BBC iPLAYER, ALL 4 & YOUTUBE
AMADEUS The stage version of the magical Mozart movie
For more than 40 years, Peter Shaffer’s play has wowed millions across the globe; most know it via the Oscar-winning 1984 movie. But in 2016 the National Theatre brought it to a new generation with an acclaimed revival. Adam Gillen takes the title role of rowdy young upstart Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose genius enthrals and enrages his arch-rival, court composer Antonio Salieri (Lucian Msamati, who can be seen as Iago on Sunday in BBC4’s showing of the RSC’s 2015 production of Othello). National Theatre Live/YouTube, from Thursday
BEHIND THE FILTER Have they discovered the new Fleabag?
This sitcom pilot was released without fanfare a couple of weeks ago and is quickly gaining a following. Many have likened it to Fleabag – it’s about a single woman lacking in direction and some of the scenes are near the knuckle – but the lead character, Ruby, is more like David Brent from The Office. She’s so desperate to fit in and appear ‘cool’ that she regularly makes massive faux pas. Phoebe Walsh, who also co-wrote the show, plays her. BBC iPlayer, available now
DETECTIVE CAIN Picturesque cop show
Detective Fred Cain is a cynical homicide detective who doesn’t do things by the book. Naturally, his partner, Lieutenant Lucie Delambre, is a sexy, younger woman and there seems to be a certain frisson between them. Oh, and Cain’s in a wheelchair. This is a long-running series in France, where it’s a big hit. And if it doesn’t push back the boundaries of the police procedural, it’s an enjoyably undemanding show enhanced by its sun-drenched locations around Marseille. Walter Presents/All 4, available now
I MAY DESTROY YOU NEW SHOW Harrowing tale that’s made Coel a superstar
Although not exactly unknown before I May Destroy You – her E4 comedy series Chewing Gum was much admired and she gave the prestigious MacTaggart Lecture at the Edinburgh International
Television Festival in 2018 – Michaela Coel (above left, with Weruche Opia) is now being hailed as a TV superstar. She’s the writer, star and co-director of this frank, graphic 12-episode series which fictionalises the story of her sexual assault. She plays Arabella, a Twitterfamous millennial writer who is trying to finish her novel before the deadline. Arabella can’t remember how the previous night on the town ended but she has bruises and her phone is smashed. Then she starts having flashbacks... BBC iPlayer, boxset available from Monday