I really enjoyed this series. A pity it was only four episodes long, as I felt the narrative could have been developed further (or is that waiting for series two?). A very well observed drama about life in a busy, fine dining kitchen, and all the crap that the overworked, underpaid staff have to deal with on a daily basis, as they struggle with the demands of work whilst trying to reconcile that with a personal life. Not a very good advert for anyone considering a career in fine dining, but all the better for that. Well written, well acted, and convincing portrayal of life behind the scenes in the financially driven modern world of the fine dining experience.
41 Reviews
Largely good, though overcooked in parts
PaddyGarcia13 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Was a little unsure of how this would play out having only recently watched the movie; the character direction wasn't immediately clear but they all become mostly fleshed out in this.
Yes, at times the script is a little predictable. The first episode is a culprit of this but the drama itself is well orchestrated and feels real enough. I've seen complaints that a kitchen could never run and be successful like this but 1) it is a drama! And 2) they literally get closed down at the end...
Aside from Liam, it is very well cast and acted. Robinson puts in a terrific performance and the cast add plenty too, especially Ogg on his eventually introduction. Nice to see him play someone other than his archetypal psycho character.
It is a BBC production, so it IS a bit BBC-ified. Not egregiously so but just a touch. Let's use the non-binary character, whose name I genuinely don't know as an example. There is nothing wrong with having an NB character! They exist. But the biggest scene given for this character was just one where staff overuse the correct pronouns during an argument. It's just very on the nose look at us being progressive writing, rather than actual progressive and interesting writing. Or Freeman being on the end of very unlikely seeming casual racism during a business meeting. It just didn't feel sincere.
On the flip side, the writing of Jamie's mental struggles are exceptionally well done and the development arc of Jake was enjoyable too. Gary Lamont's portrayal of Dean was also a lot of fun, I suppose he is something of a stereotype in this but he reminds me a lot of someone I know which again added sincerity to the performance. Emily managing to not totally descend back into a drink issue was a shrewd move to and a reminder that falling off the wagon once does not spell the end of a journey.
The road is open for a second series and it could well work, though I wonder how much more can we get out of the current characters given the intense levels of drama already displayed. The series largely delivered, especially on the drama front. The writing at times could be better and the episodes could feel a little cramped with such seismic events constantly happening.
The Good
The Not So Good
Yes, at times the script is a little predictable. The first episode is a culprit of this but the drama itself is well orchestrated and feels real enough. I've seen complaints that a kitchen could never run and be successful like this but 1) it is a drama! And 2) they literally get closed down at the end...
Aside from Liam, it is very well cast and acted. Robinson puts in a terrific performance and the cast add plenty too, especially Ogg on his eventually introduction. Nice to see him play someone other than his archetypal psycho character.
It is a BBC production, so it IS a bit BBC-ified. Not egregiously so but just a touch. Let's use the non-binary character, whose name I genuinely don't know as an example. There is nothing wrong with having an NB character! They exist. But the biggest scene given for this character was just one where staff overuse the correct pronouns during an argument. It's just very on the nose look at us being progressive writing, rather than actual progressive and interesting writing. Or Freeman being on the end of very unlikely seeming casual racism during a business meeting. It just didn't feel sincere.
On the flip side, the writing of Jamie's mental struggles are exceptionally well done and the development arc of Jake was enjoyable too. Gary Lamont's portrayal of Dean was also a lot of fun, I suppose he is something of a stereotype in this but he reminds me a lot of someone I know which again added sincerity to the performance. Emily managing to not totally descend back into a drink issue was a shrewd move to and a reminder that falling off the wagon once does not spell the end of a journey.
The road is open for a second series and it could well work, though I wonder how much more can we get out of the current characters given the intense levels of drama already displayed. The series largely delivered, especially on the drama front. The writing at times could be better and the episodes could feel a little cramped with such seismic events constantly happening.
The Good
- Very well cast, realistic acting
- The drama hits home
- Characters well developed
The Not So Good
- Lacklustre writing at times, some subplots not really wrapped up
- Episodes can feel cramped.
