With the dark nights starting to settle in, it’s always a good idea to have a great documentary or captivating series ready to start
Welcome to Wrexham: Disney+
Welcome to Wrexham is an American sports documentary series that follows actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds as they get a crash course on how to run the third oldest professional football club in the world.
“This is a revelation of a show, whether you are into football or not! It is a show that takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, with so many twists and turns, lots of wins and lots of defeats. It even touches on autism, baby loss but also really funny, touching moments brought by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. It is a real-life “Ted Lasso”, a show that teaches people about never giving up and that, even in times of adversity, there is always hope for a better future. Highly recommend!” Ariana, Sales Manager
Strictly Come Dancing: BBC One
If you’re looking for a show that every generation in a family will enjoy, they don’t come much better than Strictly Come Dancing. From the glorious dancing, the incredible costumes, the phenomenal music and the heartwarming stories of the contestants overcoming the odds each week to perform live in front of millions, this show always delivers the ‘feelgood’ vibes in the lead up to the holiday season.
“There is nothing better than having Strictly to look forward to every weekend from now until Christmas. It’s amazing to see the progression of the celebrities throughout the series and I especially love the extra fun of the themed weeks, like Movie Night or Halloween. I’m loving watching Angela Scanlon – it’s always great to have an Irish celebrity in the mix and she’s doing us all proud. I’m in awe of Angela Rippon as well – some of the moves she pulled in the rhumba, at the age of 79, had me screaming in my living room! Now that we’re out of the World Cup, I can get back to my comfort watch of Strictly on a Saturday evening, without the stress of the rugby.” – Klara, Editor
Dead Set: Netflix
Dead Set is a British zombie horror miniseries written and created by Charlie Brooker and directed by Yann Demange. It debuted in 2008 and ran for one season. The show takes place primarily on the set of a fictional series of the real television show Big Brother.
“Created by Charlie Brooker (Black Mirror, Cunk On Earth), this five-episode miniseries is not for the faint-hearted. Chronicling an apocalyptic invasion of flesh-eating zombies across Britain, the show focuses on the remaining contestants of Big Brother, who are tucked away safely in the reality tv set house – blissfully unaware of the carnage outside. That is, until the doors open on eviction night – even host Davina McCaul is transformed into the walking dead. It’s gory, it’s vulgar but it’s also sharp and satirical; think pop culture meets horror picture.” – Niamh, Deputy Editor
The Great British Bake Off: Channel 4
Now in it’s 13th year on air, The Great British Bake Off continues to be a beacon of creativity, comfort and carbs as the days get shorter and fires are lit in sitting rooms around the country. The series, which moved from BBC One to Channel 4 in 2017, this year saw yet another shakeup to the presenting line-up with Alison Hammond, of This Morning, joining Noel Fielding to shepherd the contestants through their various challenges.
“I am so delighted that The Bake Off is back. It is the most perfectly wholesome watch. While I unfortunately do not possess the patience to create the perfect loaf of bread myself, I just love watching how passionately the contestants work. The creativity involved is so beautiful. Alison Hammond is also the perfect addition to the show! Overall, it is a breath of fresh air.” – Megan, Editorial Assistant
Beckham: Netflix
Most people will have heard of the 4-part David Beckham documentary on Netflix at this stage but if you haven’t watched it yet, this is your sign to do so. Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker and Succession star Fisher Stevens, it tells the unabridged story of how a young boy from East London became a global sports phenomenon and cultural icon.
“I’m not sure what I was expecting when I sat down to watch this but it definitely wasn’t what appeared on the screen. If you’re interested in soccer, you will love it. However, if like me, you’re not that into soccer and tuned in for the love story, the glamour and a glimpse of Chez Beckham, you will also love it. David Beckham’s rise to superstardom is nothing short of jaw-dropping – as was his spectacular fall from grace after that infamous red card in the 1998 World Cup. (The documentary includes a brief but fascinating interview with the player he kicked.) The infamous ‘affair rumours’ are addressed but not discussed in any great detail and there are some really lovely moments towards the end with Victoria and his family. And of course, it includes the hilarious clip of Posh Spice trying to be ‘relatable’ that has been doing the rounds on social media!” – Claire, Digital Journalist