TV SHOWS I BINGED THIS YEAR
‘Stop reading this right now (actually, just finish what I’ve written here, please) and watch Russian Doll [on Netflix] starring Natasha Lyonne. It. Is. Everything. The concept is a throwback to Groundhog Day where Natasha’s character is in a weird loop, reliving her 36th birthday party. Not only did Natasha co-create it with comedy genius Amy Poehler, but the show has an all-female writers’ room and an all-female directorial team – and that, dear series junkie, is what we’re here for!’ Anne Hirsch, comedy writer, actor, co-host of The
Great South African
Bake Off and producer of
The Anne Hirsch Show
‘My favourite series this year was Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us [on Netflix]. I loved how true DuVernay stayed to the story and how accurate the detail was from the interrogations, which she intercut with the actual ones. The casting was perfect and the acting unreal: everyone is superb on their own and as an ensemble cast.’ Lesego Tlhabi, writer and content producer, and creator of satirical character Coconut Kelz
‘The show I watched in one sitting was Gentleman Jack
[on Showmax]. It’s a romantic period drama, but it’s also a story about love and betrayal, and about sexuality and female desire – and the two protagonists at the centre of it happen to both be women. Suranne Jones plays the indomitable industrialist Anne Lister with flair, and makes her downright sexy. She, like the show, is unapologetic, hilarious, rude and radical – all this while being a lesbian.’ Cindy Lee, writer, director and co-director of The Girl from St Agnes
‘The obvious one would be The Flash, season 4 [on M-Net City, DStv], because it’s the best season ever… hint, hint (I’m in it.) I also watched all of Russian Doll in seconds, and Euphoria is one to binge. Have you watched Love, Death and Robots? It’s a goodie. Oh, and Barry. My oldschool faves include American Pickers and Mindhunter… I have more, but I’ll stop there.’ Kim Engelbrecht, actress
‘DJ Zinhle’s “Umlilo” will get me on the dance floor; that gong-gong just hits the soul. As the young ones say, this song slaps. It reminds me of that love that revs you up, excites you, gets the blood going. A bumping love track that just ticks all the boxes.’ Tumi Morake, award-winning comedian, actor, writer, producer and author of And Then Mama Said
‘“John Cena” by Sho Madjozi (left). She’s had the most incredible year and this track is the cherry on top. The fact that she got props from Missy Elliott on Twitter after dropping it on [music platform] Colors, then had John Cena himself dancing to it on The Ellen DeGeneres Show is madness. Also, it’s the most catchy chorus I’ve heard all year.’ Tecla Ciolfi, editor of Texx and the City
‘My 2019 track is “Juice” by Lizzo. Put “Truth” in there too. She is such an affirmation for women and body positivity. Her lyrics in “Juice” are a daily anthem that women need to say to themselves!’ Sade Giliberti, TV presenter and actress ‘Definite favourites from this year: Taylor Swift’s “ME!” (I love the upbeat melody and the message), Shawn Mendes & Camilla Cabello’s “Senorita” (such a laidback, sensual tune; it reminds me of a man I was madly in love with years ago – he spoke a few languages and called me Senorita Lange), and Maroon5’s “Memories” for its touching lyrics.’ Tracey Lange, KFM radio presenter, Tussen Ons host and Bravo! presenter