What I watched on TV…

While our esteemed reviewer Stephen Miller takes a well earned rest, the Editor gets settled on the sofa and gets a little too comfortable…

Nolly (Foxtel)

For two decades, the British soap opera Crossroads drew in 14 million viewers, and at the helm of the show was Meg Mortimer, played by Noele Gordon. This mini biopic, with Helena Bonham Carter (fresh from being Princess Margaret in The Crown) sublimely taking on the part of Nolly, is luminescent and poignant, played out against a backdrop of huge social change in the UK.

Why you should watch it:

If only to see HBC merge Received Pronunciation with a Brummy accent

Monty’s Don’s Adriatic Gardens (ABC iView)

Nothing quite calms the brain than a travel and gardening show combined. Add in the knowledge and gentle, enthusiastic delivery of Monty, and all is well in the world. Don hotfoots it from Venice, down the Dalmatian Coast to Dubrovnik, across to Athens and finally Hydra, visiting private and public gardens and national parks. It is achingly beautiful and educational, even for those whose thumbs aren’t green.

Why you should watch it:

To see the amazing footage of Plitvice Lakes National Park

Poker Face (Stan)

Surely now the TV actress of our time, Russian Doll’s Natasha Lyonne is once again incredible and magnetic. She plays Charlie, who has an extraordinary ability to determine when someone is lying. On the run from trouble herself, Charlie is an outsider with a good heart and a strong moral compass. Each weekly episode is a cover up waiting to be uncovered by bold, courageous Charlie.

Why you should watch it: If you like Glass Onion and Knives Out, it comes from the same creator

The Last of Us (Foxtel)

There’s a lot of noise about this postapocalyptic, post-pandemic, zombie show and rightly so. Although it moves in a genre that has almost been wrung out, it brings a fresh lens and an unexpected plot. The series follows Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting the teenage Ellie across a postapocalyptic America. Based on a 2013 video game of the same name. Why you should watch it: Comedian and TV superstar Nick Offerman goes serious for this one

Your Place Or Mine (Netflix)

This one’s a movie. It could also mark the official return of the Rom Com (that could be a good or bad thing of course). It’s top notch glossy, staring Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher - two long-distance best friends who swap homes for a week and start seeing each other in a new and romantic light. It’s written and directed by Aline Brosh McKenna (The Devil Wears Prada, 27 Dresses).

Why you should watch it:

It’s a whole load better than the Julia Roberts, George Clooney 2022 romcom attempt

The Oscars (Channel 7)

The Hollywood show is being shown locally on March 12. Not sure if we can expect a punch-up this year, but there are some serious contenders, plus there’s no safer Oscar-night bet than Cate Blanchett for Best Actress for her leading role in the film Tar. Definitely worth cheering on a local girl. Get the popcorn at the ready.

Why you should watch it: Well…it does go on for ages, so perhaps YouTube Ms Blachett’s acceptance speech