I recently wrote about my clampdown on spending when it comes to streaming services, but I haven’t been lacking in the television department. Most of these were available on ’terrestrial’ streamers, and a great variety there has been too!

Paradise

I just managed to squeeze this in before my Disney+ plan lapsed, and it was really good. The twist at the end of the first episode is up there with that big LOST reveal, and it obviously speaks to the bunker fan in me. Some of the episodes in the middle felt like they lost their way a little bit but the penultimate episode featuring the build up to the big evacuation was incredible. Definitely worth a watch.

Joan

An ITV feature series, this was the true life story of Joan, a sort of con artist/thief, and the early start of her life and descent into crime. I wasn’t entirely convinced after the first episode, but just got sucked into it and really wanted her to do well. A great job by Sophie Turner, who I’ve not necessarily rated much in the past, but was very impressed with here.

Love, Victor

This was a sneaky find on the iPlayer, a spin off from the Love, Simon movie, featuring a new set of teen kids trying to find themselves during those troublesome teenage years. It did initially feature voiceovers from Nick Robinson, but that part of it did feel a bit contrived. Once they eased up on that and just ran with the stories themselves, it improved a lot. It’s quite reminiscent of Sex Education, in that there are lots of identities and sexualities on display, and very little in the way of judgement.

Dark Matter

Knowing this was a drama about quantum physics, I was worried it was going to be a bit complicated, but it wasn’t. It was slow, so I was glad to be able to watch on a higher speed than x1, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The gradual unravelling of the multiverse, the different universes we visited, and how it all culminated in the end was fascinating. Curious what they will do in the second series!

Where’s Wanda?

A German show on Apple TV, this was a fun take on what could be a dark subject. A girl disappears and her family search for her, believing that she is still alive. They end up spying on their neighbours, with hilarious consequences. I was glad the big reveal wasn’t too dark either, although there is some violence and be warned - in the first episode - quite a lot of snakes.

James May’s Great Explorers

I think I could watch James May explain anything to me, but I really enjoyed this three part series, looking at a different explorer in each one. He bumbles around and tinkers with things, tries his hand at a bit of sailing and cooking, and gets stuck in, bringing to life what could be a pretty dull subject. And we never shy away from the fact that historical figures tend to have controversial elements to them as well, so everything has to be considered in context.

Severence, Season 2

I don’t know… I thought this series was a bit flat and I like watching it because it’s stylish but generally most of the time I have no idea what’s going on. They expanded the scale of the show, because now we know more about the different characters outside of the Lumon building, but it felt like everyone was going through the motions. There were highlights, the running at the beginning, finding out Hely was actually her outie, the hilarious fight in the final episode. I have to keep watching to know what everyone’s talking about but honestly, I could take it or leave it.

Love You to Death

Another foreign language show on Apple, this one was brilliant. Again you think it’s going to be a dark subject matter - the guy is diagnosed with cancer and is basically living the last few days before a life-threatening operation - but it’s moving and adorable and funny. Two people with great chemistry, going through different difficult experiences, and finding each other along the way. Love it.

You may find the next update will be full of Netflix shows, as I had to subscribe to watch the wonder that was Adolescence and I made the most of that month’s subscription, let me tell you!