29 reviews
When I first heard about this, and saw the trailers for it I pictured a series along the lines of The Lives and loves of a She Devil, not the case, it's a story of food and relationships, loves present and past.
Dawn French is always an advert for good television, and as always she does not disappoint. Emilia Fox plays the wronged wife beautifully, such a beautiful, talented actress, always good to see her in something away from Silent Witness.
Well produced, light hearted, nice music, and a strong cast make for enjoyable viewing. Sky 1 isn't always associated with making first class British drama, but I think Delicious shows that when they do it, they do it well.
Not exactly a gourmet meal, but a sweet treat nonetheless.
Dawn French is always an advert for good television, and as always she does not disappoint. Emilia Fox plays the wronged wife beautifully, such a beautiful, talented actress, always good to see her in something away from Silent Witness.
Well produced, light hearted, nice music, and a strong cast make for enjoyable viewing. Sky 1 isn't always associated with making first class British drama, but I think Delicious shows that when they do it, they do it well.
Not exactly a gourmet meal, but a sweet treat nonetheless.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Dec 31, 2016
- Permalink
With that cast and location should have been so much more. The acting I found mostly good and i'm interested in the food industry so another plus for me.
Cornwall is beautiful and the filming is good if a little pedestrian, Lots of scope for dramatic framing and stylish camera-work.
The story was good but I would have liked to see it developed more, especially Mimi and the son/daughter story and as was said above it was so so predictable. Reminds me of a daytime soap with very obvious plot lines delivered in a simple fashion. Great techniques for a younger audience, but given the content this was meant for a more mature audience.
Overall we enjoyed watching it and would recommend it for easy viewing.
Cornwall is beautiful and the filming is good if a little pedestrian, Lots of scope for dramatic framing and stylish camera-work.
The story was good but I would have liked to see it developed more, especially Mimi and the son/daughter story and as was said above it was so so predictable. Reminds me of a daytime soap with very obvious plot lines delivered in a simple fashion. Great techniques for a younger audience, but given the content this was meant for a more mature audience.
Overall we enjoyed watching it and would recommend it for easy viewing.
- silvana_popa
- May 27, 2017
- Permalink
Great photo shots of food and scenery. Good acting. Good writing. Great break from predictable drama filled with action scenes stuck into simply dumb down.
Well, it was cheesy, melodramatic, and insanely shallow. There were more twists and turns than a twisty turny thing. But after binge-watching all eight episodes, I did rather enjoy it!
Despite the ludicrous soap-opera dramatics, the soft-focus direction, and the annoying narration from a dead bloke the characters were interesting to watch and fun to follow. The beautiful local scenery was unfortunately underplayed here and we only get to see occasional glimpses of the fairy-tale English countryside.
It was as if a Jane Eyre book had been rewritten by school kids... who then took out the most realistic bits and added an annoying ghost!
But despite all the silliness, I don't regret watching it. This is one of those programs that I would normally love to rain hate on - but in the end, it was a rather charming and fluffy tale of truth and lies... and how they break people apart.
Dawn French is probably a bit past playing bedroom scenes by now, but here she is anyway, candles glowing and legs akimbo!
If you set aside ANY expectation of realism and common sense, there's still enough left on the screen to make this pretty good fun.
Despite the ludicrous soap-opera dramatics, the soft-focus direction, and the annoying narration from a dead bloke the characters were interesting to watch and fun to follow. The beautiful local scenery was unfortunately underplayed here and we only get to see occasional glimpses of the fairy-tale English countryside.
It was as if a Jane Eyre book had been rewritten by school kids... who then took out the most realistic bits and added an annoying ghost!
But despite all the silliness, I don't regret watching it. This is one of those programs that I would normally love to rain hate on - but in the end, it was a rather charming and fluffy tale of truth and lies... and how they break people apart.
Dawn French is probably a bit past playing bedroom scenes by now, but here she is anyway, candles glowing and legs akimbo!
If you set aside ANY expectation of realism and common sense, there's still enough left on the screen to make this pretty good fun.
- khunkrumark
- Feb 17, 2018
- Permalink
Each actor wrapped their part in love. At last! The talent of Dawn French has found a nest, a bespoke fit. Gina Benelli and her perfect counterpoint Samantha played masterfully by Emilia Fox kept the lines and the estrogen crackling. The soulful Teresa and the dapper Mimi rounded the ages of a gquick glimpse of every woman. Writing was excellent and fun. Personally, the weekly walk on of characters and side stories gets a touch predictable. One can forgive this though with the urge to look in on the deeply interesting characters.
