Cape Town – We love a good television show. Lifestyle, drama, espionage and even a telenevola - here’s what the team at Channel24 is addicted to right now.
1. GRAND DESIGN
Available on Netflix (4 seasons)
I really enjoyed the Netflix original series The World's Most Extraordinary Homes when it was released on the internet streaming giant’s platform a while ago. It truly was “house porn” at its very best. Hosts Piers Taylor and Caroline Quentin travelled the world to find unconventional homes in extreme places.
After I had devoured this TV treasure I was desperately looking for something similar to watch. That’s when I found four seasons of the British TV show, Grand Design tucked away among some other random suggestions in my feed. Hosted by the always dapper Kevin McCloud the show has been around since 1999 and follows self-builders as they take on the task of creating their dream homes.
The show, of which more than 100 episodes have aired, always follows the same formula. It kicks off with Kevin meeting the bright-eyed and enthuasiastic families as they go through the extravagant plans for their future house. But somewhere during the almost one-hour-long episodes reality hits them – budgets are obliterated, deadlines demolished and spirits shattered.
Will the house ever get finished? Where will they get the extra money from? Will the family make it through the nightmare that is building your own home? It’s these questions and more that have me tuning in episode after episode. Apart from the thrill of being sucked into the drama, I also thoroughly enjoy seeing creative minds at work and watching people solve problems to finally reach their goals.
Grand Design is pure British TV delight – best enjoyed under a warm blanket with a cuppa and some biscuits. - Herman Eloff (Editor)
2. GREY’S ANATOMY (S14)
Available on: M-Net (DStv 101), Monday at 19:00 and DStv Catch-Up. Seasons 1 – 12 available on Showmax.
Season 14, much like every other season, follows a bunch of new surgical residents, fellows and their attendings - who work in the surgical wing of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in Seattle, Washington - as they navigate their way through the difficulties of the competitive careers they have chosen as well as challenges in their personal lives.
I have been a Grey’s Anatomy fan since the beginning and I have to say the latest season has been the best I have seen from Shonda Rhimes.
It starts with the same favourite faces, who are back following the explosion in the hospital that Edwards was involved in (she does not return). You may think it’s all just the same drama all the time but with so much going on in the world politically, and socially Shonda has managed to work every massive trending issue of late into the show. From continuing to include the LGBTQI community to touching on the tense relationship between people of colour and the American police department as well as inequality between men and women in the work place and the #MeToo movement following the exposé of disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
The writers, directors and cast of the show have handled every topic with caution and care and have illustrated these issues in a very relatable way, while still providing entertainment and a down right great medical show. - Bronwyn McKay (International News Editor)
3. THE AMERICANS (S1)
Available on: eExtra (DStv 195), Wednesdays at 21:30.
This thrilling spy-drama takes place during the Cold War period in the 1980s but it’s so much more than another violent TV show in a violent setting. At its heart it’s the story of Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys). They are two Soviet agents posing as an American married couple (with kids) in the suburbs. No American knows about their secret double life not even their two children and their closest friends one of which is an FBI agent.
This show isn’t just explosions and sexy spy dealings; it’s the story of a couple trying to keep their family safe and together in the face of war at their door. I love the character study that gets packed into the hour-long episodes, it’s a real masterclass in suspenseful storytelling with a soul.
It’s one of those shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat from episode to episode and season to season. My best thing about this show though – without a doubt – is it showcases what an incredible actress Keri Russell is. She should be the next bond. – Alex Isaacs (Music Editor)
4. THE BOSS
Available on: Telemundo (DStv 118 ), Monday – Friday 18:00
Gabriela Suárez (Aracely Arámbula) is a single mother and the only female miner in the mining town, San Pedro del Oro. Outspoken and fearless she becomes the enemy of the powerful mine owner Antonia Guerra "La Patrona" (Christian Bach) who rules the town with her evil minions. Gabriela is framed for murdering eight miners and her dad, which lands her in an asylum. But her story isn’t over yet, she vows to get revenge on all her enemies.
I know what you all are thinking an ‘English dubbed telenovela, are you serious?’ Yes, I am.
Once you get past the out of sync lip movements the story is very compelling. There are so many twists and turns that keep me at the edge of my seat waiting to see what the next cliff-hanger or reveal will be from the writers. It also has two strong female lead characters with the men only being secondary characters.
While the heart of the story might be a woman’s quest for revenge it also tackles themes like: The abuse of power, government corruption and justice. I love a good underdog story and I can't wait to see how Gabriela comes out victorious.
Oh, and the male cast are serious eye candy! - Leandra Engelbrecht (Movies & TV Editor)
(Photos: Getty Images, Facebook, M-Net)
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