Still Up

What if you take "You Got Mail" and gave them iPhones so the main characters can FaceTime each other? Oh and Meg had insomnia so she only called Tom at night? This quirky romantic comedy has interesting characters and takes you on a ride of two people who have a complicated relationship but relies on each other! Outside of the main characters the supporting cast are amusing and provide an extra giggle. Some of the antics you have to suspend disbelief for but I found myself always wanting to know what happens next plus the ultimate question of will love conquer all, will they be happy together?

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 was bored and wanted something to watch and stumbled across Still Up. I loved the main actress on The Good Doctor, so I gave it a shot. The 2 main characters have great chemistry and the storyline is unique. I don't suffer from insomnia and this show makes me glad I don't lol. Their conversations are entertaining and there are a few laugh out loud unexpected moments which will make me come back for more. I also like that you get to see them interact with other people in their lives and then see how they interact with each other. I say give it a try and go in expecting light hearted fun. Apple TV rarely disappoints and I think this is another winner!

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 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.