David Farnor | On 26, Feb 2015

As the excitement of EastEnders Live fades away, you may well be left with a gap in your BBC viewing. Where can you get your fix of adrenaline, murder, or sheer drama now? From a new Israeli drama picked up by BBC Four and a look inside the government to an Australian Western and charity baking, here are the top 12 TV shows and films currently on BBC iPlayer.

Funny Valentines

This charming collection of original comedy shorts, all based around love, sees everyone from Limmy to Bill Bailey deliver their own funny take on the theme. We particularly recommend Matt Berry’s Wild Love, which explores the mating rituals of exotic beasts in their pursuit of sex.

Available until: 15th March

Hostages

When brilliant surgeon Yael Danon is selected to perform a routine operation on the Israeli prime minister it puts her and her whole family in danger. The night before the operation they are taken hostage in their house by masked men and Yael is given an ultimatum – she must kill the prime minister during his operation or her family will die.

Available until: 23rd March – Episode 1

Inside the Commons

Michael Cockerell presents the first in a four-part series with unparalleled access to the House of Commons, filmed over the course of a year. The show follows two relatively new female MPs – Charlotte Leslie and Sarah Champion – learning the ways of the House. We hear from those at the top of political tree including David Cameron and Ed Miliband, who reveal what happens at prime minister’s questions, and we also see behind the scenes on budget day. Insightful viewing during the run-up to the 2015 election.

3rd March – Episode 1

House of Fools

Vic and Bob return for another series of inspired silliness. Here, the pair feel Erik has come of age and decide to arrange a surprise blind date for him at Julie’s Bistro with someone Beef found on the internet.

19th March – Episode 1

Bitter Lake

Politicians used to have the confidence to tell us stories that made sense of the chaos of world events. But now there are no big stories and politicians react randomly to every new crisis – leaving us bewildered and disorientated. Adam Curtis’ experimental documentary deconstructs the narrative told in the media with a challenging scope and a liberal dose of Carry On movies. As baffling as it is provocative, this feels like essential viewing.

Available until: Start of 2016

Mystery Road

Casablanca. Chinatown. Fargo. You can always trust a movie named after a place. Mystery Road is no exception. Ivan Sen’s Australian Western is fuelled by its location; a blistering, inhospitable landscape. And that’s before you even consider the locals.

Returning home after making it big in the city, Aaron Pederson plays Detective Jay Swan, called in to investigate the death of an indigenous girl. His welcome is far from warm. Is it a race thing – or are they simply corrupt?

Available until: 25th March

Horrible Histories Season 6: Magna Cafta Special

Horrible Histories returns for a special about King John and Magna Carta, starring Ben Miller. John annoys the Barons and agrees Magna Carta at Runnymede, after a banging rap battle. Meanwhile, across the world we meet the formidable Genghis Khan in Mongolia, and catch up with the crafty Saladin during the Crusades. Typically smart and witty kids’ entertainment.

Available until 17th March – Episode 1

Storyville: Love Is All: 100 Years of Love and Courtship

Storyville’s documentary slot continues its excellent run of interesting non-fiction films. Here, it’s Kim Longinotto’s archive trip through the universal theme of love, set to a stunning soundtrack by Richard Hawley. Love Is All takes us on a journey through the 20th century, exploring love and courtship on screen in a century of unprecedented social upheaval. From the very first kisses ever caught on film, through the disruption of war to the birth of youth culture, gay liberation and free love, we follow courting couples flirting at tea dances, kissing in the back of the movies, shacking up and fighting for the right to love.

Available until: 24th March

Boogaloo and Graham

This Bafta-winning and Oscar-nominated short film from Northern Ireland sees young Jamesy and Malachy over the moon in Belfast, when their soft-hearted dad presents them with two baby chicks to care for. Raising their tiny charges, declaring themselves vegetarian and dreaming of running a chicken farm, the two boys are in for a shock when their parents announce that big changes are coming to the family.

Available until – 25th March

Jackpot

At a plastic Christmas tree factory in Norway, three ex-cons and their supervisor have a big win on the pools, but the lure of money turns them against each other. Typically dark Norwegian comedy, with blood as much as brains.

Available until – 11.20pm, 27th February

The Great Comic Relief Bake Off

The Great British Bake Off returns with four special Comic Relief programmes. Joining Gok Wan, Jonathan Ross, and Abbey Clancy in the tent is YouTube star Zoella. Can the new generation of celebrity beat her more established counterparts? The answer will be decided by cupcakes, profiteroles and a marble cake inspired by their favourite building.

Available until: 24th March – Episode 2

I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse

Trust BBC Three to come up with a game show that takes place during an uprising of the undead. The reality series is set six months in to a zombie outbreak and sees 10 survivors from across the UK head to Monroe Shopping Village – a rescue point where the army were once based but had to abandon when it was overrun by zombies.

Available until: 23rd March – Episode 1

 

Photo: BBC/Pett TV/Christopher Baines

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