Need to catch a TV break and don’t know what to watch? Simon takes us through his top picks on must-see shows and films for the week. Click through to see what’s showing for your entertainment needs.
Wednesday 12th August 2015
The Last Leg-ABC-9.30pm AEST
First airing as a companion show to the 2012 Paralympics, The Last Leg is a hilarious British talk show hosted by Australian expat Adam Hills. Hills himself markets the show as “three guys with four legs talking about the week”, a tagline which references the disabilities of Hills and his two equally as charming co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker. Now in its seventh season, The Last Leg has been revamped to be a comedic look at the biggest news events of the week, though it still regularly covers disability related issues, making it both a unique and hugely important spinoff of the usual talk show setup.
Thursday 13th August 2015
Masters of Sex-SBS-9.30pm AEST
Now in its third season, Masters of Sex is a compelling series that depicts the research and subsequent relationship undertaken by Dr. William Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) at Washington University during the fifties and sixties. The pair were pioneering researchers on, you guessed it, human sexuality, with their work revolutionising the field. If you’re yet to watch this show, now is as good a time as any.
Friday 14th August 2015
Good Morning Vietnam-Masterpiece Movies-10.45pm AEST
It’s been a year since the untimely passing of comedic genius Robin Williams, and what better way to commemorate the funnyman by settling in to watch one of his finest films. In Good Morning Vietnam, Williams plays the role of Adrian Cronauer, a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio Service who quickly earns the ire of his superiors. Based on the real life experiences of Cronauer, the film is consistently ranked as not only one of Williams’ best films, but also one of the funniest films of all time.
Saturday 15th August 2015
Devil’s Playground-Showcase-9.30pm AEST
First released last year, Devil’s Playground is an Australian miniseries that explores the controversies of the Catholic Church. A sequel to the hit 1976 film of the same name, the series sees Simon Burke reprise his role as protagonist Tim Allen 35 years on. Now a practicing psychiatrist, Allen uncovers a conspiracy when he is invited by the Bishop of Sydney John McNally (John Burke) to become a counsellor for local priests. Also starring Jack Thompson and Toni Collette, this is one Aussie show you don’t want to miss out on.
Sunday 16th August 2015
Popeye-Disney Movies-4.50pm AEST
Continue your Robin Williams appreciation weekend by tuning in to catch him in the cult classic adaptation of the much loved cartoon character Popeye. Starring Williams as the titular sailor man with a love for spinach, this musical sees Popeye descending upon the coastal town of Sweethaven in search of his long lost father. While there he falls in love with the town beauty Olive Oyl (Shelley Duvall), which quickly sees him clashing with her fiancé, the treacherous Bluto (Paul L. Smith).
Monday 17th August 2015
Humans-ABC2-8.30pm AEST
The ABC and its sister station ABC2 have been premiering a run of fantastic new shows of late, and this British-American sci-fi series is no exception. Starring a number of acting luminaries such as Katherine Parkinson and William Hurt, Humans explores a future world in which the lives of humans and machines (or ‘synths’) have become increasingly blurred. With a second series already on its way, this is one new show you want to get on board with.
Tuesday 18th August 2015
Cats Make You Laugh Out Loud-Seven-7.30pm AEST
Yes, it has finally happened, there is a now an entire primetime television show solely devoted to funny cat videos. It’s no surprise really, cats have been taking over the Internet for years, and so the transition to our TV screens was always an inevitability. Clearly this show is anything but intellectual, but if you’re in for a few laughs it may be just what you need.
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