where to watch: Netflix
when to watch: When you want something light and easy and fun. When you want to hear Idris Elba’s accent.
you should note: Co-created by Idris Elba. A diverse cast.
tl;dr: A struggling, once famous DJ begins nannying for his famous actor friend
Sometimes, you need to watch a show that is pure fluff. A show you know really doesn’t hold up to further analysis, a show that is predictable and formulaic, but a show that is fun. To me, that’s what Turn Up Charlie is.
premise
Released a year ago on Netflix, Turn Up Charlie was created by Idris Elba because he wanted a chance to play more lighthearted comedic roles. The show was canceled after one season, but it’s still worth watching.
It follows Idris Elba as Charlie, a one-hit wonder popstar/DJ who currently lives with his Auntie Lydia and can barely make rent playing crappy weddings. When Charlie’s best friend from school, David, now a famous actor, moves back to London with his famous DJ wife and their daughter, Charlie thinks this might be his chance to get back on the charts with a hit song. Meanwhile, the successful couple have moved to London in hopes that their daughter can have a more stable childhood, because she is quite the terror.
Instead of finding his big break, Charlie, in need of cash, accepts David and Sara’s offer to become their daughter’s nanny.
As you can probably guess, the show is pretty predictable. Gabrielle is acting out because her parents are neglectful. Charlie is the first nanny that can get through to her, etc., etc. But Idris Elba is so charming to watch, and so is Piper Perabo as Sara. Later in the season, the crew goes to music festivals and even Ibiza. There’s romance, relationship drama, and a really cute kid.
in conclusion
The show has really fun worldbuilding, whether it’s Charlie’s dynamic with his Nigerian auntie, Sara and David’s famous people lifestyle, weird music festivals, or the clubs of Ibiza. It may not be super inventive, but it’s so, so fun. It’s the perfect combination of laughs, attractive people, attractive settings, and great accents. It’s wholesome, and it’s light. With just 8 25-minute episodes, you could watch it in one or two sittings, as I did. To me, it’s the perfect show to make you forget summer is ending.