masterpiece

The series is based on a best-selling book

A book adaptation hailed a “masterpiece” by viewers is coming to ITV’s streaming service for the first time.

Nine Perfect Strangers, which debuted on Hulu in 2021, will arrive on ITVX in September. It’s not the only new launch landing next month, with all five seasons of Poldark also making its way to the streaming service.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty, the mystery drama has a star-studded cast list with big Hollywood names such as Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarth.

Luke Evans, Christine Baranski, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Shannon, Annie Murphy and Mark Strong also star.

A synopsis reads: “Nine Perfect Strangers is set at a boutique resort which promises healing and transformation to nine stressed city dwellers.

“Watching over them during the ten-day retreat is resort director Masha (Nicole Kidman), a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. However, these nine perfect strangers have no idea what is about to hit them.”

Nine Perfect Strangers was directed by David E. Kelley, known for Big Little Lies, and has been described as a “suspense-filled drama” with lighter comedic moments. The series explores how far people will go to face their personal demons and get well, shining a light on the world of health and wellness and our constant quest for self-improvement.

And while the drama is new to ITV, those who watched it on Hulu back in 2021 have a lot to say about it.

One viewer wrote on IMDb: “This show is amazing I honestly could NOT stop watching, Great casting very thrilling and suspenseful it definitely had me hooked. Going into this show I honestly did not expect much but boy was I wrong, I’m not gonna spoil anything but trust me you should definitely give this show a watch it will not let you down. 100000 out of 10 perfection, thanks Hulu.”

While another added: “Modern masterpiece.Perfectly relevant. Wonderfully acted across the board. This is top tier production of story.

“Filled with character and drama and poignant climax each episode. There is direction and building and thorough relation with everything. No disappointment episode to episode and an overall positive outcome that closes with satisfaction and optimism. Fiction steeped with reality.The music, cinematography, acting, animation, and overall direction really sends this into the upper echelon. Brilliant.”

Overall, Nine Perfect Strangers has mixed reviews, with some calling the plot “confusing”. Reflecting on this, one fan of the book wrote: “The TV adaptation follows the novel very closely. If you read the book you’ll enjoy it on the screen. If you haven’t read the book, sit back, shut up, and get ready for a bumpy ride. THEN leave your review.”

Nine Perfect Strangers will land on ITVX on September 27.

The Gentlemen’s future “felt inevitable”, according to director Guy Ritchie.

Netflix is finally bringing back The Gentlemen and teasing an even darker side of Eddie Halstead.

More than two years ago, The Gentlemen on Netflix became a global phenomenon, attracting more than 100 million views worldwide and reaching the number one spot in 75 countries.

Now, once again back for eight more action-packed episodes, The Gentlemen season two is set to premiere on Thursday, September 3, on Netflix.

And just to give a little taste of what’s to come, the streamer has released the official trailer and this time, Eddie Halstead (played by Theo James) is biting back.

It begins with him telling Geoff Seacombe (Vinnie Jones): “Four hundred years ago, this estate spread out as far as the eye can see. I want it all back.”

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It doesn’t take long for the The Gentlemen season two teaser to welcome newcomer Hugh Bonneville into the fold as Eddie asks for his help to “decriminalise marijuana”.

Elsewhere, Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario) shares her concerns that “The Duke” is evolving into “something volatile”, with a follow-up clip showing Eddie strangling someone.

But the trailer really escalates when, after Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone) calls him a “snake”, Eddie unexpectedly screams in his face: “Don’t you f*****g talk to me like that!”, leaving everyone stunned.

Clearly excited to see what’s to come, one YouTuber user commented: “When the world needed The Gentlemen most, they returned.”

Someone else exclaimed: “Guy Ritchie masterpiece”, as another added: “I know this is going to be epic”, a third pleaded: “Please give us four more plus seasons. Guy Ritchie is the goat.”

Thankfully, the viewers have got their wish as on top of releasing the new series two trailer, Netflix has confirmed that The Gentlemen has already been renewed for season three.

Addressing the good news, Ritchie remarked: “The ambition of The Gentlemen has accelerated, the world has expanded and the consequences carry weight. A third season felt inevitable, and I’m looking forward to pushing the boundaries of it further.”

