After Life series 2, Netflix review - Ricky Gervais's study of bereavement continues

★★★ AFTER LIFE, SERIES 2, NETFLIX Ricky Gervais's study of bereavement continues

Second series opens slowly

It's interesting to note that this Netflix series – the second of Ricky Gervais's study of bereavement, which he writes, directs and stars in – is broadcast during lockdown. We've quickly become used to a different pace of life – slower, less rooted in strict timeframes of work or family routines – so we should, in theory, be able to ease ourselves into the slowness.

Ozark, Series 3 review, Netflix - money-laundering saga hits new heights

A superb cast and powerful writing are making this show a classic

While not the most headline-catching show on Netflix, Ozark has been steadily accruing critical accolades (including a couple of Emmys) and a devoted audience. Perhaps this superb third series will mark the tipping point where Ozark crosses over from cliqueishness to mass adulation.

The Two Killings of Sam Cooke, Netflix review - civil rights and singing in an unjust world

THE TWO KILLINGS OF SAM COOKE, NETFLIX Civil rights and singing in an unjust world

An investigation into the life and untimely death of a civil rights hero

The Two Killings of Sam Cooke is a programme of multiples, a film which plays with doubles, divergences, and different narrative strands. It begins almost as if it will become a true crime investigation into a life cut short, moves into a more traditional music documentary, then ends on a defiant, powerful cry that his story (and his death) should still be so relevant.

Shappi Khorsandi, Soho Theatre On Demand - enjoyable run-through of her career

★★★ SHAPPI KHORSANDI, ON DEMAND Enjoyable run-through of her career

Two decades as a stand-up

Shappi Khorsandi's latest show, Skittish Warrior – Confessions of Club Comic, is an enjoyable look back at the stand-up's 20 years in the comedy business. She starts by taking us back to when she was child refugee; her father, a poet and satirist, offended the clerics in Iran, and was even the target of an assassination gang in London.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive, Netflix review - thrilling documentary series wreaks havoc in the paddock

★★★★★ FORMULA 1 : DRIVE TO SURVIVE, NETFLIX Thrilling documentary series wreaks havoc in the paddock

Ripping away the corporate facade of motorsport's gated community

The 2020 Formula 1 season will commence in Melbourne next weekend... unless the race is cancelled because of the mounting coronavirus panic. Everyone will have to self-isolate and watch Netflix instead, so how fortunate that the ‘flix has delivered this second series of Drive to Survive in the nick of time.

Locke & Key, Netflix review - comic book adaptation struggles to find its focus

★★★ LOCKE & KEY, NETFLIX Comic book adaptation struggles to find its focus

Teenage coming-of-age saga meets dimension-jumping fantasy

The comic book of Locke and Key, written by Joe Hill (son of horror writer Stephen King) and illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez, was first published in 2008, and its mix of multi-generational family drama and supernatural creepiness made it a cult hit.

The Stranger, Netflix review - strong cast grapples with labyrinthine plotting

★★★ THE STRANGER, NETFLIX Adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel is improbable but watchable

Adaptation of Harlan Coben's novel is improbable but watchable

This eight-part mystery from Netflix is based on the titular novel by American writer Harlan Coben, who has formed a production company with Rochdale’s own Nicola Schindler, the production brains behind Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax and many more.