Leo Vincent is a celebrated chef in Cornwall. His hotel, The Penrose, is a food destination and the main attraction in the area. He stole his Sicilian cooking from his ex-wife Gina Benelli and claims it as his own invention. Their daughter Teresa can't eat, is allergic to water, and needs an abortion. His second wife Sam manages his hotel although she suspects the younger manager working under her is his new mistress. In reality, he's sleeping with Gina. They're throwing a party for Leo and Sam's son Michael's 18th birthday. Sam discovers the affair and confronts him. Leo dies and leaves it all to Sam but the estate is secretly in heavy debt. Unknown to them, Leo had put the hotel in Gina's name for tax purposes. Michael has a crush on Teresa.
It's a family drama. I can't really get to love Gina or Sam. It's hard to really love either of them but together, one does root for them. Teresa's water allergy is weird and one has a tough time with her as Gina's daughter. They may as well be two different species in their physical appearance. The biggest road bump is Leo's death. He becomes a ghostly figure and a weak narrator. I'd rather have the drama of him juggling two women. There is some food porn and some pastoral setting. The material wears out after a couple of series and it lasts 12 episodes in total. The show is like the Penrose. It struggles to stay afloat and somehow makes it from episode to episode.
It's a family drama. I can't really get to love Gina or Sam. It's hard to really love either of them but together, one does root for them. Teresa's water allergy is weird and one has a tough time with her as Gina's daughter. They may as well be two different species in their physical appearance. The biggest road bump is Leo's death. He becomes a ghostly figure and a weak narrator. I'd rather have the drama of him juggling two women. There is some food porn and some pastoral setting. The material wears out after a couple of series and it lasts 12 episodes in total. The show is like the Penrose. It struggles to stay afloat and somehow makes it from episode to episode.
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 8, 2019
- Permalink
Series one was most enjoyable. Well written and acted with beautiful photography. We are looking forward to series two.
- jstassen-29611
- Mar 7, 2018
- Permalink
Not the worst series going. Relatively light considering it contains so much infidelity and the odd tragedy. Basically every character in it sleeps with every other character. When a new character is introduced as a love interest of one of the main characters it transpires they have already slept with at least 7 other characters in the past, or if they haven't they will likely sleep with another within one episode. Wife enjoyed it though!
- davidianbowley
- Jun 16, 2019
- Permalink
I'm 18 minutes into Season 1, Episode 4, and I've just had enough. E. N. O. U. G. H.
I love Dawn French! And I usually like I Iain Glen, but he's also wearing thin in his latest projects that I've seen.
This is nothing but a pretty soap opera that has really good food and fancy schmancy backgrounds. And moves faster than 5 minutes a week, like the usual American soaps do. HOWEVER, the story lines, the acting, the drama!!! OMG!!! The drama is pure soap. And I don't like soap operas.
Too bad, really. Again, Dawn French is a favorite and this is a great new concept, but .... see above.
I think there's more than one season. But I won't make it any further than i already have. I added 1 star for Dawn French.
I love Dawn French! And I usually like I Iain Glen, but he's also wearing thin in his latest projects that I've seen.
This is nothing but a pretty soap opera that has really good food and fancy schmancy backgrounds. And moves faster than 5 minutes a week, like the usual American soaps do. HOWEVER, the story lines, the acting, the drama!!! OMG!!! The drama is pure soap. And I don't like soap operas.
Too bad, really. Again, Dawn French is a favorite and this is a great new concept, but .... see above.
I think there's more than one season. But I won't make it any further than i already have. I added 1 star for Dawn French.
Women bickering is a huge annoyance for me - and that's basically the entire plot of the show. Also irritating: A man who believes he's god's gift to women and of course they're going to fight over him, with a smug, smarmy narration to match. And a self-indulgent "troubled" child who could not be any less likable.
I've worked in commercial kitchens so on the one hand it was interesting because of the food; on the other a completely silly and unrealistic portrayal of all but a handful of kitchens in the world. (Yeah yeah, every cook on the planet will solemnly proclaim that each and every dish served is perfect - from Waffle House to Osteria Francescana.) Arguing about the high quality of food being served - every single episode - is as boring as a weekly F&B meeting.
I've worked in commercial kitchens so on the one hand it was interesting because of the food; on the other a completely silly and unrealistic portrayal of all but a handful of kitchens in the world. (Yeah yeah, every cook on the planet will solemnly proclaim that each and every dish served is perfect - from Waffle House to Osteria Francescana.) Arguing about the high quality of food being served - every single episode - is as boring as a weekly F&B meeting.
- dtdenver-987-925546
- May 9, 2019
- Permalink
- potatoangel-55089
- Feb 15, 2019
- Permalink
I enjoyed it ! Set locally to us , it showcases Cornwall and the Tamar Valley at its best with food , fighting and affairs , characters you can love and despise, the rain and the chance of , the division of class and income and the delicious Dawn French against the mean and sulky Emilia Fox . The big girl gets the boys and the clothes horse gets her comeuppance.....What's not to like ? 😉 Why they haven't commissioned a 4th series is beyond me ....homegrown series are gold dust to the local economy....it was watchable, not offensive, had interest and intrigue and a good cast . If Doc Martin can last for 10 series maybe Delicious is worth another chance ?
