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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best shows like 'Dept. Q' to stream on Netflix, Apple TV Plus and more
Netflix's latest hit original is "Dept. Q," a project from "The Queen's Gambit" writer/director, Scott Frank. This new series throws us in with a talented but difficult detective, DCI Carl Morck (Matthew Goode). Morck survives a shooting that claimed the life of another officer and left his partner partially paralyzed, and upon his return to work, he's tasked with tackling cold cases down in the basement in Department Q (hence the title). The series debuted in late May and got off to a strong start. "Dept. Q" climbed straight into the Netflix top 10 upon its release, and it's earned solid praise from critics and fellow viewers. Seeing as "Dept. Q" looks to be another win for Netflix, I'm sure there are more than a few binge-watchers who've already raced through all nine episodes. If that's you, and you're already looking for your next watch, here's a quick round-up of some of the best shows like "Dept. Q" and where you can stream them right now. Before his stint on "Doctor Who," writer Chris Chibnall brought us "Broadchurch," a gripping police drama starring two of the U.K.'s most recognizable actors (Olivia Colman and David Tennant). The show began with the murder of an 11-year-old boy in the titular fictional coastal town. After the body of Danny Latimer is found on the beach, the small town is suddenly the focal point of media madness, and the series follows detectives Alec Hardy (Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Colman) as they try to get to the bottom of the boy's death. It's a well-written and well-performed mystery series, one which should give "Dept. Q" fans another case to become immersed in. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Watch "Broadchurch" on Peacock or Tubi now Sally Wainwright's acclaimed British police procedural "Happy Valley" deserves a mention here; it is rightly lauded as one of the best shows in the genre. The series introduces us to no-nonsense Catherine Cawood (phenomenally portrayed by Sarah Lancashire, whom you may know from "Julia"), an officer who has suffered her fair share of personal tragedy and is troubled by her connection to the despicable Tommy Lee Royce (James Norton). Despite her troubles, she nonetheless continues to investigate cases in the small West Yorkshire town of Halifax. It's bleak but makes for incredibly characterful and utterly gripping viewing. Watch "Happy Valley" on Philo or buy/rent on Prime Video "Luther" is one of the first shows I leapt to when considering this list of "Dept. Q" follow-up watches — mainly because it's one of my all-time favorite British crime dramas. Neil Cross's detective thriller throws us in with DCI John Luther, a member of the Serious Crime (later Serious and Serial) Unit. He's dedicated to the job, but is prone to crossing the line as he strives to juggle his personal and professional lives as he tackles some of the darkest crimes in London. You have another compelling lead to follow in Idris Elba, some thrilling on-the-job action, and some seriously compelling (and frequently rather grim) cases to see solved; what more could you want? Watch "Luther" on Hulu now Apple TV Plus gem "Slow Horses" might be the most obvious choice on this list. "Dept. Q" hinges, after all, on the sarcastic DCI Morck and the team he assembles, and "Slow Horses" throws us in with an entire ensemble of similarly abrasive rejects from the British Intelligence service. Swapping Edinburgh for London (and beyond), "Slow Horses" throws us in with River Cartwright (Jack Lowden), Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman), and the rest of the Slough Horse crew. Ostensibly, their base is little more than a holding pen for the failed operatives, but in their own special way, the team manages to get tangled up in cases with major implications for the safety of Britain. It's funny, it's thrilling, and it comes highly recommended by both me and countless critics and fans. Watch "Slow Horses" on Apple TV Plus now If you're looking for another crime series to get stuck into but don't want to leave Netflix, then the mystery anthology series "The Sinner" is a solid suggestion. Originally developed for USA Network by Derek Simonds and based on a novel by German author Petra Hammesfahr, "The Sinner" sees Bill Pullman stepping into frame as Detective Harry Ambrose Across the show's four seasons, this grizzled detective strives to get to the bottom of a number of intriguing cases, beginning with that of Cora (Jessica Biel), a young woman who suddenly turns killer. It's a "whydunnit" and a moody, dark and compelling one at that. Watch "The Sinner" on Netflix now
Metro
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
I'm hooked on ITV's ‘most expensive flop' - even if I don't fully get it
