Nowadays streaming is king. There are so many different platforms with a variety of shows. Everyone raves about shows produced here in the US, but what about the shows made across the pond in the UK? Speaking from experience, the UK produces content that is on par and sometimes better than shows produced in the US. Want to expand your television horizons? Look no further!
1."Chewing Gum"
Created, written, and starring Michaela Coel, "Chewing Gum" follows Tracy, a 24-year-old Londoner who wants to break free from her strict, religious upbringing. Tracy wants to have normal life experiences like her friends in that life in her apartment building. "Chewing Gum" follows Tracy's quest for sexual experience while also exploring the immigrant and Black experience in contemporary London. Coel is a revelation as Tracy, a complex character, plus her writing is sharp and poppy, like the show's title.
Seasons one and two of "Chewing Gum" are available to stream on Netflix.
2. "Fleabag"
Phoebe Waller-Bridge gives us "Fleabag" a titular character who really lives up to her name. Still reeling from her best friend's accidental death, Fleabag is having a hard time being a fully-functional adult. Which is kind of hard with a failing business, weird men, an uptight sister, an absent father, and a horrible stepmother. What's great about "Fleabag" is the multi-faceted and complicated woman leading the show. Waller-Bridge's performance is pure comedy genius with a dramatic edge that will have you watching episode after episode.
Season one of "Fleabag" is available to stream on Amazon Video.
3. "Crashing"
What can happen when you live is an abandoned hospital with peers your own age? Turns out a lot. "Crashing" follows a group of 20-somethings in London living in an old, abandoned hospital. Known as "property guardians" the inhabitants of the hospital go through the trials and tribulations that come along with being a young adult. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge (of "Fleabag"), "Crashing" is a more realistic version of "Friends" except no one really gets along, and there's no annoying
Season one of "Crashing" is available to stream on Netflix.
4. "Lovesick"
Finding out you have an STD sucks. What sucks, even more, is having to revisit your past sexual partners and tell them about your predicament. Welcome to Dylan's life. Dylan, a 20-something finds out he has chlamydia and goes through a series of his past partners forcing him to relive some wonderful and horrible romantic experiences. With the help of his friends Evie and Luke, Dylan goes on a journey of sexual recall and self-discovery.
Seasons one and two of "Lovesick" are available for streaming on Netflix.5. "My Mad Fat Diary"
"Mad Fat Diary" is the 90s teen drama of your dreams. Based on the true-life memoirs of Rachel "Rae" Earl, "My Mad Fat Diary" follows her teenage self (played by the brilliant Sharon Rooney) as she copes with reassimilation after a four-month-long stay in a psychiatric hospital. Rae struggles with mental illness and body image issues making life hard. Soon, she meets a group of friends who help her to realize she's a pretty fantastic person. What's so great about "Diary" is that it gives accurate depictions of mental illness. While it can bring drama, "Diary" is chock-full of witty humor. Not to mention, the 90s alternative soundtrack further enhances the show's power.
All three seasons of "My Mad Fat Diary" are available to stream on Hulu.
