Best new TV series to watch in 2021

2020 was full of wonderful new TV series and 2021 is set to be no different with some great new shows hitting the screens of the nation. With people spending more time at home and others having to stay at home for their own safety, what better time is there to start a new series?

This article will delve into the TV guide to find the best new UK series for you to get stuck into so you don’t have to do all the hard work. Sit back, relax and enjoy these show recommendations.

It’s A Sin

Where to watch: Channel 4/All 4

A British Television show aired on Channel 4 in January, It’s A Sin is a five-part mini-series based between 1981 and 1991 when the height of the Aids outbreak hit the UK. Starring Years and Years lead singer Olly Alexander, Callum Scott Howells and Lydia West to name a few, the episodes follow their lives as they are tested by the outbreak that shadows them as they try to live their lives as lively 20-year-olds.

Clare from My Tunbridge Wells recommended It’s A Sin as her top choice for 2021, she continued and commented a little more on the series: “I have just finished watching 'It's a Sin' on Channel 4 which is a hugely thought-provoking series about five young men who are hit by the outbreak of AIDs in the 1980s. Despite the heart-breaking topic, It was lovely to see their friendships blossom but so sad to see them once healthy people who had their whole lives ahead of them, become ravaged in such a cruel way. Thanks to medical science, things are very different now but this series really depicts what London was like in the 1980s and how little we knew about the virus when it first appeared. The acting in the series is wonderful and it is well worth a watch.”

Bridgerton

Where to watch: Netflix

One of the most talked-about series for years, Bridgerton aired on Christmas Day in 2020 but that doesn’t make it any less appealing for those wanting to start it in 2021. Set in the backdrop of the Regency period in England the story follows the plot of the wealthy Bridgerton family and their eldest daughter Daphne as she struggles her way through the London marriage market, high-society balls and plenty of eligible suitors. With eight episodes in the first series, more are set to come in the coming years after the huge success and impressive ratings.

Real Simple recently reviewed the show on their website, commenting: “The series follows London's elite in the early 19th century as they seek love and marriage (not always together), political alliances, and gossip during the glittering social season. Think of it as an indulgent, escapist blend of Gossip Girl and Pride & Prejudice with something to appeal to everyone—and a delightful reimagining of how people of colour operate in the era. With only eight episodes and plenty of cliff-hangers and drama to keep you hooked, you'll tear through the show in a matter of days.”

The Queen’s Gambit

Where to watch: Netflix

Another Netflix show that has had great reviews is The Queen’s Gambit. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, the drama mini-series is based in America in the 50s and 60s and follows the guide of the 1983 book by Walter Tevis's of the same name.

The story follows a young orphan and young chess prodigy as she struggles her way through teenage life, becoming one of the best chess players in America whilst also heavily depending on the use of alcohol and drugs to get her through her struggles. Nominated as one of the Best Limited Series or Television Film as well as being Netflix's most-watched scripted miniseries after just four weeks of its release.

This short series is the perfect watch for those who love to get stuck into a deep-thinking drama with added plot twists and likeable actors and storylines.

Toms Guide reviewed the show on their website, saying: “Believe it or not, chess is en vogue once more. In The Queen's Gambit, Anya Taylor-Joy (Emma) stars as Beth Harmon, a prodigious master of the chessboard who wants to be the very best in the world. Not only does Taylor-Joy captivate on-screen, but this is a beautifully shot show that's already earned think-pieces about its gorgeously designed spaces.”

The Serpent

Where to watch: BBC One/BBC iPlayer

Originally shown on BBC One but also available on iPlayer, The Serpent features ‘Victoria’ star Jenna Coleman and is set in the 1970s and follows the darkness of the Asia hippie trail. Based on the real-life story of Charles Sobhraj this murder mystery is gripping and dark. The series was shot in Thailand until Covid abandoned those plans and the rest of the series was shot in Hertfordshire.

iPlayer describes the series in a little more detail on their website: “A hidden darkness on Asia's hippie trail. The twisting, real-life story of a murderer, thief and seductive master of disguise. With Tahar Rahim and Jenna Coleman.”

A Perfect Planet

Where to watch: BBC One/BBC iPlayer

Adding a documentary to the list, the new BBC series starring the firm favourite David Attenborough is called A Perfect Planet. The series is much like Attenborough’s other shows as he follows the world as it changes and adapts to our world and the climate we live in.

The series aims to show viewers how important our unique world is and how what we do has a great effect on the way we will live in future years. The documentary explores amazing wildlife, how humans affect the planet, oceans, the weather, the sun and volcanoes.

Other great shows to watch in 2021:

• The Crown
• The Stranger
• Succession
• The Great
• A Discovery of Witches

TV can be a great escape for those with limited mobility and allows them to escape into a story. If you’re thinking of investing in a stairlift or mobility aid then take a look at our stairlift prices and see which of our options is right for you.

 

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