Cinegirl’s top TV picks this autumn
It’s a Saturday night and I’m snuggled under a blanket on the sofa, my eyes glued to the TV. What time is it? Who knows. Am I surrounded by crumbs? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Hell no. It’s autumn, and that means it’s getting colder and I will no longer be leaving the house. It’s officially time to binge all the best new TV and – from everything I’ve seen so far – I am moved (not to be confused with I have moved, which isn’t something I’ve done in about two weeks).
So, from one TV addict to another, what should you be binging this autumn? Here are my top picks.
Sex Education – Series 3
If you haven’t noticed Sex Education is back, you must have been living under a rock (or maybe you don’t obsessively follow the entire team on Instagram, like I do). Either way, series 3 is a treat. Particular highlights include the relationship between Adam and Eric, the growth of queen bee Ruby and a poo being thrown out of a bus window. Intrigued? Binge it all now.
Help
OK, so this drama with Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham isn’t a series – it’s a one-off hour and a half special. But it’s on TV so it counts, k? I love the story between these two scouse talents, who met back in the day before Jodie Comer had her big break and have stayed friends ever since. Help is a powerful and hard-hitting drama about people in a care home during the pandemic, so make sure you’re emotionally ready. It’s poignant, beautifully written and performed to perfection (obviously).
Back to Life – Series 2
I fell in love with Daisy Haggard’s dark comedy when series 1 came out back in 2019, and series 2 has even more to offer. Following Miri, a young woman who has just been released from prison after committing a terrible crime in her teens, this could be a dark watch – but humour from Miri’s terrible hair, the oh so relatable relationship between her middle-class parents and the stunning countryside backdrop make it a must watch.
Squid Game
If you’ve seen any memes lately and been hella confused, they’re probably from Squid Game. The Korean drama follows a group of bankrupt low-lives who are selected to compete in a bunch of children’s games. Sounds innocent enough, right? Wrong. If they lose, they die. It’s a compelling drama that is cleverly crafted, has plot twists at every turn and even somehow manages to make us laugh(?!). Series 2, please.
The Circle US – Series 3
People love to moan about reality TV. But, when done well, it can be a great escape from normal life. The Circle is, in my opinion, reality TV that shines above the rest. It’s smart, the contestants are calculated, and it embraces diversity. The latest series is full of sly yet strangely likeable characters playing dumb and using tactics to gain a big old cash prize. Binging heaven.
Vigil
What’s this, a drama from the makers of Line of Duty, starring Suranne Jones? Count me in! When a sailor is found dead on a submarine, a detective (Jones) is brought in to investigate. Vigil is a creepy drama with everything you’d expect from the BBC – tension, suspense and lots of recognisable faces. Let me know if all the water noises made you need to pee (just me then?)
Ted Lasso – Series 2
Comedy is full of surprises, and I’ve found my biggest one yet: I can actually enjoy a series about football. Well done, team, you’ve truly achieved something remarkable. Ted Lasso picked up a bunch of awards at the Emmy’s, and for good reason. It follows Ted, a small-time coach who knows nothing about football, moving to the UK to coach a team. Full of heart, warmth and, well, Jason Sudeikis, this comedy is like a steaming mug of hot chocolate after a cold day watching people kick a ball around.