As of yet, no further details of The Gentlemen season three have been released but given that series two hasn’t even dropped yet, it is still very early days.

Nevertheless, a teaser for what’s coming up has been confirmed by its official synopsis: “It’s been one year since Eddie and Susie joined forces to work together in Bobby’s criminal empire overseas.

“As they drive to expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby is making seem to be increasingly unsound. Now Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well…”

On top of Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville joining the cast, The Gentlemen season two will welcome Dune’s Benjamin Clementine, The Housemaid star Michele Morrone and Love Island icon Maya Jama.

The Gentlemen season two premieres on Thursday, September 3, on Netflix.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

If war films and talented actors are your genre of entertainment, we’ve got a movie recommendation that’ll be right up your alley.

Dubbed an ‘excellent movie all round’, the edge-of-your-seat war drama thriller has completely captivated audiences, with some fans declaring it’s ‘the best movie’ they’ve ‘ever seen’.

Eye in the Sky is a 2016 war drama starring British acting royalty — and it’s currently available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The modern warfare thriller stars the late great British icon and acting legend Alan Rickman, and is considered his last live-action feature film — having released posthumously on April 15, 2016, just months after Rickman died on January 14 that same year. His last film overall though, is Alice Through the Looking Glass, which features him in a voice acting role only.

Eye in the Sky has been dedicated to the Harry Potter star, and while Rickman is definitely one of the highlights of the war drama, he’s far from being the only scene-stealer.

Directed by Gavin Hood with a screenplay penned by Guy Hibbert, Eye in the Sky stars the legendary Helen Mirren in the lead alongside Rickman. The pair are joined by Aaron Paul, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Michael O’Keefe, Phoebe Fox and Iain Glen in supporting roles to round out a talented cast.

Speaking to Collider about her co-star Rickman, Mirren shared: “I think that Alan would have been incredibly proud that this was his last movie. It is what I love about it, which is that the Alan you see up on screen is much closer to the real Alan Rickman that we all knew and loved. You see his intelligence, you see his wit, and you see his authority. I think that that was very much the Alan that we knew.”

With an almost perfect 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Eye in the Sky seems to be loved by one and all.

One viewer was clear the film belonged to Rickman as they wrote on IMDB: “This is Alan Rickman’s movie. He is the star, the cast person who carries the movie. The movie itself is excellent. It tells a compelling story and succeeds in building dramatic tension without becoming contrived.

“The conflict is presented plainly. Every character plays an important role. Yet, Rickman drives this movie. His performance as the general in charge of the operation should earn him at least consideration for the highest official accolades.”

While another fan of the film said: “Excellent movie all around! I rarely give very high ratings, so take this 10 as solid approval. This is a very well-made movie. It’s dramatic (fitting the occasion), compelling, exciting, interesting, intriguing, well-paced, informative, insightful, well scripted, well acted, evocative, relevant, just, intuitive, comprehensive, and so on.

“All of these. I found it very enjoyable to watch, and I followed along and fully understood the situation presented and all of its challenges. It’s difficult to imagine any ways it could be improved.”

An audience review on Rotten Tomatoes states: “Genuinely one of the best films I have ever seen – could be a fantastic debating resource for schools, colleges and universities. Brilliantly communicated from every angle.”

While one viewer said in a glowing review: “I have to say: This film blows my mind. The combination of the suspense, the back-and-forth, and the frustration exceeds any out-of-the-world action sequences; not to mention Mirren and Rickman being superb as always.”

Critics were left equally impressed, with one writing: “It’s a tight thriller played out smoothly but tying the viewer in moral knots. A film to think about for days, with little hope of finding a comfortable answer.”

While another reviewer said: “Eye in the Sky is a disturbing, intelligent and very well crafted contemporary thriller with a solid screenplay by Guy Hibbert and seamless direction.”

A third critic added: “This is the kind of intelligent, thought-provoking mainstream film that’s in danger of becoming extinct. Eye in the Sky is miles above the average multiplex flick.”

