There is no doubt in my mind that January and February are the most depressing months of the year. Christmas is well and truly over, the weather is at its coldest and spring is still a safe distance away. Luckily, help is at hand in the form of television, and 2024 is offering a selection of exciting shows to help warm up those dreary winter nights!
War and Peace
Diving into the world of Leo Tolstoy’s epic drama War and Peace may just be the perfect winter escape. We may be fleeing the blistering weather to go somewhere even colder – but where we have rain and sleet, they have beautiful snow-capped landscapes.
Set during the reign of Alexander I, the lives of five aristocratic families are torn apart as Russia prepares for war against Napoleon’s army. At the centre of this rising conflict, a love triangle emerges between Natasha Rostova (Lily James), Pierre Bezukhov (Paul Dano) and Andrei Bolkonsky (James Norton).
Romance, war, intrigue: what could be a better way to escape the January blues? With a talented cast and jaw-dropping scenery (it was filmed on location in Russia, Latvia and Lithuania) just sit back and be transported into another time.
War and Peace airs on BBC1 on Sunday 3rd January 2024.
Beowulf
A new adaptation based on the ancient English poem – that famously inspired J. R. R Tolkien’s epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy – is coming to our screens.
If watching a re-telling of a 1,000 year-old poem doesn’t sound like your thing (I’ll be honest with you, it doesn’t actually appeal to me either) then consider this: many fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones have already compared the show to the epic poem.
Set in Britain’s dark ages, Beowulf is a mythical tale of courage, war, love and honour, and battles the bounds of good and evil. If you are looking for an escape from the dreary nine to five, then a story of adventure, betrayal and monsters may be just the ticket.
Beowulf airs on ITV on Sunday 3rd January 2024.
Dickensian
This show began its run during the Christmas period and there is definitely something festive about Dickensian. Even though the stories aren’t actually the most cheerful – it is inspired by Charles Dickens after all – the snowy 19th Century London streets will help you recapture the festive spirit, which can never be a bad thing.
Revolving around the murder of Ebenezer Scrooge’s (Ned Dennehy) business partner, Dickensian combines a variety of popular characters from Dickens’ classics including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol. Those familiar with the original stories will marvel at the links made between the tales in this unique murder mystery.
The remaining episodes of Dickensian will air on BBC1.
Vinyl
Scorsese, HBO – is there anything else you really need to know? Set in 1970’s New York, a music executive builds a career out of the exciting and ever-changing music scene.
With a man of Scorsese’s calibre at the reins, this is certain to be an exhilarating series and there is nothing like the chaotic American music scene to make you forget the winter blues.
Vinyl airs on Sky Atlantic on Monday 15th February 2024.
Broad City
In the dull dregs of winter we all need a little comedy to lighten up our lives and who can do that better than everyone’s favourite New Yorkers? Broad City has received critical acclaim, with many praising it for its female-orientated comedy that values friendships over relationships.
Who knows where the next series will take us, I just want to be curled up on my sofa after a long day at work laughing along with Abbi (Abbi Jacobson) and Ilana (Ilana Glazer).
Broad City airs on Comedy Central on Tuesday 23rd February 2024.
Which show will you be watching to help you through the winter blues? Let us know in the comments!