Unmissable pressure cooker drama - Enjoy!
JRB-NorthernSoul4 October 2023
Boiling Point has history, having started as a short film which became a Netflix feature and has now become a four part TV series. There's no need to view either before coming to this (which is very much the best version) but you might want to look them up afterwards as the cast & crew are largely the same across all three.
Like many viewers I've worked in this environment albeit many years ago and I can attest to its accuracy in perfectly portraying the tensions of a busy kitchen and the conflicts that occasionally erupt spectacularly. I could literally feel my blood pressure rising just watching it.
There's a great cast across the board, its well-directed, beautifully written by James Cummings and has a fab score - its one of those productions where everyone involved is on top form and it all comes together seemlessly - I can't recommend it highly enough.
Congrats to all involved in making this one, hope there'll be more.
Like many viewers I've worked in this environment albeit many years ago and I can attest to its accuracy in perfectly portraying the tensions of a busy kitchen and the conflicts that occasionally erupt spectacularly. I could literally feel my blood pressure rising just watching it.
There's a great cast across the board, its well-directed, beautifully written by James Cummings and has a fab score - its one of those productions where everyone involved is on top form and it all comes together seemlessly - I can't recommend it highly enough.
Congrats to all involved in making this one, hope there'll be more.
Outstanding.
daviddunn-906532 October 2023
This had me gripped from the very first scene. Fast moving, sometimes at a manic pace, this was partly shot on a hand held camera which gave a feel of the insane pace this drama moved along at.
There were some outstanding performances from a stellar cast, with the star of them all, Stephen Graham, making brief appearances as he is slowly introduced into the series after his dramatic exit in the prequel movie, which this series is based on.
I found no fault in this production. It is a masterpiece of film making and acting at its best. The good thing is there are more episodes to follow and I look forward to watching them all.
There were some outstanding performances from a stellar cast, with the star of them all, Stephen Graham, making brief appearances as he is slowly introduced into the series after his dramatic exit in the prequel movie, which this series is based on.
I found no fault in this production. It is a masterpiece of film making and acting at its best. The good thing is there are more episodes to follow and I look forward to watching them all.
I watch a lot of TV
silentbod2 October 2023
Like, A LOT. Trust me when I say, this is the best thing on UK TV at the moment. It is stressful just watching it, but that's only because of how engaging it is. The pace and camera work make you feel like you are there in the kitchen, being pulled back and forth between tasks. It reminded me greatly of my own work experiences.
The cast are incredible and their characters interesting.
It is not important to watch the short or movie versions that predate this series, as it stands perfectly well on its own. However I would highly recommend doing so as they too are incredible, and would help you avoid writing reviews stating that this has copied a show the original concept predates by 3.5 years.
My only complaint, wanted more episodes!
The cast are incredible and their characters interesting.
It is not important to watch the short or movie versions that predate this series, as it stands perfectly well on its own. However I would highly recommend doing so as they too are incredible, and would help you avoid writing reviews stating that this has copied a show the original concept predates by 3.5 years.
My only complaint, wanted more episodes!
I want to see more!
wheaters713 October 2023
Absolutely love that they brought a series after the film! Anyone who works in hospitality knows how accurate this series is. Just binged all 4 episodes.
I particularly liked how it dived into the individual characters showing a bit about their backgrounds.
It might not be for everyone and that's ok, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but for me personally I've always wanted to see a series about the hospitality trade and Boiling Point ticks all the boxes.
Very similar every day situations to what it's really like. It's not just about cooking, waiting on tables or pouring pints! Long may it continue. Great job!
I particularly liked how it dived into the individual characters showing a bit about their backgrounds.
It might not be for everyone and that's ok, everyone is entitled to their own opinion but for me personally I've always wanted to see a series about the hospitality trade and Boiling Point ticks all the boxes.
Very similar every day situations to what it's really like. It's not just about cooking, waiting on tables or pouring pints! Long may it continue. Great job!
