SCREEN SAVERS New cult TV
So many streaming services, so much good (and bad) TV to consume. Here are some hidden gems worthy of your hard-earned subscription
Murder In Successville
BBC IPLAYER What? A cross between a police drama and an improv sketch show, where every episode a celebrity guest helps investigate a murder in Successville (a fictional town filled with famous people).
When to watch 9pm on a weekday after a bad day at work.
Who is in it? Comedian Tom Davis plays the lead, DI Sleet. Jamie Laing and Dermot O’Leary have appeared. Taster quote “You’re a cold-hearted piece of shit, Mary Berry!” The bit you’ll be talking about… Greg James being forced to sing All Things Bright And Beautiful in a Jamaican accent by ‘Reverend Gary Barlow’ during questioning for one murder.
Good for fans of… The Mighty Boosh.
Dreams Of A Life
AMAZON PRIME What? A devastating documentary about Joyce Carol Vincent, a woman whose body lay undiscovered in a flat for nearly three years, surrounded by Christmas presents, with the TV still on.
When to watch Any day you’re not wearing mascara.
Who is in it? Fresh Meat’s Zawe Ashton plays Vincent in reenactments of her life, while her real friends and colleagues give their accounts of her life and death. Taster quote “That was the terribly sad thing, no one had reported her missing.” The bit you’ll be talking about… Ashton’s portrayal of Vincent alone in her flat singing into a hairbrush, before breaking down into tears.
Good for fans of… Jesus Camp. HAYU What? Be blinded by veneers and super-tans in this reality series that follows Manhattan’s most successful estate agents on the job. Gossip Girl meets Location, Location, Location.
When to watch On a hungover Sunday. Who is in it? Estate agents Steve, Ryan and Fredrik who make the backstabbing Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills look like Ghandi. Taster quote “Fredrik is a shark, and he does what sharks do: smells blood.”
The bit you’ll be talking about… When Fredrik crashes Ryan’s client meeting to steal his business and in revenge, Ryan blurts, “Fredrik used to do gay porn.”
Good for fans of… Made In Chelsea.
Designated Survivor
NETFLIX What? A lowly government employee becomes the US president after a terrorist attack kills everyone else in the line of succession. Totally believable. No, really – this is what would happen.
When to watch This has ‘bank-holiday binge’ written all over it.
Who is in it? Natascha McElhone, Maggie Q and 24’s Kiefer Sutherland (who you will fancy. Again). Taster quote “Capitol’s been attacked. Congress, Cabinet... Eagle is gone. Sir, you are now the president.” The bit you’ll be talking about… All of it. It is 21 hours of political sabotage, flirty Oval Office liaisons and more drama than a big family Christmas. Good for fans of… House Of Cards.