My TV Listings | May 2017

I’m currently right in the middle of the exam season which means that TV programs aren’t exactly the first on my agenda but I have been trying to watch a couple of things here and there.

The Graham Norton Show

I’ve obviously been making time for my favourite chat show because not only does it perk me up, it yanks me back to the real world and some pop culture!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

This show had some really poignant episodes this month that were slightly different to its usual format – they had a much stronger message behind them, particularly the episode ‘Moo Moo’ which dealt with police brutality and the idea of being a black man in America. This episode was so moving and important and was handled really well in my opinion; I love this show all the more now!

 

Quote Me #9

Back again for some more great quotes!

1) Amy: This one says Die Pig. And worst of all, they didn’t put the comma between die and pig. (Brooklyn Nine Nine)

2) Peter Quill: You look like Mary Poppins.
Yondu: Is he cool?
Peter Quill: Hell yeah, he’s cool.
Yondu: I’m Mary Poppins, y’all!
(Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)

3) Prince: [dancing with her] What? What is it?
Belle: [smiles] How’d you feel about growing a beard?
(Beauty and the Beast)

My TV Listings | April 2017

Over Easter break, I actually ended up getting quite a lot of TV watching done, which made me very, very happy.

Daredevil

I managed to finish series 2 of this show this month and I really, really enjoyed it. I definitely preferred it to the first series and while there were still some things I didn’t completely get on board with, I think this show is fantastic. It’s gritty and realistic and moving and compelling with some fabulous characters and I can’t wait for the next series.

Only Connect

The current series of this show ended this month and that makes me sad. Not only will I not have my weekly dose of the fantastic Victoria Coren-Mitchell, I won’t be able to grasp onto that sense of pride I get when I manage to answer one question right. Because, let’s face it, the questions are border-line impossible.

Mr. Selfridge

I’ve been rattling through this show this month (I managed to watch the first two series in the space of a week) after I had a random moment of inspiration and wanted to watch the whole thing. I’m now completely swept up in the world of this show and I love all of the characters and their backstories – I have a particular soft spot for Agnes, Henri and Miss Mardle. I know that this show has only 4 series so I’m thinking that I’ll be able to fly through the whole thing quite quickly.

The Graham Norton Show

I’m so happy that my favourite chat show has returned this month because it makes me feel so happy and is such an entertaining show. You’ve heard me babble on about this show for long enough but all you need to know is that I love it!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I’m so, so happy that this show returned this month because it made me realize just how much I love it. The characters are all so diverse and interesting with their own distinct personalities and quirks. This show is also absolutely hilarious but doesn’t make any jokes at anyone else’s expense – it is funny without being rude or offensive and I really do love it and I’m super excited to see the new episodes!

My TV Listings | January 2017

So many amazing TV shows made their re-appearances this month and I’ve been having a very happy time catching up on them all. However, I did spent pretty much the entirety of the month watching nothing but Silent Witness.

Sherlock

HOLY COW! WHERE DO I EVEN START WITHOUT TYPING IN CAPITALS? This series was absolutely out of this world. It was scary and creepy and eerie and it really messed with your head and everything that you thought you were seeing. This series really shows you just how incredible all of the actors are and how complex and rich and engaging every single character is. There were more twists and turns than I could actually handle and you truly finish the series thinking WTF was that?

Silent Witness

I have literally been watching nothing else this month because this show is amazing. Even though it’s been around for 20 series (which is crazy in itself) I feel like it deserves an awful lot more recognition. The plot lines are always engaging and challenging and relevant to everything that is happening in the world at the time which is what makes everything more visceral. I love the characters and their banter and humour together and I think this show is great.

The Graham Norton Show

You guys know I love this show so I’m not going to harbor that point. But it’s great – it’s funny and engaging and easy viewing and Graham Norton is just a fantastic host. I really honestly hope that this show never, ever ends because then I will have a massive void in my life.

