Are you allowed to leave children unattended if it’s for TV?
Back in the noughties, reality TV decided to see what would happen if you stuck a bunch of kids in a house with no adults to tell them what to do.
Basically, it’s Big Brother but the housemates are all kids and probably twice as much drama.
Boys And Girls Alone Trailer
They were given a taste of life without adults. Credit: YouTube / Channel 4
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This is just what TV was like in the 00s, you could get away with all sorts of weird s**t that makes you look back on what they put on our screens and leaves you wondering how the hell they got away with it.
Leaving a bunch of kids alone in a house for days at a time and filming the results was controversial, but they ended up doing more series of the show.
Back in 2002 a documentary called Boys Alone put 10 boys into a house by themselves, the house and garden they lived in was stocked with toys, paints, books and games, as well as a kitchen full of food so that they could cook meals for themselves, but many of the kids didn’t do much cooking and instead lived off cereal and fizzy drinks.
10 boys living by themselves in a house, what did they expect would happen? (Channel 4)
As you can imagine, leaving a bunch of kids alone in a house to do whatever they liked seemed fun for the kids at first, but eventually someone has to tidy up and put dinner on.
That show was followed up by Girls Alone, and I’m sure you can guess what change that show made to the format.
Things were slightly less chaotic in the girls house as they designated people to cook and clean, something the boys didn’t do.
Years later in 2009 another series titled Boys and Girls Alone was released and it had the two houses as ‘villages’ which were kept separate from each other until the final episode, and the kids staying for longer than a week.
As you can imagine, sending a bunch of kids to stay in a house without adults isn’t really a recipe for calmness and stability.
Boys and Girls Alone ended up being a chaotic mess as the kids ended up falling out, crying and fighting which prompted the calls to cancel the 2009 show.
It attracted a whole load of complaints, including from children’s author Michael Morpurgo who was one of many to sign a letter condemning the show for ‘child abuse and cruelty’.
After Boys alone and Girls Alone, 2009 saw Boys and Girls Alone which put the houses together to end the show. (Channel 4)
Channel 4 said at the time that the welfare of the kids involved was their ‘first priority’, and the show fortunately had chaperones on hand to step in if the kids ended up in actual danger.
At the time Boys and Girls Alone was being released to much controversy a woman whose son appeared on the original Boys Alone show told the Mirror the 2002 show had not been a good experience for him.
Ruth Lewis’ son Sam had been on Boys Alone and the mum said she’d regretted it ever since, explaining that if she could go back she’d stop him from going on it, and Sam agreed that he wouldn’t do it if he had another chance to.
Sam said: “Any boy would say yes to an opportunity like that, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. I’d never missed my mum more in my life.
“It was mayhem and became depressing as the house divided into the two gangs and war broke out.
“The place was trashed and I’m ashamed to say that I even turned into a bit of a hooligan.”Featured Image Credit: Channel 4
Topics: TV and Film, Channel 4
Joe Harker
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Published 13:15 12 Aug 2024 GMT+1
Channel 4 viewers can’t get enough of psychological British crime drama after first series was released on Netflix
The show aired first on Channel 4, but was recently added to Netflix
There are few things that will get UK TV viewers excited like a great psychological crime drama.
Combine that with their love of the ease of Netflix, and you have an absolute winner on the cards.
That’s what’s happened for a psychological crime drama which is not only beloved on Netflix, but has just had the first series released on Channel 4.
The show is Suspect, and Netflix viewers haven’t been able to get enough – charting at number five in an incredibly strong week for the platform, and having previously peaked at number three. Check out the trailer here:
Suspect season 2 trailer
Credit: Channel 4
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The first season focuses on James Nesbitt, who plays detective Danny Frater.
He is called to the morgue to aid in identifying the body, only to discover his estranged daughter on the table.
After discovering she took her own life, Frater seeks to find out the truth about her death.
An adaptation of the Danish crime drama called Face to Face, the first season enthralled viewers, with a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes.
One review of the first season, now available on Channel 4, said: “The impressive cast of this cop show turned psychological family drama will reel you in.”
Marie Ann Duff in season one. (Channel 4)
Whilst Nesbitt doesn’t return for the show’s second season, which is yet to air on Netflix, the mantle is taken on by Marie Ann-Duff, who plays his characters ex-wife.
She plays a therapist who discovers that one of her patients has carried out multiple murders, herself then being dragged into a web of murder and mystery.