Everything David Tennant touches usually turns to gold. Since becoming a household name as The Doctor in Doctor Who, he's been inescapable – from Broadchurch, to Rivals and even presenting the Baftas. Unless you're Kemi Badenoch, the 54-year-old Scottish actor cannot put a foot wrong. That is, until ITV's The Genius Game – a new game show that has been branded the channel's 'most expensive flop'. But for me, of all the highlights of Tennant's career, this is actually the time I've enjoyed him the most. No one else might be enthralled, but we're four episodes in and there hasn't been another show since The Traitors where I am counting down the days to get my fix. The premise is… well, it's actually quite complicated – and that's where much of the criticism lies. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The reality series first launched in South Korea, running for four seasons between 2013 and 2015. Contestants were usually celebrities who would compete in various challenges to test their strategic and social skills. In its first British adaptation (which I fear will only last for one series on the basis of its grim critical response and abysmal viewing figures) a group of self-proclaimed geniuses are pitted against each other in Squid Game-esque challenges that could only be played by some of the brightest minds Britain has to offer. Contestants include a philosophical poker player, a crime writer, a forensic scientist, and a doctor. Each episode, they play a game footed equally in strategy and manipulation. At the end of each game, one player is declared the loser and enters the death match, where they select a rival of their choice to play another game, which will decide who gets eliminated. The winner of the challenge receives the Token of Life, which grants them immunity from said death match, as well as garnets (worth £1,000 each). Throughout the series, they want to acquire as many garnets as possible, with the eventual player with the most garnets taking home a prize of up to £50,000. Their intelligence is tested more than in any other show – there's no specialist subject and general knowledge will get you absolutely nowhere. But I must say, I've had to rewind Tennant explaining the rules each episode more times than I'm willing to admit. This is because there are games where, no matter how many times I watch the rules, I still don't understand them. And while I can see why that is off-putting for viewers who like to have some grasp of what they're watching, I'm into it. The rules come secondary to the gameplay, which – as a diehard fan of The Traitors and almost every series that has since been launched in its wake where manipulation and deceit is key – The Genius Game is one of the more interesting. My biggest gripe with The Traitors is actually remedied in The Genius Game. In The Traitors, the finalists are usually there because they have been fairly useless throughout the series, unable to spot the villains in their midst. In The Genius Game, it is the best players and master manipulators who come out on top. Granted, if you're too good at the game, you become a target – but everyone is essentially a traitor and they're all very good at it. They are essentially not just the best brains in Britain, they're the best game players too. As a reality TV fiend, it's a total revelation watching a series where every single contestant is an incredibly strong link with tactics and logic very few of us could understand. In Layman's terms, when I watch football I don't want a bunch of amateurs you'd find at any five-aside tournament. You want the top players, the best of the best. The Genius Game is essentially The Premier League of reality game show contestants. That said, there are clear problems that need fixing. Tennant is hardly present at all. We're four episodes in and he's yet to meet the contestants face-to-face, only communicating via pre-recorded videos. That means it lacks the type of enthusiasm a host like Claudia Winkleman brings to The Traitors, which played a much bigger part of its success than she gets credit for. I personally don't enjoy The Genius Game any less for not totally understanding the game, but I can see the cause for concern that other viewers share and I'm stunned ITV didn't think that would be an issue either. The challenges have been branded 'impossible' and, subsequently, The Genius Game's initial plan to air twice a week at 9pm on ITV was scrapped to just one night a week after the viewing figures tanked. More Trending But too hard doesn't have to mean unwatchable. University Challenge viewers can hardly answer a question, but it doesn't make it less enjoyable to watch – this is because the rules are still simple. Regardless, I'm totally addicted to 'ITV's most expensive flop'. View More » I can't imagine it will ever last longer than another series but I would urge everyone to give it a chance. And who knows, with a few tweaks, it could live up to its own title and be a true stroke of genius. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: Check your passport before travelling – I'd be £500 richer if I did MORE: Keir Starmer's words on Israel aren't enough – we need action MORE: Lorraine hours slashed in huge ITV daytime TV shake up
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sir Lenny Henry returns to stand-up comedy at Perth arts festival
