What I’m Watching on TV

They say it’s a golden age of TV, where even A-listers have succumbed to the small screen. Stephen Miller, known to many as the Lane Cove Public School crossing supervisor and a local marriage celebrant, is this month’s armchair TV expert.

Mare of Easttown (Binge/Foxtel)

I thought this was going to be just another crime drama, which it is, to some extent. But it also deals with other issues, such as grief and small-town community life in a neglected corner of America. At times you will gasp, but then at unexpected moments of humour, laugh out loud. It’s the kind of television really worth your time. 5*

My Beautiful Friend (Binge)

Based on the book by Elena Ferrante, My Brilliant Friend is a rich, intense and warm-hearted story about two friends, Elena and Lila. It’s immersive and beautifully shot in muted tones which perfectly capture post-war Italy. This is one of the best things I’ve watched on the TV in a long time. Note this one is subtitled. 5*

The Pact (Stan)

Recently shown in the UK on the BBC, this engaging story follows a group of women in Wales that unwittingly get caught up in a murder investigation. While it has a similar plot to Big Little Lies, this drama can’t compete with that excellent series. That said, it’s still a reasonable crowd-pleasing whodunnit. Like a good cup of tea, the plot needs time to brew. Once hooked, you’ll forgive the slightly implausible story – particularly the significant absence of CCTV – and just want to keep watching. 3.5*

The Repair Shop (ABC iView and Netflix)

Britain’s most passionate and skilled craftspeople rescue damaged objects, from heirlooms to prized antiques to a loved one’s treasured possession and restore them to their former glory. A fabulous piece of light entertainment full of likeable characters and phenomenal restoration work. 4*

Upstart Crow (Stan)

This satirical Blackadder-esque sitcom, written by the great Ben Elton is about the working and domestic life of William Shakespeare. It’s very funny and clever too. You don’t need to know much about Shakespeare or his writings, but if you do, you’ll enjoy it even more. 4*