TV Distractions From the News (And Weather)

A special edition of Worth Watching.

Hello,

Gosh the news is a lot, isn’t it?

I’ve always felt that television is a bit of a tonic in these sorts of moments.

Not by watching the news channels, of course, but from being able to absorb and distract yourself with a drama, or a hopeful comedy or engrossing documentary.

So here’s a list of television shows that can preoccupy your time for a bit.

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SHOWS THAT CAN WATCH RIGHT NOW

Look Around You (BBC iPlayer) - A pitch-perfect spoof of those educational videos that we were all forced to watch at school. The second series, which has longer episodes, takes the mic out of Tomorrow’s World.

Junior Bake Off (Channel 4) - Yes, the Bake Off format is running a bit tired, but the kids’ version is an absolute delight and Harry Hill is the perfect surreal host for it.

Bump (BBC iPlayer) - Another successful Australian comedy, about a teenager who has a surprise pregnancy whilst at school, and what this means for her friends and family. The comedy is relatable and warm, and there are five series available.

Twin Peaks (NOW / Sky) - What a better way to celebrate the life of David Lynch than watching the iconic and surreal television that paved the way for so many others.

Winterwatch (BBC Two) - Don’t be put off because it is nature if you haven’t seen this show before. It’s a delightful, informative hour with expert hosts. You don’t get a show like it anywhere else in the world.

The Traitors US (BBC iPlayer) - If you need something to fill the Traitors void after tonight’s final, the latest US series will drop on BBC iPlayer. The first five episodes will drop today, with a new episode available weekly.

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SHOWS OUT RATHER SOON

Hacks (Sky / NOW TV) - One of the best comedies of last year will be finally available on Sky, after the latest series has been available for nearly a year! The comedy follows a writer and a celebrated comedian’s professional and personal relationship.

Amazon had it before, but they only chose to show two seasons, not the Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning third one. At one point the only legal way to watch this show was watching it on the on-demand televisions available on a PLANE.

Big Boys (Channel 4) - The third (and final) sitcom of Jack Rooke’s semi-autobiographical series is out very soon, so now is the time to catch up on the first two chapters if you haven’t already. It is brimming with nostalgia and thoughtful observations on friendships and modern masculinity.