A lot has changed since Sir Lenny Henry did his last stand-up comedy show in become a grandfather, been knighted, and expanded his writing, acting and music-making comedy remains his first love, which is why when Perth Festival of the Arts asked him to headline their 2025 event with a one-off show, he said yes."When you're on the set of Broadchurch and it's all about dead bodies you do wish someone would come on and crash into a bakery by mistake," he jokes."You do wish there were more funny lines. I think comedy is a massive healer and is underestimated."It doesn't have its own category at the Oscars and I think that's terrible. Comedy deserves more respect."Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Richard Pryor, Steve Martin, Lily Tomlin. So many great comedians in the world who've never been given their flowers and I think we need to start appreciating how wonderful it is." Born in Worcestershire in 1958, Sir Lenny has been performing since he was 16 years old, first as an impressionist on a TV talent show and then as a stand-up the most prominent black British comedian on TV in the 1980s, he was incredibly influential and much of his material both celebrated and parodied his African-Caribbean says both his parents - Winifred and Winston - continue to inspire his choices."I remember looking at my mum and seeing how hard she worked for us – she had four jobs," he says. "My dad passed away shortly after he quit work. And that made me realise I don't want to quit work. I've got more to give."I love my audience and I want to show them I'm not just Lenny the impressionist, Lenny the writer or Lenny the actor. "Lenny the comic has been keen to return for a while. He frequently does short appearances at corporate gigs and has been working with regular writer Max Davis to come up with what he describes as a "comedy lecture"."The acting has been something I've been very proud of and want to continue," he says. "But I love the idea of having an hour of comedy you can do, in your pocket. And if somewhere in there we could use Perth as a foundation for that, it would be a good thing."The evening will open with a short set from Perth-born comedian Fred MacAulay, followed by Sir Lenny's set. He'll then take questions from the audience about his 50-year career. It's a career which has taken him from seaside summer seasons to mainstream television and alternative 1985, he co-founded the charity organisation Comic Relief with filmmaker Richard Curtis and was one of 150 comics who appeared in the first Red Nose Day television special in 1988 which raised over £ retired as a presenter of the show last year but says he's still heavily involved as co-founder and life president."It was a massive chapter and it's still ongoing," he says."I'll still do project visits and films but not presenting on the night so you won't see me on the TV as much."He says he will still be compering special events, finding new talent and compares it with the decision to step down as chancellor of Birmingham City University after eight years in the role. During that time, he established the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity there. He recently returned to the university to give an inaugural lecture which called for wider support for diversity programmes - and criticised President Trump for attacking them."Diversity and inclusion mean your mum, your gran, your girlfriend, your gay best friend and if someone is saying we're not going to have that any more, the global majority won't have the chance to be at the table," he says."We want everyone at the table and not just straight white men, thanks." 'Life has changed completely' As a producer, as well as a writer and actor, Sir Lenny says he was heartened to see wider representation at last week's Bafta awards but worries the change is limited to onscreen."Compare the people who make the shows who get up and accept the awards to the people presenting the awards," he says."It's still a predominately cis white male landscape. Hey, I love cis white males. I've worked with them all my life and for 35 years they were the only people I met. Only in the last 10 years it's changed but it's still a very white world."Whoever is making these decisions about our lives, it's a bit one-sided and that could change."While Sir Lenny is excited to try out his comedy routine, a new play scheduled to open in August and two new books in the offing mean he's unlikely to have the time to go back on the road as a things have changed when it comes to the focus of his comedy."I'm 66 now and life has changed completely," he says. "If you see a black person in the garden centre it's usually me. I'm very interested in how Mr Stay Up Late become Mr Staying In man. Crisps, gin and tonic, the telly, and bed at 10 o'clock.""And why are garden centres selling clothes? When I go to Prada and buy a nice shovel, you'll know things have changed."Whatever he jokes about, Sir Lenny promises the same silly and laid back style he employed in the children's show Tiswas - and admires in friend and fellow comic Billy Connolly."Billy Connolly has worked his conkers off to make it look like he's just thought something up," he says. "And he can walk on stage anywhere and make it feel like he's just having a chat with you which just happens to be the most hilarious chat you've ever had in your life."I've always wanted that sense of chaos and fun and loveliness and I've still got that in me, I think."An Evening With Sir Lenny Henry is at Perth Concert Hall, as part of the Perth Festival of the Arts, on Friday 30 May at 19:30.
