Winchester WatchFest: an April TV challenge
We don’t know how long we’re going to be locked down at home, but we do know it can be lonely, frustrating and boring. So we thought it might be a nice idea to offer some suggestions on some classic TV shows that we can watch each day of this month and share our thoughts about.
We asked the Dean of our Faculty of Arts, Professor Alec Charles, to come up with a list of programmes. They’re all available for free on the BBC or Channel 4 websites (and many are also available on Prime or Netflix). The challenge is that you watch each daily recommendation and let us know on Twitter what you think at #WinchesterWatchFest.
Download your Winchester WatchFest Checklist
Wednesday 1 April
Because it’s a day for fools – and because we’re all relying on our technology so much these days – what better way to start than The IT Crowd
Thursday 2 April
If you’ve never tried Paul Abbott’s No Offence, you really should!
Friday 3 April
Of course, it’s time for Friday Night Dinner
Saturday 4 April
If you’ve never sampled the brilliant Line of Duty, this weekend is a great time to start
Sunday 5 April
We’re sure you’re loving the time at home with your family, and hope you’re not feeling too Outnumbered
Monday 6 April
Missing life on campus? Fresh Meat should sort you out (or at least remind you why it’s nice to be home for a bit)
Tuesday 7 April
Celebrating the wonderful work of all in the health services across the world, it’s the very first episode of that classic American hospital drama (featuring a very young George Clooney) ER
Wednesday 8 April
Missing the library? No worries – there’s one bookshop that’s always open – Black Books
Thursday 9 April
You loved Blue Planet 2? Try the original Blue Planet
Friday 10 April
Caitlin Moran’s Raised by Wolves. Simply because it’s wonderful
Saturday 11 April
It’s Saturday. Fifteen years on from the show’s hugely successful reboot, it’s time for Doctor Who
Sunday 12 April
A classic Sunday night mystery with Jonathan Creek
Monday 13 April
Something spooky for the 13th of the month – it’s What We Do in the Shadows
Tuesday 14 April
Because it’s important to remember that politicians are only people too (and with warnings for adult language; yes, that’s that nice Doctor Who man who’s being all sweary), it seems a good time to return to Armando Iannucci’s masterpiece The Thick of It
Wednesday 15 April
Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio pulls no punches in Bodies, his portrait of our dear friends in the NHS
Thursday 16 April
This is Clem Fandango. Can you hear me? Prepare to be wowed by Toast of London
Good Friday 17 April
It isn’t always easy but it’s Life
Saturday 18 April
Missing Patrick Stewart now that Picard has finished? Miss him no more, Extras
Easter Day 19 April
Mary Beard presents wonderful documentary about religious art in the BBC’s spectacular Civilisations
Easter Monday 20 April
Something suitably spiritual for the Easter Bank Holiday – it’s Father Ted
Tuesday 21 April
Stand-up grows up and grows meta with Stuart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle
Wednesday 22 April
Never really got on with Seinfeld? Now, at last, could be the time
Thursday 23 April
You’ve never seen Sherlock? Of course you have! Well, it’s worth watching again
Friday 24 April
We’re so reliant on broadcasters these days that it’s a relief to see the BBC is in safe hands down at W1A
Saturday 25 April
Remember Russell T Davies’s controversial and ground-breaking drama Queer as Folk? It’s still just as vibrant and just as controversial
Sunday 26 April
If things are starting to feel a bit surreal, thank goodness you’re not living in Royston Vasey with The League of Gentlemen
Monday 27 April
Exhausted by the current state of British politics? Be careful what you wish for, The Cameron Years
Tuesday 28 April
Missing school? Don’t, The Inbetweeners
Wednesday 29 April
If you’re not a fan of Luther, you should be. Just because…
Thursday 30 April
Just because it’s probably the most important TV show of the last decade (and with a warning on very grown-up content), it’s got to be Fleabag
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