Our founder Jennifer Jones names her favourite TV shows of 2021
Just as we thought Sydney had escaped the perils of other cities we had another lockdown (four months this time coupled with homeschooling!) Thank goodness for the TV gods who delivered some great escapism this year. There is nothing like cosying down with perhaps a pack of Haigh’s peppermint frogs and getting stuck into some very good watching.
I guess with the general doom and gloom of the year I just found that I couldn’t watch anything too heavy. I really found myself drawn to more light-hearted fare. Dramas did make it onto my screen but only if there was something really exceptional about the acting or writing! These were definitely worth the nail biting!
Drama that was worth watching in the middle of a dramatic year
Mare of Eastown: Kate Winslet’s spot-on accent, lack of vanity and the grim Pennsylvania setting all combined perfectly in this whodunnit. (Foxtel)
It’s a Sin: A British mini-series about a group of friends living through the start of the AIDS epidemic of the ‘80s. This one pulled at the heartstrings. (Stan)
Handmaid’s Tale: The fourth season of this dystopian drama saw Elisabeth Moss’ character June finally escape Gilead for Canada. Still dark, still gripping. (Stan)
Vigil: Suranne Jones investigates a murder aboard a nuclear submarine. The claustrophobic setting made this police procedural so riveting. (Binge)
I May Destroy You: Michaela Coel is a genius. She wrote, directed and starred in this unsettling and utterly unique British drama about sexual consent. It also has a killer soundtrack. (Foxtel)
[BOX-OUT]
Other drama series I binged this year
Mr Inbetween (Foxtel)
War of the Worlds (SBS on Demand)
The Undoing (Foxtel)
Industry (Foxtel)
Devils (Foxtel)
Light and easy but with heart and soul and actually funny / charming
Superstore: A group of employees in a big box store in America had me laughing and falling in love with all the crazy and unique characters. Really brought me back to working in big retail with all of its frustrations! (Netflix)
Special: An autobiographical memoir of a gay man with cerebal palsy who decides to change his identity after an accident and finally strive for the life he wants. Really endearing. (Netflix)
Call My Agent: The workings of a Parisian talent agency are laid bare in this French comedy. The Paris setting on its own is enough for me. (Netflix)
Ted Lasso: A small-time American football coach lands a plum job coaching a struggling English premier league club. The second season delivered with Sam Obinsanya romancing Rebecca, Roy Kent’s potty mouth love for Keely and Higgins’ sage advice. Believe! (Apple TV)
This Way Up: Irish actress and writer Aisling Bea created this 6-part comedy series about Aine, a woman putting her life back together again after a nervous breakdown. Sharon Horgan co-stars as her sister. Hilarious and poignant in equal measure. (Stan)
Also check out:
Bridgerton (Netflix)
The White Lotus (Foxtel)
Love Life (Stan)
Sex Education (Netflix)
Sort Of (Stan)
In a category all of its own – hmmmmm, Ralph Lauren country meets Dynasty?
Yellowstone (Stan)
