In case you’re ‘working from home’ (aka on the couch, living your best tv watching life), in no particular order, here’s our top 10 entertainment guide…
Fleabag - It takes a couple of episodes to really get into it, but once you're in, it is beyond moreish. The characters are refreshing and the actors are brilliant. It has a raw edge that is a little squirmish and I was genuinely a little bereft when it finished.
RuPaul’s Drag Race - Now in its 12th season, this series takes all our preconceived gender stereotype notions, throws them into a cocktail shaker, and serves it straight back to us. It's part-sparkle, part-political, part-heartbreaking and part-triumphant.
Peep Show - It may border on a little juvenile, but that's why I like it. We used to watch this in Hong Kong, where it's slapstick idiocy contrasted well against the hyper-rich, competitive, corporate world we lived in. Also, if you've ever share-housed, you'll recognise a lot of these plot lines.
Chef’s Table - If you love food, then Chef's Table is like crack. But equally, if you want to peek into what life is like for an artisan with an obsession, it's good for that too. My favourites are Francis Mallman in Patagonia and Massimo Bottura in Moderna - Bellissimo!
The Office (US). It's an oldie but a goodie. Some people prefer the British, original version, but this slow burner series feels like an old pair of tracksuit pants after a season or two. And as an added perk, it goes for 9 seasons, so it will last you weeks and weeks of binge tv.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off - The ultimate 1980s teen flick. It imbibes the ethos that just once, everything could go your way. That, and it's got cool art, cool Chicago as a back drop, and THAT Ferrari, in it. Oh, and Sloane's scrunch boots with shorts and a fringed jacket - that is a look few-to-none can pull off.
Rome - Empire Without Limits Mary Beard is an English scholar who specialises in Ancient Rome. Her documentaries exploring and explaining SPQR are awe-inspiring. She can deconstruct what went on 2000 years ago and make it relatable and entertaining.
The Blues Brothers - I think this film has the biggest cast of cool actors and stars in any film, ever. Aretha Franklin, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, John Belushi, Twiggy, Carrie Fisher, Dan Ackroyd, Steven Spielberg... And aside from he line-up, it's a cool film that captures a time when everything was a lot looser.
Muriel’s Wedding - Is there anything better than a good revenge story?! "I'd rather eat razor blades than drink with you" is an epic comeback. And the more warmer "I don't need to listen to ABBA anymore because my life is as good as an ABBA song". Makes me smile every time.
The Sopranos - Another oldie, but if you haven't seen it in its entirety, then you are missing out on a cinematic masterpiece. It has an edge that can jangle your nerves, and at its heart is the reminder we all have a shadow side that's less than flattering.