The Piano

Just a quick review here as I decided after the first episode that I'd seen all that "The Piano" had to offer and that I wasn't going to watch any more. Its not my sort of thing, and I only watched the first episode as the series appeared on the Guardian's best TV of 2023 list and I'm trying to give them all a chance.

Pianos have been a staple of the UK's larger train stations for years, offering a distraction and entertainment to people waiting for their journey. This series encourages volunteers, to play in front of the cameras and commuters. The twist is that they're also being judged by popular artist Mika and renowned pianist Lang Lang, and the winner of the competition will perform at a special concert at the Royal Festival Hall.

This falls into the "nice" bracket of reality TV. There are no delusional people thrown in front of the cameras for the public's amusement - everyone is a really good pianist, and each have a backstory that helps fulfil that narrative of why they should win. Claudia Winkleman presents and she's as enthusiastic and quirky as she always is. A couple of contenders play and disappear, and in the end wrap up it becomes apparent that several people have participated who we've not seen play a note - but four or five key players get the full 'camera at home', 'meet the parents' type back story video packages, as it's clear that the winner is going to come from one of those.

It's a show designed to tug on the heart strings and it's quite successful at it. I can certainly see why people enjoyed it but I felt I'd seen all it had going for it by the end of the first episode and that I could move on without watching any more.

Alright - Mika is a little bit annoying. And so is Claudia at times. But there is something about The Piano which makes me warm inside, I always come away smiling, and inspired to be better at piano myself. This program is all about the people, children and adults, with extraordinary skills. Some with incredible stories too. The presenters do get a bit revved up at times but they are genuinely excited and passionate about what they are seeing. If you play the piano yourself, you will definitely love this. IMO, it's not really about the big show at the end. The talent discovery is just magical.

This is such a heartwarming show-it truly grabs you by the soul. The stories the participants share are raw, emotional, and so deeply human. Their lives, hopes, dreams, and struggles unfold with such honesty that it's impossible not to be moved. Every series so far has featured at least one moment that's made me tear up, if not outright sob. These individuals are all so talented and bring their own unique voice and story to the table. I stumbled upon this gem by accident on YouTube, and now I can't get enough. If you're looking for something genuine, moving, and inspiring, this is it. Highly recommend-just have tissues ready!

You will love this in you enjoy piano. Some of the stories behind the scenes will bring you to tears and the people come from all walks of life and all ages.

My partner who plays at a high level really enjoyed watching this, and seeing the different styles of piano playing on display. The format is good and presents multiple people playing in public places so you get a good feel that it's not staged like a lot of reality shows.

Can't wait for the final episode to see how they go at Festival Hall in the final (Not that they knew it was a contest as such).

All up a worthy watch and hopefully sees a season 2.

I am not generally a fan of reality TV, much of which showcases the worst human behaviours in the pursuit of unedifying entertainment. However, I am prepared to try the genre where it gives us positive human behaviours to cheer on. This series certainly does that and I could not be more pleased that I gave it a chance.

It is amazing to listen to amateur piano players hitting the keys in train stations across the land, quite often with no previous experience of public performance. The talent displayed by ordinary members of the public is enough to make you wonder why you have done so little!

It does seem a significant proportion of the best players have a challenging background, which makes you all the keener to cheer them on.

A contest like this can be jarring if the judges make what seems like the wrong call, even though you cannot argue with their expertise. But that happened much less often in series 2. And the overall winners of both series were totally the right picks.

This is positive, edifying reality TV to savour.