High Times

Having only discovered this show recently...all I can say is...why didn't I see this when it was on TV?! It's a prime example of what can happen when too many execs make decisions beyond their comprehension.

This seemingly simple concept of a comedy drama set in a block of flats in Glasgow could so easily have been done badly. Thank Rooney it wasn't.

Featuring characters ranging from a pair of stoner flatmates, to a middle couple dealing with menopause and dementia...it is a beautifully written insight into life at the bottom of the pecking order, with characters who are happy with it, and others who want to reach for the stars.

This series is up there with the best of the best home grown (Scottish) shows. It manages to stay grounded in realism when at the same time giving you that release of endorphins that so many other shows of this type leave you begging for...laugh out loud hilarity.

Maybe one day....

High Times is a fun sitcom based around the lives of two flatmates, and their neighbours in a high-rise tower block in Glasgow, in the last weeks before its closure for renovation. There are six episodes of stories interlinking the lives of a number of families, and these are held together well by the often hilarious relationship, and antics of Rab and Jake. Their fondness for smoking (and the setting) gives the show it's title and provides the lighter moments to balance out the melodrama. The acting, by several underused and young Scottish talents is natural, and draws the viewer into the more gritty and dramatic situations. This is a really good show, and will hopefully by back for a second series.

There are so far only two reviews of this series so let's bring some balance. This is made for terrestrial TV mini soap opera based in a working and also not working class area of Scotland. The story concerns three families and two drug user friends who live in the same block of flats which are due for demolition. It's basically a lower budget Shameless or poverty safari based in Scotland. It's less serious than say River City but lacks any real laugh out loud moments. It will have very limited appeal outside of Scotland due to the accents of the cast. Many people simply won't understand what's being said. There is constant drug use but never any consequences. There is a 15 year old girl who hangs around with men in their late 20s who wants a sexual relationship with the men. Children are born to unmarried women and the father has no idea he is a dad as he was too drunk to remember. It's all fairly bleak and stereotypical of lower class lives and this show aims to find humour in their situations. It's fans will mainly be young Scottish people who use drugs living in poverty simply because it's a demographic that is rarely on TV. Its certainly no Trainspotting however. It oddly lacks authenticity as there's very little mentioned about religion, football or violence in the city of Glasgow. Disregard the overly positive reviews and lower your expectations. Unless taking drugs and claiming benefits is your highest aspiration there's not much to see here...

I ran into this gem when firetv suddenly offered the British TV app. I'm surprised their aren't more seasons, as I had hoped.

It can be funny, but it also goes into many real life situations. The characters are relatable and the storyline leaves you wanting more.

For the guy leaving the negative review and assuming what audience would be drawn into it, this middle aged American enjoyed the show. I definitely don't fit the stereotype you assume.

I definitely recommend it. My only complaint is that there are only 12 episodes.