TV Corner Notes: British Thrills, Unique Dramas, and Summer Anticipation!

Welcome back to another edition of TV Corner Notes, where I discuss various topics related to television and beyond. In this week's edition, I have thoroughly examined the recent premieres of both new and returning British television programs. Let us proceed without delay.

A Deadly Thriller on a Plane: Red Eye

This week, Hulu delighted viewers with the debut of the ITV six-episode series, Red Eye. The show, which premiered on Hulu, follows a British doctor who is suddenly extradited on an overnight flight to China, amid suspicions of manslaughter involving a colleague. But did he truly commit the crime? The series beautifully combines classic British thriller elements with intriguing political themes, making it a captivating watch; however, it can sometimes feel a bit lengthy, even for a six-episode run.

Jing Lusi stars as Detective Hana Li, who accompanies Dr. Matthew Nolan (played by Richard Armitage) to China. Along the way, they encounter a series of murders involving Nolan's colleagues on the plane. Together, they work to uncover the identity of the killer and discover how Nolan is connected to it, which deftly transforms a murder thriller into a gripping political thriller between the US, UK, and China. 

If you're looking for a quick six-hour binge-a-thon and seeking a suspenseful thriller, definitely check out Red Eye on Hulu.

Code of Silence: A Unique Detective Series

The U.S. premiere of Code of Silence has finally aired on BritBox with its first two episodes, and I'm truly captivated. Premiering on July 24, 2025, it’s quite a unique and brilliantly crafted detective series, different from the usual ones we watch. Rose Ayling-Ellis shines as Alison Woods, a deaf caterer who assists the police team by lip-reading during a critical case. But she may be getting too close when she forms a connection with their suspect. Will being close to the suspect help or hurt the case?

Ayling-Ellis delivers an outstanding performance in the first two episodes, beautifully capturing the character's essence and connection. There's a charming, almost Nancy Drew-like vibe to her character, and it's clear why this series has attracted so much attention both in the UK (where it premiered in May 2025) and worldwide since its debut. I'm really excited for what comes next! 

So far, I give the two episodes a 9/10.

Such Brave Girls: Brilliantly Funny and Relatable

I'm not sure why I didn't leave a review for the first season of BBC Three/Hulu's sitcom Such Brave Girls. Perhaps I was just preoccupied with other aspects of life at the time. But after rewatching the first season and catching up with the new one (which debuted on Hulu on July 7, 2025), I fell in love with this show, as it's just brilliantly funny with a great cast of characters that I would just sit and watch all day.

In the series, Deb (Louise Brealey), a warm and resilient woman in her forties, is working on rebuilding her life alongside her boyfriend. While she faces challenges, her heartfelt journey is truly inspiring. She also shares her home with her two adult daughters: Josie (Kat Sadler), who is exploring her mental health and discovering her sexual identity, and Billie (Lizzie Davidson), who is navigating a complex and toxic relationship. Their stories weave a rich tapestry of love, growth, and resilience that many viewers will find relatable and uplifting, even amidst its signature dark humor. Kat Sadler, Louise Brealey, and Lizzie Davidson are all talented and dedicated individuals who bring a great deal of passion to their work, making this family truly endearing.

Overall, I give the series a 9/10.

Critical: Between Life and Death: A Gripping Look at Emergency Care

This week, I watched the Netflix documentary series Critical: Between Life and Death, which premiered. It offers an unflinching exploration of the emergency care system in London's top trauma center hospitals. You'll witness real-life emergencies, from a fair accident that sent a grandfather and granddaughter, along with a seriously hurt couple, to a man undergoing skull repair after a beating. The series also provides intimate insights from the dedicated doctors and nurses who work tirelessly on these and other patients. If you're looking for that raw medical drama energy of shows like The Pitt, Chicago Med, or Grey's Anatomy, I highly recommend Critical on Netflix.

Overall, I give it a 9.5/10.

What's New This Week

This week, I can't wait to watch the new season of Peacock's Twisted Metal! Season 2 drops on Peacock this Thursday. I truly enjoyed the first season—it was a delightful surprise—and the characters of John Doe and Quiet were absolutely fantastic. I'm excited for the tournament and curious about all the wild and crazy adventures they'll have. It's going to be so much fun!

The NFL Hall of Fame Game is just around the corner! The Los Angeles Chargers face the Detroit Lions this Thursday on NBC. I know it's just a preseason match, but with the NFL season starting in just over a month, there’s really something exciting about it, don’t you think? It's that first taste of real football!

Finally, Worst Cooks in America Season 29 is airing tonight as sadly will be the final season featuring the incredible Anne Burrell. As many know, she tragically passed away last month, making this season a poignant farewell to a beloved culinary personality.

What's been on your screen this week? Are you exploring any of these new British imports? Counting down to Twisted Metal Season 2 or the Hall of Fame Game? Or perhaps paying tribute to Anne Burrell? Hit the comments—I want to hear what's been keeping you glued to the screen.

Until next time, 

Adam