- sarahsharman
- Feb 16, 2023
- Permalink
Yes the story is simple and straightforward but very watchable for the scenery and music. The lovely Cornwall countryside eminently soothing and the food looks delectable when it's sprinkled in at unpredictable intervals. The dialogue can be smart and witty, especially from the widow's mother. Also easily understood by American viewers! Sit back and enjoy as a bit of indulgent dessert and maybe bring along a dish for yourself.
- dianae8256
- Apr 8, 2018
- Permalink
I tried the first of series one as it was on PBS and promised a decently experienced cast and a possibly promising context. But oh dear...slow, dreamy, inconsistent in its drifting sort-of plot made worse with gooey voice overs and random salacious scenes. Were some of these scenes supposed to be amusing? Or was the aimlessness an attempt at revealing the domestic problems as something typical yet tragic or whatever?
The whole thing struck me as a 'meh, who cares?' sort of conclusion and since Iain Glen was as usual playing this Iain Glen thing, I had no desire to study his patently scruffy 'charm' ever again. Other cast members did what they could but there was just no spark or catchy through plot line to tempt me.
After about 20 minutes I still couldn't get a fix on it and decided I didn't want to bother...and THAT's when the desperation for digital entertainment is at its highest currently. Not the best investment of PBS dollars perhaps.
The whole thing struck me as a 'meh, who cares?' sort of conclusion and since Iain Glen was as usual playing this Iain Glen thing, I had no desire to study his patently scruffy 'charm' ever again. Other cast members did what they could but there was just no spark or catchy through plot line to tempt me.
After about 20 minutes I still couldn't get a fix on it and decided I didn't want to bother...and THAT's when the desperation for digital entertainment is at its highest currently. Not the best investment of PBS dollars perhaps.
- reggie-at-random
- Mar 28, 2020
- Permalink
But if you are looking for something that is going to keep you on the edge of your seat, this is not it. All the cast compliment each other.
- debbieclarke1964
- Apr 6, 2019
- Permalink
The starter was very disappointing. Potentially good ingredients failed to blend well, and it became a chore to chew my way through to the end of the first course. In fact, I ended up with indigestion. I'll forgo the mains, the dessert and the cheese courses, and go to another restaurant. Delicious? Not!
The casting was superb. Watched it in a weekend, while packing. Will likely watch it again. Can't say enough about how great Dawn French and Emilia Fox are in this.
- tmspears-91253
- May 21, 2022
- Permalink
- debdshaw60
- May 7, 2018
- Permalink
As a foodie, I found this series riveting. Watching the after show videos, I was really quite surprised by the take of the actors on their characters, especially Dawn French and Emilia Fox. I can honestly say that this was not my experience at all. I felt the the Gina character was quite genuine, and Emilia Fox's character was so intensely spoiled and self-absorbed that she would excuse any of her own behavior at the expense of everyone else. I don't remember one scene when her character took responsibility for any of her own behavior, her conniving, cheating, lying or schemes. So, yes, I enjoyed this show but I do not understand the "take" of the actors at all.
- sugarqueen2
- May 25, 2025
- Permalink
- jonnithomas
- Jan 27, 2019
- Permalink
- jholland-34496
- Nov 1, 2023
- Permalink
This soapy tale is gorgeously mounted, has a cast of proved veterans and sexy young newcomers, and it never builds steam.
Endless voice-overs by Glen stop momentum cold, as the emotional rise is being described.
This is paint-by-numbers drivel that is predictable, and when it's not -- such as HOW DID GRANNY FIGURE OUT THE CLUE, it simply doesn't make sense. Twists are terrible and played out as if the audience are stupid.
Ruairi O'Connor brings interest, but the script and direction chicken out on what could be intense and searing.
Tanya Reynolds is saddled with a character so burdened with quirkiness (allergic to water, anorexic, depressed, misanthropic), that by the time the BIG SECRET of her existence is revealed, it's anticlimactic.
What a shame and what a waste.
Endless voice-overs by Glen stop momentum cold, as the emotional rise is being described.
This is paint-by-numbers drivel that is predictable, and when it's not -- such as HOW DID GRANNY FIGURE OUT THE CLUE, it simply doesn't make sense. Twists are terrible and played out as if the audience are stupid.
Ruairi O'Connor brings interest, but the script and direction chicken out on what could be intense and searing.
Tanya Reynolds is saddled with a character so burdened with quirkiness (allergic to water, anorexic, depressed, misanthropic), that by the time the BIG SECRET of her existence is revealed, it's anticlimactic.
What a shame and what a waste.
- vicstevinson
- Jan 29, 2017
- Permalink
Starts with gusto but then fizzles and by the end of the second series becomes totally contrived with, I suspect, the hope of a series three. All logic and realism is gone and only moderately entertaining.