(Apologies for the late drop - Dawn's fault.)
(Apologies Dawn's audio - an experiment that failed)
Summer is done! Autumn is here! Which means a bountiful new crop of TV to watch! We round up the new & returning shows we’re most looking forward to.
(03:00)In our semi-regular feature “What on earth is going on over there?” we take a look at the state censorship Trump & Co are trying to impose on satirical late-night TV hosts Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. Could it happen here too? Worse still, has it already happened here and we didn’t really notice?(16:22)Slow Horses is back and worth the AppleTV+ subscription alone. Sarah quotes from a book and hopes it makes her look smart. Dawn watched 3 series back-to-back because of course she did. It really is the best thing on TV and we’ll tell you exactly why.
(35:39)
Recommendations of the Month! Nothing’s changed; we’re still singing the jingle
(57:24)
Trying on AppleTV+ and BBC iPlayer
Taskmaster Series 20 on Channel 4
Join us for MfTV's first-ever in-person meetup, and live podcast recording in the heart of Edinburgh in the middle of the Festival. As you can imagine there is lots of background noise, but these are our unedited real-time highlights of the Edinburgh International TV Festival - an insight into the industry at this pivotal time.
Masterchef controversy: how can shows punish presenters without also punishing the contestants on their shows?
(01:34)
San Diego Comic Con recap: the glut of prequels and spin-offs announced at the world's biggest comic con
(08:13)
The Proms: The Traitors at the Proms and other "post pub" treats from the classical music feast
(18:30)
TV views from an 82 year old Maid: Dawn's mum Sheena shares her TV memories and tastes
(22:30)
Our recommendations of the month:
(01:05:57)
Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers (Netflix)
Loot (Apple TV+)
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
Glastonbury v BBC: trying to make sense of this summer’s most controversial broadcast
(08:25)
Transaction and Pushers: TV comedy taking risks in increasingly conservative times
(25:30)
Thank you for being a trailblazer: The Golden Girls and how they were ahead of their time
(35:46)
Our recommendations of the month:
(01:03:52)
Based on a True Story (Sky Max and NOW)
Smoke (Apple TV+)
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
News: BBC comedy commissions and savage cuts at ITV daytime (4:00)
Ncuti Gatwa replaced by Billie Piper - well, yes and no. The fall-out continues from that Doctor Who episode (17:00)
And, speaking of shock endings, the dangerous high-wire act of ending your series on a cliffhanger. From Mork and Mindy via My So Called Life to The Wheel of Time and how streamers force writers to keep the twists and tension coming, whether in service of the show or not. (37:25)
We recommend: (52:30)
Mid Century Modern (Disney+)
Yes Minister (BBC iPlayer)
To mark the end of Series 15… David Evans-Powell and Justin Hancox are here to guide us through their love for the show, tell us why the Doctor is especially beloved by LGBT+ fans and drop the knowledge about Classic Who.
This is the story of our history growing up with and without the Doctor, where it fits into our family life and British culture. And we ask the big Who questions that occupy our minds:
Is it ok that the female companions are swept off their feet by a mysterious stranger for adventures and romance?
How does the show help queer kids and teenagers find their place in the world?
Russell T Davies changed the world in 2005 and helping create a whole new generation of fans, but is he the right person to steer the ship into the future?
All this and more in our feature-length episode! It’s exactly the same size on the inside!
This kind of episode is a first for us - please tell us what you think on social media and email us at maidfortv@gmail.com
Further reading and listening:
Read this! Gay Aliens and Queer Folk: How Russell T Davies Changed TV by Dr Emily Garside
Listen on BBC Sounds: Doctor Who - Time and Space For Everyone
TV news: stop trying to make the 90s happen! Apparently there’s no IP like an old IP. (3:00)
Shocking TV deaths are not just the preserve of fantasy, thriller and sci-fi; how to do it well so your fans stay loyal and keep watching! (18:12)
The rise and rise of warm & friendly competition shows. In honour of Race Across the World 2025 (BBC iPlayer) we discuss how to compete for big prizes, but how to keep it light and cosy for audiences who need a break from the rat race. (39:55)
Our recommendations this month are:
(58:30)
Poker Face Series 1, as Series 2 lands soon (Sky Max)
The Assembly (ITVX)
(00:00) Sarah's catopolis
(05:12) Returning shows
(16:05) The Change
(34:44) Adolescence and toxic masculinity
(01:08:08) Recommendations
We give you our hot tips for shows returning this month.
The Change - wild, free and menopausal. Why Bridget Christie is our hero and Jerome Flynn is hot.
Adolescence is the biggest ever UK show on Netflix. We discuss why we love it but are less enamoured of the government's knee-jerk reaction. And we chat about great male role models; the best sitcom Dads on TV.
Our recommendations for top telly are:
Last One Laughing UK (Amazon)
Resident Alien (Netflix)
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
(00:00) Changes
(04:05) Freelancer crisis
(14:44) Detectives
(26:59) Eastenders
(50:49) Recommendations
In this episode we discuss:
Recommendations for the month:
Hacks (Sky)
Big Boys (Channel 4)
Film Stories (a real printed magazine!) https://store.filmstories.co.uk/
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
In this episode, we discuss...