Wasn't really any point.
specialbobby23 October 2023
Loved the film, as a chef it was an amalgamation of some of the worst nights you'll ever have all rolled into one. This left me excited for a tv series, foolishly thinking it'd be on a par with 'The Bear', while it's half decent Sunday night tv it gets so many of the finer details wrong during a service and spends to much time outside of service with pointless subplots focusing on poorly written minor characters who've not had enough time to grow in the series meaning any storyline is bereft of drama or empathy, I laughed about the pooing the pants, but did I care for the reason, no, the character had to lines of dialogue up to that point. If there is a series two, it needs tightening up and be kept in the kitchen, and please, no pointless virtue signalling, the badge scene was cringe, the character barely registering up to that point thus leaving us no reason to care. Stephen Graham needs to get back in the chaos, spar with the new sous, (one of the more interesting, uncomfortable characters) and create a recipe for real drama next time.
Ignore the haters...a great series that's well executed
bevowen2 October 2023
I write a lot of reviews as I love TV, especially dramas and the BBC have done it again, made a brilliant one. I read all the reviews and wonder what some of the 'haters' have been watching.
It's a hard hitting series and I really liked all the characters as individuals. The directing is clever as filming includes the food and it's delivery, this makes the series a bit different than other kitchen drama shows - I quite liked that aspect.
Andy (Stephen Graham) is as always, an outstanding actor and I really think that Carly (Vinette Robinson) and Emily (Hannah Walters) are two of the very best actors in their roles and they really made series believable for me.
The series is fast paced and in some scenes quite upsetting so be prepared....it's a high pressure environment and it is the boiling point!
Well done.....great series and well worth watching.
It's a hard hitting series and I really liked all the characters as individuals. The directing is clever as filming includes the food and it's delivery, this makes the series a bit different than other kitchen drama shows - I quite liked that aspect.
Andy (Stephen Graham) is as always, an outstanding actor and I really think that Carly (Vinette Robinson) and Emily (Hannah Walters) are two of the very best actors in their roles and they really made series believable for me.
The series is fast paced and in some scenes quite upsetting so be prepared....it's a high pressure environment and it is the boiling point!
Well done.....great series and well worth watching.
Def. not realistic
maaagikhappens7 May 2024
I read some reviews from people stating that they have worked in this industry. Where? Episode 1: When/if you were serving plates that look as pretty as that, in this supposed teeny tiny kitchen allow a new employee, who hasn't been trained or vetted, for that matter, take on tasks like that?
So unrealistic, it stifles me who these supposed "I've worked in this industry and it is so spot on"?
I have actually worked in kitchens and as a server and bartender for over 20 years and none of this jives.
Sorry to the people who are enjoying the show. I could not help but wait for the failure of the new guy, bc I guess we are supposed to feel sorry for him? If this was my restaurant, he would not have stepped in the second he walked in way too late. What? For an actual training?
I love the fact that you are trying to make people who dine out understand how much effort is involved. Clearly the writers don't actually know.
So unrealistic, it stifles me who these supposed "I've worked in this industry and it is so spot on"?
I have actually worked in kitchens and as a server and bartender for over 20 years and none of this jives.
Sorry to the people who are enjoying the show. I could not help but wait for the failure of the new guy, bc I guess we are supposed to feel sorry for him? If this was my restaurant, he would not have stepped in the second he walked in way too late. What? For an actual training?
I love the fact that you are trying to make people who dine out understand how much effort is involved. Clearly the writers don't actually know.
Phenomenal
hudshots2 October 2023
Other reviewers are claiming this is a 'BTEC' version of 'The Bear' are absolutely clueless. I'm wondering if they even watched the film prior to this.
Boiling Point is a masterpiece. From start to finish you're drawn in and unable to turn it off. Some of the best British actors of the 21st century put on the performance of a lifetime. Stephen Graham is his usual brilliant self, terrific acting and constantly bringing the scenes down to a desperate reality. Hannah Walters is absolutely outstanding, reprising her role of the head pastry chef, adding so much more to her story than what we saw in the film.
The storyline meanders brilliantly through and keeps you gripped constantly, you can't expect more from British Drama, this sets the bar very high.