Eye in the Sky is available to watch free of cost on BBC iPlayer.

One standard-setting British period drama can’t be beat — depending on who you ask

It’s never been a better time to be a period drama fan. Between a whole spate of Jane Austen adaptations (a new Sense and Sensibility film and Netflix’s upcoming Pride and Prejudice show), The Other Bennet Sister delighting audiences with its fresh take, to the upcoming second series of the Outlander prequel, it’s an embarrassment of riches.

But for some period drama fans, it’s worth looking back at the masterpiece dramas that led the way. For many, Upstairs, Downstairs is the one to beat. This generational saga about an upper class family and their servants will ring a bell, but it predates Downton Abbey by half a century.

The shows share a similar premise — an upper class family, their domestic staff, and storylines featuring both — and even same overarching time period, so if you haven’t heard of Upstairs, Downstairs, you can know what to reasonably expect.

Viewers are passionate about the one they prefer. Ever since Julian Fellowes’ crown jewel debuted in 2010 and concluded 15 years later, discussions and debates abound over the years.

Some have gone so far as to brand Downton a “rip off”. As one viewer proclaimed on Reddit: “I like Downton Abbey better, but Upstairs, Downstairs is the better show. Julian Fellowes blatantly copied a few things from UD [Upstairs/Downstairs].”

To which another responded: “I’m watching upstairs downstairs right now and I’ve already been like ‘wait that was in DA’. What stood out immediately is the daughter being politically active but then the gay footman who has a relationship with the baron. Alfred and Thomas have very similar timelines right now. Only on episode 6 but seeing SO many similarities”

A third said: “Julian Fellowes ripped off 65% of the UD characters’ names and plots for Downton.”

Yet another period drama enthusiast defended both: “They are very different shows from very different eras (70s vs 2010s). I loved Upstairs/Downstairs when it aired. I love DA. I don’t think a show from 40 years ago should be compared to a modern one.”

Interestingly, BBC rebooted Upstairs, Downstairs in 2010, the same year as Downton Abbey. It received mixed reviews and only lasted two series.

The Guardian was equivocal in its review: “Downton Abbey v Upstairs Downstairs – who won? Downton Abbey, of course.

“Here’s the problem. Downton Abbey completely changed the way we watch period drama. Fellowes brought all the tight, witty scripting of a Hollywood adaptation to an original story, topped off with a gigantic, knowingly camp wink that delighted jaded viewers.”

The reviewer, however, didn’t mention where Downton Abbey stood against the original 1970s masterpiece.

Upstairs, Downstairs (1970-1975) is available to watch on ITVX. The 2010 reboot is playing on U, a free streaming platform.

A police drama that has gripped viewers is returning for a new series on the BBC

The BBC has shared a first look at the new series of a police drama fans have called “the best cop show”.

Belfast-set Blue Lights has become a huge success since it started in 2023, with viewers gripped by its first three series.

It is now set to return for a fourth run, and the broadcaster has given fans a peek at what’s to come in images showing Siân Brooke, Martin McCann, Katherine Devlin and Nathan Braniff back in uniform.

The series, which follows officers at the fictional Blackthorn police station in Belfast, will also see the return of Game of Thrones’ Richard Dormer.

He played Gerry Cliff in series one, and will be back alongside Hannah McClean as solicitor Jen Robinson and Jonathan Harden as disgraced former Inspector, Jonty, in an episode “that will answer important questions from the past”.

The new images come weeks after the BBC shared an exclusive clip from the new season.

The brief look at series four showed Constable Shane Bradley (Frank Blake) pulling over elderly driver David (Trevor Gill) and his passenger, Imelda (Rosamund Monteith), to quiz him about whether he had been drinking.

Fans are eagerly awaiting the new episodes, after declaring the first three series of Blue Lights were “excellent” and “outstanding”.

One posted a comment on IMDb.com saying the show was “entertainment at its best”, while another remarked: “As an ex-cop, I’m so sick of US made cookie cutter police shows. Blue Lights in my opinion is bang on what it’s like to be cop.”

