Mixtape

Mixtape (2025) completely won me over. It's one of those shows that sneaks up on you and stays with you long after the credits roll. The characters feel real, the music is incredible, and every episode made me feel something. It captures growing up, falling in love, and figuring out who you are in such a relatable way. I laughed, cried, and kept hitting "next episode" without thinking twice. It's warm, nostalgic, and full of heart. Honestly, it's one of my favourite shows this year and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves stories that feel personal and true.

What makes it even more special is how effortlessly it blends everyday life with a sense of magic and meaning. The friendships, the awkward moments, the big emotions - it all feels genuine. It reminded me of being a teenager again, and how powerful music can be during those years.

I came across this as it was starting on the BBC, knowing nothing about it. Watched the first episode and then was hooked.

It reflects the period in the 80's well, recreating Sheffield. Varying accuracy of accents aside, it does it well.

The two central characters, as kids, are excellent, as are their adult counterparts.

Theres various issues of the time to deal with, social pressures, dysfunctional family, seemingly loving family, school life, friendship, love, all set to a fairly good soundtrack of 80's indie (ish) music. Nice to see someone with those horrible orange foam headphones on permanently! Theres even a pantomime villain character, scheming away.

I found it refreshing and lovely and was glued to it.

Well, I'm a man in my 50's and this resonated on every level with me and was thoroughly heartbreaking from start to finish.. I thought that the two younger actors were amazing and really bought to life working class England of the late 80's - which they would have had no idea about , so hat's off to the writers & creators. The adult characters were well portrayed too and all in all it was, at times, verging on too agonising mainly with what was left unsaid and unresolved.. Sometimes in these pieces the switch between timelines can be a bit harsh, but not here - as every move between them was summoned in by a classic 80's tune - whose lyrics set us up for the switch - I found this aspect to be seamless. Talk about a ride, my wife and I watched all 4 hours on a rainy Sunday evening.

I've given it a 10 because not much makes me cry, but this did. The story is close to my own and hit some raw nerves. But even if it wasn't that way I think it was superb. True the adult characters are not quite old enough but relax into it, enjoy a great story and absorb the amazing music. The intertwining of 1988 and present day is seamlessly done. A superb production, will there be a season 2? Probably doesn't need one.

This is the best limited series I have seen for many years. In fact it is a high quality movie presented in four parts. The story is interesting, but it's execution is what makes this show a 10.

The screenplay is superb. It's best moments are when the story is hinted at, not spoon fed to us - the writers treat the audience with respect.

The direction is also a standout, again using understatement to make greater emotional impact. The use of flashbacks and current timelines is fluid and never misses a beat. Again presented to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions & interpretations.

And the acting.....fantastic! Every role was so perfectly cast and they all delivered. In particular the young & old Daniel & Alison. All four were superb, but I must single out Florence Hunt who played the young Alison. To me her convincing performance set up the story so well.

And last but not least, the Music. Used to perfection and ensured my emotions bubbled over, especially in the last episode. Well done to all on a most memorable viewing experience. Thank you.