge of the episode. 'Maxi challenges' have varied from creating music video parodies and performing stand-up, to designing three different runway looks for a themed ball. The contestants must then face a judging panel, usually consisting of RuPaul, recent Strictly alum Michelle Visage, comedian Ross Mathews and star of the original Queer Eye, Carson Kressley. A celebrity judge joins the panel each week, with previous guests including Ariana Grande, Jessica Alba, Gigi Hadid, Marc Jacobs and Lady Gaga. How long is it? There are 12 seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race – they vary in length, though most span 14 episodes, with episodes also ranging in length between 40 and 60 minutes. Where can I watch it? All 12 seasons are available on Netflix in the UK. In the US, the series is broadcast on VH1. RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 5 is also coming to Netflix on Saturday 13th June. Why should I watch RuPaul's Drag Race? My relationship with Drag Race began a few months ago – a time when chucking on trackies to binge box sets was a rare luxury and not a new way of lockdown life. I was scrolling down Netflix’s overpopulated home screen, looking for a new series to get hooked on, when RuPaul’s bushy blonde wig and exaggerated smokey eye jumped out at me. Friends had nagged me to start the drag competition, but I would usually be several episodes deep into Sex Education or still catching up on Game of Thrones. Now was the time. I soon sped through season after season of lace front wigs, energetic lip sync showdowns and iconic catwalks. With 145 episodes under my belt, I developed a newfound respect for the art and discipline which is drag – words like "gagging" and "sickening" entered my vocabulary, I’d learnt what a "tuck" was (Google it), and RuPaul’s 'Cover Girl' was now playing on repeat in my head. Season 12 of the Emmy-winning show – the current focus of my lockdown – is now available on Netflix but for those of you who have never been treated to a single episode, RuPaul’s Drag Race is the perfect tonic for these chaotic and uncertain times. It is first and foremost a competition, and a fierce one at that. Drag queens hoping to make it to the top four must ideally be: seasoned make-up artists, excellent in acting challenges, skilled at joke-writing and possess the ability to create stylish outfits from plastic bottles whilst impersonating a celebrity. Drag Race feels like 15 different reality competitions combined into one – a variety show but with higher heels, excessive contouring and death drops. And for queens who find themselves in the bottom two, the grind doesn’t stop there. They must 'lip-sync for their life' to a high-energy bop, with the worst performing contestant being asked to "sashay away" from the competition. These infamous showdowns have set the stage for jaw-dropping moments, from Roxxxy Andrews’s iconic wig reveal to Latrice Royale’s emotional performance of Aretha Franklin’s 'Natural Woman' whilst sporting a fake pregnancy bump. The highlight of each series has to be the 'Snatch Game' – a parody of the ‘60s game show Match Game (Blankety Blank in the UK) – where the queens must accurately impersonate pop culture icons, improvise in character, and land hilarious jokes in a bid to make Ru laugh. The jewel in the Drag Race crown, the challenge has seen some dead ringers (Chad Michaels as Cher was uncanny, as was Ben DeLaCreme’s regal Maggie Smith) and some dead performances (Phi Phi O’Hara’s excruciating Lady Gaga was the cringiest moment of series three). On top of the demanding challenges, there’s the shade of it all. From onstage altercations to bitchy confessionals, Drag Race drama makes for top-quality grab-your-popcorn entertainment. The pressure-cooker environment of the workroom can cause some steam-filled queens to boil over (prime example: Sharon Needles calling Phi Phi O’Hara a "tired-ass showgirl") and nothing satisfies a lockdown-driven gossip-craving like a cocktail, swilled in the face of a drag queen after the judges’ critiques. View oEmbed on the source website Drag Race rivalries and scandals have generated meme-worthy moments over the past twelve years. Coco Montrese’s tangerine mug went viral after her feud with Alyssa Edwards came to a head in the workroom, while Valentina’s refusal to remove a mask during her lip sync spawned a vast range of GIFs captioned with the infamous line: "I’d like to keep it on please". Although it’s been a month since you’ve seen another human in the flesh, who needs real friends when there are so many Drag Race contestants to emotionally invest in? Each season churns out a new batch of drag celebrities, each with their own catchphrases, tragic life experiences and devoted fanbases. Over the years, viewers have fallen in love with personalities like Shangela, Trixie Mattel, Alaska and Katya as they cracked jokes, bonded with other contestants and revealed their traumatic backstories. Despite all the tea-spilling and shade-throwing, community and acceptance are key values instilled into the competition. All contestants are considered to be part of a big 'drag family', while RuPaul’s uplifting catchphrase "If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?" is now drag gospel. This fun, campy competition is both intensely entertaining and full of heart. Full of silliness, tense spats and snatched runway looks, RuPaul’s Drag Race is well worth tucking into during self-isolation. With 12 years of material to get through, by the time you reach the current series the lockdown might even be over – if not, there's always Drag Race UK to binge afterwards. All 12 seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race are available to stream on Netflix
Lockdown Binge #1: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Our writers tell us what TV series are getting them through being stuck in their houses – starting with a plea to #SlayAtHome
