A Fresh Wave of Comedy: BBC and Beyond

The British television landscape is currently buzzing with fresh projects and exciting updates. From the highly anticipated new series Better Later featuring Ruth Jones to the streaming success of acclaimed films like Wicked Little Letters, viewers have plenty to look forward to as the network continues to champion diverse and engaging comedic storytelling.

Key takeaways

• Ruth Jones has wrapped filming on her new six-part BBC comedy, Better Later.

• The period comedy Wicked Little Letters is now available to stream for free on Channel 4.

• The new show Better Later explores themes of life after 50 through an unlikely friendship formed at a clinic.

Better later brings fresh comedy to the bbc

Ruth Jones, the celebrated star of Gavin and Stacey, has officially wrapped filming on her latest project, Better Later. The six-part series features Jones alongside Steve Speirs and follows the lives of two individuals navigating new beginnings after the age of 50. Jones plays Shelley Anne, an environmental health officer going through an acrimonious divorce, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Clive, a widowed retired teacher played by Speirs.

The pair meet at a knee trauma clinic, setting the stage for a humorous exploration of life's unexpected turns. Filmed in and around South Wales, the production has generated significant interest, with Jones debuting a new look for the role—a notable departure from her iconic Nessa persona. Fans are eager to see how the duo navigates their new lives in this heartwarming and comedic journey.

Wicked little letters finds a new home

In other comedy news, the critically acclaimed 2023 film Wicked Little Letters has found a new streaming home on Channel 4. Based on the true story of the Littlehampton libels from the 1920s, the film stars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. The plot revolves around Edith Swan, who begins receiving obscene, foul-mouthed letters, and her subsequent accusation of her neighbour, Rose Gooding.

The film has been praised by critics for its sharp wit and the chemistry between its leads, currently holding an 80% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers have lauded the film as a cheeky and punchy delight that explores themes of class, religion, and societal expectations with a humorous edge.

Sources

• Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley's "incredibly funny" period comedy is now streaming for free, Yahoo Entertainment UK.

• Verifying Device, The Sun.

• Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones shows off new look as she wraps filming on BBC show, The Mirror.