The second season, which aired this July on Channel 4, hasn’t received the same acclaim as the first season, but fans have continued to eat up the show.
One 10/10 review on IMDb said the show was a ‘fantastic mystery thriller’.
James Nesbitt anchors season one. (Channel 4)
It went on to say: “I loved how each episode had a single actor of suspicion involved giving this a novel approach to the mystery unfolding. I had no idea the true reason, suicide or murder till the very end.”
Not every fan is fully convinced, with even some positive reviews pointing to flaws in the show.
One IMDb review said: “This is a really confident production with some great names – but it is dubious how easily the characters spill the information to the grieving father… also some unfortunate stereotypes which lacks a little bit of imagination. Still, I enjoyed it whilst doing the ironing.”
Nesbitt does not return for season two. (Channel 4)
That said, many reviews call it a ‘thrilling’ watch, with one reading: “I’m left almost breathless after watching this, it’s such an interesting format that I haven’t seen on TV before.
“On paper it could’ve been a drag but the performances and the way it’s filmed make it the most claustrophobically thrilling experience of a TV show.
“If you’re unsure after the first few episodes do stick with it because once you get used to the format it’s brilliant.”Featured Image Credit: Channel 4
Topics: Netflix, Channel 4, TV and Film, TV
Michael Slavin
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Updated 15:34 9 Nov 2024 GMTPublished 11:39 9 Nov 2024 GMT
Naked Attraction host was left in shock after what contestant tried to do to her when being kicked out
Naked Attraction host Anna Richardson initially didn’t know how to react
Notorious dating show Naked Attraction somehow managed to get even more awkward after a contestant took a few liberties.
One episode saw host Anna Richardson left in shock by what a contestant tried to do to her after being sent packing.
So, as most of us know (admit it, you’ve watched it), the Channel 4 show sees a bunch of singletons stripping off totally nude in the hope of bagging themselves a date.
Anna kept her cool. (Channel 4)
And when they get turned down, they have to do a little walk of shame off the stage, stark naked.
During an old episode of Naked Attraction, Danny Webster was among the six men in the buff hoping to be picked by gym-obsessed Sophie to go on a date.
But the DJ from Birmingham didn’t even get close to that, as the woman chose for him to leave in the very first round.
Unfortunately for him, he just wasn’t quite packing enough for Sophie as she booted him and another bloke who she described as a ‘little more beefed up’.
Stepping out of his little booth to say his early goodbyes, Danny was still naked as he boldly decided to lean in for a parting peck with Anna.
Naked Attraction contestant kisses host
Credit: Channel 4
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And surprised by this bizarre move from the contestant, the presenter initially leaned back awkwardly to avoid being touched by the naked fella.
But trying to save face and keep the TV show light-hearted, ever the pro, Anna attempted to recover from the arguably inappropriate moment by saying: “Oh! Come on in.”
She then allowed him to give her that originally rejected kiss on the cheek.
“Is it a date for me?” Anna said, making a bit of a joke of the weird situation she’d been put in.
Now that’s awkward (Channel 4)
But he still didn’t quite take the cue to leave the set, as she had to give him an usher away: “Off you go.”
Sophie and the host were then left laughing at what had just happened as Anna whispered: “Could tell he was a very good kisser.”
Danny didn’t let it get him down, that’s for sure, as he said in his post-interview: “Obviously I didn’t fit Sophie’s expectations, but maybe there’s someone out there whose expectations fit me.”Featured Image Credit: Channel 4
Topics: Naked Attraction, Channel 4, TV and Film
Jess Battison
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Published 19:12 26 Mar 2024 GMT
Netflix fans hail ‘pure perfection’ BBC crime drama that left people begging for more
It’s about to leave Netflix, so they’d better love it while they can.
Netflix viewers are going to have to bid a reluctant farewell to one of the best crime dramas on the platform.
Fortunately, if you’ve not worked your way round to it yet you’ll be able to watch the series on BBC iPlayer as it drops off Netflix on 9 April, otherwise known as two weeks from today.
Don’t worry, that’s plenty of time to watch it on Netflix if that’s your preferred medium to watch shows.
BBC
The series is, of course, The Missing, which as the name suggests is all about someone who goes missing and the aftermath for those left behind.
Basically the premise is that, in 2006, while on the way to Germany for the World Cup, a family’s car breaks down and they’ve got to spend the night in a French town.