“Brilliant acting, directing, production – award winning drama all round,” said someone else. “Absolutely outstanding British drama. It’s poignant, emotional, engaging. The cast are brilliant. Best show I’ve watched in a long time.”

“If you haven’t watched Blue Lights yet, you’re missing out on one of the best shows in years,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “This is a must watch show, one of the best of the 2020s and will one day be a classic,” they continued.

“Watched this whole thing in like a week, it is fantastic,” said someone else, as another wrote on Reddit that it was “a masterpiece of a show”.

“This is probably the best cop show since Southland and Bosch,” another viewer commented.

Blue Lights will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this autumn.

The Odyssey is Sir Christopher Nolan’s long-awaited adaptation of Homer’s epic poem.

Groundbreaking new Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey stars a familiar soap legend.

EastEnders star Himesh Patel stars in the epic, which has already broken records with its cinematic release.

Former soap legend Himesh is a face familiar to many after he played Tamwar Masood, the slightly geeky son of the Masood family, on EastEnders between 2007 and 2016.

As the first Muslim family to live in Albert Square since the Karims in the late 80s, and the first Asian family since the Ferreiras in 2003, the Masoods brought a fresh perspective to the long-running BBC soap, and they quickly rose in popularity.

During his time in Walford, Tamwar was seen helping his family with their business and putting his Oxbridge dreams on hold. Eventually, he left Walford to travel the world with Nancy Carter (Maddy Hill), whom he later married, but the couple ultimately divorced.

In 2016, after nearly a decade, Himesh decided to leave his role on EastEnders to pursue new opportunities in his acting career. It seems to have been a very wise decision, as he is now a movie star with his latest role in the blockbuster movie The Odyssey.

Who is Himesh Patel in The Odyssey?

Sir Christopher Nolan’s new movie, an adaptation of Homer’s Ancient Greek epic, stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the Greek King of Ithaca, on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War.

The highly anticipated film, released on Friday, July 17, is the first-ever feature film shot entirely with IMAX cameras.

It has brought in a huge $264.1million (£196m) worldwide in its first weekend, surpassing the $249million (£185million) opening of The Dark Knight Rises (2012), which went on to be Nolan’s highest-grossing film, exceeding $1billion.

In the film, Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus’ trusted second-in-command. He’s not only fiercely loyal, but he also calls out Odysseus and serves as his conscience as they try to make their dangerous trek home to Ithaca.

The Odyssey features a star-studded A-list cast alongside Himesh and Matt Damon, including Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Robert Pattinson.

“Everything I’ve done in the last seven to eight years has been beyond my wildest dreams, but this movie was such a singular experience,” Himash told the Radio Times.

“There is only one guy who makes movies like this. I don’t know where my career is going but even if I have the privilege of working with Chris [Nolan] again, it won’t be this story, it won’t be this sort of thing.”

Since his EastEnders exit, Himesh has taken on significant roles in several notable films, including Danny Boyle’s Beatles-inspired film Yesterday (2019) and Christopher Nolan’s time-manipulating film Tenet.

In addition, he played the part of Jennifer Lawrence’s character’s romantic partner in the Netflix disaster film Don’t Look Up.

What are viewers saying about The Odyssey?

The Odyssey has already received rave reviews, and taking to Rotten Tomatoes, one viewer dubbed the movie “phenomenal”, while another added: “This is a cinematic masterpiece. Guaranteed Oscars sweep this year!”

A third chimed in: “Film. Of. The. Year. Possibly the decade”, while another added: “A cinematic masterpiece”, while another added: “Got to be one of the best adaptations of all time.”

“The Odyssey is an absolute masterpiece and my favorite movie of the year so far. Christopher Nolan delivers a visually breathtaking epic that had me glued to the screen from beginning to end,” added another.

The Odyssey is available to watch in various cinemas across the UK

The 2002 drama stars late Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill, Keira Knightley and Hugh Bonneville

A ‘gripping’ long-forgotten Sam Neill drama is now streaming on ITV.

It was announced earlier this week that Jurassic Park legend Sam Neill had died at the age of 78. Sam sadly died after contracting pneumonia, his management has confirmed.

