Reviews

I was going through a massively crappy phase of my life when I watched this. I even tried looking into self help books etc. But I get bored easily with all that stuff. I was distracting myself from thinking too much and just looking for something light and entertaining to watch. I watched this and instantly had a new, joyful perspective on life. It truly warmed my soul and lifted my spirit.

That's not to say it should be perceived as a counselling session.

It's just pure and beautiful and no matter who you are or whether your life is fantastic or dire, the very least this series will do is bring an instant smile to your boatrace before you even realise.

Just watch it.

This series is geniously funny. The acting is superb and so natural that it really pulls you in. When you watch the actors' (particularly Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer and Emma Harvie) demeanor, facial expressions and body language it sometimes feels slightly improvisational - it's that good. It's heartwarming, it doesn't pull any punches but in a way that is also so humourous that it still uplifts. It's real and it's a bit crazy too. The last episode with the scene where they go to the second dog home is so clever and packed full of funniness. I think they actually must have been a bit nervous with all of those dogs -trained or not. Just watch it.

My 19-yr-old son insisted that I watch this. I had already started to, got about half an hour in and couldn't connect. It seemed a bit all over the place. But on his recommendation I gave it another go. And I'm so glad I did. I can't really explain the plot, I just know that it's one of the best films I've seen. I laughed (especially at Jamie Lee Curtis' character. I didn't recognise her at first. Brilliant.), I cried, I felt like I'd been through a spiritual experience. It's great. Just watch it. Even if you're not that bowled over, I can be pretty certain that it will resonate even if only in parts, and will stay in your mind.

Well I am still reeling from the scene with Reah Seehorn on the bus. I was her. I was there. That was the realest acting I have ever seen. I am welling up just thinking about it. That is all.

I'm really glad I didn't read the reviews before I watched this.

I can see why it's not to everyone's liking - it's a bit close to the mark at times and could be seen as distasteful. There is some dodgy parenting, no punches pulled; but it's honest and interesting, funny and human.

The second series is more mature and more rounded.

Episode 9 is particularly relevant from a female perspective.

Rosie O'Donnell is not one of my favourite actresses but I have new- found respect for her as she is excellent as the Bridgette's mum and in my opinion she makes the programme that much better.

I recommend you give it a try.

I am a support worker for adults on the autistic spectrum. This programme is brilliant. It is honest and real and shows how life can be for people with autism and also for their loved ones and friends. Every character reminded me of somebody I work with and it is funny, emotional and interesting. You don't have to see it as a programme about autism or be particularly interested in the condition - it is very entertaining and will probably open people's minds without forcing it down their throats. I cannot recommend it enough. It brought tears to my eyes for different reasons as it hits home in a wonderful way. The bonus videos are also well worth a watch as it features some of the actors (who are autistic 'irl' as Violet would say!) relating some of their experiences and explaining a little about behaviours and what they mean. It's about time something like this was created and I for one am very grateful. My only complaint is that there weren't more episodes so I really hope another series is imminent.

What a shame about this potentially great programme. The writing was good and really funny but it was let down by some miscasting. It was written by Joe Wilkinson but I feel he would have been better off not playing the role of Simon as it just wasn't the greatest acting. He kept laughing at simple statements that just weren't funny and weren't supposed to be. Susannah Fielding was so irritating and insipid that I struggled to get through the second series because of her nauseating and patronising demeanour and it was only the humour and the talent of a couple of other actors that made me determined to push through it.

As for the soundtrack - it made me realise how important it is to get it right. They did not get it right here. Apart from a couple of excellent old tunes that I like anyway, it was so excruciatingly bland and sugary that I wanted to bang my head against a wall and had to keep skipping forward.

What a shame, it could have been so much more entertaining.

I was in a miserable mood when I started watching this. That soon changed. I found myself grinning to myself with delight.

The colours are vivid and there is so much to look at on screen that it's a feast for the eyes - the scenery, the clothes, I'm sure there must be every colour under the sun. But of course it is not just a matter of visual satisfaction. The characters are beautiful, vibrant and engaging and the stories have just enough emotion and plot to make it interesting but not too deep and the humour is lovely. My only complaint is that there are not loads more episodes.

This is such an inspiring, gripping programme. I don't think I've seen any documentary that has made me so angry, sad, dubious, inspired, hopeful and elated all in such a small space of time. I URGE everyone to watch it. It's simply amazing and so are the men in the film who have dedicated their time and money to helping the people who have been wrongly convicted. Not an easy job when they first have to be sure that these people are telling the truth. Gripping. I defy you not to sob at least once.

I started watching this late one evening when everything I tried to watch was either too light to hold my attention or needed me to concentrate too much. This has just the right balance. It's like a spoof of one of those dark, serious detective shows where the the crime is gruesome, the setting is atmospheric and the cop/s are battling personal issues and an obsession with the case. It is humorous but not too silly and still has a decent story to it without being too heavy. The characters are funny and endearing and it's well acted. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I loved this pilot Funny, refreshing, uplifting. Siobhan Finneran is absolutely brilliant in it. I really hope they show more.

It's been a long time since I've seen such a gripping, exceedingly well acted, haunting and photographically beautiful programme. If you start to watch and feel like it's going too slow, I urge you to hang in there and keep going. It's worth it and it will stay with you.

I was a bit dubious about this as I thought it could be cheesy, over-sentimental or just boring. I was pleasantly surprised. It's not full of drama or action or twists but still manages to be engaging, gently comedic and inspiring without patronising the viewer. A real feel - good film and the fact that it's a true story makes it even better. I had a little happy tear in my eye at the end.

I'm halfway through the second season of this and I'm really impressed. Zak Galifianikis comes into his own and I can't get enough of Louis Anderson as his mum. He plays the role so well - realistically with the mannerisms and not at all over the top - that you forget it's actually a fella. This series is sad, funny and has substance and the characters are all entertaining. Best thing I've watched for a while. I hope it continues to be so.