'LOVE IN LOCKDOWN' EPISODE 9: 'LOCKDOWN TV FAVOURITES'

                                               

Amidst our third lockdown, television can provide a necessary comfort and distraction from the ongoing pandemic.

Since Coronavirus initially hit and we entered our first lockdown, television viewing has increased. Of course, when caring for both our physical and mental health during lockdown it's important to consider how much time we're spending in front of our screens to avoid too much of a sedentary lifestyle and unnecessary health detriments, but dedicating some of our day to such a pastime isn't wholly a negative thing when it has also shown positive benefits. Spending a little time watching the newest series or our favourite classics can help us through this challenging time, a support tool in relaxing us, reassuring us during what can be an isolating and overwhelming time, and distracting us for a while from the news and world of Coronavirus.

As a Television and Series lover, I've collated some of my favourites over Lockdown across a variety of genres and channels.

Gogglebox: 
This show has provided nothing but joy whilst being confined to the same four walls of my home. Channel 4's classic gets me laughing and leaves me feeling closer to the multiple relationships each week. Watching others watch the shows you watch is both entertaining and reassuring in reminding you that you're not alone, something that's so important in such an isolating time. When their reactions match your own, it allows us to feel connected and close to others when that's something we're physically unable to do at the moment, an intimacy with relatable human connections that so many of us are currently craving. This show lifts my spirits and is definitely a light hearted show for when you just want a humorous easy watch.

First Dates:
Another Channel 4 show that's captured the heart of the nation. All about love, and that's always something to hold onto. It's exciting as you watch others meet and date in the 'First Date's Restaurant', invested in their relationship and intrigued in knowing whether they'll have the spark and continue to see each other. It's simply investing in humans connecting, something that we're lacking with the inability to socialise at the moment. It's very heart-warming and reminds us of the importance both love and others can have in our lives.  

The Serpent:
If thrillers and dramas are a lot more up your street, then you'll definitely enjoy this. Although it may not provide the comfort and laughter that you might be needing over lockdown, it certainly brings entertainment and excitement. This BBC series is a pulse raising distraction from current events and follows the 1976 arrest and true story of Charles Sobhraj and his girlfriend, who killed travellers in the 70's. It's extremely gripping and shocking in equal measure. 

Bridgerton:
A new Netflix series based on the historical romance novels written by Julia Quinn. Set in the early 1800's it follows the Bridgerton family as they navigate London's high society. This series didn't disappoint and I cannot wait for the confirmed second series to be released already. It's been announced as Netflix's biggest series ever, with 82 million households tuning in within the first 28 days of airing. It's romantic and intense, the drama pulls you in from the offset with its poetic nature and opulent scandals. It's all about the power of love, the sentiment that love conquers all.

It's a Sin:
This Channel 4 drama centres itself around the aids crisis in London in the late 90's, exploring untold stories on the impact this had. I love this teen drama, its importance in sparking conversation around Aids and sexuality, removing the stigma behind such topics and spreading awareness on what was such a traumatic period. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, heart-breaking, important and very poignant.

The Queen's Gambit:
I watched this Netflix series quicker than anything I've ever watched before. It's completely captivating and at the end of each episode I found myself unable to come away. This American coming of age period drama follows 1950's orphan Beth Harmon who discovers she has a talent for chess, you watch her follow her journey to stardom whilst grappling with addiction. Before watching this I knew absolutely nothing about chess, but you don't need to in order to be suckered in by this enticing story. It's compelling and detailed, I was magnetised by the performances of the actors and the games of chess. It even made me want to be part of the chess adventures myself.

Schitt's Creek: 
This show has been out for a while and it was winning multiple Emmy's that drew me into first watching it. I quickly became hooked when the hilarity, comedic timing and loveable characters were like no other show I've seen. It follows a rich family of four that suddenly go bankrupt and have to leave their privileged lives behind as they are only left with an ugly small town named 'Schitt's Creek' to restart their lives. The cast and characters are phenomenal and what makes this series so great, their extreme expressions, reactions and comedic timings are perfect and Eugene and Daniel Levy's writing is extraordinary. It has everything and covers many taboo subjects, breaking down unnecessary stigma and initiating conversation, equality and love. You get to know the characters so well you feel as if you know them and you're part of their journey to, it was emotional finishing it. With each episode being only twenty minutes I did find myself finishing another and saying 'Just one more?'

The Crown:
History and drama wrapped in one. Although dramatised, this series follows Queen Elizabeth II's reign and the events and political rivalries that shaped the second half of the twentieth century. It's a fascinating watch, both educational and entertaining. The actors are phenomenal, it takes a special craft to take on the roles of real life royal family members and they're all captivating. The detail involved is second to none, it's epic and all in all a true piece of art.

