We're calling it, these are the TV shows that will be kind of a big deal in 2021
Hands up if you’re looking forward to 2021… That’ll be everyone then.
In 2020, we were truly blessed with new TV that kept us going through some long nights and even longer weekends, but the year ahead already promises some major releases that could top them all.
First off let’s talk about the production plans for the books that were a constant comfort during lockdown, like Nine Perfect Strangers (Liane Moriarty), This Is Going To Hurt (Adam Kay) and Conversations With Friends (Sally Rooney).
If you weren’t already shelves-deep in Sally Rooney novels, 2020 was the year that you became a major fan thanks to the BBC Three adaptation of her second book Normal People. Who could forget the wistful April that we spent falling for Marianne and Connell like the third wheel in their brutal yet beautiful love story?
“Men would sooner put the realm to the torch, than see a woman ascend the iron throne…”
Now comes the screen adaptation of her debut novel, Conversations With Friends, in which two college friends wind up forging a connection with a married couple to become an unexpected quartet. Somehow, we’re already hooked.
Or if you’re looking for something more suspenseful, there’s 2021 miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers, a mega-budget Hollywood interpretation of Liane Moriaty’s 2018 novel. Hot on the heels of the series everyone was talking about this year, The Undoing, Nicole Kidman stars in this Hulu thriller about a group of stressed-out urbanites who escape to a wellness retreat that’s not at all what they were expecting.
We’re also poised for BBC One crime drama, The Serpent, which arrives on screens at the turn of 2021, New Year’s Day. Starring Victoria’s Jenna Coleman, The Serpent tells the gripping story of murderer Charles Sobhraj. And, as a sign of great things to come, the hotly-anticipated Bridgerton finally drops on Netflix just before Christmas and it’s expected to make major waves in the year ahead.
So, if you're already looking ahead to the next big thing on TV, take a peek at the 2021 TV shows that have got us talking before they've even hit screens.
BBC PicturesThe Serpent (BBC1)
When 1 January 2021
What Kicking off the New Year, this crime drama follows the true story of how an international serial killer nicknamed The Serpent (Charles Sobhraj) was captured and put on trial in 1976.
Who Jenna Coleman, Tahar Rahim.
BBC PicturesThe Pursuit of Love (BBC)
When TBC 2021
What After a few Covid-19 related filming setbacks, the BBC's new romance drama miniseries is now coming in 2021 and it'll be worth the wait. With Lily James at the helm, it's a period drama set between the two World Wars all about an aristocratic heroine searching for love.
Who Lily James, Andrew Scott, Emily Beecham, Dominic West.
Channel 4It's A Sin (Channel 4)
When TBC 2021
What Years & Years singer Olly Alexander takes on the lead role in this five-part drama about a group of 18-year-old lads living together in a London flat. Set in 1981, the lives of the boys are rocked by the outbreak of HIV.
Who Olly Alexander, Keeley Hawes, Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Fry.
BBC PicturesRidley Road (BBC One)
When TBC 2021
What Based on a Jo Bloom novel, Ridley Road is a four-parter set in 1960s London. It centres on a young Jewish woman, Vivien Epstein, who goes undercover in a fascist organisation after moving from Manchester to work in a salon.
Who Aggi O’Casey, Tom Varey, Rory Kinnear and Eddie Marsan.
ITVThe Pembrokeshire Murders (ITV)
When January 2021
What If you love a true crime, you'll be gripped by this new drama starring Hollywood actor Luke Evans. The ITV miniseries is based on the murders of Welsh serial killer John Cooper.
Who Luke Evans, Keith Allen.
BBC PicturesThis Is Going To Hurt (BBC 2)
When TBC 2021
What Originally due out in 2020, the TV show based around the best-selling non-fiction book This Is Going To Hurt is now expected to come next year and we're hoping it will bring a little light relief. It's expected to take the shape of comedy-drama about the life of NHS doctors, with whom we've developed a whole new appreciation in 2020.
Who Ben Whishaw as Adam Kay.
HULUNine Perfect Strangers (Hulu)
When TBC 2021.
What Let's just say the budget to produce this series was $100million (£77.27million). Announced by Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman in August, Nine Perfect Strangers is the Hulu adaptation of the No1 best-selling book about a rogue retreat leader who will be played by Kidman.
Who Nicole Kidman, Bobby Cannavale, Luke Evans, Melissa McCarthy, Regina Hall.
ITVGrace (ITV)
When TBC 2021
What It's about time ITV introduced a new crime drama and the hotly-anticipated Grace promises to be a 'fantastic, hair-raising, twisting, switch-back of a roller-coaster ride' through each storyline.
Who John Simm, Richie Campbell.
BBC PicturesConversations With Friends (BBC)
When Late 2021
What Following the unbelievable success of Normal People comes the BBC adaptation of Sally Rooney’s first book Conversations With Friends. The buzz has started so early for this TV series that a production date hasn’t even been confirmed, let alone a cast, which gives us plenty of time to read the book first.
Who Watch this space...
NetflixBridgerton (Netflix)
When 25 December 2020
What Teccch-nically, this one comes out in 2020 but with all of the buzz about Bridgerton, we've got a feeling we'll be talking about this series well into next year. It's Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey (hear us out) and it's the period drama you just know you'll binge in the Crimbo limbo.
Who Julie Andrews, Nicola Coughlan, Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page.