Brooklyn Nine Nine

This show returned after a bit of a hiatus and with the arrival of a mega episode, it reminded me just how much I love this show. It’s funny without being rude and it’s surprisingly heart-wrenching and moving. It’s also just a great, enjoyable show that I love watching.

Death In Paradise

One of my favourite crime shows made  a comeback this month and it might not be the eeriest and scariest of all the crime shows but it certainly makes for enjoyable viewing. The characters are all engaging and interesting, of course, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the show is also extremely funny.

Agents of SHIELD

My favourite show following my favourite bunch of lovable rogues returned this month and I was particularly excited to see where things went given the ending of the last bunch of episodes. The characters are really developing their relationships with each other and the plot is definitely thickening – I’ve no idea where the story is going to go and I can’t wait to see.

Only Connect

For some reason, this show has now been moved to Friday evenings rather than Monday evenings and the BBC gave absolutely no hints that this was happening, I missed quite a few episodes at the beginning of the month. But now I’m back on the train and the competition is really hotting up! At least for a quiz show.

Daredevil

After a couple of months of respite, I’ve started watching the second series of the show. I’m already much more interested in the plot of this series than I was of the last one and I can’t wait to completely fly through the episodes. I’m loving the relationship between Matt, Foggy and Karen and the mixture of humour and grittiness that really keeps you on your toes.

My TV Listings | December 2016

It’s the final month of 2016 – where the heck has the year gone? I can’t believe it’s almost the end of 2016 and I want to thank all you guys who have stayed with me this year because it just means so much to me…

The Graham Norton Show

Yes, I love this show but that’s because it’s so entertaining and funny and easy to watch and I’ve actually been introduced to some of my new favourite celebs because of this show.

The Apprentice

I’m not going to be giving any spoilers for this series, but I love The Apprentice. Yes, half the people on this show are arrogant and full of themselves but the other half are actually very nice people and there are some very smart people who appear on this show too. This series was very entertaining and I can’t wait to go for the next one!

Close to the Enemy

While this show might not be as good as Dancing on the Edge it’s still an enjoyable and intriguing show set just after World War Two. All of the characters are really complex and interesting and while I might not understand every little thing that happens in this show, I like the general plot of the show and the romance between the characters.

Strictly Come Dancing

Again, I won’t spoil anything for anyone who doesn’t know the outcome of this series but this was definitely one of my favourite series so far. It’s sad that is was Len Goodman’s last one but the array of celebrities and personalities definitely made this series a fantastic one to watch.

Nikita

I’m still slowly working my way through the first series of this show and the episodes that I managed to watch this month were brilliant. I’ve really begun to love Nikita as well as my baby Alex and I’m loving seeing them working together and the shenanigans that they get up to. It’s engaging and fast-paced and I love the characters and the romance and the action. It’s just brilliant!

Only Connect

Still watching this show! It’s incredibly hard and challenging but is also amusing and just really easy to watch, especially with the wit and charm of its host Victoria Coren-Mitchell.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I really love this show and the most recent episodes have been some of the best in the series, at least in my opinion. Every episode is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and the characters are all so clever and quirky and engaging that every second is a joy to watch.

Agents of SHIELD

This show returned this month from its random mid-season hiatus and oh boy, were there some good few episodes. If you’re a lover of Mac and Elena and have been seriously frustrated over the last few episodes about their relationship, then rejoice those kinks are ‘sorted’ out. This show definitely has its ups and downs but when it’s an up, it’s magical.

My TV Listings | October 2016

I can’t believe that it’s actually the end of October! That means that it’s almost my birthday month and Christmas is very quickly approaching. I’ve desperately been playing catch-up on all my favourite shows lately because homework is a TV killer.

Mock The Week

My weekly dose of political comedy panel comes in the form of Mock the Week and this is one of the only comedy shows that I will religiously watch every week. It’s funny and informative with a variety of guests and topics and I love it.