Ozark:
This is a series that enticed me. Heart rate up, audible gasps and my jaw frequently dropping. It's about a married couple who relocate to the Ozarks for money laundering. It's tense and captivating and in a strange way you feel as if you're part of their adventure with them, not wanting them to get caught even though what husband Marty Byrde has got them into is so wrong. It effectively displays how far family in willing to go in order to stay together and alive. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time totally glued to the screen. It was exciting and nail bitingly nerve racking to see where each episode would leave them and how they'd wangle out of each close call left me watching with squinted eyes and through my fingers.

Criminal: 
Similarly, this series is a crime drama. Taking place within the confines of a police interview suite, police officers and suspects engage in intense conflict as they wrangle for the psychological upper hand. This series is amazing, although so simple and set in just one location, each episode completely captivated me. Every episode follows a different storyline, suspected crime and suspect and it's thrilling to watch evidence and argument unfold. The acting is also brilliant as the suspects work to fight their corner and get out of jail, it's intense and a wide ride just as it is for the individuals being questioned.

I May Destroy You:
This incredible BBC drama was written by Michaela Coel. I'd already seen 'Chewing Gum' which she also wrote, so I knew I was a fan of both her writing and acting beforehand. She plays the stories lead Arabella, after facing a sexual assault she resists the label of a victim, fights to come to terms with and manage her past and takes on the painful freeing climb to who she could be. This show is so important as it delves into the importance of consent and boundaries, and I'd urge everyone to watch it. It's about healing, trauma and what it is to be a human being facing these, tackling these taboo topics, supporting and championing female and male survivors. Despite its focus on such heavy subject matters and being difficult to watch at times, it's comedic to. Raw, powerful, essential and so brave.

Fleabag:
This British Black Comedy created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge who plays the lead, is something I didn't know I needed until I watched it. It's a dry witted comedy that follows Fleabag living life in London, navigating her way through love, grief, healing and tragedy. As she breaks the fourth wall and delivers lines directly to the camera, she builds a relationship with her audience and it becomes extremely intimate as if she is conversing with only you. Despite the battles she faces it's extremely funny, witty very touching and ultimately genius writing.

Sex Education:
This popular Netflix release is a British comedy drama about the reality and complications of being a teenager. It effectively explores taboo subjects surrounding sex, self discovery and the life of high school. It's awkward and relatable storylines have been both helpful and entertaining for the younger generation, educating viewers on topics that are rarely talked about despite everyone facing them. You become attached to the characters, their relationships, friendships and everything in between. It's nostalgic as it centres around teenagers journeys and all that puberty brings, embarrassing, comedic and sometimes uncomfortable happenings and effectively teaches us that everyone has their own insecurities and no one is perfect.

Normal People:
A BBC series based on the book by Sally Rooney. It explores the journey of characters Marianne and Connell from different backgrounds but the same town in Ireland. We watch them weave in and out of each others romantic lives as they grow up. This pulled at all my heart strings as it displays the journey of a first love, the reality of its messiness and euphoria. It takes you on a real journey, rollercoaster of emotions, highs, lows, tummy butterflies and heartache. With beautiful honest and detailed performances and a story that seems to be relatable for many, it's very human, real and emotional.

Feel Good:
This Channel 4 show is a semi autobiographical comedy written by Mae Martin. It's about the pressures of navigating through life, self discovery, sexuality and relationships. It's extremely personal and poignant, following Mae's attempt to control her addictive behaviours and intense romanticism that seem to be controlling her life. It shares the story of Mae meeting a girl named George and you quickly become invested in their romance. This show is very natural and real, although painful to watch in some parts, it's very moving and sparks that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. It delves into the complexity of relationships and humans, touching and profound.

Gavin and Stacey:
This show will never get old and will always be something I turn to in times of need, if I'm ever wanting a laugh or an easy watch to help me zone out from the outside world. The comic love tale of an Essex boy and a Welsh girl, perfectly written, equally comedic and moving. It's extremely relatable and natural characters provide the perfect world to invest yourself in. It's just brilliant, each character brings their own traits that are both recognisable and real, it's natural, relaxed comedy and provides perfect entertainment. It triggers the same content feeling as catching up with old friends, pure happiness and the biggest of metaphorical hugs.

Friends:
The most classic and timeless series ever. This American Sitcom follows the lives of six friends living in Manhattan and the adventures they face. Love, life and laughs, this show has everything you need in a show. It's real and human, and you can't help but quickly fall in love with each of the six friends and their personalities. As they share their unconditional love, sarcasm and daily lives with each other you're taken on the journey with them, given insight into what events unfold between friends. It's extremely comforting and reminds us that friends really are the greatest gift.