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Today marks 17 years since the BBC’s Wallander with Kenneth Branagh premiered (November 30, 2008). Based on Henning Mankell’s novels, the series follows world-weary inspector Kurt Wallander working grim, morally tangled cases around Ystad, Sweden.
Shot largely on location in Skåne with Swedish partners, the production helped bring Scandinavian crime drama into UK prime time. Branagh earned a BAFTA for his portrayal, and early episodes feature Tom Hiddleston among the squad, alongside Jeany Spark, Sarah Smart, and Richard McCabe.
You can stream it on both BritBox and Peacock - and if that’s not enough, you can also check out the Swedish version on MHz Choice.
What we’re…
Watching: Alison & Larry: Billericay to Barry - If you enjoyed Larry Lamb and Alison Steadman in Gavin & Stacey, this three-part series is a must-watch. The two accomplished actors pile into a car and drive from Billericay (Gavin’s family home) to Barry (Stacey’s family home), stopping off at interesting sites along the way.
Reading: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter - When a famed mystery author vanishes from her locked room days before Christmas, cozy writer Maggie Chase and her rival, thriller star Ethan Wyatt, are snowed in at a grand English estate with a house full of suspects. I grabbed this one on sale over the weekend (still on sale at time of writing), and so far, it’s a fun, festive read.
The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.
For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.
Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!
THIS WEEK IN BRITISH TV
On BritBox, new episodes of Blue Lights continue weekly on Thursdays, and new episodes of Season 5 of Shakespeare & Hathaway continue on Tuesdays. On December 1st, they’ll add The Other Bennet Sister Yule Log (like a virtual fireplace for your TV).
On Acorn TV, new episodes of the Graham Norton Show arrive on Fridays, and new episodes of The Gone continue on Mondays. On December 1st, they’ll add the Scottish rom-com The Decoy Bride, along with the three-part travel series, Neil & Martin’s Bon Voyage (Neil Morrissey and Martin Clunes do France).
On Netflix, November 26th brought Jingle Bell Heist, a Christmas rom-com about two small-time thieves with their eyes on the same London department store. On December 1st, they’re adding a few recent classic British TV shows: Downton Abbey, Grantchester, and Victoria.
Over on Apple TV+, all episodes of the Mick Herron adaptation Down Cemetery Road are now available.
On Amazon Prime, they’re adding A Haunting in Venice, Four Weddings & a Funeral, Love Actually, and Notting Hill on December 1st.
Bert, it's been a long day. Take two aspirin and insult me in the morning.
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