Ready to ditch the endless scrolling and find your next binge-worthy obsession? This weekend is packed with incredible new shows that promise to captivate, thrill, and even make you laugh out loud! From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, there's something for everyone.
This week is a television treat, featuring the highly anticipated arrival of Lisa McGee's latest creation, How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, on Netflix, alongside Jack Thorne's gripping adaptation of Lord of the Flies hitting the BBC. Adding to the excitement, we have Mackenzie Crook's new comedy-drama Small Prophets, the return of The Artful Dodger, and a powerful, intimate look into Jesy Nelson's life post-Little Mix.
1. Lord of the Flies (BBC iPlayer)
Jack Thorne, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning Netflix sensation Adolescence, is back with a compelling four-part drama that breathes new life into William Golding's iconic 1954 novel. Imagine a group of youngsters, all new to the screen, finding themselves stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. This series plunges into their desperate attempts to establish their own society, a journey that leads to profoundly disturbing outcomes. Prepare for exceptional performances from the young cast in this deeply moving narrative.
2. How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Netflix)
From Lisa McGee, the celebrated creator of the global phenomenon Derry Girls, comes an eight-part comedy horror that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! The story centers on three thirtysomething friends in Ireland: Saoirse (Roísín Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan), and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne). Their lives take an unexpected turn when, at the funeral of a fourth, estranged friend, they discover the person in the coffin isn't who they expected. This revelation sparks an extraordinary cross-country adventure that will test their bonds of friendship and challenge their very understanding of their past, present, and future.
3. Small Prophets (BBC iPlayer)
Get ready for a delightful new comedy-drama from Mackenzie Crook, the beloved actor known for The Office and the mastermind behind the wonderfully gentle Detectorists. Small Prophets introduces us to Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), a man grappling with the seven-year disappearance of his girlfriend. With the unwavering support of his father, Brian (played by the legendary Michael Palin), Michael attempts to summon homunculi, mystical spirits he hopes will help him uncover the truth about his lost love and the possibility of their reunion. This charming and sweet story, a beautiful blend of live-action and stop-motion animation, is poised to become another quintessential British hit.
4. The Artful Dodger (Disney+)
Step back in time to 1850s Australia with this engaging sequel to Charles Dickens's enduring 1838 novel, Oliver Twist. The series follows Jack Dawkins (Thomas Brodie-Sangster), who, after arriving from England, has carved out a respectable life as a Royal Navy surgeon. However, his carefully constructed world is shattered when his former mentor, Norbert Fagin (David Thewlis), makes an unexpected appearance, exposing Jack's past as the notorious pickpocket, the Artful Dodger. Now in its second season on Disney+, this historical heist drama offers a lot of fun for a cozy evening indoors.
5. Life After Little Mix (Prime Video)
You might recognize Jesy Nelson as one-fifth of the powerhouse girl group Little Mix, but this powerful documentary offers a profound and eye-opening glimpse into her life after the band. At 34 years old, Jesy bravely shares her journey, delving into her personal struggles with fragile mental health while under intense public scrutiny, and her subsequent path into motherhood. This is an emotional rollercoaster that can be challenging to watch at times, but it's an incredibly insightful look at resilience and self-discovery.
But here's where it gets interesting... While Lord of the Flies is a classic tale of human nature, could a modern adaptation truly capture the raw desperation and primal instincts of the original? And in How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, is the supernatural element a clever plot device or a genuine exploration of faith and fate? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! What are you most excited to watch this weekend?
