What I watched on TV

So what entertained our TV man Stephen Miller last month? Well, too many shows to mention, he says. But here are some of his picks.

This Is Going To Hurt

(Binge and Foxtel)

Ben Whishaw’s lively performance of an exhausted doctor is the powerhouse that keeps this must-see series racing along. It’s not easy to pull off making you laugh aloud, then profoundly sad. I have family members who work in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), so I know this is a realistic exploration of the strain the front line staff work under to keep the NHS afloat. This is a brilliant, highly entertaining drama indeed. ★★★★★

Why you should watch it:

Hands down the best series I’ve seen this year. Why you wouldn’t: You’d be mad not to. Dopesick (Disney+)

Dopesick examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The docu-drama is based on journalist Beth Macy’s book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company That Addicted America. It follows actual events over 20 years and how one company – Purdue Pharma – not only caused an opioid crisis but was responsible for drugging so many Americans. ★★★★½

Why you should watch it:

This first-rate series is equally addictive as OxyContin. Why you wouldn’t: Such greed and corruption may make you sick. Minx (Stan)

Minx is a comedy about an earnest young feminist who joins forces with a B-grade porn publisher to create the first erotic magazine for women. It makes a statement right from the get-go, with its funky, groovy period costumes and satirical sleaze of the time. It doesn’t pretend to be anything more than a sugar-coated fantasy version of 1970s Los Angeles – which is much to its credit. Nevertheless, it’s engaging, colourful and fun, and I think you’ll enjoy Minx for more than its articles. ★★★★ Why you should watch it: It’s an excellent new series with real potential. Why you wouldn’t: You are offended by male full-frontal nudity.

Line In The Sand (Paramount+)

Based on a true story, Line In The Sand, while a drama, offers a fascinating insight into how Israeli criminals have increasingly begun to take over entire cities by threatening and intimidating municipal governments. When a detective with a quest for justice is transferred from Tel Aviv to the seaside town of Naharia, he’s faced with such an endemic culture of corruption and terror he’s somewhat alarmed. The storyline of how he goes about changing things is a storyline you’ll quickly become invested in. ★★★★ Why you should watch it: This Israeli rating winner is a compelling and solid crime drama. Why you wouldn’t: The language is Hebrew, so be prepared for subtitles. The Girl Before (Netflix)

Having read JP Delaney’s book of the same name, I was keen to watch this chilly, sophisticated, psychological thriller. However, while acknowledging solid performances from Jessica Plummer and others, some prominent critics thought the show didn’t really stick the landing. I’m not sure I agree, and I enjoyed this binge-worthy series, including the powerful twist off the bars at the end. ★★★½ Why you should watch it: It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Why you wouldn’t: You’re not a fan of the slow burn. Wisting (SBS OnDemand)

Regular readers of this column will know I do like an excellent Scandi-noir crime drama. Norwegian detective William Wisting is empathetic, diligent and determined, and the only thing that seems to escape him as he hunts down Norway’s murderous crims is a happy family life. Maybe this is not up there with efforts from the Swedes and Danes, but I still found it an enjoyable watch. Just don’t expect it to be as good as Broen (The Bridge). ★★★★

Why you should watch it:

The production values are good, and the musical score was excellent. Why you wouldn’t: It probably needed to be darker to be a proper Scandi noir