Get ready for both a nail-biting and a comedic ride this week, as the top TV picks are predominantly an entertaining mix of comedies and tense thrillers. Fans of Derry Girls can get excited, because How to Get to Heaven from Belfast – the new series from its creator – will finally arrive to Netflix.
Viewers can also get stuck into a new BBC sitcom that promises to be as weirdly amusing as it sounds. However, if you’re looking for something a little grittier, this week also welcomes back a returning detective crime thriller for a second series. With so much to look forward to, what are you waiting for? Take a look at the very best of what’s coming to TV, over the next seven days.
Netflix
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast
From Derry Girls’ Lisa McGee comes the new dark comedy How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The series centres around a group of childhood friends, Saoirse (Roisin Gallagher), Robyn (Sinéad Keenan) and Dara (Caoilfhionn Dunne).
Now in their 30s, the tight-knit trio go on a thrilling journey that begins with an email, notifying them of the death of their estranged childhood friend.
As they head for her wake, a series of events “sets them on a dark, dangerous, and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond”, according to the synopsis. It isn’t long before the truth of their past and the secrets they buried catch up with them.
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast is available to watch from Thursday 12 February on Netflix.
BBC
Lord of the Flies
Adapted from William Golding’s 1954 novel of the same name, Lord of the Flies follows a group of school boys who are stranded on a tropical island following a plane crash.
Winston Sawyers’ Ralph assumes the role of leader, backed up by the intellectual Piggy (David McKenna), but a tussle for power soon ensues and their hopes of survival quickly turn to tragedy…
Lord of the Flies is available to watch from Sunday 8 February on BBC One at 9pm and will also air on BBC iPlayer from 6am the same day.
Prime Video/Keri Anderson
Cross, season 2
There’s a new villain in town, and it’s down to the brilliant detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross (Aldis Hodge) to lead the pursuit.
This season, Alex has been given a tip about a killer who is targeting CEOs, particularly one who heads a company that is trying to end world hunger. Now, Cross must catch the ruthless vigilante before it’s too late.
Cross season 2 is available to watch from Wednesday 11 February on Prime Video.
Matt Squire
Small Prophets
After the disappearance of his wife seven years ago, the once eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) now lives an ordinary life, pottering away working in a DIY store while awaiting her return.
That is, until a visit with his dad sets him off on a mission to recreate Homunculi, which, according to the synopsis, are “magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future”.
This six-part sitcom stars Mackenzie Crook and Michael Palin.
Small Prophets is available to watch from Monday 9 February at 10pm on BBC Two and will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Netflix
The Art of Sarah
Chaos ensues when duplicitous Sarah Kim (Shin Hye-sun) crosses paths with the sharp detective Mu-gyeong (Lee Joon-Hyuk).
Sarah Kim is nothing but determined to build a luxurious life for herself and make her name, the fact that it is built on lies is of no consequence to the ambitious dream-chaser.
That is, until the relentless Mu-gyeong threatens to bring her world crashing down around her.
The Art of Sarah is available to watch from Friday 12 February on Netflix.
Disney+
The Artful Dodger, season 2
More trouble is on the way for Thomas Brodie-Sangster’s Artful Dodger, as they synopsis outlines: “He’s got an appointment with the noose, he’s being hunted by Inspector Boxer (Luke Bracey), Port Victory’s new lawman, and if he sees the woman he loves, Lady Belle (Maia Mitchell), he’ll be hanged.”
He’s not the only one whose season two venture is set to get a bit hairy, as Lady Belle’s ambition to create a future for herself in medicine aren’t without its complications. Season two will also welcome new cast members Luke Bracey as Inspector Henry Boxer, Jeremy Sims as Uncle Dickie and rising star Zac Burgess as Phineas Golden.
The Artful Dodger season 2 is available to watch from Tuesday 10 February on Disney+.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. Â For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. Â She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
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