More merry must-sees
THE ONE TO WATCH WHILE PUTTING YOUR PHONE DOWN ( FOR ONCE) IS… BLACK MIRROR
Dropping six new episodes of Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones’ future visions of life as refracted back through our numerous screens in the middle of the season is a bold move. Showing the confidence Netflix has in one of the jewels in its crown, what we know (and love) about the show so far is: 1) the absolutely amazing Maxine Peake has a starring role in one of the stand-alone episodes. 2) Another, ‘Hang The DJ’ takes its title from one of the best Smiths’ choruses. 3) There is a twisted rom-com episode, which should be about as far removed from Richard Curtis as it’s possible to swerve. 4) From the trailers, the budgets look utterly enormous. Result!
THE ONE TO PRICK THE NOSTALGIA BUTTON IS… WILL & GRACE
A gay lawyer, his straight best friend, his camp sidekick and Megan Mullally, being utterly stupendous. This was how American TV met the demands of the new millennium, a liberalising time long before Trump and all that nastiness. The return of Will & Grace has been major news in America – and a rating success, too – and there’s no reason to suggest that in a climate of obstruction to all minorities it won’t similarly chime with the new times here, too.
THE ONE TO WATCH WHILE FINISHING THE BAILEYS IS… VICTORIA
While The Crown has got all the critical glory, Jenna Coleman’s amazing turn as the last of the un-modernisable royals has taken every single tiara in the popular vote. This Christmas, Prince Albert is busy razzing up the Palace, attempting to turn it into something approaching a festive theme park, while Vic herself is contemplating the birth of her fourth child. She really popped them out, didn’t she? This spritely look at the internal machinations of the monarchy of yore is entirely addictive. So is Coleman.
THE ONE TO REMIND YOU OTHER PEOPLE’S COOKING CAN BE MORE STRESSFUL THAN YOUR OWN IS… THE GREAT CHRISTMAS BAKE OFF
Channel 4’s takeover of the Bake Off franchise has been one of the most effortless TV exchanges of our times, keeping faithful to the spirit of the show down to its last letter while keeping only the weakest part of its component castlist, Mr Hollywood, into the bargain. That’ll be the charm of Toksvig, Leith and amazingly also Fielding in a completely new guise. We’re expecting this year’s winner Sophie Faldo to appear. Because of course she should.
THE ONE TO WATCH WITH ACADEMICALLY MINDED GIRLFRIENDS IS… LITTLE WOMEN
The BBC’S big costume drama this year is loftier minded than the last couple of Agatha Christies and delves into Louisa May Alcott’s unparalleled classic on the voyage from girlhood to womanhood. Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March are cast from relative unknowns, though you’ll get a prize point for spotting
Big Little Lies’ Kathryn Newton among them. The very excellent Emily Watson is coming off a good year in which she starred in Apple
Tree Yard to play the matriarch. Heidi Call The Midwife Thomas has written it. Extra bonus: Angela Lansbury as the maiden aunt. Amazing. The entire project is steeped in capable hands.