My TV Reviews!
TV Shows I Am Watching This Month
I have been on a TV hiatus for the last few months. With the return to school and general life craziness, there just hasn’t been time to sit and watch. Recently, though, I’ve been sneaking in the odd hour or two, and here are a few shows that have held my attention.
Breeders
Breeders recently concluded after four seasons. It stars the brilliant Martin Freeman, who also contributes as a producer and writer. Daisy Haggard shines as Ally, Freeman’s on-screen wife, while various actors play their two children, Ava and Luke.
Freeman plays Paul, a father of two and husband to Ally. He works a humdrum office job at a charity, where he’s been for over twenty years, making him the longest-serving employee. Casual in his work approach, Paul avoids promotions and responsibility like the plague. At home, he’s a loving and protective father but grapples with severe anger management issues. His explosive outbursts, punctuated with expletives, are a defining feature of the show. Though Paul often reflects on his temper, the true consequences for his children don’t become evident until much later.
Ally, on the other hand, works at a sound studio under the hilariously hapless Darren, a neglected husband aspiring to fatherhood despite his much-discussed “slow swimmers.” She loves her job and works tirelessly to keep the company afloat during tough times. Ally is often the voice of reason at work and home, striving to give her children the best upbringing possible. Her balanced approach to conflict provides a calming counterpoint to Paul’s outbursts.
Paul and Ally’s marriage and family life are at the heart of the show. In the first season, Luke and Ava are young (4 and 7), and we get glimpses of their babyhood. Luke is anxious and highly attached to his parents, while Ava radiates charm and sweetness. The early episodes delve into classic parenting struggles—sleepless nights, the death of a beloved pet, and realizing your child isn’t the next baby Einstein (yes, the teacher is sure they started the food fight).
Personally, I much preferred the later seasons, which feature an older Luke and Ava. Watching the family dynamic unfold as the kids grow up is both nostalgic and comforting. The writers excel at keeping familiar themes fresh, and it’s heartwarming to see how a parent’s intentions often shine through, even when their execution is lacking.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Industry (Spoilers ahead!)
If Breeders is the Sunday lunch of TV shows, Industry is the after-work drinks at a swanky London bar.
The series follows four graduates—Harper, Yasmin, Robert, and Gus—navigating their first jobs at Pierpoint, a world-leading investment bank. Each joins a different division, including Foreign Exchange (FX) and Cross-Product Services (CPS).
Hungry for success, the graduates quickly learn the golden rule: always look out for number one. They’re thrown into a cutthroat environment where 50% of the cohort will be let go on RIF (Reduction in Force) Day.
Harper hides a dark secret and hails from the U.S. Yasmin is a privileged heiress with a chip on her shoulder. Robert, from a working-class Welsh family, is ambitious and eager to prove himself. Gus, an old Etonian and Oxford alum, struggles to find his footing at Pierpoint despite his elite background.
The stress of this high-pressure world is too much for Hari, one of their peers. After weeks of abusing stimulants like Modafinil and sleeping in office toilets, Hari collapses from a heart attack and is found dead at work. His tragic fate serves as a sobering reminder of the toll this industry can take.
Despite this, the remaining four bond and face their own challenges. Harper moves in with Yasmin, who becomes her landlady. Robert charms clients with his looks and wit while revealing surprising loyalty to his friends. Gus juggles privilege and personal struggles, including a closeted romantic relationship.
While Industry is a hit with young professionals and offers a vicarious glimpse into high-stakes city life, it doesn’t shy away from the darker elements. However, its graphic moments sometimes feel included purely for shock value. The privilege depicted—especially through characters like Yasmin—often stretches believability, though it’s undeniably fascinating. It’s also an unexpected crash course in legal and banking jargon!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Bridgerton
Not much needs to be said about Bridgerton—it’s one of the few shows I can happily rewatch! Set in the early 1800s, Shondaland brings Julia Quinn’s beloved period dramas to life with all the glitz, glamour, and romance you could ask for. It’s the perfect weekend binge-watch.
What sets Bridgerton apart is its modern twist, with a multicultural cast led by Golda Rosheuvel as the fabulous Queen Charlotte. The first two seasons feature interracial lead couples, and previews for Season 4 promise even greater representation.
This is an indulgent, feel-good series where the happily-ever-after is guaranteed but the journey is packed with enough drama and angst to keep viewers hooked. A must-watch—but history buffs, beware! The show takes plenty of liberties with realism.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
