Still Up

The title says it all!

I think a bunch of "Yelp Reviewer"-types, snobs on their high horse, expect an absolute cinematic masterpiece with gripping plots acted out by Daniel Day Lewis and Meryl Streep and have consequentially tanked this unique diamond-in-the-rough show's rating. If it weren't for the 1-2/10's I'd probably rate it a 7/10.

If you want an easy-to-watch, lighthearted show then this is a great one! It's no Twin Peaks, Jack Ryan nor Joe Pickett (not E P I C). But consider this...it's primarily a show about 2 seemingly different individuals FaceTiming each other in the dead of the night - this is where a majority of the show takes place! That's not a lot to work with.

These 2 characters befriend one another merely out of their shared experience, their struggles with insomnia. Despite their differing demeanors, they have a a tight bond and a surprisingly great dynamic. It's not the most exciting thing, but it's a pleasant, soothing show with a premise moved by silly, trivial happenings in their lives that many would consider forgettable, casual yet relatable events. I appreciate that!

If you're looking for something more compelling then this is not for you. I personally look forward to a season 2. My hope is that they really expand on the background characters - I quite enjoyed Danny's eccentric neighbors! It'd be great if a few more characters are brought into the mix (perhaps more grounded ones), as the plot slips into the real world (based on the ending).

I'm frankly stunned at the low scores been given to this show.

Still Up walks a familiar path of the will-they-won't-they of two close friends who clearly have an underlying romantic chemistry as yet unrealised. The differentiating quirk is that they're both insomniacs, so spend a lot of time in each others lives when the world is asleep. It's not a secret friendship, so there's no immediate jealous-partner dynamic. A neat little set-up, given a boost by Apples strong production values.

The two leads give great performances. Antonia and Craig both knock it out of the park. I believe their characters and their feelings, as well as their friendship, so a big tick there. The supporting cast are good, despite being asked to play intentionally annoying characters (I hate Veggie's parents, but I'm supposed to)

Along the way of expected back-firing advice and awkward misunderstandings, there are also moments of genuine heart, sold straight down the line with no cheesy feeling of breaking the tone of the show. These are two people who laugh and cry with each other, and capture that sense of needing to speak to your special people on a regular basis.

If I were to have a nit-pick, it would be that I don't know how Danny affords such a nice flat as an online magazine journalist.

Is it setting the world on fire? - No Does it deserve the bombing scores it's been given? - Absolutely not Is it a great little series to binge this winter snuggled up under a duvet? - Yes.

I love this series and even put it in my calendar each week to watch. It is endearing and fun to watch. The characters are believable and of course it is fun to see scenes of England. There needs to be more meat and character development though. Who are these characters and why do they act the way they do? Why should we fall in love with these characters? Why should we care about them? This series is great, but it could be so much more.

The real problem I have is only 8 episodes for an entire season. Seriously? Not that long ago there were 20-25 episodes for 1 season of a series. People want more episodes of their shows and they feel cheated that they are paying all this money for all these apps. I thought it was totally ridiculous to go to 10 episodes and you knocked it down to 8. What is it going to be soon, 5 episodes?

I have just read that there may not be a season 2. This is such bad news for a wonderful and gentle comedy. Thank goodness for this type of show. It brings genuine warmth and heart back to streaming services. For someone who is fed up with seemingly every other programme resorting to sex, swearing or violence to get an audience, this is simply perfect in so many ways. It will be a real shame to lose this story and the incredible cast. Without giving anything away, the first season ends just the way it should. But, the story cannot end now. Let's hope that someone of influence somewhere shows a little more faith in 'Still Up' and allows us to witness what we all want to see from every good romantic comedy, from this romantic comedy.

It tries too hard to be quirky but instead you realize the two main characters are completely reprehensible and narcissistic. There is only one episode that shines but even that was ruined by one scene that was supposed to be funny but came off as mean and even offensive (the finger). Horrible show and I regret watching all the episodes. What a wasted premise. I really thought it would get better but it progressively got worse. The last episode made me hate the female lead even more - she joined a sleep study but not only kept using her iPhone but bothered everyone else in the clinic. There is only one likable character (the helpful gay neighbor) and he's treated as nothing more than a plot device. Still Up is a complete misfire and stands out as one of the worst shows on Apple TV (and that's saying a lot).