The End of the F***ing World

Its not edgy, cliche, or funny really. It tackles real issues of attachment and abandonment in a world full of people that glorify narcissistic tendencies. The growth of the characters is gradual but real in just one season. It has comedic writing without being overall condescending to any one thing in particular.

Its romance without the sex, drugs, or cliche drama that is in most shows that cast teen actors. Its refreshing to watch something that doesn't paint a teenager as an idiot or some spoiled child. Instead as people with real thoughts that can cut deep. Well done and has you hoping for more, but ends satisfyingly with an almost tearful point.

This modern British teen "Bonny and Clyde" esque comedy/drama has me feeling so many things. All in the best way possible. The show does so many things right! Firstly, the chemistry between James (Alex Lawther) and Alyssa is something so fresh. Their match was not destined to be. What this show does really well is how it kind of sticks close to reality. Our expectations are almost never what we want them to be. The End of the F***ing World also has some great humor. Mix it all together with great casting, screenplay, relatable characters, and action...that is what you get. Fresh, Daring, New, and Thoroughly enjoyable!

I would recommend this to absolutely anyone.

(Updated after Season 2).

17-year old James is not your average teenager. He is convinced he is a psychopath and, as such, plans to go on a murder spree. At school he meets Alyssa, who is also far from average: intense, unpredictable, volatile and cynical. A friendship forms and, due to their unhappy home lives, they run away together. However, what started as a harmless act of rebellion soon has dark consequences, leaving them on the run.

Superb. From the outset the series is great: the characters are dark yet funny and engaging and there is a quirkiness that balances the humour and darkness. Solid plot, with clever developments and sub-plots and great character depth and development. Emotional ending.

One of the main reasons for the engagement and entertainment of the series are the lead performances. Jessica Barden is superb as Alyssa: over-the-top and intense with spot-on mannerisms and superb comedic timing. Alex Lawther plays the straight character to Alyssa's kookiness and does it with aplomb. The chemistry between them is great too.

Rounding it all off is brilliant soundtrack, one of the best you'll hear in a TV series. A great selection of tracks, all of which fit in perfectly with the series.

Season 1 ended so emotionally and poetically I sort of wished there wasn't going to be a Season 2. There is a Season 2, and it doesn't disappoint. Not quite as riveting as Season 1: we already know the main characters now and the plot development in Season 2 is a bit stop-start. Season 1 seemed to have better momentum.

Season 2 is still great though, and possibly even funnier than S1. Plus, we have a new character that will have a profound impact on the story...

I've just watched the whole series in one go and I wish there were more episodes. The writing is fabulous - witty but naive, cruel but touching.

As for the cast, there was not a single weak link, though the highest praise must go to Jessica Barden (Alyssa) and Alex Lawther (James) for perfectly balanced performances constantly moving between vulnerability and adult cynicism. If these two are not nominated for awards there is no justice.

As a show it certainly pushed a boundary or two but hopefully the title will deter those who will not appreciate this. Funny, shocking, poignant, gross and brutally honest - every aspect done with skill, style and credibility. Perfect TV.

A different kind of show where two unfit kids go on an adult adventure. One of the few shows that was odd enough to keep my attention and making me watch episode after episode until I had realized I just spent the whole weekend finishing this series. For people looking for something more gritty and new, I'd recommend this as a watch.