The Northern Ireland born and New Zealand actor, best known for playing Dr Alan Grant in the Jurassic Park franchise, died on Monday, just months after he was deemed “cancer-free” following a battle with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

Sam was best known for his legendary Jurassic Park role but the actor also once appeared in a ‘masterpiece’ 2002 drama series alongside Keira Knightley.

Doctor Zhivago was released in 2002. It is based on the 1957 novel of the same title by Boris Pasternak, which was also turned into a film in 1965.

The 2002 series is available to watch on ITV and ITVX, who have described it as: “Keira Knightley stars in this gripping drama set in the tumultuous era of WW1 and the Russian Revolution. Dr Zhivago finds himself tormented by his his love for two women.”

Meanwhile, a synopsis adds: “Having witnessed his father’s suicide, Yury is sent to live in Moscow with his uncle, aunt and cousin. Whilst there, he becomes captivated by a stunning young girl called Lara.”

The character of Yuri Zhivago is played by Hans Matheson, Keira plays Lara Guishar Antipova and Sam plays Victor Komarovsky. Other cast members include Kris Marshall as Pasha Antipov/Strelnikov, Celia Imrie as Anna Gromeko and Hugh Bonneville as Andrey Zhivago – to name just a few.

The series, directed by Giacomo Campiotti, has an impressive 78% Rotten Tomatoes score with many viewers calling it a ‘masterpiece’. One person said: “A masterpiece by Giacomo Campiotti”, adding: “It deserves an Oscar.”

Another fan put: “Wow – this was fantastic! It really all came together with the last installment and truly broke my heart. I don’t see how anyone could not fall madly in love with Hans Matheson as Yury, and Kiera Knightley brought such maturity and worldliness to such a difficult role (amazing at such a young age).

“Both actors should be commended. And as for Sam Neill! He was amazing. The screen practically frosted up when he appeared!”

A different viewer commented: “I haven’t seen the 1st version of Dr Zhivago or read the book but this film is absolutely amazing. I suppose i can’t really judge because of not really knowing the story before this, but as far as I can tell Its a wonderful love story although it is shocking in bits of it.”

Meanwhile, another person added: “I have never seen the original Doctor Zhivago film, so I can’t take any prejudged bias. This mini-series is possibly the best UK mini-series I have ever seen and is a sign that perhaps the UK networks are serious about creating some top quality drama television that HBO have been producing for ages!

“The acting is top quality, however, Sam Neill on top form steals every scene he’s in, and that’s saying something with the quality around him on screen.”

Doctor Zhivago is available to watch on ITV and ITVX

The ‘outstanding’ historical drama, adapted from a best-selling book series, has been dubbed ‘highly addictive’ by fans who are calling it ‘a treat to watch’ — streaming free on Channel 4

An under-the-radar period drama currently streaming free on Channel 4 is being hailed as a masterpiece adaptation of a best-selling book series — and viewers are ‘obsessed’.

The series, originally developed for the BBC, delves into Britain’s history and is based on real events that took place in the 1400s in the tumultuous battle for the throne of England. With the War of the Roses as the backdrop of the historical drama, the series takes a closer look at real-life incidents and the drama surrounding court politics at the time.

The period drama is based on author Philippa Gregory’s Cousins’ War book series and has been adapted from three best-selling novels — The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker’s Daughter.

The costume drama is an amalgamation of stories, characters, and instances from all three books and follows the story of three women — Yorkist Elizabeth Woodville, wife of King Edward IV and played by Rebecca Ferguson; Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort, mother of the Tudor King Henry VII of England and portrayed by Amanda Hale; and Yorkist Anne Neville, wife of the Duke of Gloucester, King Richard III, portrayed by Faye Marsay.

Elizabeth Woodville is the protagonist of the 2009 novel The White Queen, while Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville are the focus of The Red Queen (2010) and The Kingmaker’s Daughter (2012) respectively. These three women appear in the three novels which constitute the screenplay of this underrated television drama which first hit UK airwaves in June 2013.

The series has been on the receiving end of glowing reviews from both critics and audiences.

One critic says of the show: “As a love story set in an impossibly chivalrous past, this was deliciously enjoyable. The conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York ceased to matter — the crucial conflict was between Innocence and Experience.”