In 2025 can we still find value in Neil Gaiman’s work? And we recommend the best articles to read to help you come to terms with the very serious allegations. (1:30)
Is it ok to be sad about the LA fires in terms of the loss to our collective culture and our childhood escapism as filming locations are lost to catastrophic climate change? (15:40)
Appointment TV is alive and kicking thanks to the huge success of The Traitors. But was everything ok with the casting and the edit in Series 3? (27:42)
Plus, our recommendations this month (43:20):
American Primeval (Netflix)
Brian and Maggie (Channel 4)
Landscape Artist of the Year (Sky Arts)
Drop us a line on the socials and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Articles/books we recommend in this episode:
Julia Raeside’s newsletter, I Dare Say with Julia Raeside. You can order Julia’s #MeToo book DON’T MAKE ME LAUGH here and all good and evil bookshops.
Mo Ryan’s book BURN IT DOWN is available here. You can read more about Mo on her website.
Sarah Kendzior's article 'Fantasy on Fire' is here.
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
Happy 2025!
Welcome to Season/Series 2 of Maid for TV (you can listen to us having *that *discussion live in this episode!).
In with the new and out with the old… but not quite yet as each of your hosts reveal their top shows of 2024. That's three Top 3 lists from your TV Maids. We deliver quantity AND quality.
Dawn: Shrinking, Fargo S5 and Gavin and Stacey's 2024 Christmas Special. Elaine: Shogun, Eric and True Detective: Night Country Sarah: The Traitors UK S2, Rivals and Lost Boys and Fairies.
Drop us a line on the socials and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV Bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
In this episode, we discuss...
Protect the talent! We (briefly) mention yet more allegations against another household name (01:00)
The Christmas Radio Times: festive nostalgia and all the shows we're looking forward to, including Top of the Pops and Bullseye! (12:30)
Boybands Forever: 90s survivors reveal their side of the story in this fascinating documentary (31:00)
And, as always, our regular recommendations for your viewing pleasure (57:00)
Drop us a line on the socials and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV Bluesky: @maidfortv.bsky.social
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @SarahHamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
In this episode, we discuss...
Good news for returning and recommissioned TV: are shows created by women having a moment? (01:30)
Our Algorithm Means Death: the fight against decluttering and plea for you to hang on to your physical media (08:40)
What connects SVU, Doctor Who and The Walking Dead? (25:00)
And, as always, our regular recommendations for your viewing pleasure (50:00)
Drop us a line on Twitter or Insta and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us:
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV twitter: @maidfortvpod
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
In this episode, we discuss...
Some fantastic Emmy winners - but do the categories need an overhaul?
Shogun’s incredible success despite the “one-inch barrier” of subtitles. Suddenly subtitles are popular - do they help you concentrate on TV? (6:30)
The importance of cosy TV as we find ourselves fast approaching gloomy season (30:30)
And, as always, our regular recommendations for your viewing pleasure (43:33)
Drop us a line on Twitter or Insta and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
In this episode, we discuss….
News from the Edinburgh TV Festival 2024, where Carol Vorderman and the newly christened Maid of Sherwood James Graham deliver some shocking statistics on class in the TV industry (1:00).
We Might Regret This - finding the humour in the messy reality of disability and everything else (26:40).
Are fandoms in your 30s and 40s cringe? Connections and community in the TV shows you love and learning to squeeze the day! (No, it’s not a typo!) (45:10).
And, as always, the three shows this month we want to recommend to you (60:00).
Drop us a line on Twitter or Insta and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
In this episode, we discuss….
Je ne regrette rain! The very wet Paris Olympics and why we’re not seeing all the sport we want on the BBC (3:30).
The new curse of Strictly, how we need to learn to love amateur again and how you don’t have to be a soldier to have PTSD (15:30).
The dark heart of Jenna Coleman’s detective drama The Jetty - a story with depth which was more than the sum of its parts (40:00).
The troubling history of on-screen kisses between adult men and teenage girls (48:00).
And, as always, three excellent TV recommendations for you from across the decades (60:00).
Drop us a line on Twitter or Insta and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
In this episode we do not discuss sport or politics because we need a breather from all that and so do you!
We do discuss:
Identity and when will Nick Mohammed finally be able to write about being a pirate?
Bridgerton (Netflix) and the perfect breast community (10:30)
Lost Boys and Fairies (BBC iPlayer) (20:30) and do trigger warnings work?
Eric (Netflix) (48:00) and how good writers can deal with hard topics
Plus, our regular recommendations for your viewing pleasure (60:06).
Drop us a line on Twitter or Insta and let us know what you’re watching. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review. Thank you so much for listening!
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
Welcome to Maid for TV! We're grateful to have you as part of our community. We are Dawn, Sarah and Elaine - TV reviewers who love to talk about the cool and the kitsch, and have a passion for unrepresented stories.
In this, our FIRST proper episode (woo hoo!) we discuss the return of Dr Who, controversy at this year's Eurovision, even more controversy with Baby Reindeer, plus several surprising renewals. And, as we'll do every episode, we finish with our TV recommendations for you.
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
Before we begin Season 1 proper, we discuss why we created the Maid for TV podcast.
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo
Before we begin Season 1 proper, we’d like to introduce you to your Maid for TV hosts.
In this episode, meet Elaine Gregersen.
Stay connected with us
Maid for TV Instagram: @maidfortv
Maid for TV email: maidfortv@gmail.com
Dawn’s Twitter: @DawnGlen2
Sarah’s Twitter: @Sarah_Hamstera
Elaine’s Instagram: @elainegwrites
Buy your gals a coffee
https://buymeacoffee.com/maidfortvo