The Graham Norton Show

This show returned to our screens this month and it’s just as entertaining and amusing as ever. I love Graham Norton’s friendly and warm attitude and the way he talks to people and the collection of guests that appear on this show is insane. There is always someone you like on and it just makes very entertaining viewing.

American Horror Story

I still have very little idea of what the heck is happening in this series but things are certainly weird and creepy. This series is definitely not for everyone, and it’s by no way my favourite, but it’s so unique and intriguing that I just can’t stop watching.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

This is my 20 minute pick me up show and I can always rely on it to make me smile. This series certainly isn’t as laugh out loud as previous series as it does have a darker and more serious tone but it is still extremely funny and enjoyable to watch.

Ripper Street

My favourite show ever has finished up its penultimate series and I cannot wait to see where the final series goes because that ending was NOT FUN TO WATCH! But, of course, I wish that this series never had to end and it could just keep going and going and going forever because I love these characters and the complex world and just how hilarious every episode is.

Agents of SHIELD

This series has a very different tone and feel from the last one, but it’s still just as interesting and complex as all the previous series. I’m only a few episodes in but it’s already full of action and suspense and humour, with lots of links to the MCU, and some very intriguing characters. And, of course, my beloved Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons.

How To Get Away With Murder

This show knows just how to keep the audience on their toes and this series is no exception. Every episode is packed full of drama and suspense and tension as well as some humour and brilliant one-liners. I’m not sure I can cope with the tension in this series but there’s no way I’m going to stop watching because it’s just so addicting.

Daredevil

I’m continuing to slowly make my way through this show and while it may be a tad confusing at times, I am still thoroughly enjoying it. I love the relationships between all the different characters and how funny each episode is, despite the plot being very dark and sinister.

Nikita

I’m very slowly making my way through this series and I’m thoroughly enjoying every minute of it. The plot is fast paced and interesting and every episode is packed full of action and drama and also hints of humour and sarcasm. I love the complex characters and how the full story is never revealed to the audience and there are always more unanswered questions.

Only Connect

I’m still watching this show religiously because it makes me feel ridiculously clever when I manage to answer even one question because every question is always stupidly hard. I also watch this show for Victoria Coren-Mitchell who I think is just a fantastic person and role model in general, for women on TV.

The Apprentice

Another show that I religiously watch year after year whenever a new series airs on the BBC is The Apprentice and the new series began this month. The Apprentice is not one of those shows that should be funny but it just is. The mixture of people and personalities that make on this show just make all the egos and attitudes rise to the surface and with Lord Sugar, Karren Brady and Claude Litner’s scathing sarcasm what more could you want?

The Victorian Slum

My favourite period to study and learn about in history is the Victorian era, so any occasion as to which I can watch anything on that subject I will definitely take. This is a new program by the BBC showing what it was like in the Victorian slums and this first episode shows the lives of poor people throughout the 1860s and just what struggles they had to deal with. It was really informative and engaging and I’ll definitely be watching the rest of the episodes in this series.

Brooklyn Nine Nine Series 4 | First Thoughts

September is the month were basically all of the shows start to air their new series and one show that I’ve been eagerly anticipating is Brooklyn Nine-Nine. After binge-watching the previous three series and seeing where the last series left off, I’ve been feeling very intrigued as to where the next series would go. And as well as feeling intrigued, I also felt slightly skeptical and slightly worried at the prospect of the thing that made the show so great – the relationships between the characters – being lost as it was just Jake and Holt stuck together on their own. However, as the first episode started it was clear that nothing was going to change about this show from the humour to the general atmosphere of the show. Everything is still the same – the characters have just left the seclusion of their Brooklyn precinct and are settling into a sunny, if somewhat mundane, Florida town.