Boiling Point is a masterpiece. From start to finish you're drawn in and unable to turn it off. Some of the best British actors of the 21st century put on the performance of a lifetime. Stephen Graham is his usual brilliant self, terrific acting and constantly bringing the scenes down to a desperate reality. Hannah Walters is absolutely outstanding, reprising her role of the head pastry chef, adding so much more to her story than what we saw in the film.
The storyline meanders brilliantly through and keeps you gripped constantly, you can't expect more from British Drama, this sets the bar very high.
Boiling Point: Season 1: worthy of some Michellin stars
joebloggscity3 December 2023
Finding that the experimental film Boiling Point had been made into a spin off tv series, for once I was happy to see this move. The One Take format of the parent movie was though unlikely to be possible for tv, but what we have still is the realistic drama in a kichen at the brink.
Stephen Graham returns as Andy Jones but mostly in a bit part role, the series instead centres round his understudy (Carly brilliantly played by Vinette Robinson) who is now managing her own venue in what feels like an ill fated attempt to make it a success. Lots of returnees from the original but also some new faces, and their lives and working relationships are all as dysfunctional as you'd come to expect in such a drama.
Does it match up to its successful parent film? The answer from me is mostly yes, as good as you should expect, albeit four episodes was a tad too short. This deserved a longer run so I expect there will be a second season, and will allow the story to expand. I appreciate that there's been other restaurant drama TV series around recently but I've not seen any of them.
The direction and acting is top notch in this claustrophobic kitchen. The storylines are mostly nihilistic and grim, but my only gripe is that it can all be a little too obvious too. That doesn't thankfully detract from the show though, and I still enjoyed it.
So for a bit of well directed TV drama, I'd recommend this, but would also recommend watching the parent film first for some greater context.
Stephen Graham returns as Andy Jones but mostly in a bit part role, the series instead centres round his understudy (Carly brilliantly played by Vinette Robinson) who is now managing her own venue in what feels like an ill fated attempt to make it a success. Lots of returnees from the original but also some new faces, and their lives and working relationships are all as dysfunctional as you'd come to expect in such a drama.
Does it match up to its successful parent film? The answer from me is mostly yes, as good as you should expect, albeit four episodes was a tad too short. This deserved a longer run so I expect there will be a second season, and will allow the story to expand. I appreciate that there's been other restaurant drama TV series around recently but I've not seen any of them.
The direction and acting is top notch in this claustrophobic kitchen. The storylines are mostly nihilistic and grim, but my only gripe is that it can all be a little too obvious too. That doesn't thankfully detract from the show though, and I still enjoyed it.
So for a bit of well directed TV drama, I'd recommend this, but would also recommend watching the parent film first for some greater context.
Could have been great...
stuartmillett-2011924 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
It's not the British version of The Bear.
Great acting but if you think it's good to have this much drama in a fine dining restaurant and it be entertaining then you're a fool. It's just unnecessary, I just want to enjoy the show without being constantly reminded that it's not real because the writers from EastEnders have now got a show on the side. It's genuinely infuriating and I genuinely have a very low opinion of people giving this 10/10. There is something wrong with you.
It is a shame because if they toned it down a little it could be quite a good show but you don't need to turn everything up to 11 all of the time.
Great acting but if you think it's good to have this much drama in a fine dining restaurant and it be entertaining then you're a fool. It's just unnecessary, I just want to enjoy the show without being constantly reminded that it's not real because the writers from EastEnders have now got a show on the side. It's genuinely infuriating and I genuinely have a very low opinion of people giving this 10/10. There is something wrong with you.
It is a shame because if they toned it down a little it could be quite a good show but you don't need to turn everything up to 11 all of the time.
The only thing the BBC should do now is drama.
sjlwebb2 October 2023
This is quite simply the best thing the BBC have ever done. This is all they should do now. They should leave the news well alone. An absolute masterclass of acting and directing. This really is next level stuff, it draws you in and just doesn't let you go. No spoilers but half way through episode 2 I suddenly realised I wasn't breathing. Just stunning in every department. It's not confirmed yet, but there will be a second series, it's too good for that not to happen. Yeah 'The Bear' is good, but this makes it looks like a very poor mans copy. British drama used to be the envy of the world, keep this up and it will be again. SUPERB!!!
