YOUR CULTURE FIX

FROM PARIS TO NEW ZEALAND TO POST-WAR LOS ANGELES – LET THE SMALL-SCREEN WHISK YOU AWAY THIS MONTH. BRYONY FIRTH-BERNARD ROUNDS UP YOUR ESSENTIAL VIEWING

THE LUMINARIES

If you loved the Man Booker Prize-winning novel, you’re bound to enjoy this six-part miniseries, adapted by author Eleanor Catton herself. Set in the 19th century, the story follows young adventurer Anna Wetherell (Eve Hewson), who sets sail from Britain to New Zealand to start a new life, where she meets radiant Emery Staines (Himesh Patel). As they fall in love, driven together and apart by fateful coincidence, these star-crossed lovers begin to wonder: do we make our fortunes, or do our fortunes make us? Don’t expect it to be just like the book, but do expect it to be just as brilliant. On BBC Two from May

HOLLYWOOD

Ryan Murphy, the creator of brilliantly eccentric TV shows Glee, American Horror Story and The Politician, will be bringing more gold to our screens in this new Netflix series. Described by Murphy as ‘a love letter to the Golden Age of Tinseltown’, Hollywood follows a group of aspiring young actors and film-makers post-second World War as they try to achieve their dreams at any cost, shining a light on issues surrounding race, gender and sexuality in the process. On Netflix from 1st May

THE EDDY

Popcorn at the ready! From the director of

La La Land’s Damien Chazelle comes this musical series about jazz pianist, Elliot Udo. Once a celebrated musician in New York, he now owns a struggling club in Paris, The Eddy, where he manages the house band fronted by lead singer and his on-off girlfriend Maja. But things soon get tense when Elliot discovers his business partner may be involved in questionable practices at the club, and his troubled teenage daughter suddenly arrives to live with him. With a soundtrack by six-time Grammy Award-winning composer Glen Ballard, this is set to be a musical experience like no other. On Netflix from 8th May

TRYING

Streaming service Apple TV+ is launching its first UK comedy series. Nikki and Jason are desperate to have a baby, but it’s just not happening. The couple decide to adopt, but are confronted by a world of bewildering new challenges. With their dysfunctional friends, screwball family and chaotic lives, will the adoption panel agree that they’re ready to be parents? This heartwarming comedy is all about growing up, settling down and finding someone to love. It has a treat of a cast, too, including BAFTA Award-winner Imelda Staunton, Rafe Spall, and Esther Smith. On Apple TV+ from 1st May