Jake and Holt or, if you are going off their new aliases Greg and Larry, have now been stuck in witness protection in a small Florida town populated by drug addicts and troupes of elderly women who enjoy power walking (I adored that scene) and while they appear to be coping very well on the surface, it’s clear that inside they are reaching breaking point. It really doesn’t take much to see that. I mean Jake’s hair should be testament enough. Have you seen it? That is the hair of a human who is having a mid-life crisis and doesn’t know what to fill their days with. If that wasn’t enough, he’s taken to eating soggy burritos in a hot tub and crying. All I’m saying is that I hope they catch their guy soon because I don’t know how much more of Jake’s hair I can take. The good thing is though, is that Jake and Holt are still their wonderfully amusing selves and I love seeing the combination of Jake’s open sarcasm and Holt’s dry humour. These two, coupled with the other amusing characters that rock up in Florida, almost replace our lovable gang of misfits from the 99. Almost. I’m still counting down the episodes until they show up.

While not many of the characters are actually named, I really enjoyed Maya Rudolph’s short scene as the person in charge of Jake and Holt being in Florida. She, along with every other character in this episode, injected so much humour that it reminded me how hilarious this show is and how much I love it and have missed it. I love seeing the banter that happens between Jake and Holt because they are obviously joking with each other but at the same time they have to keep their identities hidden. Their new identities are basically the polar opposites of their usual selves so, obviously, this brings some hilarity when other characters comment on them and they have to try and keep up appearances, despite being obviously irritated at the whole fiasco. Despite the fact that I’m still not wholly on board with Jake and Holt being away from the 99, it does give the opportunity for a different type of humour to be addressed as it literally is the two of them against the world and they have a fantastic old-married-couple type relationship that I love to watch.

And even though it was only the first episode of the new series, the plot is already moving forward. Jake and Holt have decided to stop being sitting ducks and hiding under their sofas and to start taking active steps to find the guy who is hunting them and so that they can return home. I can’t wait to see more of Jake and Holt working together because, as much as they try to deny it, they actually do make a very good team. Apart, they are both very clever and resourceful but together they make a particularly good team. Personally, I want the old ladies speed walking group to become a major plot point and for them all to secretly be ex-assassins or something – so I’m going to be holding out for this for the entirety of the series.

I am super happy that this show is back because it really does inject some humour and lightness into my life. I love these characters and the humour and banter that they share and I can’t wait to see where this series is going to go.

My TV Listings | September 2016

I can’t actually believe it’s almost October. That means it’s nearly Christmas and my Birthday, so I’m very happy. I’m also very happy because two of my favourite ever shows are back on TV! Woop 🙂

The Great British Bake Off

You guys all know hoe obsessed I am with this show and I am so glad that it’s back. Why the nation is so emotionally invested in cakes and breads is something I don’t think anyone understands really but we’re all just going along with it. This show is so funny and entertaining and charming and it definitely isn’t a vicious competition – everyone really does want everyone else to do well and that’s lovely to watch.

Ripper Street

It’s back! My favourite TV show of all time has returned to the BBC! This has long been one of my favourite ever shows and I really think it deserves more recognition. This show may appear to be rough and gritty, and it is, but it is also extremely funny and full of wit. The characters are all so complex and engaging and it is such a fast-paced and interesting drama. It also teaches a lot about the Victorian age but the stories it features are still relevant in today’s society too. I am in love with this show and am so sad that this current series is the penultimate one.

Reign

I’m now caught up with all the episodes of Reign that are currently out and oh boy, did that finale tear my heart to shreds. There are rumours of the next series being the last but I honestly have no idea how the story is going to be able to build itself back up. I have so many unanswered questions and absolutely no clue what is going to happen. What I do know is that I need Leith to pick himself up from that random patch of snow and get better because there’s no way he’s leaving my precious Claude all alone. And Lola and Narcisse? I don’t know what to say. You just don’t do that to people!

