My Recent TV Obsessions...

I am one of those people that bounce from one fantastic boxset to the next and am always gripped with obsession for one show or another. 
Recently there have been so many great shows (both being broadcast now and from days gone by) that my desk is piled high with them and my internet constantly streaming from iPlayer, 4OD and LoveFilm. 
So where to begin? Below is a list, in no particular order, of fantastic shows that I could not live without at the moment...

Community

Definitely one of the funniest shows on the box right now I've sailed through season 1 in a matter of days - it's just so addictive! Season 2 has been ordered and is on it's way!

Parade's End: Episode 1

On TV: Friday 24th August 2012

Channel: BBC Two 9pm

Genre: Action, Drama, War

Episode Type: 1/5

In 1 Sentence: A beautiful, fast-paced adaptation of Ford Madox Ford's Edwardian novels which has the potential to be one of the best dramas of the year...

Parade's End

BBC Summary: In the dying days of the Edwardian Empire, Christopher Tietjens enters into a destructive marriage with the beautiful but cruel socialite Sylvia. Ignoring her overt flirtation with other men, Christopher resolves to remain faithful to her, even when he encounters fearless young suffragette Valentine.

Doctor Who Series 7: Asylum of the Daleks

With Doctor Who set to return for a much anticipated series 7 very soon a new teaser for the first episode 'Asylum of the Daleks' has been released. 

BBC Original British Drama Autumn 2012

I've been pretty excited about some new BBC dramas recently - especially as Autumn always brings us the best ones and, as it already feels like Autumn now the sun seems to have gone away already, it couldn't come any sooner. Asides from the big ones such as Doctor Who and Merlin this recently released trailer gives us some sneaky previews of what's to come. And it looks pretty darn good. And hopefully worth the wait...

Britain in a Day

UK Release: Monday 11th June 2012

Watched on TV: Tuesday 12th June 2012

Rating: 12A

Genre: Documentary

Runtime: 1hr 30mins

True Love

On TV: 17th - 20th June 2012

Channel: BBC One 10.35pm

Episode Type: Drama Series, 5 episodes

In 1 Sentence: Executed with great confidence and potential and yet utterly disappointing...

True Love

BBC Summary: David Tennant, Ashley Walters, Billie Piper, Jane Horrocks and David Morrissey star in an improvised series, exploring five powerful and overlapping love stories set in the same town.

New: BBC Drama - True Love

Starting from Sunday night at 10.25pm on BBC 1 a series of five episodes, each focusing on a different side of love will start. They will be broadcast pretty much every day except for when the football interrupts of course! But from the trailer below and the new Radio Times article I read yesterday it looks to be a very interesting, beautiful and heart-breaking series. 

True Love

Even more exciting is the inclusion of the some of the best of British acting talent today (and some of my favourite actors) such as David Tennant, Billie Piper, Ashley Walters, Kaya Scodelario, Joanne Froggatt, Lacey Turner and Jamie Winstone. I also love the fact that each story centres around a different person and their relationships and that the series is supposedly improvised - probably making for a more realistic and touching drama. 
I can't wait to review the series as a whole once I've seen all the episodes some time in the next week or so (in between exams and trips to london of course!).

The Syndicate: S1 Ep5

On TV: Tuesday 24th April 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 5/5

In 1 Sentence: A shocking and moving conclusion to what has been a fantastic drama...

Episode 5

BBC Summary: Five-part drama by Kay Mellor, following five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they jointly win the lottery.

The Syndicate: S1 Ep4

On TV: Tuesday 17th April 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 4/5

In 1 Sentence: Secrets are out this week in the one of the best episodes yet!

Episode 4

BBC Summary: Five-part drama by Kay Mellor, following five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they jointly win the lottery.

Ep4: Leanne's past catches up with her, and she is thrown into panic when Stacey goes missing. Feelings are riding high as Stuart tries to help, causing repercussions in his home life. Denise is starting to heal her wounds, helped by a budding romance.

Jamie uses his winnings to enter the adult dancing business, while Bob flies to South Africa to bet on a chance at prolonging his life. Leanne thinks she may have pieced together who robbed the shop and confides her suspicions in Stuart.

White Heat: S1 Ep6 - The Sea of Trees

On TV: Thursday 12th April 2012

Channel: BBC Two 9pm

Episode Type: 6/6

In 1 Sentence: The perfect ending to what has been a fantastic series that I am sad to see go...

Episode 6

BBC Summary: It's 1990 and the flat is for sale; Orla organises one last reunion for the flatmates. A brutal revelation has cataclysmic consequences. Back in the present, the last surviving flatmate arrives and the identity of the deceased flatmate is finally revealed.

The Syndicate: S1 Ep3

On TV: Tuesday 10th April 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 3/5

In 1 Sentence: Things get more dramatic this week as this quality series continues...

Episode 3

BBC Summary: Five-part drama by Kay Mellor, following five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they jointly win the lottery.

