PENSEE #2. This is what you're missing on British TV.

The "safer at home" quarantine has made us much more engaged with our TV.  I've told friends that we're watching a LOT of British TV.  The reactions vary from eye rolls to sneers.  So I'm putting a couple of shows out there for those who need convincing.  British TV is strong stuff, with adult content that cannot be done on American broadcast TV.

These two shows are free on Amazon Prime, and they are, as the Brits say, "brilliant."

Adults only, based on the sex, the violence, and the crude language.  Tip.  Turn on the subtitles...otherwise you will miss a lot of the best lines.

Coupling is a half hour comedy series, with the emphasis on "coupling," if you know what I mean.  I had an ingrained bias; I saw British humor as an oxymoron.  That was before we saw Coupling.  I laughed out loud, and I think you will too.

The Fall is NOT a comedy.  It's a searing but endearing look at a sociopath tracked down by the an obsessed member of the British Bobbies. The dialog is direct and crude.  The sex is at times tender and at other times disturbing.  This is STRONG stuff that you won't see on any broadcast channel on your TV guide.

It's got multiple seasons...so if you start it up, it's a commitment.  We were hooked at Season 1, Episode 1.  

Besides the sex, violence, and language, there's another difference between The Fall and American crime shows.  It gives leading roles to women.  Strong women.  The British police are much more diverse than American police, and the impact is considerable. The victims here are women, of course, and we have seen that story before.  But the realism of the sex, violence, and perversion makes The Fall an excellent introduction to British crime dramas. 

Please.  Watch it with subtitles.

I'm recommending both The Fall and Coupling to anyone with an Amazon Prime account. They may change your mind about British TV.  If you need more recommendations, I have plenty.  Just ask.