Nikita

I’ve been trying some different shows this month and something that I’ve been loving is Nikita. I’m a decent chunk of the way through the first series and I’m already in love with Alex. She’s played brilliantly by the gorgeous Lyndsy Fonseca and I just want to give her a hug and tell her that everything is going to be okay. It’s literally like a spy movie in TV show form and there are plenty of fancy parties and champagne and dressing up like waiters and I love it. It’s full of action and drama and suspense and the characters are so complex and entertaining to watch. I am very intrigued to see where the series is going to go and I can’t wait to find out!

Only Connect

I’m still watching this show and still feeling immensely proud of myself when I answer any of the questions right (I think my best is two in one episodes). This show makes such easy viewing and I mainly watch it for the brilliant Victoria Coren-Mitchell who I think is hilarious. It’s such a nice and friendly, but certainly not easy, quiz show where the contestants are full of humour and wit and genuinely want everyone to do well.

Daredevil

I’ve finally gotten around to starting Daredevil, the only Marvel production that I had yet to see. And while I might only be a few episodes in, I am already slightly hooked on this show. Like Jessica Jones, it is so gritty and intense and actually very dark for a Marvel production. I really like the characters, especially Matt and Foggy, and I love the relationship that they have with each other. I’m not in love with Karen yet but I’m sure that as I progress through the series, I’ll discover more about her. This show is really funny and entertaining as well as being extremely gripping and I can’t wait to watch more of it.

Mock The Week

One of my favourite topical British quiz shows is back and I am so very happy about it. I really like this show because I get to discover more about the politics and events that are happening in the place I live as well as having a laugh about it. I really like the variety of comedians that appear on the show and it’s always just so engaging to watch.

American Horror Story

Unlike previous series, this time around there has been very little detail released about what the theme of this series is and what it is going to entail. Even having seen the first episode I am still completely confused as to what the heck is going to happen. I really like how this show isn’t afraid to push the boat out and do things a little differently as well as its ability to create interesting and complex characters. I’m really intrigued to see where this series is going to go and just what horrors are in store!

Agents of SHIELD

After the massive cliff hanger that rounded off series 3, I was very excited to see what direction the new series was going to go in and after watching only a few episodes I am certainly very interested in this new series. Everything seems to have changed now, there’s a new director, there’s new protocols, there’s new characters and while I might not be instantly in love with everything I can’t wait to see how the characters are going to develop now, where the plot is going and, the most important question, when we are going to see a Fitzsimmons kiss!

Strictly Come Dancing

It’s back! It is back, people! This is a show that has been a fundamental part of my existence on this earth. I ruled my childhood and even now I still watch it because it’s just such a solid part of my upbringing. I love the mixture of contestants that are on this year and I basically just love this whole show. It’s definitely not the same without Bruce Forsyth but I definitely appreciate Tess and Claude carrying that banner. And my favourites? Ore, Claudia, Judge Rinder and Greg are my top picks.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Another one of my favourite shows returned this month and while it may be in a very different setting to the previous series, I am still heartily enjoying it. I love the characters on this show and I particularly love the fact that every single episode is packed full of humour. It is so funny in so many different ways that I can always guarantee that it put a smile on my face and brighten my mood.

How To Get Away With Murder

Another one of my all time favourite shows  has returned to our screens with a  brand new series and I am very excited and very nervous because crazy things happen on this show and I just want all of the fantastic characters to be happy, but the chances of that actually happening are rather slim. This show is full of action and suspense and humour and romance and there are so many plots and sub-plots and crossing timelines and flash backs and flash forwards that it really is very tiring to keep up with everything. But it’s totally, totally worth it.

 

Brooklyn Nine-Nine Series 3 | Mini Review

I have been thoroughly enjoying watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine for quite a while now and I finally finished the three series that are currently out. I definitely think that this latest series was the darkest and most intense of the three we’ve seen so far but it in no way cut back on the humour. This is one of those shows that you can always rely on to make you smile and giggle when you need a bit of a pick me up and as well as being funny, it is filled with fantastic characters and engaging plots. This definitely isn’t the highest staked cop show out there but that is another thing that I really liked. The characters in this show have to deal with petty theft and small drug rings, like any other local police precinct, and I love that it’s so self aware.