While another reviewer writes: “Part soap opera, part war film, and part melodrama, this series is an intoxicating jaunt through a snippet of British history fraught with contentious loyalties and lethal power struggles.”

A third critic said: “It’s a great tale and beautifully told with beautiful actors…Don’t miss it.”

One viewer posted to IMDB: “Fantastic!! The BBC, like most of their period piece dramas, got this series right. It is highly addictive and very watchable. The White Queen has everything an avid audience for this type of show craves; It is romantic; It is violent; It is full of vengefulness, cruelty and karma. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted more.”

While another fan of the show added: “Excellent period drama! BBC does it again! I came across this title by accident and I ended up watching the first four episodes! I love the love story, the drama, the betrayal. Truly a treat to watch! I really enjoyed it, I found the actors to be truly convincing, the decor lovely and the storyline engaging!”

Another IMDB user review reads: “I’ve read the 3 books, The White Queen, The Red Queen and The Kingmaker’s Daughter, and this series is one of the most faithful adaptations I have ever watched.

“The portrayal of the Tudor and Lancastrian England, the life and politics of the feudal society, how Kings and Queens and Great Royal Houses were made or unmade with in fire and blood, and the brilliance and fortunes of Edward’s court, with some artistic license from Philippa Gregory, make for a very compelling watch.”

While one audience review of the show on Rotten Tomatoes states: “I absolutely loved this mini-series. Gorgeous costumes, realistic scenery, intrigue, treachery, lies, unexpected twists and a torrid love story. Seriously, what more could you ask for?”

The White Queen is available to stream for free on Channel 4.

The drama series has been labelled the “greatest TV show of all time” and viewers simply can’t get enough as they binge all the episodes, only to start from the beginning again

Tracking down a new TV series to watch isn’t always straightforward. It largely comes down to your preferred genre, but thanks to streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, there tends to be a fresh release practically every week.

Now viewers are claiming this drama series is so brilliant they’re watching it from beginning to end, then starting it all over again. Someone took to Reddit pleading for a TV show that is ’10/10 from start to finish’. They said: “Like a show where every single season is perfect and there are literally zero skippable episodes. For me it’s honestly Stranger Things, the vibe and the soundtrack just never get old. I’m actually rewatching it right now these days to be honest. What show is an absolute masterpiece in your opinion? Looking for something new to binge watch.”

While plenty of suggestions were put forward, scores of people couldn’t help but rave about Chernobyl.

When somebody brought up the drama series, one viewer chimed in: “Couldn’t agree more. It’s in my top 10 and possibly the greatest ever.” Another added: “Literally came here to say exactly this.”

A third person posted: “Watched it a few days ago – I binged the entire mini-series in one go and the only thing I could think when it finished was ‘Freaking AWESOME series… I want to watch it again’.”

Where to Stream Chernobyl 2019 and Inside the Meltdown Documentary Series

Chernobyl is a historical drama TV mini-series which revolves around the disaster of 1986. First launched in 2019, this version, which has been labelled the “greatest TV shows of all time” on numerous occasions, boasts a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an impressive 9.3 out of 10 stars on IMDb.

Upon its release, it garnered widespread critical praise for its performances, historical accuracy, atmosphere, tone, screenplay, cinematography, and musical score.

This year meanwhile, Chernobyl: Inside the Meltdown arrived as a TV mini-series featuring survivors speaking publicly for the very first time.

It chronicles the nuclear power plant catastrophe, the Soviet cover-up and present-day consequences as it interweaves with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The 2019 series, starring Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgard, and Emily Watson, is available to stream on NOW TV. In April, the multi-BAFTA winning production was made free-to-air on Sky Mix and Sky Atlantic to commemorate 40 years since the disaster.

Chernobyl: Inside the Meltdown, released in 2026, can be streamed on Disney Plus. Further series exploring the disaster are also available, including the documentary What Happened on Chernobyl, which can be found on BBC iPlayer.

Fans have branded the series the ‘best thing since toast’ and it’ll now be available to UK viewers.

