I was sad to see the end of Gentleman Jack, which I wrote about in my May's roundup, but another great series has taken over the Sunday night spot. This is the final series of Poldark and it promises to go out on a high. I won't give away any spoilers for anyone who hasn't watched the first couple of episodes yet, except to say that I think George is finally losing the plot. Suffice to say that I'm looking forward to the next instalment.
The 16th series of Who Do You Think You Are? began this week with Daniel Radcliffe finding out about his ancestors and I found it very moving. I think I've watched every programme in the previous fifteen series, some have been more interesting than others, but I'm always amazed by the characters who turn up in people's pasts. As usual, there's a mix of celebrities in this present series, and even those personalities who I don't know usually turn out to have an entertaining story to tell.
I saw Alias Grace advertised on Netflix and though I'd never heard of it, I saw that it was based on a novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood, the author of The Handmaid's Tale, which I really enjoy watching, so I thought I'd give it a go. Though it's fictionalised, I only discovered afterwards that it's based on the 1843 murders of Thomas Kinnear and his housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery, in Canada. I had no idea what the mini series was about before watching but I enjoyed the way the story is told, by Grace Marks, a servant who was working in the Kinnear household at the time and who was convicted of the crime and sentenced to life imprisonment, as she recounts the details of her life leading up to the fateful day of the murders to a doctor who is researching the case. It's definitely worth a watch if you've got Netflix.
ITV have been showing a Harry Potter film each Sunday for the last eight weeks. I've seen them all before but I decided to record them for Mick, Eleanor and I to watch together. Harry Potter passed Eleanor by when she was younger, she didn't read the books and only watched a couple of the films, she just wasn't interested in it so I wasn't sure she'd watch the films now but she did and she enjoyed them. Harry Potter was more Daniel's thing, I remember Mick taking him and his friend to the local book shop at midnight on a couple of occasions when a new book in the series was released so that he could get it the minute it became available. They're entertaining films but I still prefer the books.
Have you been watching any of these? What else have you been watching this month?
I will definitely watch Alias Grace. It sounds very engaging. We do have Netflix and my husband and I have been looking for something new to watch. We are suckers for British murder mysteries so have really enjoyed Broadchurch, hinterland and happy valley. Line of duty was so absorbing, we've saved one season! Shetland was very nice too. We were thinking of watching The night manager, since it has Hugh Laurie and I'm a very big fan, but we're yet to start. I've heard very good things about The marvellous Mrs Maisel too and The good wife...
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Happy Valley is one of my favourites, I do wish they'd make a new series. I haven't watched The Night Manager but I heard really good things about it so I might get round to it at some point. There's a few you've mentioned which I haven't heard of though so I'll have to check those out.
DeleteMark watches Poldark and he watched Gentleman Jack, I haven't watched either. I remember I used to take the girls to the local shopping centre at midnight to get the new HP books, half the school used to be there, lol I've watched the films as they came out but like you I much prefer the books.
ReplyDeleteI love both Poldark and Gentleman Jack. Harry Potter mania was amazing, wasn't it? I remember it being on the news as each new book was released and everyone wanted to get their hands on a copy as soon as they could.
DeleteI read Alias Grace last year, it's a good read. I've been considering joining Netflix and this might be enough to persuade me to do so.
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Netflix usually do a month's free trial so you could give it a go for nothing. I'm enjoying my subscription, there's plenty on there to watch.
DeleteAlas work keeps me to busy Sunday evenings and I've missed Poldark. I know I can watch it on BBCiplayer, but I don't want to provide all that info they now want just so I can watch. I used to catch up on programmes before they wanted you to sign in. Never mind, cos Vanity Fair is being re-run at 10pm. We also love WDYTYA? and I was quite moved by Daniel Radcliffe's family history. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteI started watching Vanity Fair when it was on before but I just couldn't get into it. Yes, Daniel Radcliffe's family history was very moving, I enjoyed the programme and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
DeleteI had not heard of any of those, but I had to immediately google the circumstances surrounding the murders in Alias Grace - it's always very intriguing when a story is based on actual historical events, especially when it's so close to home. I'll have to add that one to our list.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if the murders in Alias Grace were known to Canadians, I know it all happened a long time ago now though. I really enjoy series which are based on true events, they do say that truth is stranger than fiction.
DeleteLong lost family,Poldark,Who do you think you are,University Challenge,all the medical programmes going and of course Corriedale.
