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BritBox (US) January 2025 Lineup + the Best of Brenda Blethyn
Published 9 months ago • 3 min read
Five years ago today, Dial M for Middlesbrough premiered on Gold in the UK, the third entry in a series of comedy-drama films starring Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson as a couple of tour guides who are constantly getting mixed up in murders.
Prior to that, Murder on the Blackpool Express and Death on the Tyne aired, also in the winter season. A TV series, Murder, They Hope, came after that, followed by a second season that never made it to BritBox. In 2023, there was a Christmas special called Blood Actually, but that one doesn't appear to be available in the US.
Some people think they're a bit too silly, but they can be good fun if you approach them with the right mindset. I wouldn't recommend them for people who only like dark and gritty crime shows, though.
What we're...
Watching: Shetland, Season 9 - I still feel like Ashley Jensen should be tottering around in heels and bright clothing like Agatha Raisin, but that has to go away eventually, right? Anyway, if you missed the news, the new season premiered over on BritBox, with new episodes weekly on Wednesdays (six in total).
Reading: Out of Character by Alison Steadman - Alison Steadman has been in all sorts of interesting productions, but until recently, she'd never released a memoir. I opted for the audiobook version because she reads it herself - and so far, it's packed full of great stories and British TV trivia.
On BritBox, the 13th brought The Jetty, and on the 17th, we can look forward to the Sister Boniface Mysteries Christmas special. New episodes ofShetland, season 9 continue to air weekly on Wednesdays. On the 20th, they'll add the true crime documentary Black Widow: The Murder of David Jackson.
On Acorn TV, new episodes of The Graham Norton Show continue on Fridays, along with new episodes of Dalgliesh on Mondays through the 16th. On the 16th, they add the Chelsea Detective Christmas special for season 3.
On PBS Masterpiece, season 5 of Miss Scarlet (formerly Miss Scarlet & the Duke) premiered on the 8th. Note: This only applies to PBS Masterpiece via Amazon and PBS Passport. If you're watching the old-fashioned way, it will be available in January.
On Netflix, The Great British Baking Show: Holidays, Season 7 premiered on the 9th.
Though Vera is the show that made her internationally famous, there's so much more to Brenda Blethyn than Vera. For those who are already getting sad at the thought of her leaving our screens at the end of Vera, we have a few recommendations that are currently available to stream.
Kate & Koji (2020) - Blethyn stars as Kate, a café owner who forms an unlikely friendship with an asylum-seeking doctor.
Belonging (2004) - Blethyn plays Jess, a devoted wife caring for her disabled husband and dealing with challenging family dynamics.
Blizzard (2003) - Brenda Blethyn plays Aunt Millie, who comforts a young girl in this film about a magical reindeer named Blizzard. This is a great one to watch with kids or grandkids.
Pride & Prejudice (2005) - True, it's not the 1995 version - but it does have Brenda Blethyn as the excitable Mrs. Bennet, and that's something. (Apologies to those who prefer the 2005)
The Sleeping Dictionary (2003) - Brenda Blethyn in a steamy historical drama with Jessica Alba? However unlikely it might seem, that's what you get with this one.
Secrets & Lies (1997) - Blethyn delivers an Oscar-nominated performance as Cynthia, a woman confronting long-hidden family secrets about the child she once gave up for adoption.
Saving Grace (2000) - Blethyn plays Grace, a widow who turns to growing marijuana to save her financially struggling estate.
On a Clear Day (2005) - Blethyn is Joan, the supportive wife of a man attempting to swim the English Channel.
Little Voice (1998) - Blethyn portrays a brash mother pushing her shy daughter toward a singing career.
Undertaking Betty (2005) - Blethyn stars as Betty, a woman faking her death to escape her loveless marriage in this dark comedy. Strangely, this film was followed by two prequel films that later turned into a wildly successful spin-off TV series - Doc Martin.
One You Can't Stream (Right Now): Chance in a Million - Maybe it's just because I love old sitcoms, but this might actually be my favourite Brenda Blethyn performance. Simon Callow stars as Tom Chance, a man seemingly cursed by strange coincidences. Blethyn plays Alison Little, a sheltered librarian who becomes his partner despite the unrelenting string of unlucky events trying to drive them apart.
"Well, you'd better think of something, love. 'Cause saying nothing is a choice...and a loud one at that."
British TV news for American audiences. Enjoy British TV shows like Sherlock, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, or Midsomer Murders? Wish it was easier to know when new shows are out on each of the different streaming services? Want a way to discover older British shows you might like? Sign up and we'll keep you updated.
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