Fans of BBC’s ‘masterpiece’ series Ghosts are about to get a new series to sink their teeth into.

The beloved sitcom starring Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe ran from 2019 to 2023, leaving fans devastated at its axe.

But now, three years later, the Australian version will be landing on the BBC. The broadcaster has announced it has acquired the rights to the comedy series, which premiered last year.

The synopsis for the adaptation teases: “Young couple Kate and Sean inherit Ramshead Manor after the timely death of Kate’s great-uncle.

“Heading out to the country to inspect the dilapidated property, they debate whether to uproot their city lives and turn Ramshead into a boutique hotel. Unbeknownst to them, the manor is also home to an eclectic group of Ghosts…”

The cast includes Tamala as Kate and Rowan Witt as Sean, alongside Mandy McElhinney, Brent Hill, Ines English, Michelle Brasier, George Zhao and Jackson Tozer.

The eight-part series will land on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three soon, with Nick Lee, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, saying: “It’s a fresh and very fun spin of the wheel for this beloved BBC format. Fans will really enjoy the world this new ghoulish gang create.”

Ghosts: Australia has already been hailed “excellent” by fans, with one calling it “the best thing since toast”. They went on: “With just enough familiarity to make one feel at home, but sprinkled with unique elements and spirit unlike any series seen before, Ghosts Australia is a must-watch.”

Another called the characters “magnificent”, while someone else wrote: “I’m so impressed with this adaptation! I binged the entire series in one night. The performances are outstanding, the production is stellar, and the writing is sharp, clever, and full of heart.”

Someone else said: “Call me biased because I’m Australian, but this feels like peak cinema chaotic, unforgettable masterpiece that somehow changes your life, steals your milk, borrows your sanity, and still leaves you grinning like it did you a favour in the end. Honestly, nothing else even comes close to this madness.”

The original UK sitcom Ghosts came to an end after five seasons, leaving fans heartbroken.

In a statement shared at the time, the Ghosts team said: “After five incredible years haunting the halls of Button House, we have decided that the time is right to let our beloved sitcom Ghosts rest in peace.

“We have just wrapped filming on our fifth and final series and we can’t wait to share it with you all later this year.

“We could never have imagined the reception the show has enjoyed, or the fun we have had making it, and we would like to thank our amazing cast and crew as well as everyone at BBC Comedy, BBC1 and Monumental Television for their tireless support.”

A highly-demanded feature film is now set to air, The Possession of Button House, with the cast and actors set to return.

“We never planned to come back,” the show’s creators said.

“But when we had the idea for this story, we all got so excited that we couldn’t resist returning to our haunted home for one more adventure.

“We can’t wait to be together and to welcome some brilliant new faces, to tell this soul-stirring tale of life and death.”

Ghosts is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

The critically acclaimed Australian crime drama is perfect for fans looking for a new binge-watch

Crime drama fans hunting for their next must-watch should look no further than this critically acclaimed Australian series that has cultivated a loyal fanbase across the globe.

Created by and starring Scott Ryan, Mr. Inbetween is a dark comedy-crime drama that chronicles Ray Shoesmith, a contract killer who tries to juggle his perilous criminal existence with the mundane demands of fatherhood, relationships, and friendships.

Over three seasons, audiences follow Ray as he’s compelled to handle everything from underworld conflicts and domestic challenges to personal tragedy.

Mr. Inbetween originally broadcast on Fox Showcase from 2018 to 2021 and garnered widespread praise for its writing and acting.

The series also features Justin Rosniak, Brooke Satchwell, Nicholas Cassim, and Damon Herriman.

Despite spanning only across 26 episodes, Mr. Inbetween has established itself as one of the finest crime dramas in recent memory and has received praise from viewers.

One enthusiast wrote on Reddit: “Mr Inbetween is one of the greatest shows ever made. Believe me when I say this show really is a masterpiece”, reports the Express.

“The camera work is beautiful, so many brilliant shots which feel organic and clear, you are never confused at what you are looking at and it stays consistent since it is the same director every episode.”

They complimented the pacing as “fantastic”, adding: “The action is honestly one of the best showcases of special and practical effects on TV in terms of gun scenes.”

