This Way Up (2019– ) User Reviews (78)

Sad, lonely and funny

[AfricanBro · 8/10 · 23 August 2021]

It's not a comedy like most I've seen. Watching this made me feel like hanging out with that funny friend you have who doesn't necessarily make jokes, just a funny character and makes you laugh all the time, it's not forced or scripted, they're just able to find humour behind anything.

However, the shows more than just the humour, it shows a person who's struggling mentally and how it's affecting her life and those around her, veiling her struggles from her friends. Casting is spot on and they really bring the characters and story to life. It's cleverly written and manages to reflect mental issues in such a sad yet funny way. Aisling bea is really amazing at deflecting uncomfortable or awkward situations with her wittiness, even in real life. Her and Sharon's relationship in the show is amazing. I think the show deserves a little more recognition, just a little.

Much Needed

[sophia55 · 9/10 · 29 March 2020]

This Way Up is an incredibly raw and realistic portrayal of mental illness that steers away from cliches or stigmatization. It's not sanitized, but it's not sensationalized either. The show balances comedy and drama expertly. There are absolutely laugh out loud moments, but the show doesn't sacrifice substance for a laugh. Aisling Bea's storytelling is superb, and she's managed to create memorable and nuanced characters.

For Aisling Fans?

[jaredd · 8/10 · 25 May 2021]

I think if you're already a fan of Aisling's comedy style then this will be an easy watch. If you're not, then perhaps it may not be for you. But that doesn't mean it isn't good, it just means everyone has different interests.

Personally I already found Aisling plenty adorable and funny, so when this came out it was just a continuation of my fandom. Aisling is front and center most of the time. Honestly a few times I actually wondered if some things were pulled straight from her personal life and that made it feel even more compelling.

AMAZING

[rwscrnn · 10/10 · 11 July 2021]

An incredible show that has so much honesty and heart and is Funny! Really reminds you to show up for others and keep laughing and loving even when you feel terrible. And it's just amazing well written and acted. The whole cast is phenomenal.

Everyday People's lives via down to earth narration

[nakrugt · 10/10 · 31 May 2021]

I loved the show and I finished it in one sitting. Great writing and acting.

Had I watched this show maybe ten years ago, I would not believe that character would exist, but I have met and known women like her in real life, as well. So, I got to understand her better than I would have ten years ago.

I am not saying I understand completely ot better than anyone else, I am just saying better than I would before.

Looking forward to second season.

Excellent comedic handling of a serious subject

[bostockleigh-75918 · 8/10 · 29 August 2019]

Depression is not pleasant to say the least, but this series brings the point home without labouring it. Laughter smoothly moves to tears and back to laughter... much like life. The most depressing part for me was realising I had just watched the last episode of series 1. I'm really hoping for series 2, and as quickly as possible please! If you haven't seen it, make sure you do, your life can only be a little poorer without it....

Touching, moving comedy

[jackhorsefield · 8/10 · 9 August 2019]

I had to leave a review since I've read some in here that are frankly childish, witless, and overly critical. Perhaps female led comedy is too scary for some? Or maybe the subtly of the humour went over their heads.

It's interesting to see a protagonist whom we can laugh with, rather than at, as is the way with many sitcoms. She is a genuinely funny character who hides behind the tears of a clown when it comes to her hidden mental health problems. The struggles portrayed are very relatable, and they're set in a modern, inclusive world.

It's clear that Aisling Bea comes from a standup comedy background, as her million-words-a-minute ramblings take up most of the screen time. There are moments that are genuinely hilarious, but also very moving as well.

This is a great new addition to Channel 4's abundant collection of UK sitcoms. Hope to see more!

Brilliant

[sil_Pal · 10/10 · 16 July 2021]

Felt compelled to leave a review. Just binged watched season 2 and it's even better than season 1. It's very funny & brilliantly written. And the cast is just perfect. It touched and moved me on so many levels...A must watch.

If Robin Williams and Jennifer Connelly had a love child

[A_Different_Drummer · 7/10 · 24 February 2022]

If Robin Williams and Jennifer Connelly had a love child ... It would be Aisling Bea. Authentic and funny. It is entirely her show. The positive, upbeat and self-effacing vibe is all hers. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

Season 1 is good, season 2 even better

[andrewjdavis-home · 9/10 · 8 August 2021]

This show is like no other. I can't believe Aisling wrote such gritty, moving and sometimes filthy scenes and was prepared to act them out herself with no ego.

The final episode is truly amazing so fingers crossed for a Season 3 because we need to see what happens next.

Well written and acted drama

[bgsmall · 7/10 · 2 September 2019]

Grittier than a sitcom, but with a comedic bent. Great observation of human relationships their fragilities and strengths. Definitely worth watching!

