February was a mixed bag. Some unexpected gems, a couple of disappointments, a near heart attack watching someone climb a skyscraper, and a few nostalgic rewatches prompted by sad news. Between home evenings, shop multitasking and family viewing attempts (some more successful than others), here’s what I’ve been watching this month.
After the Flood (Series) ITVX
Watched Series 1 and 2 back-to-back. Really enjoyed it and was hooked from the start. Have discovered writing reviews without giving away the ending is trickier than I thought, so I’ll just say this: totes emosh… but not the ending I had hoped for. I’m presuming there’s another series to come, and I’ll definitely look forward to it.
- Rating: 8/10
- Vibe: gripping with heart
- Best for: home or shop watching
- Multitask score: medium (had to recap a few times)
Finding Her Edge (Series) Netflix
Recommended by a friend (you know who you are) and I briefly questioned our friendship as it started off far too cheesy. Think super-extended Channel 5 Christmas movie levels of cheese. But because I had been enjoying the Winter Olympics and it follows young champion ice skaters, I stuck with it… and of course ended up hooked. Cried at the end and now eagerly awaiting another season. Watched alone but it would have been a lovely one to watch with Annabelle too.
- Rating: 7/10
- Vibe: sporty teen drama + emotional payoff
- Best for: cosy home watch
- Emotion level: unexpectedly weepy
Take That (3 Part Documnetary) Netflix
Clearly a must-watch. A full trip down memory lane. Slightly alarming to discover my 12-year-old didn’t know who Take That were, so much of it was lost on her - but for my husband and I, it was brilliant nostalgia. Also loved the news story that followed about the girl who gave Robbie her phone number during a fan interview and ended up on stage with him 30 years later. Proper feel good.
- Rating: 9/10 (for the memories alone)
- Vibe: nostalgia overload
- Best for: partner watch
Skyscraper LIVE! (1 Part Documentary) Netflix
We didn’t watch it live - two hours is a commitment - so watched it afterwards and fast-forwarded the quieter bits. Watching Alex Honnold climb one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers in Taipei with no ropes, no fear and the world watching (on a 20-second delay, just in case) was equal parts impressive and stomach-turning. Not quite as thrilling knowing he survived, but still phenomenal talent.
- Rating: 8/10
- Vibe: awe + mild nausea
- Best for: adrenaline seekers
- Multitask score: high (very repetitive… it is 101 floors after all)
Industry (Series) BBCiPlayer
Started watching because heard “Jonathan” from Stranger Things is in it, and I wanted to see if it was age appropriate to watch with my 12-year-old. It is sooooo not. A few episodes in and still hadn’t seen him when I realised there are four seasons and I had started at the beginning. Quite dark, quite slow, wasn’t loving it… so I gave up. If anyone thinks it’s worth sticking with, let me know.
- Rating: 5/10 (so far)
- Vibe: dark finance drama
- Best for: definitely not family viewing
Ripple (Series) Netflix
If you liked This Is Us, you will love this. Set in New York, following interconnected lives and the ripple effects of people’s actions. A very wholesome watch. Watched partly in the shop but very grateful the penultimate episode was at home - no one needs to see me ugly crying at the till. No date for a second season yet but I’m hopeful. And the beauty that is Ian Harding… I hear he was in Pretty Little Liars, so that might be added to the watch list.
- Rating: 9/10
- Vibe: heartfelt + wholesome
- Multitask score: medium (easy watching but so many connections you don’t want to miss)
How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (Series) Netlix
Actually really disappointed. With such a great cast - almost every known Irish actor I could think of - I expected great craic. Instead it felt neither funny nor serious, just a bit drawn out and slightly naff. And it looks like there’s more to come. Might give that a wide berth unless someone convinces me otherwise.
- Rating: 4/10
- Vibe: missed opportunity
- Best for: maybe skip
Love Island All Stars (Series) ITVX
Actually really loved this series. Went from hating Scott to loving him to hating him again - sounds suspiciously like my marriage to… Scott 😂. Controversially, I also loved Belle. Maybe it’s the name, maybe it’s my love for her Dad, who knows. Usual format but with a Team USA twist that keeps it interesting. Happy with the final two couples and who won.
- Rating: 7/10
- Vibe: chaotic comfort
- Best for: shop background
- Multitask score: high
Bridgerton (Series) Netflix
Now fully finished and I loved it. I think Season 4 could be the best yet. One thread of the storyline didn’t quite work out how I would have liked, but overall it remains one of my all-time favourite series. The Cinderella-esque storyline was well done, the music was excellent as always, and the romance absolutely delivered.
I initially thought the ending was a bit weak, only to discover that the ending I wanted actually exists - after the credits. So whatever you do, do not switch off when the episode finishes. Let it roll. You can thank me later.
Another cliffhanger too - which is always bittersweet. Lovely to know it will be back… but I hate the waiting.
- Rating: 9/10
- Vibe: romance + regency drama
- Best for: proper sofa viewing
Schitt’s Creek (Series) Netflix
Didn’t actually watch this recently but felt it deserved a mention this month. One of my all-time favourites and it seemed fitting to acknowledge it given the sad passing of the legend that is Catherine O’Hara. If you haven’t seen this series, I am genuinely jealous. Might be due a rewatch. HAYM clearly takes inspiration from Rose Apothecary – IYKYK.
- Rating: 10/10 forever
- Vibe: heart + humour perfection
Dawson’s Creek (Series) ITVX
On a similar nostalgic note, I’ve been surprisingly affected by the passing of James Van der Beek. Cue starting to watch DC from Season 1 as a little homage. It’s such a time capsule of coming-of-age TV for our generation. Trying to convince our daughter it’s brilliant… so far, she is unconvinced.
- Rating: 10/10 (for teenage nostalgia)
- Best for: millennial rewatch
Overall February Takeaway
A month of surprises. Some unexpected emotional dramas, some glorious nostalgia, one skyscraper-induced stomach flip, and a reminder that I will never truly give up Love Island. Ripple wins the tear-jerker award, Bridgerton brings the romance, and After the Flood kept me guessing.
Roll on March.
Next on My List
I Swear, Being Gordon Ramsay, The Night Manager + any suggestions more than welcome.