More more more
StevieBaby093 October 2023
Gimme more!!
Utterly brilliant, wonderful, emotional and tense. There is room for more! The comparisons to The Bear whilst sort of fair are unnecessary.
The way it's filmed is similar which makes you feel like you're in the kitchen. I would like to state that Boiling Point came first followed by The Bear.
The storylines and character arcs in these four episodes just scratch the surface of potential for additional series. I really hope we get a series 2.
Beautifully acted by all, actually made me miss being in the hospo world.
Hard hitting, at times difficult to watch but breathtaking. Kudos to all involved.
Utterly brilliant, wonderful, emotional and tense. There is room for more! The comparisons to The Bear whilst sort of fair are unnecessary.
The way it's filmed is similar which makes you feel like you're in the kitchen. I would like to state that Boiling Point came first followed by The Bear.
The storylines and character arcs in these four episodes just scratch the surface of potential for additional series. I really hope we get a series 2.
Beautifully acted by all, actually made me miss being in the hospo world.
Hard hitting, at times difficult to watch but breathtaking. Kudos to all involved.
Strong drama
grahamf-555428 October 2023
This was a welcome relief to my fruitless search for decent drama on Netflix. So thanks to the BBC for serving up a tasty dish. Fast moving, and sometimes difficult to watch much of the time, thanks to the predictability of the story lines. I don't agree with those who have given a low rating based on the predictable story lines. That doesn't stop it being a strong drama.
Similarly I don't have a huge problem with the fact that all the main characters have their own demons. This is fiction and a drama so we can't expect them to be boringly perfect.
I hope there is a new series and I hope the budge extends to more episodes.
Similarly I don't have a huge problem with the fact that all the main characters have their own demons. This is fiction and a drama so we can't expect them to be boringly perfect.
I hope there is a new series and I hope the budge extends to more episodes.
Phenomenal series
primaliv3 October 2023
This series is pretty faultless. After watching the film, and thoroughly enjoying it, I was intrigued to see where this series would go. I thought it would be a bit of a spin off and slightly over indulgent of the film. Well I admit I was wrong !
It hits the mark on every occurrence. Directing, acting, script, music, every detail did not go unnoticed. It was a work of art !!! Every actor involved and I mean it when I say every actor was incredible. Just the flow of the series was perfect, and so realistic. Every story I could relate to, it never reached that irritating over dramatisation like in Hollywood, its gut wrenching then just moves on and you feel you have to move with the pace. The series felt like a dinner service, hard to put in words.... Let's say I would recommend this series.
It hits the mark on every occurrence. Directing, acting, script, music, every detail did not go unnoticed. It was a work of art !!! Every actor involved and I mean it when I say every actor was incredible. Just the flow of the series was perfect, and so realistic. Every story I could relate to, it never reached that irritating over dramatisation like in Hollywood, its gut wrenching then just moves on and you feel you have to move with the pace. The series felt like a dinner service, hard to put in words.... Let's say I would recommend this series.
Better than the movie
hevcom10 October 2023
A great series, months after Andy's departure. The characters are varied and build their story throughout. Fast-paced but not uncomfortably so, like the movie. Some very heart wrenching and thought-provoking storylines gives the show gravitas and all the cast are fantastic in their respective roles. The acting can sometimes appear effortless as if the restaurant is real and the characters are actually "working". Presumably there's a lot of ad-libbing which makes it feel natural, that'll be the Stephen Graham touch. In my opinion, he can do absolutely no wrong and when he does have a scene with Emily (his real life wife) there's such wonderful chemistry.
Fantastic!
filbaxter713 October 2023
This, (like the movie before it) is absolutely brilliant!. The acting, the story, the characters, in fact everything about this is perfect. I only wish there was more!. Please make a second series.
