From the adaptation of Celeste Ng’s iconic novel Little Fires Everywhere to Janelle Monáe starring in a psychological thriller, it’s a star-studded TV week
TV is pulling out the big guns this week with a host of A-list talent that includes Kerry Washinton, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Connelly and Janelle Monáe. Elsewhere there’s important programming on mental health awareness and the people we must never forget during lockdown. Here’s our pick of what to watch.
Little Fires Everywhere
We’ve been waiting a long time for this one, and all eight episodes of the adaptation of Celeste Ng’s sublime 2017 book are finally in touching distance. Produced by and starring Reese Witherspoon alongside Kerry Washington, this drama explores how the arrival of artist Mia (Washington) and her daughter upends the privileged world Elena (Witherspoon) and her family live in. There’s arson, there’s custody battles, there’s huge family secrets. Expect sparks to fly.
Friday 22 May on Amazon Prime Video
Snowpiercer
If post-apocalyptic dramas are your thing then Snowpiercer will appeal. Based on the acclaimed 2003 film by
Episodes one and two Monday 25 May 25 then weekly from 1 June, Netflix
What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?
In the 90s comic Tony Slattery was a famous face on TV shows like Whose Line is it Anyway
Thursday 21 May, 9pm, BBC Two
Homecoming
Series two of Homecoming has a new protagonist as Janelle Monáe replaces Julia Roberts. The thriller is based on the podcast about a counsellor who worked in a retreat that was ostensibly for war veterans and turned out to be erasing their memories. Series two begins with Monáe waking up on a rowing boat in the middle of a lake with no idea how she got there or even who she is. But now she must find her identity.
Friday May 22, Amazon Prime Video
Old, Alone and Stuck at Home
This may not be easy viewing, but it’s important to remind ourselves that while lockdown is challenging for all us, for older people who are isolated and unable to leave home it’s even harder. This Channel 4 show follows the lives of a cast of over-70s to see how they’re adapting and coping, from Suzanne who has terminal cancer to Desmond who has had to move in with his daughter and has already lost four of his friends.
Wednesday 20 May, 9pm, Channel 4
Images: Amazon Prime, Netflix, Channel 4, BBC