IN THE LONG RUN

STARRING: Idris Elba, Bill Bailey

In a change of pace for star and creator Elba, this 1985set series, which feels very much like a product of the era it depicts, is a family comedy inspired by the actor’s experience growing up in north-east London. Elba plays Walter Easmon, a character with elements of his own father, whose happy life with his wife and son (based on Elba himself) is turned upside down when Walter’s DJ brother arrives from Sierra Leone. Featuring easy laughs and a killer 1980s soundtrack, In the Long Run makes for comfortable viewing. (Starts Tues., Jan. 15 at 9.40pm; ABC Comedy)

“It’s going to appeal to people who want to step outside of dreary 2018,” Elba told Radio Times.