Obviously, this show is hilarious and the humour ranges from sarcastic banter to witty one liners and I love it. I also love that each character has their own personal type of humour to go with their personality, which are all so different and unique when compared to the rest of the characters. This series, in particular, we’ve seen the characters develop a lot as new changes in their lives brought out sides that we hadn’t seen of them before. Another thing is that no episode ever feels like a filler episode, because every episode has a small event happening or a group bonding excercise or a wedding.

I am super intrigued to see where the next series is going to go, particularly because of the way this series ended. Are Jake and Holt still on the run? And what’s going to happen to the rest of the precinct?

 

My TV Listings | August 2016

The month of August is usually the month in which I do most of my binge watching of some of my absolute favourite shows and that’s what I’ve been doing this month.

Criminal Minds

I’m still loving this show! I’m currently half way through series 4 and there have been a number of massive reveals regarding the characters and I’m loving seeing the slow and deliberate character development that is unfolding. This is a perfect example of something where I want to watch all the episodes right this second because it’s so good but I also don’t because then I will have seen it all and also because I know it will be very emotional and traumatic. I already know of one spoiler for series 5 that I am not looking forward to. Not in the slightest.

Reign

I’m about a third of the way through the third series and holy cow! There has been so many changes and plot twists so far this series that I can hardly keep up! I am loving where the plot is going though and I absolutely adore the new character of Queen Elizabeth. I am very intrigued to see where this show is going to go in its future episodes!

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

I’m almost finished watching all the episodes that are currently out of this show and that makes me very sad, although there is a new series coming soon. It is just the perfect show to watch when I am in the mood for a pick-me up because it is hilarious. I love all the characters and their contrasting and diverse characters and this is a perfect show to binge watch.

Devious Maids

I’m finally all caught up on all four series of this show, and it’s been one heck of a ride. Every series has focused on different aspects of the characters lives and we’ve seen them grow and develop over the four series. This show is action-packed and full of suspense and twists and turns, but it is also very funny and I love the sarcastic banter between the characters. There’s also some great – but rather complicated – romantic sub-plots and I especially love the solid female friendships.

Only Connect

My favourite quiz show is back! Yay! But this is definitely one of those quizzes where you might just know one or two of the answers and, if you do answer correctly, you automatically get bragging rights for the next week and it makes you feel a whole lot more intelligent. I also adore Victoria Coren-Mitchell, the host, because she’s so funny and clever and witty but still remains modest and caring.

A Young Doctor’s Notebook

I’m willing to watch pretty much anything with Daniel Radcliffe in, but I wasn’t really expecting much coming into this show. However, this show had me in fits of laughter for practically the entire 25 minutes per episode thanks to the banter between the young and older doctor. This show also gives a lot of insight into the medical world at the beginning of the twentieth century. The two series only consist of eight episodes and while I may only be two episodes in, I know that I’m going to really enjoy the rest of this show.

Rio 2016 Olympics

Who hasn’t been watching the Olympics? I always look forward to watching the gymnastics but this year I’ve also been enjoying seeing the swimming and equestrian events. I always like watching the Olympics, not only because I feel a spark of patriotic pride but also because I like seeing the comradery between the athletes as well as the humour and personality that the commentators bring to the whole event.

American Horror Story: Hotel

I’ve loved the previous series of American Horror Story and I knew that it was time I watched the most recent series before the 6th came out. This is definitely the goriest series of American Horror Story yet and definitely the weirdest and wackiest in my opinion. As per usual, I loved Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters and their characters because they Sally and Mr. March were both so original and engaging and complex characters to watch. However, the majority of this series seemed to be delving into a characters backstory rather than the characters actively pursuing a plot.