However, mum and dad Emily and Tony (Frances O’Connor and James Nesbitt) are horrified when their son Oliver (Oliver Hunt) goes missing – just like the title of the series says – and French detective Julien Baptiste (Tchéky Karyo) cannot solve the case.
Fast forward eight years and Tony is divorced from Emily, but he still hasn’t given up on the search for Oliver.
In the end, he persuades Baptiste to reopen the case of his missing son, and plenty of things happen from there which we won’t spoil, because you should watch The Missing and find out these things for yourself. You can watch the trailer here:
The Missing trailer
Credit: BBC
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It’s more critically acclaimed than anything Harlan Coben has had adapted on Netflix, so if you went crazy for Fool Me Once then The Missing ought to knock your proverbial socks off.
And Netflix viewers certainly seem to be thinking along those lines, as many who are watching The Missing on the streaming service acknowledge they’re ‘late to the party’ but admit the drama ‘blew me away’.
While others voiced their appreciation of the show’s second season and the stupendous collection of 16 episodes in total for your viewing pleasure.
BBC
That’s right, there were actually two seasons of The Missing as Julien Baptiste returned for another mystery of a missing child, also staring David Morrissey and Keeley Hawes – which one viewer described as ‘pure perfection’.
If that doesn’t sufficiently scratch your itch then you can hop over to iPlayer and watch the spin-off Baptiste, as Tchéky Karyo’s French detective gained quite the fan club and viewers had a voracious appetite for more of him.
Have no fear about being late to the party on this one, some shows are just too good to pass up on.
The Missing is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix, but will depart the latter on 9 April.Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: TV and Film, BBC, Netflix
Joe Harker
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Published 15:37 20 Feb 2024 GMT
Channel 4 viewers praise police for outsmarting ‘arrogant’ surgeon in ‘horrific’ TV episode
People loved watching the classic episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody
If you were watching Channel 4 last night (19 February) then you’ll have been treated to a classic episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody where officers investigated a surgeon who claimed his house had been burgled.
Sometimes there are utterly horrific episodes of the show where viewers can stare right into the eyes of people who’ve committed terrible crimes, while at other times they can enjoy the sight of criminals being caught in the web of lies they weave.
Murderer stares down police in interview
Credit: Channel 4
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Last night’s episode certainly belonged to the latter category, with viewers calling it the ‘best episode’ of the show as well as the ‘most entertaining, most interesting, and most hilarious’.
Although initially shown in 2019, the episode was back on Channel 4 in their 9pm slot last night (19 February) and people enjoyed the treat of one of the best episodes of 24 Hours in Police Custody.
It all focuses on the case of a mysterious burglary of the house of surgeon Anthony McGrath, who called the cops to report that a window into his home had been smashed and thieves had broken into his cellar.
Channel 4
The surgeon said around half-a-million quid’s worth of items had been stolen including a range of antiques, a Persian rug, various clocks and a fireplace.
It would have been a tragic crime had it been true, but veteran detective Dave Brecknock of Bedfordshire Police started having suspicions that all was not as it seemed.
A dig into the surgeon’s finances uncovered that McGrath was ‘skint’ and was asking his insurance company to pay out right away.
Digging deeper into the burglary, DC Brecknock asked for pictures of the stolen items and it turned out the picture that the surgeon sent the police of the supposedly stolen fireplace had been taken three months after the crime.
Police tracked the GPS of the phone used to take the picture to a house owned by the surgeon’s family in Ireland.
Hauling the surgeon in for questioning, they found he seemed to ‘have an answer for everything’, but as the classic episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody showed, they were able to work out what happened.
Channel 4
Viewers of the episode said it was the ‘most entertaining, most interesting, and most hilarious episode’ they’d ever seen of the show.
Someone else said it was ‘brilliant’ to see the man ‘get his comeuppance’ and lots of people dubbed it their ‘favourite episode’ of 24 Hours in Police Custody.
“I’ve seen this episode before but love seeing the surgeon try to worm his way out of it,” another wrote.
Meanwhile, detective Dave and his collection of biscuits found plenty of admirers among the viewers – especially his hankering for Viscounts.
If you want to know what happened to the surgeon, in 2019 he was found guilty of fraud by false representation and committing acts with intent to pervert the course of justice and sentenced to eight years in prison.
At his trial, Judge Barbara Mensah described ‘greed and arrogance’ as being McGrath’s downfall because he ‘didn’t think an insurance company or the police would question a man of your standing’.