This summer has officially been the second wettest on record, so we’ve all been spending more time indoors. Now that the TV schedule is finally catching up with the weather, we’ll be seeing an increase in quality programmes to get stuck in to.
Fresh Meat
Imagine if the Inbetweeners made a spin-off series about Simon’s adventures at university: awkward, realistic and hilarious. Channel 4’s hit comedy drama about student life will return for a second series this autumn, also featuring Jack Whitehall and Robert Webb. This show isn’t for the easily offended – or your parents (if you want to avoid the ‘you don’t get up to anything like that, do you?’ conversation).
Channel 4, TBC
Girls
Have you ever watched Sex and the City and wondered what it would be like for the Average Joe, living the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget? This HBO comedy drama shows exactly that – real characters with real-life problems, wearing high street clothes. It’s had great reviews in the US, but the only downside is that it’s on Sky Atlantic, so some of us might have to wait for the Christmas boxset.
Sky Atlantic, October
Misfits
Now entering its fourth series, Misfits will return this autumn with two new cast members, wielding two new superpowers: x-ray vision and telekinesis (certainly better than milk-guy, right?). “The future’s bright. The future’s still a dirty shade of orange,” assure the show’s producers. Channel 4 are being predictably cagey about the content and release date of this new series, but they have leaked that there will be some action with a six foot killer rabbit – all very odd, indeed! Although Misfits is definitely on the ones-to-watch list.
E4, TBC
Mrs Biggs
Sheridan Smith appears to be making a comeback into the world of television, as it seems almost impossible to switch on the TV without seeing her at the moment. This trend will not change in the autumn, with the Legally Blonde: The Musical star donning a far more serious role as the wife of the great train robber, Ronnie Biggs. This is tipped by critics to be a brilliant drama, so look out for it.
ITV, September
Beaver Falls
Returning for a second series is Beaver Falls, the British answer to Camp Rock – with sex, drugs, but less of the rock and roll. The three Brit boys travel across the Pond once again for another summer in camp Beaver Falls, building on situations from the past summer while absorbing the changes that have occurred in the year that they’ve been away: Rachel is married, Finn’s illness is worsening and Barry is... still Barry. With much of the character development completed in the first series, this series allows room to dig a little deeper with amusing, yet surprisingly emotional, scenarios.
Channel 4, currently airing (catch up on 4oD)
The Girl
Tippi Hedren, star of The Birds, recently gave an interview claiming that Alfred Hitchcock ruined her career, despite giving her leading roles in his films, as his obsession with her consumed him. This ambitious drama explores their relationship, with Toby Jones as Hitchcock and Sienna Miller as the last of the ‘Hitchcock Blondes’.
BBC2, December
Hotel GB
TV gurus Gordon Ramsey and Mary Portas have helped to turn ailing businesses around, but how will they cope running their own hotel? This show allows viewers to stay at the hotel and help raise money for employment charities – we dare you to leave them a bad comment in the guest book. You can enter to take part by emailing beahotelguest@optomen.com
Channel 4, October