ReplyDeleteNever read a H array Potter book or seen any of the films.
I enjoy medical programmes too but there's so many on these days so I don't watch them all, I do enjoy Ambulance though. I'm enjoying Long Lost Family too.
DeleteI've watched the HP films - always enjoyable but like you I much prefer the books. I've just bought some of the audio books read by Stephen Fry so, after a break, will start listening to them.
ReplyDeleteI watched the Daniel Radcliffe episode and thought it was very moving. I cried when he read the letter at the end.
I've never listened to an audio book but I should imagine the Harry Potter ones read by Stephen Fry are good. The letter at the end of the Daniel Radcliffe episode of Who Do You Think You Are was very moving and when he went into the church, that was sad.
DeleteOT but....
ReplyDeleteMy teen Grand Daughters and I, were all hooked on "Twilight" at the same time. And I remember taking them, to one of those Evening to Midnight book store affairs. To get the next installment, the moment it "came on sale." Fun memories.
They read Harry Potter but I never did.
Nope, not watching Prime on my tablet. And I no longer get Netflix. We have been getting DVD's out of library, to watch.
I think half the fun of getting a book the minute it's released at midnight is the atmosphere with so many people waiting in anticipation. We never seem to watch DVD's anymore.
DeleteI usually watch Who Do You Think You Are? but somehow missed the first episode of the new series, so Ill have to catch up over the weekend.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the Daniel Radcliffe episode of Who Do You Think You Are?, definitely worth catching up on.
DeleteWe watch Who Do You Think You Are when we remember & have found some so interesting & we also have the Australian version too. I've never had an interest in Harry Potter but know so many people who love it. Maybe I'm just boring & practical(lol). Take care & huggles.
ReplyDeleteWho Do You Think You Are? is such a good programme, I'm always pleased when it returns with a new series. I'm not usually into books such as Harry Potter but I've really enjoyed reading them, and watching the films too.
DeleteI am a huge Harry Potter fan both the books and the movies, I loved them all and watch them whenever I can. I am still trying to get through Outlander, it has been though with the torture during the first season.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Outlander but I know it wouldn't be for me if there's torture in it. I remember Daniel watching Game of Thrones and I had to tell him to turn it off and watch it when I wasn't there as it was too violent for my liking.
DeleteI enjoy Who Do You Think You Are too and am looking forward to seeing the new ones. Other than that, I've found some repeats of Downton Abbey, which I love and am watching Keeping Faith, series 2.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that Keeping Faith was back again. I've taped it but I'm not sure yet whether I'll watch it or not as I watched the first series and can't say I was overly impressed.
DeleteI've followed Who Do You think You Are from the first so was pleased that it's back for a new series. This week's episode, Daniel Radcliffe's family history, was very moving. I've been watching the usual gardening and home design programmes. A period drama, Beecham House, set in India has just come to an end. I was expecting a happy ending with the usual wedding scene, but it ended rather abruptly with a 'cliffhanger'! I expect it'll continue and be shown either in the autumn or next year. Meanwhile there's Poldark to catch up on and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteMick's auntie told me she was watching Beecham House and said it was good, she said she thought I'd enjoy it but it's passed me by without me catching any of it. Yes, I'm really enjoying Poldark, I'm sorry that this is the last series.
DeleteHaven´t been following Poldark but I did enjoy Gentleman Jack, but unfortunately missed the last episode. I do enjoy watching Who do you think you are, sometimes it gives clues to enhance our own searches. Holby and Casualty usually get a watch, Chris is an avid Corrie fan but I can take it or leave it, usually the latter lol. Have a great weekend xcx
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame you missed the end of Gentleman Jack, it was a great series, I hope they make another one. I never watch Holby or Casualty, they seem to have been going for years.
DeleteI found Daniel Radcliffes history to be very interesting, DH and I both like watching that programme. We enjoyed Gentlrman Jack too but I know a few who thought it awful.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Gentleman Jack, I haven't heard of anyone who didn't like it so I'm really surprised. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of this series of Who Do You Think You Are? It's such a good programme.
DeleteMany thanks for sharing these Jo, pleased you enjoyed them.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
There's so much choice these days.
DeleteLots to add to my watch list!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find something here you enjoy.
DeleteI am enjoying Poldark too, shame it's the final series. I must look out for Alias Graceas I love The Handmaid's tale.xxx
ReplyDeleteI'll be really sad when Poldark ends, I've enjoyed it right from the start.
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