Like others have said, The BBC need to concentrate on spending our money on this kind of drama. Not all these ridiculous re-runs etc.
My partner has just watched the original movie (after be banging on about it for well over a year!) She absolutely loved it and can't wait to catch me up on the series as I have decided to leave the last two episodes so we can watch them together. I was so hard not to just binge them in one sitting!.
Like others have said, The BBC need to concentrate on spending our money on this kind of drama. Not all these ridiculous re-runs etc.
My partner has just watched the original movie (after be banging on about it for well over a year!) She absolutely loved it and can't wait to catch me up on the series as I have decided to leave the last two episodes so we can watch them together. I was so hard not to just binge them in one sitting!.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
Oldrich7 October 2023
For some reason they have made each character a mental case or a substance abuser so it resembles not a posh, high-end restaurant but rather a kitchen in a psychiatric ward. I guess that's modern drama for you. The team of cooks which usually works like a well-oiled clock mechanism in such restaurants just wouldn't survive a day with such crazy company. Original film was so much better and not only for its technical bravery. Stephen Graham is barely present here and his substitutes just don't have his charisma and depth so it's hard to pay attention to their trivial problems at work and especially in their private lives.
Bear with me
safenoe28 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I must admit I haven't seen the Boilerpoint movie, I haven't seen the Boilerpoint short, and I haven't seen The Bear, but I've just finished watching all four episodes of season one of Boiling Point, the series. Anyway, my main complaint is that there are only four episodes! Why, oh why, are superb British series so short, because really at least 10 episodes would have fleshed out more of the drama and intrigue in Point North and beyond in the lives of the staff.
Anyway, the 11 minute longshot at the start of episode one was worth the price of admission alone. Hopefully the powers-that-be can commission season two.
Anyway, the 11 minute longshot at the start of episode one was worth the price of admission alone. Hopefully the powers-that-be can commission season two.
fantastic- real inake on Hospitality
Truth-8735120 October 2023
Its by far one of the better tv shows about chef and hospitality i have watched in some time. And as chef can relate to a lot of what goes on in tv show and behind the screens more eps 2 and acting and directing is great.
I would rate this higher then "whites" mainly since whites is more comedy and bit stupid haha. This takes more serious take of how difficult and hard it is on people who work in the hospitality and how it impacts day to day life.
Those who have worked in this industry will know exactly what i mean. But well worth the watch.
No spoiler . But Eps 2 can relate to how hard things get in kitchen and how stress can impact.
I would rate this higher then "whites" mainly since whites is more comedy and bit stupid haha. This takes more serious take of how difficult and hard it is on people who work in the hospitality and how it impacts day to day life.
Those who have worked in this industry will know exactly what i mean. But well worth the watch.
No spoiler . But Eps 2 can relate to how hard things get in kitchen and how stress can impact.
LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE!!
andrewbrown-853742 November 2023
I enjoyed watching this series, A really good follow up from the film. Amazing representation and insights that follow Hospitality working backgrounds. The writing deserves credit as each individual actor have storylines that keep you gripped throughout! Sensitive subjects related to each actor's work/personal life are carried so well, experiences that most audiences can relate with.
The casting is the best thing about this series, really diverse and it just WORKS. You will be locked in immediately. I have not heard or seen confirmation for a second series however, This series has so much potential to stay on our screens. Great watch!
The casting is the best thing about this series, really diverse and it just WORKS. You will be locked in immediately. I have not heard or seen confirmation for a second series however, This series has so much potential to stay on our screens. Great watch!
Better than the movie
amz_zengeya18 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Really enjoyed the series and it was a good prequel to the series. Hopefully there will be a season 2. Although some of the stories lines were maybe not necessary ie the lady with crohns disease who can barely act and her boyfriend.........was by far the dullest character and a waste of an episode. I think it would be interesting to see what comes of the new shady America sous chef but Vinette Robinson is always a pleasure to watch. She is so well versed and an incredible actress. I thinks it will.be interesting how they progress this and it would have also been helpful to understand why they are in the financial situation they find themselves in as this was not clear.