Ep3: Bob and family are sent reeling by his medical diagnosis. The news causes Bob to evaluate his life and deal with some secret, unresolved personal issues which writing a cheque simply cannot solve. As he awaits a second opinion his fellow lottery winners seek help on the internet, making a discovery. The police investigation into the robbery continues and Bob starts to remember details. Jamie now thinks he is untouchable after his lottery win but Stuart is not so sure. Bob's problem forces Stuart and Leanne to seek solace in their friendship, but will she move away?

White Heat: S1 Ep5 - The Eye of the Needle

On TV: Thursday 5th April 2012

Channel: BBC Two 9pm

Episode Type: 5/6

In 1 Sentence: Not quite as good as the first few episodes, White Heat is still a moving and beautiful series...

The Eye of the Needle

BBC Summary: In 2012, five of the former flatmates await the arrival of the sixth. In 1982, the group are summoned by Jay and Orla to help detox Jack, who is in the grip of a life threatening heroin addiction. However Charlotte finds that Jack's hold over her is equally threatening.

The Syndicate: S1 Ep2

On TV: Tuesday 3rd April 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 2/5

In 1 Sentence: A more touching story this week that while predictable is really rather satisfying...

Episode 2

BBC Summary: Five-part drama by Kay Mellor, following five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they jointly win the lottery.

Ep2: Denise is left devastated when husband Dave announces he is leaving her. She embarks on a personal mission to win him back, but Leanne thinks she is going too far. Denise and Leanne hit the shops, Pretty Woman-style. The police investigation into the robbery leaves Stuart and Jamie to answer some awkward questions, and Bob's brain scan reveals a potential problem. Meanwhile, someone from Leanne's past tries to make contact after the lottery win is announced.

White Heat: S1 Ep4 - The Personal Is Political

On TV: Thursday 29th February 2012

Channel: BBC Two 9pm

Episode Type: 4/6

In 1 Sentence: Experiencing a mid series lull; this week was a little low on drama but at least we got to get to know some of the characters a bit more...

The Personal Is Political

BBC Summary: In 1979, the seven flatmates come together to celebrate Alan and Lilly's wedding. Jay confronts his biggest fear and decides to tell his parents he is gay. Jack decides to join mainstream politics but his aspirations are threatened when Victor is arrested by the police after a stop and search.

Upstairs Downstairs: S2 Ep6 - Somewhere Over The Rainbow

On TV: Sunday 25th March 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 6/6

In 1 Sentence: Beloveds, betrayal and blood - it’s the finale of Upstairs Downstairs!

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

BBC Summary: On the eve of war, Beryl and Harry face a race against time to get married. Meanwhile, Mr Pritchard makes a decision which throws the running of the house into chaos, until an old face lends a helping hand. And as Lady Agnes returns to London, a dark discovery has explosive consequences for all inside Eaton Place and changes the landscape forever.

The Syndicate: S1 Ep1

On TV: Tuesday 27th March 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 1/5

In 1 Sentence: Interesting first episode to what looks set to be a gripping series...

The Syndicate

BBC Summary: Five-part drama by Kay Mellor, following five supermarket workers whose lives are turned upside down when they jointly win the lottery.

Ep1: A supermarket in Leeds is threatened with closure, sending its five staff - Bob, Stuart, Denise, Leanne and Jamie - spiraling into an uncertain future. Assistant manager Stuart Bradley and his younger brother Jamie are forced to take matters into their own hands, with dramatic consequences. Just when it seems that things cannot get any worse, the unthinkable happens - 18 million pounds falls into their laps.

Pramface

On TV: Thursday 29th March 2012

Channel: BBC Three 9pm

Episode Type: Series Overview (6 episodes)

In 1 Sentence: A fantastically funny show which MUST have a second series!

Pramface

BBC Summary: A heart-warming comedy following two unlikely young parents-to-be on a nine month roller-coaster ride.

Being Human: S4 Ep8 - The War Child

On TV: Sunday 25th March 2012

Channel: BBC Three 9pm

Episode Type: 8/8

In 1 Sentence: What does this series’ finale bring?

The War Child

BBC Summary: In this bold series climax, the Old Ones have arrived. The only thing between them and global destruction are our heroes. What needs to be done to save the world?

Upstairs Downstairs: S2 Ep5 - The Last Waltz

On TV: Sunday 18th March 2012

Channel: BBC One 9pm

Episode Type: 5/6

In 1 Sentence: Packed with action and romance this week - it looks set to be a dramatic finale...

Upstairs Downstairs Ep5

BBC Summary: As 165 Eaton Place prepares for the Annual Servants' Ball, Mr Pritchard enjoys a romance with fellow servant Miss Whisset, and starts to wonder if there is more to life than service. With war looming, Harry has a proposition for Beryl, however, a shock revelation threatens to thwart their plans. Meanwhile, as Lady Persie and Sir Hallam continue their dangerous affair, Sir Hallam is about to discover just how destructive his actions have been.

Being Human: S4 Ep7 - Making History

On TV: Sunday 18th March 2012

Channel: BBC Three 9pm

Episode Type: 7/8

In 1 Sentence: The show plunges into darkness as it gears up for the finale...

Being Human

BBC Summary: Tensions run high when Cutler takes Tom firmly under his wing. Annie travels into purgatory to see what the future holds and Hal finds his wicked past catching up with him.