They continued: “The characters are what truly makes the show, every character is acted so well you really believe them and see them like a real person. They all have struggles and motivations that make you care for all of them.

“The dialogue is so well written, so many amazing jokes and threatening, gritty quotes which are extremely effective. One plot thread leads to another all while feeling like a day in the life story.”

The enthusiast concluded: “I can confidently say that this show is far better than any Australian movie or show ever made and can stand up to some of the greatest shows ever made. I implore you to please give this show the love it deserves.”

Another echoed their sentiment: “This show is truly a masterpiece. The acting is sublime, everything about it is unbelievably good and the use of some of Nick Cave’s music so perfectly placed that I think it’s the best show to come out of Australia.”

A third chimed in: “When I finished watching all 26 episodes I thought the same thing. Best show ever made.”

Another concurred: “Absolutely loved it. Best show I have seen since season 1 of true detective. The ending…THE ENDING! ! Magnificent.”

All three series of Mr Inbetween are available to stream now on Disney+.

The adaptation of a much-loved Jane Austen novel has long been hailed a classic so watching it at the outdoor cinema at Kew Gardens was truly magical

More than 25 years since its release, this adaptation of a beloved classic novel is still winning over new fans.

Hailed a film masterpiece and dubbed the greatest ever made by devoted fans, Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew McFadyen, tells the story of Elizabeth Bennet and her Mr Darcy.

Based on Jane Austen’s novel of the same name, released in 1813, this timeless love story follows our couple as they go from sworn enemies to something far deeper.

Austen’s classic work was adapted for the big screen by Deborah Moggach and was directed by Oscar-winning director, Joe Wright, as his first film.

With a star-studded cast that also includes Donald Sutherland as heroin Elizabeth’s long-suffering father, Mr Bennet, and Brenda Blethyn as her meddling mother, Mrs Bennet, along with Rosamund Pike as older sister Jane, Carey Mulligan as Kitty and Tom Hollander as the ever annoying Mr Collins. Judi Dench’s appearance as Lady Catherine de Bourgh is one of the many highlights of the film.

Just imagine watching this masterpiece period drama in one of the most dramatic of settings – an outdoor cinema in the middle of the stunning Kew Gardens in London.

Fans and critics alike can’t get enough of the film and it has an impressive 90 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic said: “Between Wright’s magnetically captivating vision and the impeccable performances, Pride and Prejudice 2005 shines as a leading benchmark of a breathtaking adaptation, earning a rightful stamp of approval from countless longtime fans.”

While another wrote: “Wright embraces the tactility of touch, the energy of chaos, and the beauty of stolen glances. Regardless of which Austen is your favorite, it’s easy to fall in love with Wright’s visual feast of a movie.”

Meanwhile a third added: “With the earnest, yet simple depiction of love and the gorgeous, dreamy visuals, Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice remains an enduring classic.”

Fans also adore Pride and Prejudice with many describing it as the “greatest period drama ever made”.

One wrote: “Everything about this movie is perfect. The soundtrack and cinematography are truly incredible and I will always say that this is my favourite adaption of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It has also been my comfort movie for the last 10 years of life.”

While another added: “This is the best movie I’ve ever seen!!! Beautiful cinematography, The acting is by far the best thing about this movie everyone had such amazing chemistry and understanding of their characters. This really captures the essence and the tone of Jane Austen.”

What better place to watch a beautiful classic film than in one of the most stunning settings in the country – outdoor cinema at Kew Gardens.

As part of a weekend long series of outdoor showings, which included Jurassic Park, The Gruffalo, Mamma Mia and Dirty Dancing, sitting surrounded by the greenery and calm of Kew was the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Run along with Adventure Cinemas, the weekend of movies was a sell-out success and it’s easy to see why. Enjoying a picnic, or even a tipple or two, while watching some of the most iconic cinema ever made in such a stunning and incredible location feels like something out of a dream.

While this year’s event is now complete, when tickers become available again, run don’t walk to the front of the queue.

For more information about upcoming events at Kew Botanical Gardens, visit the website.