Edinburgh Live
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Linda Robson addresses Birds of a Feather return after 'emotional' Pauline Quirke update
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Linda Robson says the beloved sitcom Birds of a Feather will not be making a comeback, despite fans' hopes. In a chat with ITV colleague Jane Moore on a new edition of Loose Women: The Podcast, the actress was probed about whether she'd swap her celebrity existence for an ordinary life if she could "go back". Linda, 67, revealed that she wouldn't, stating that she has loved her life in the spotlight, which has allowed her to travel to places such as Japan, Bolivia, and the US. The conversation then turned onto Birds of a Feather, the show which Linda is probably most well known for. When questioned about the classic sitcom's potential return by Jane, Linda dismissed the thought owing to her fellow actress and friend Pauline Quirke. (Image: Getty Images) She said: "No, it's not going to come back. No, it's really not gonna...", to which Jane asked if this was due to her co-star Pauline's dementia diagnosis. Linda added: "Yeah, she's not gonna work again now. Talking of Pauline, Charlie (Pauline's son) rang me, yeah, and just said like, 'she's doing really, really well at the moment'. "Sometimes, she sort of has down days, but at the moment, she's quite up about everything, and he said that they got really, really excited when she said, 'Where's my mate, Linda Robson?'." The actress went on to say that this information left her "quite emotional" before going on to gush about their 50 plus years of friendship. Pauline, famed for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom, was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Her husband, Steve Sheen, announced in January "with a heavy heart" that she would be retiring from acting. The statement further highlighted her "talent, dedication, and vision" which had impacted "countless lives", and confirmed that her Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), located across the UK, continues to operate. Steve added: 'We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.' Linda, Pauline and their co-star Lesley Joseph first appeared on the BBC show in 1989 and shared the screen for an impressive 25 years (with a hiatus). Pauline also featured as Hazel Rhodes in ITV's Emmerdale, as well as Broadchurch, Skins, and Cold Blood. Previously discussing her friend's dementia diagnosis, Linda described Pauline as "so bright and so clever", and emphasised that it "can happen to anybody". She further added to "I have noticed a real difference with her; she doesn't remember her grandchildren so she's not going to remember who I am even though we've been friends 56 years. It really is sad."
Scottish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
ITV viewers praise groundbreaking new crime drama's ‘genius' move
They claimed there was a huge moment - did you spot it? SIGN OF THE TIMES ITV viewers praise groundbreaking new crime drama's 'genius' move Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ITV viewers have praised a groundbreaking new crime drama for its 'genius' move. Code of Silence follows a deaf worker played by Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Ellis. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Code Of Silence stars Strictly Come Dancing winner Rose Ayling-Elliis Credit: PA 4 She plays a deaf police caterer who gets called in on an emergency case to be a lipreader Credit: PA Although her character is from the police canteen, she's called in to be an emergency lip reader for an investigation in Canterbury. This is as she aims to support both herself and her mother as she's forced to work with highly dangerous criminals. Broadchurch actor Andrew Buchan, Call The Midwife star Charlotte Ritchie and former Emmerdale personality Andrew Scarborough make up the rest of the ensemble. After just one episode on screen, viewers have already lauded her brilliant performance. However, ITV made another huge move to support the show which viewers thought was absolutely 'genius'. The official account of the network on X - formerly known as Twitter - stated that one commercial break would be completely silent in honour of the theme of the drama. All the adverts shown on screen would either feature sign language or would be subtitled. The post read: "Tonight's episode of Code of Silence will feature a silent ad break, where all adverts will be signed and/or subtitled and run without sound." Viewers flocked to social media to praise the broadcaster for the 'genius' move, which some claimed was a landmark moment in TV. One viewer gushed: "ITV turning down the sound for the adverts during #CodeOfSilence and including subtitles and interpreters is a big, big WOW!!!." Rose Ayling Ellis previews the Winter Paralympics A second stated: "Brilliant idea! Am loving #CodeofSilence already. Rose Ayling-Ellis is a superb actor." While a third claimed: "That was a landmark moment in British TV. The first time that a mainstream channel has shown Adverts in complete silence with BSL & Subtitles. I hope this raise much needed awareness within the deaf community through this drama and the silent ads moment." "Bravo @ITV The advertbreak is genius. So thought provoking. Brilliant work," noted someone else. As a fifth fan wrote: "ITV1 just had a silent advert break between Code of Silence programme and had subtitles/signing on every advert to highlight what watching TV is like for deaf people. Nice touch," along with a string of clapping hands emoji. And a sixth added: "@ITV well done for the silent advertbreak for code of silence. Fantastic idea." 4 The likes of Call The Midwife star Charlotte Richie make up the ensemble cast Credit: PA 4 Viewers praised ITV for having a silent advert break with just subtitles or sign language Credit: PA Code Of Silence continues on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
