Really enjoyed this series, so easy to watch. Nice, light, funny entertainment- not too cheesy or slapstick, but sitcom style without canned laughter. Focused on an African family with a British born son and their neighbours all living on the same London estate. It uses comedy to touch on the difficulties and differences faced by migrant families living the U.K. in the 80's. Well worth the watch!
Add a Review
-
GB6514 February 2020I thought series one was a little slow but I suppose that was whilst they built up the characters. It's great to see a network give writers a chance and allow programmes to grow and in series two this one certainly did. Quality writing and good performances from all. True to life, believable stories and some wonderful memories. Looking forward to series three already.
-
deborahdelacroix-118432 April 2018I really enjoyed watching this series and thought the depiction of the eighties was brilliant. The tone was light-hearted, the soundtrack excellent, and the characters all plausible and likeable. Idris Elba's character was very good, as were all his family and in particular his young son, Kobna. Very gentle viewing but well worth watching, and definitely laugh out loud funny!
-
neilwaynesmith15 November 2019It there no end to the mans talents? This satisfies on so many levels, the period nostalgia and attention to detail, the excellent chemistry and synergy, great writing, great acting, bloody funny and doesn't preach on the attitudes towards race and discrimination.
-
deejaypard2 April 2018Watched all six episodes of this back to back. Its like a modern day Desmonds, totally loved it, will defo watch it all again. Idris Smashed it - Funny AF. The soundtrack is amazing toooo 10/10
-
tararrr3 March 2019Elba and Bailey make a great team, I love them in everything they do. This show is worth watching just for the soundtrack. It'll put a smile on your face
-
lizzieprince29 March 2018Loving this sitcom. I remember the 80s well and it's brilliant soundtrack takes me right back there. It's set in London in the early 80s with the riots, racism and difficult economic times as the backdrop. It's a funny, charming sitcom where you're rooting for the loveable characters. Idris Elba shows that he is a talented script writer as well as a good actor.
-
kasam-khan1 November 2019Really loved the show needs another series. Very nostalgic reminds of Desmonds
-
The_Pete_Jackson29 March 2018Expectations were set high when Sky announced Idris was making a comedy set in the 80's so was excited by the prospect. However, sadly let down. The music sound bites every 5 minutes, the poor script, and the small points of mentioning what was going on in the UK at the time. Yes we get it - it's the 80's, we get it!! Plus Idris' character drives around in a T registration top of the range Cortina. I don't think so.
-
davetattersalluk21 October 2019Binge watched season one last night and now onto season 2. Very funny and I was aged 8-18 in the 80s so I can relate to a lot. Music is great and it also shows what it was like in the 80s.
-
Wasn't sure what to expect but it was a fab,funny revelation.Feels a bit like'Only Fools and Horses' but from a black immigrant perspective.Loved the music as it tied in with the themes and brought the 80's flooding back.As someone else commented it does mention a lot of the 'issues' but with a light touch that I appreciated. The characters are great and whoever the 'singer;is they are super talented and added a poignancy to the episodes.
-
Genius heartfelt show. I held off on a review until episode 4. I was fortunate to grow up in a city where many commonwealth students went to school and as I grew older it was normal to hang with them as it was to hang with locals. Pity those without that enriching experience. This could have been set in Halifax N.S. or Toronto, as the same b.s. happens. But this show treats it right.... and with humor. I'd like to say more, but will settle on 'just watch it.'
Casting is genius, music sublime. I seldom give anything a 10, but this deserves it. bravo. Hope there's a few more seasons. -
flamingofair18 October 2019What a charming, funny, well written comedy. Such a blast from the past, can't believe I've only just discovered this show. Thoroughly enjoyable
-
A totally different slant on the 80's with a very good dynamic between the characters. It offers a comedic take on the trials and tribulations of a West African family bringing up their family in London.
-
Created and starring idris elba - the new ofah this most certainly isn't. Reminds me of the ill conceived - and poorly received - early 2000s bbc alleged sitcom "the crouches" - and we all know what happened to that!
-
kookie-salt9 August 2020I loved this! Watched three seasons in three nights. Easy to watch, lots of laugh - and with each episode laughed more.
-
ijeomas7 October 2020I watched Seasons 1 and 2 in one sitting, then I realized I'd spent the latter part of my day stuck to the TV. Idris did this!!!! I love this show, I forwarded it to everyone I know. Being a mixed chick of the Jamaican Indian Haitian mix, born in the Bahamas, raised in Florida with family all over the world, this show is an awesome depiction of comedy in real life.
-
marferlang2 February 2021What a great discovery! I am fully hooked after watching three episodes. I hope it will be a 'long runned' series. It deserves ten stars for the freshness of the series, and its excellent cast of actors.
-
conrad-anang31 March 2018Idris Elba delivered TV Gold with this one. 80s based nostalgia. Great comedy and music. Wish it was on the BBC for a wider audience.
-
suzannefoulk-697842 April 2018Absolutely loving this comedy . So funny and will resonate with so many being brought up in the eighties . Great characters .
-
lindsayreid200931 March 2018Wasn't sure what to expect from this but we as a family have all found it witty & hilarious, mixing real issues with giggles.
-
paulbrook312 April 2018The only criticism I have about this series is that there aren't enough episodes. It was touching, nostalgic and vey funny.
-
lezoraarter30 March 2021This series has everything you want in a phenomenal show: drama, humor, diversity and a terrific cast of actors. I love this show. It makes me laugh out loud and it touches my heart. I get to see it more on Hulu rather than STARZ. Thank you , Idris Elba for creating such a wonderful show!!!
-
edesignzzzz6 December 2018When I heard about the plot of this comedy I thought to myself "oh-oh here we go again" I was expecting an angry African family dealing with the trials of life in London laced with political undertones of discrimination etc. Boy was I wrong.. I have watched five episodes already and I can say that this is nostalgic humour thats optimistic and does not dwell on the short comings of the characters. The plot is so fast that the characters don't dwell on thier problems for you to feel sad for them. There is always a silver lining and there is no heavy political undertone and the setting in 1985 London takes it out of context from the whole BREXIT conundrum. The writing maybe cheesy and the characters almost stereotyped but the optimism in the face of social and racial tensions of today is brilliant.
-
herehelpyou21 April 2018I am on episode . I have had a few laughs about things that used to happen when I was younger.
Not bad Idris, not bad.
Different from everything else nice move.