Only murders in the building, Wolf Hall, Julia and the Durrells
It will not escape your attention that the fall of us has come. When the leaves rustle under your feet and the rain lashes the windows, it's time to hide indoors, turn up the heating (if the thermostat police allow it) and immerse yourself in a more luxurious TV box.
But which series will best convey mood and greet the season? We've recommended 27 cozy and relaxing shows to watch as the weather turns and the evenings get longer. Pour yourself a warm drink and enjoy watching:
Only murders in the building
(Disney+)
Comedy veterans Steve Martin and Martin Short join forces with their neighbor Selena Gomez to investigate a suspicious death in their Upper West Side apartment building—and make their own true crime podcast about it. Part parody, part generation gap sitcom, part mystery thriller, it's silly, comfortingly addictive and dripping with chemistry.
Foyle's War
(Amazon Prime Video/Apple TV)
Midsomer Murders creator Anthony Horowitz also wrote this criminally underrated historical film set during and immediately after World War II. Michael Kitchen is the hat-wearing DCS Christopher Foyle, a dogged widower hunting down speculators and murderers behind the lines. With eight episodes to immerse yourself in, it's as if Morse has moved to 1940s Hastings.
Life After Life
(BBC iPlayer)
This adaptation of Kate Atkinson's novel flew under many radars, partly because it aired on BBC Two rather than the flagship channel it deserved. Thomasin McKenzie is superb as a woman born in 1910 who goes through an endless cycle of reincarnation. Like Groundhog Day remade into a period drama, it is beautifully realized and emotionally powerful.
Drops Of God
(Apple TV+)
A wine drama based on a Japanese manga? It may seem like a coincidence, but this is one of the most intriguing and intoxicating series. Think «The Queen's Gambit» with a high-level game instead of chess. Who knew luxury wine tasting could be so stressful?
Why didn't they ask Evans?
(ITVX)
Hugh Laurie has adapted this Agatha Christie romp into a vibrant three-part play you'll devour in a weekend. Will Poulter and Lucy Boynton team up to investigate the last words of a dying stranger. A dizzying screwball comedy meets a gripping crime drama. Look out for Emma Thompson, Paul Whitehouse, Jim Broadbent and Laurie himself in supporting roles.
Funny Woman
(Sky/Now)
This charming historical rom-com is adapted from the novel by Nick Hornby. British remix of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Gemma Arterton is absolutely charming as Barbara Parker, a Blackpool beauty queen who idolizes Lucille Ball and dreams of breaking into the sexist world of the Sixties sitcom. David Threlfall and Rupert Everett give excellent supporting performances.
Gemma Arterton in Funny Woman Photo credit: Ben Blackhall pushing daisies
(Amazon Prime Video)
Sweet without In this witty and eccentric comedy-drama of the 2000s, being painful, the main role was played by the British Anna Friel. Pie Maker Ned has the magical ability to bring things back to life with just his touch. After resurrecting his childhood sweetheart, he uses his gift to help solve murders. Think about Randall & 'Dead Hopkirk' meets fairy-tale rom-com.
Gilmore Girls
(Netflix)
Perhaps the most quintessentially fall of American dramas, this beloved mother-daughter drama is filled with orange leaves, big coat and warm hugs. Single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage son Rory (Alexis Bledel) navigate love and life in a quaint small Connecticut town. What follows is a diner, snappy dialogue and a home philosophy.
Virgin River
(Netflix)
Based on the best-selling books by Robyn Carr, this low-key drama is the TV equivalent of starting a fire or dressing up in bulky knitwear. After tragedy strikes, Los Angeles nurse Mel moves upstate to the titular remote town to start over. A touching story of a fish out of water, set against a backdrop of beautiful scenery. Pure comfortable viewing.
For all humanity
(Apple TV+)
It all starts with the familiar footage of the first manned landing on the Moon — only the astronaut doesn’t say “One small step…”, he speaks in Russian. This compelling epic series from Battlestar Galactica creator Ronald D. Moore offers an alternate history, reimagining the Cold War space race that the Americans lost.
(ITVX)
If you were busy watching Call the Midwife on Sunday nights when The Durrells first aired, it's worth revisiting. Keeley Hawes is the widowed matriarch of an unruly English brood in Corfu. Add romance, humor and a pet. The result is television heaven.
The Magpie Murders
(BBC iPlayer)
Another Anthony Horowitz creation, this enjoyable puzzle box is a detective within a detective. When a bestselling author is murdered, his publisher (Lesley Manville) turns to the detective to solve the crime and complete his unfinished novel. Dual time frames, Suffolk landscapes and inventive twists create a tantalizing meta-mystery.
Magpie Murders Photo: BBC Halt & Catch Fire
(Channel 4)
Mad Men for IT geeks, anyone? Critically acclaimed but stunningly underrated, this cult classic depicts the technological boom of the eighties thanks to the rise of a computer company in Dallas. Rich in historical detail, recognizable characters and wit, this rare show has gotten better with each of its four seasons. Its authentic retro fixtures are also huge.