Welcoming, Funny and Entertaining

[nancyldraper · 7/10 · 4 December 2021]

The comedic stylings of Aisling Bea in a sitcom that is welcoming and entertaining. I loved the whole sister dynamic, as co-dependant as it was. Really funny, great one-liners, and yet, some beautiful, heart felt moments. I give this series a 7 (good) out of 10. {Situation Comedy}

My only complaint...

[jinpa5 · 9/10 · 12 July 2021]

Is that there are only 6 episodes each season! Too brief a time with these wonderfully drawn and acted characters! Every actor embodies their character with vivid realness, kindness, and completeness. A perfect blend of humor, drama, and reality. How long will we have to wait for the next season?? Hopefully, all remain healthy and return for season 3.

DON'T miss this one

[robinparker311 · 10/10 · 11 December 2019]

The only thing I can found disappointing about this shoe is that it was only six 25 minute episodes. It's a great story about two sisters & how much they love each other, how much they depend on each other & how much they make each other laugh (as well as everyone around them). Obviously there's much much more to it than that, but that's the premise and Aisling Bea & Sharon Horgan are absolutely perfect together. It's a very good way to take a peek into someone's life through another person who they love so much. Brilliant!

So moving and funny

[simonbirch1 · 10/10 · 9 August 2019]

It seems hit a chord with me the way the character tries to make light of situations, sometimes putting both feet in and creating some awkward moments. It's the strength of Aine's personality that pulls her through. I have created many similar situations but tend to wimp out too soon to rescue myself.

The mental illness I relate to and it helps so much seeing it on screen so I know it's not just me and in some respects keep going because Aine is trying to get through it so can I. The first episode made me smile when Shona asked is she fixed now.

I understand that the first episode is really trying to find itself but I ended up binge watching all the episodes in one day, something I don't usually do but the strength of the character makes me want to watch more. This could have been a film instead of a series.

There has to be a series2 now

Funny cringy and fab

[hadas-haimov · 9/10 · 4 September 2019]

An emotional and hilarious journey to the mind of a young woman, her sister and friends. Love it!

Absolutely brilliant !!

[Vindelander · 8/10 · 10 September 2019]

Wonderful in every respect and great to see Sharon Horgan back after the equally impressive series Catastrophe. Clever and funny and I'm just sorry that there are only 6 short episodes. Aisling Bea is fantastic and such a natural talent. Let's have another series asap.

Aisling Bea is a gem

[michele_joseph · 9/10 · 11 September 2020]

I loved this show. Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan truly seemed like sisters. A great show in every way. Can't wait for another season!

Touching, clever and smart

[cassjthomas · 8/10 · 22 December 2019]

Great writing from Aisling Bea - it's funny and feels authentic. Definitely worth a watch if you like clever, subtle humour as opposed to slapstick. Hope there's a second series!

Lovely series

[jayroof · 10/10 · 18 August 2021]

It's original, funny and real. The themes are topical, there is some sort of truth in the scenes, everything is natural, the sisters are simply gorgeous with such amazing chemistry and connection.

Amazing!

[gemmaheffernan · 10/10 · 13 August 2019]

Mental health issues is a hard subject to tackle but this series handles it beautifully. It's witty, sad, heart warming and dark all at the same time. Aisling Bea and Sharon Horgan have so much chemistry as sisters, so the humour just naturally bounces between the two. The cast is perfect so you can't help but to get invested in their characters. If you are looking for a new series to watch, this is it!

Brilliant. Funny and moving in equal parts

[stairways · 10/10 · 7 August 2021]

Fantastic nuanced writing, brilliant script and performances that are so deceptively detailed and apparently effortless. A terrific exploration of sisterhood, ambition snd disappointment, and of mental strain and vulnerability. Really television doesn't get any better. Watch it. It makes most other 'comedy' series look like the filler they are.

Brilliant

[rhedges-04841 · 10/10 · 11 August 2019]

Fantastically dark and hilarious. Binge watched this series it was so good.

I want more!

[wushockgirl · 8/10 · 25 August 2019]

It's hard to tackle issues of mental health but I love how it was done in this series. It shows a woman trying to overcome it with both humor and with fear. I found the cast choices perfect and automatically could relate to each. This show is whitty and I found myself laughing at times but also feeling for the main character too knowing how hard it is to tackle a giant voice in your head telling you that you aren't enough. I binged this in an afternoon and hope for more episodes soon!

Thoughtful, poignant and funny!

[emmaedwardsrav · 10/10 · 3 August 2021]

As someone whose spent time in a psychiatric unit and suffers from severe long term depression, I recognised so much of my own experiences and those of my fellow patients in this series.

As a 50 year old divorced woman who's experienced fertility issues but is now in menopause, I also saw some of my experiences reflected in Shona's storyline and having to rebuild my life and start again after a long term illness in Aine's.

This is a strong, funny, warm, intelligent series written by women for women. It places women upfront and centre and the writing and comedy reflects that.

It might not rely on obviously signalled jokes and obtrusive oneliners to be funny but that's perfectly fine, it's all the better for it.