Forget #StayAtHome – during the UK lockdown I’ve been choosing to #SlayAtHome with Joss Whedon’s peerless pop-culture watermark Buffy the Vampire Slayer, aka the best “monster of the week” TV series ever made. But actually, don't forget #StayAtHome. That's sort of the whole point. Sorry for the mixed messages. What’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer about? In every generation, there is a Chosen One – and this time around, it’s 16-year-old ex-cheerleader Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) nominated as The Slayer, destined to battle vampires, demons and all sorts of supernatural beings around the Sunnydale Hellmouth. Along with her friends and Watcher Giles (Anthony Head), she’ll protect the world from the forces of darkness, quip her enemies into oblivion and romance reformed vampire Angel, all while balancing her social life and schoolwork. Suffice it to say, the stakes are high…and pointy. How long is it? Seven seasons and a total of 144 episodes (each around 45-50 minutes) should keep you occupied for weeks to come. Where can I watch it? Every single season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Why should I watch Buffy? For me, this whole rewatch started long ago while I was engaged in strange, fantastical activity that now seems part of a different world – a non-essential shopping trip. Skulking round a branch of CeX in Wimbledon, I came across a heavily discounted box set for all five seasons of Angel, the David Boreanaz-starring Buffy spin-off that (to the horror of my girlfriend) I’d never actually seen an episode of. Surely, this was a perfect purchase. After years of TV series sneakily dropping off various On-Demand services we’d been trying to invest a bit more in physical media (if you own the DVD you can’t lose it from your TV!), we often struggled to find a show we both wanted to watch and this was something she could introduce me to. It all clicked. I was pretty familiar with Buffy itself, of course. Over the course of the mid-2000s it was a regular feature on BBC2, sandwiched alongside The Simpsons and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and when I’d first moved to London in 2013 (an act of unintentional self-isolation) I plowed my way through all seven series on Netflix from my lonely flat in East London. Still, I felt like I wanted a refresh – and given that we’d never watched Buffy together, we decided a rewatch was in order. Just as soon as we could track down a similar Buffy box-set, we reasoned, we’d be caught up enough to kick off with Angel’s adventures in LA. 90s and early-noughties nostalgia awaited! In reality, though, as was often the case in the “before-times” we never actually got around to it. We failed to find a Buffy set, and the Angel DVDs were always something we could catch up on when we had more time – when we didn’t have friends to see, or trips to go on, or long country walks to get lost on. But then we did have time. Everyone in the world suddenly had time to spare, and a need of distraction – and when pulling up a movie on an ancient Amazon Firestick, I noticed that all seven seasons of Buffy were available to stream as well. Reader, I binged them. At time of writing, we’ve managed to get through almost the first three seasons in about two weeks, often burning through four or five episodes a night. Really, it’s perfect comfort viewing – a show we’re familiar enough with to know we’ll definitely enjoy it, but distant enough in our memories that we can still be surprised. We’ve groaned as Buffy and Angel have another ill-judged emotional clinch, chuckled at the early introduction of James Marsters’ Spike (“You’re going to fall in love in series 6! Haha!”), raised an eyebrow at ropey stunt scenes (the swords!) and cringed at Xander’s…slightly dated sexual politics. For the most part, though, as a whole Buffy stands up brilliantly. It’s as sharp-witted, brutal and brilliantly clever as you remember, and remains so ahead of its time it’s baffling. One episode about a Mr Hyde-esque boyfriend gaslighting and abusing his girlfriend would be considered groundbreaking storytelling today – but in Buffy, 20-odd years ago, it’s just a monster of the week. Ahead of us we have four more Buffy seasons – Adam, Glory, The Three, Dark Willow and the First Evil await – and five of Angel to enjoy, and after that we’ll have to really dig deep into our collection for something as perfectly distracting. Maybe nothing will hit the spot in quite the same way. Given our current "turbulent times" I have wondered if there’s something uniquely comforting about a series that shows a world of real danger, death and fear rubbing up against normal life – where some parts of your life stay resolutely mundane and everyday, while other sections are changed beyond all recognition from what you knew. View oEmbed on the source website Or maybe I’ve just fallen in love with Giles all over again. Who knows? Whatever the reason for Buffy’s status as my go-to lockdown binge, I’m not alone. Over the past few weeks I’ve seen quite a few friends, acquaintances and strangers on the internet independently delving into the annals of the Slayer, so maybe there is something uniquely comforting about it. (Though have those “fans” written lyrics to the theme song, above, based on the actors’ names popping up, culminating with a cry of “And Anthony Stewart Head….as….Gilllesssss!”? I think not. And hope not. I really need to go outside.) So that’s my lockdown recommendation – binge Buffy, and transport yourself to a carefree world where the biggest concern was being horribly dismembered by demons. Pfft, look at them all, congregating outside together! They didn’t know how good they had it. All seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are available to stream on Amazon Prime Video