Wolf Hall
(BBC iPlayer)
The best historical drama of the last decade, masterfully adapted from Hilary Mantel's Tudor novels. Mark Rylance is dynamic as Thomas Crowell, Damian Lewis portrays the monstrous Henry VIII, and Claire Foy breaks hearts as Anne Boleyn. There are only six episodes, each with the depth of a feature film. Have fun and watch adult TV.
Julia
(Sky/Now)
Sarah Lancashire crossed the Atlantic to play breakout TV chef Julia Child in this HBO biodrama. Not only does she pull off a California accent, but she also comedically proves herself a match for Frasier's David Hyde Pierce as her husband. Bright fun and full of sly social commentary. Season 2 is coming soon, so it's the perfect time to catch up. Bon appetit.
Berlin Station
(Drama)
Our very own Richard Armitage and Rhys Ifans star in this cool spy thriller about CIA operatives in modern-day Germany. Tense, moody, full of spycraft and captivatingly played by a top-notch cast. For historical intrigue in the city of Brandenburg, try the neo-noir Babylon Berlin on Sky/Now.
Chair
(Netflix)
On this campus, campus gem Sandra Oh from Killing Eve is nominated first the female head of the unsuccessful English department at the University of New England. Will she be able to change the fate of the faculty without losing her crush on a colleague and raising her adopted daughter? Wryly satirical and very watchable.
The News Reader
(BBC iPlayer)
A huge hit in its native Australia, this historical newsroom drama is about to return, so enjoy its debut series now. Anna Torv and Sam Reid explore the minefield of office politics as television journalists in 1980s Melbourne. True events woven into the narrative create a nostalgic, stylish soapy treat.
The Newsreader Photo: Werner Film Productions Poker Face < p>(Sky/Now)
Knives Out creator Rian Johnson's crime episode was conceived as a tribute to Columbo, and it reeks of cozy days in equal measure. Natasha Lyonne plays a Las Vegas waitress on the run from organized crime, getting into scrapes and solving murders on the fly thanks to her uncanny «human lie detector» abilities.
Pachinko
(Apple) TV+)
Set in occupied Korea and hostile Japan, this dynastic drama will remind audiences of classics such as The Forsyte Saga. Adapted from the novel by Min Jin Lee, it is a multi-generational tale of war, politics, romance, family and identity, beautifully shot and with a stunning soundtrack. A TV that is rarely produced these days. Ideal for immersing yourself in the world.
Lovejoy
(Drama)
Browsing antiques is often fun, whether it's real-life events like Antiques Roadshow and The Repair Shop or that eighties comedy. Before he became a villain for hire, Ian McShane was as brilliant as a rogue antiques dealer who got into trouble in the Constable's neighborhood. Our hero also broke the fourth wall 30 years before Fleabag.
Enlightened
(Sky/Now)
«A woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown.» Ten years before The White Lotus became a critical hit, writer Mike White created this stunningly underrated HBO comedy. Laura Dern is a self-destructive executive who awakens in rehab. It's a lot more fun than it sounds, and Dern won a Golden Globe for her brilliant turn.
Abbott Elementary School
(Disney+)
American TV networks excel at creating warm workplace comedies (see also ITVX's Superstore), and this Emmy-winning mockumentary is another one. Following flawed but dedicated teachers at an underfunded school in Philadelphia, she has a high shutdown rate and a huge heart. Production on season three has been delayed due to the writers' strike, so there's time to catch up on the first two.
Last Tango in Halifax
(BBC iPlayer)
Have you missed Sally Wainwright's cooking since Happy Valley hung up the cuffs? It's time to rediscover her BAFTA-winning drama based on her mother's second marriage. Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid, widowed at the age of 70, rekindle the romance that fate deprived them of decades ago. Nicola Walker and Sarah Lancashire are their daughters, it's a real treat.
Last Tango in Halifax Photo: BBC My Brilliant Friend < p>(Sky/Now)
The best HBO drama that too many people aren't watching. Based on Elena Ferrante's beloved Neapolitan novels, this masterpiece chronicles the volatile friendship between Leno and Lila, from their infancy in post-war Naples to adulthood. There are three great seasons ahead, with a fourth and final one on the way.
Colin from Accounts
(BBC iPlayer)
This refreshing Aussie rom-com is one of the year's most unexpected pleasures. Real-life husband and wife Patrick Brammall and Harriet Dyer play Sydney strangers who are brought together by an injured dog named Colin. Watch eight hilarious and incredibly charming episodes. An incendiary comedy.
The Bureau
(Amazon Prime Video)
This spy thriller, set in the General Directorate of External Security, has been called the best French drama of all time. Yes, even better than the beloved Spiral. Based on true events and accounts from former spies, it's all code names, deep cover and nihilistic Gallic cool. Once you start, you won't stop until five episodes (and a lot of shrugs) have passed.
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