Exceptional TV By Exceptional People
t-d-t-m8216 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've long been a fan of Stephen Graham ever since discovering him in the Shane Meadow's classic 'This Is England'. This is his new role and concept and the sequel to the movie with the same name.
It's not shot in one take which is the staggering achievement of the previous show. However it is absolutely riveting and pulsating and non-stop entertaining and it really delivers and packs huge punches.
The melting pot cauldron of the kitchen in its extreme pressure points in various different showcases are done to perfection.
There are characters experiencing heavy drug usage whilst others are ex-addicts recovering from their addictions. There is an owner struggling with the financial burden of running a new restaurant and not having enough support from the financial backers.
There's the problem of stock control going wrong and the stock not turning up. The added problem of being very thin on staff with training of unqualified and unexperienced staff using up time and manpower of other staff.
There's various points of extreme stress at extreme times with a new stress point occurring just around the corner without any warning.
It's a culmination of extreme boiling points and the staff's reactions are both mesmerising; amazing and jaw-dropping. You see ego-centric chefs chopping down their workmates and supportive and caring people being unable to cope and just about getting by.
The pressure points are there and it's incredible TV. The acting is absolutely superb by everybody. I love the score too. Amazing music. Even indigenous French-speaking African music from the mighty T. P. Poly-Rythmo Do Cotonou from Benin appear. Wow. Did not expect such an expertly-selected score!
Food is also presented in a certain regard of Michelin style whilst taking a nod to nouveau Copenhagen cuisine and rustic French classics. Exceptional for that to come off on a TV show.
It's Kitchen Nightmares as a successful business which is also experiencing every nightmare it can. Except the financial pressures of running a restaurant mean it's not as successful as it should be despite the amazing write-ups and feedback from punters alike.
All in all it's the very best show I've seen in 2023. I binged on it inside two days. I absolutely loved it and want more!
It's not shot in one take which is the staggering achievement of the previous show. However it is absolutely riveting and pulsating and non-stop entertaining and it really delivers and packs huge punches.
The melting pot cauldron of the kitchen in its extreme pressure points in various different showcases are done to perfection.
There are characters experiencing heavy drug usage whilst others are ex-addicts recovering from their addictions. There is an owner struggling with the financial burden of running a new restaurant and not having enough support from the financial backers.
There's the problem of stock control going wrong and the stock not turning up. The added problem of being very thin on staff with training of unqualified and unexperienced staff using up time and manpower of other staff.
There's various points of extreme stress at extreme times with a new stress point occurring just around the corner without any warning.
It's a culmination of extreme boiling points and the staff's reactions are both mesmerising; amazing and jaw-dropping. You see ego-centric chefs chopping down their workmates and supportive and caring people being unable to cope and just about getting by.
The pressure points are there and it's incredible TV. The acting is absolutely superb by everybody. I love the score too. Amazing music. Even indigenous French-speaking African music from the mighty T. P. Poly-Rythmo Do Cotonou from Benin appear. Wow. Did not expect such an expertly-selected score!
Food is also presented in a certain regard of Michelin style whilst taking a nod to nouveau Copenhagen cuisine and rustic French classics. Exceptional for that to come off on a TV show.
It's Kitchen Nightmares as a successful business which is also experiencing every nightmare it can. Except the financial pressures of running a restaurant mean it's not as successful as it should be despite the amazing write-ups and feedback from punters alike.
All in all it's the very best show I've seen in 2023. I binged on it inside two days. I absolutely loved it and want more!
The best series this year
judales-0126412 November 2023
I am hoping this returns. It takes your breath away. It shows real characters in real situations. It's like watching a Ken Loach in an hour. I just love it! Stephen Graham should be lauded for creating such a flawless piece of TV which although is difficult to watch at times.... Is a great representation of life today. I watched the film and was breathless with the use of the continuous filming. I found the technique in the series similar but was glad that I didn't feel so stressed! I can't imagine how it must feel to work in a kitchen under so much pressure, but the sense of achievement when it goes well must be amazing.
See also
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