Must-see new drama on U in September
September's picks from U include another chance to watch Olivia Colman in the acclaimed Flowers, as well as new episodes of The Chelsea Detective
Flowers
Comedy | Drama
Summary:Olivia Colman and Julian Barratt star in this dark comedy about the eccentric Flowers family. Maurice and Deborah are barely together but yet to divorce. They live with Maurice's batty mother and their maladjusted twin children.
Why to watch: Brand new to U, this dark comedy stars Oscar-winner Colman at her kooky best. The series first aired in 2016 and both seasons are rated 100% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus that it manages to be both hilarious and moving.
Available on September 4
House of Cards
War & Politics | Comedy | Drama
Summary:Frustrated at a new moderate Conservative government and deprived of a promotion to a senior position, chief whip Francis Urquhart (Ian Richardson) prepares a meticulous plot to bring down the Prime Minister then to take his place.
Why to watch: Regularly ranked among the greatest British TV shows of all time, the series was later adapted into a hit Netflix adaptation - with Kevin Spacey playing an Americanised version of Urquart.
Available on September 3
The Chelsea Detective
Crime | Mystery
Summary:Detective Inspector Max Arnold lives on a battered houseboat at the end of Cheyne Walk after separating from his art dealer wife Astrid. The son of a local bookshop owner, Max is a far cry from the affluent elite whose crimes he solves alongside DC Priya Shamsie.
Why to watch: A cosy drama set in the affluent London borough, offering lots of shots of iconic Chelsea locations. Adrian Scarborough and Sonita Henry play a well-matched detective duo, who are refreshing in their normalcy: almost a rarity in television cops.
Available on September 11
Jonathan Creek
Mystery | Comedy | Drama
Summary:Working from his home in a converted windmill, Jonathan Creek (Alan Davies) is a magician with a natural ability for solving puzzles. He soon puts this ability to the use of solving impossible crimes and mysterious murders.
Why to watch: Another chance to watch this terrific drama from the very beginning. Jonathan Creek thrives off imaginative mysteries and solutions, strong characterisation, plus the acting chops to make it count.
Available on September 10
Sons of Anarchy
Crime | Drama
Summary:The Gentleman’s Charlie Hunnam, Married with Children’s Katey Sagal and Hellboy’s Ron Perlman combine for this acclaimed drama about a notorious outlaw motorcycle club (MC). The MC must confront threats from drug dealers, corporate developers, and overzealous law officers. Behind the MC’s familial lifestyle and legally thriving automotive shop is a ruthless and illegal arms business driven by money, power, and blood.
Why to watch: Another chance to watch this hot drama, which critics praised for its rich ensemble cast and unflinching approach to difficult topics such as gun running and vigilante justice. It’s not an easy watch, but it is a worthwhile one.
Available on September 6
The Brokenwood Mysteries
Mystery | Drama | Crime
Summary:Set in a seemingly quiet country town, new resident Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd finds that murder lurks in even the most homely location. Neill Rea and Fern Sutherland star.
Why to watch: A charming Kiwi murder-mystery series with subtle humour, feature-length episodes, and stunning location shots. The perfect cosy binge watch.
Available on September TBC
Hope Street
Drama | Crime
Summary:The sleepy seaside town of Port Devine, Northern Ireland, is shaken by the mysterious arrival of English Detective Constable Leila Hussain. The residents want to know why she's come, but only Inspector Finn O'Hare knows the reason Leila's been transferred. Together they focus on investigating crime with Port Devine's police department, while trying to keep Leila's dangerous past from catching up with her.
Why to watch: This Northern Irish drama takes a couple of episodes to find its stride, but when it does it’s a delightful detective series that makes for easy watching. The beautiful scenery adds something to it, as well.
Available now
Marriage
Drama
Summary:Sean Bean and Nicola Walker star as married couple Ian and Emma, who negotiate the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage. They deal with the insecurities, the ambiguities, the hopes and the fears that are part of all marriages, as the drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term intimate relationship.
Why to watch: This intimate drama by BAFTA winner Stefan Golaszewski sees brilliantly sharp yet subtle performances from its two British acting legend leads. Seemingly able to communicate without saying a word, it’s no surprise this four-part series was lauded by critics for its realism.
Available now
Whitstable Pearl
Crime | Mystery
Summary:With her son grown up, single mum Pearl Nolan (Kerry Godliman) decides to pursue her lifelong dream and launches a private detective agency, which she runs from her family's restaurant in the coastal town of Whitstable. When an old friend dies suspiciously, Pearl finds herself in conflict with gruff new cop in town, DCI Mike McGuire (Howard Charles).
Why to watch: Light yet suspenseful, this cosy crime drama commits to thoughtful storytelling and high production values. Pearl and Mike's will they-won't they romantic entanglement is also a highlight.
Available now
Ragdoll
Mystery | Crime | Drama
Summary:Based on the book by Daniel Cole, detectives investigate the Ragdoll Killer, who has killed six people and sewn their bodies into the shape of one grotesque body nicknamed the Ragdoll.
Why to watch: This acclaimed serial killer drama is like no other, with an impressive ensemble cast (Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Thalissa Teixeira and Lucy Hale star), a macabre plot and a wicked sense of dry humour.
Available now
