Newark, Newark

I'm not sure where the poor reviews are coming from, because this is fantastic viewing. Hilarious, and at times painfully cringey - in the best possible way.

Hebburn meets Young Offenders in tone, with more than a whiff of Shameless.

The UK TV channel "Gold" has, in the last decade, been shifting a little bit from repeating classic shows, to producing some of their own. "Newark, Newark" is perhaps their biggest attempt at a hit series yet. Admittedly three episodes isn't much to get stuck into, but the securing of Morgana Robinson and Mathew Horne as two of the stars shows a certain commitment. The result is . . . Not awful, but I can't say I'm overly enthused at the prospect of anymore.

Recently divorced, Maxine (Morgana Robinson) balances her job running a chip shop, whilst taking care of her dramatic teenage son Leslie (Jai Hollis). Her ex-husband Terry (Mathew Horne) is desperate for the relationship to rekindle and is conspiring with Maxine's mum Pauline (Beverley Callard) to get back with her.

I like Morgana Robinson a lot, she's contributed enormously to "House of Fools" and is a great guest star in "Inside Number 9" and "Toast of Hollywood". I don't think she's particularly suited to this character though, as dowdy, middle aged mother isn't necessarily what I think of, when I think of her. The accent is, to my ear - living in the Midlands but not specifically Newark - sometimes a bit much, but it's not entirely false.

I found the first episode, revolving around Maxine's birthday to be the best of the three and laughed a few times in that one, unfortunately it wasn't maintained into the second and third episodes and by the end I was reasonably relieved to discover that there were only three episodes of the series.

Honestly, I can't imagine I'll have any recollection of this at all in three months as it's neither good, nor awful enough to have made much of an impression.

Good cast, they never introduce the characters and rush to some forces and some what too extreme story line, I sense the pilot had two added and then pulled. Story line is about single mum with a funny non supportive mother, who still wants her to get back with the ex, I didn't love it to be fair and a shame it was not funnier. That said is I think the one star rating is harsh and would possible try it ..... you may disagree.

Newark Newark brilliantly balances humour and heart while keeping snappy dialogue, unpolished characters, and authenticity at its core.

Each actor is so perfectly cast and directed that it's hard to remember you're watching actors playing roles and not locals being filmed while going about their daily lives (sticklers may harp on accents, but pay them no mind). Nathan Foad's pitch-perfect dialogue captures each character's unique voice as he populates this fictional version of his hometown with a host of recognisable yet hyperbolic personalities.

Also of note is the the unique original score and selection of 90s/early 2000s pop hits, both of which help ground this farcical romp in reality.

All in all, if you enjoy absurdist characters, uncurbed authenticity, and unpretentious comedy, "Newark Newark" is a must-watch!

For what it is I absolutely enjoyed it for three episodes a laugh every other minute and Morgana Robinson is class as usual and Beverly callard back in comedy since two pints of lager and a packet of crisps.