The thought of meeting an exciting new partner is attracting increasing numbers of singles to join a dating platform. These websites provide a relaxing environment where people can get to know each other through texting, phone calls, or video chats. As they develop a rapport with someone in particular, they’ll start considering the next step: their first date. More and more couples are choosing indoor activities, such as gaming, movies, or TV box-sets. With that being said, here are five of the top British shows to make your date a success according to dating consultants from flirtmoms matchmaking platform.
Peaky Blinders
Set in Birmingham, England, in the decades between the First and Second World Wars, this series traces the rise of a criminal family, the Shelbys, from protection racketeering and tax-evasion to much more ambitious heists. Along the way, their charismatic leader Tommy (an electric performance from Irish actor Cillian Murphy) transcends the rivalries of local gangs to become a respected member of the UK Parliament. This hot drama is ideal for your first date because its heroes are also flawed anti-heroes, while the cops in pursuit of these villains are equally nasty. There are lashings of violence and sex, but it is executed with bravura and a fabulous modern soundtrack featuring Nick Cave.
Extras
After all that period blood and guts, unwind with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, writer/director/performers of this fearless mockumentary series. Gervais, feared roaster of puffed-up celebrities at award ceremonies, and long-term collaborator Merchant, have created a slice of comedy gold. Gervais plays Andy, an aspiring actor who ends up in costume in the background of the various situations as an extra, alongside his long-suffering best friend Maggie (Ashley Jensen), while his inept agent Darren (Merchant) fails to place him in proper acting roles. Aside from the hilarious set-pieces, the stories are remarkable for the number of big-name performers who appear as themselves – from Samuel L Jackson to Ben Stiller, David Bowie to Kate Winslet, gloriously sending themselves up.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Since its first release in 1969, this comedy series, initially loosely-connected sketches linked by Terry Gilliams’ surreal animation, with its writing team of Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, and Graham Chapman had rightfully been termed ‘groundbreaking.’ Over the years the ‘Pythons’ blend of pointed satire and crazy slapstick has gone on to influence generations of comedic performers, as well as spawn books, stage shows, albums, musicals, and several hugely-successful feature-length films. For date night, delve into the original sketch shows, where these Oxbridge-educated comic geniuses were gleefully pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved by comedy.
The Great British Bake Off
This culinary series follows a simple format. Contestants convene in a large marquis tent where they are set various tasks by a team of judges, involving the preparation and cooking of cakes and savory dishes. Under the watchful eye of celebrity chef Paul Hollywood and restaurateur Prue Leith, abetted by comedians Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas, the cake makers apply their creativity to produce masterful treats (although, this isn’t always the case). There is always something captivating about watching experts crafting mouth-watering dishes, making this ideal for whetting your appetite for romance on your date night.
Poldark
British TV shows have always displayed a potent imagination when delving into the country’s rich history, focusing on real-life events, and adding lashings of drama and passion. The titular Poldark (Aidan Turner) returns from the American Revolutionary War to find the family tin mining business teetering on bankruptcy, and his childhood sweetheart engaged to another. The 18th-century adventure will keep you and your partner enthralled.