Features
Features, articles and essays on video on-demand shows and movies, streaming services and the VOD industry.
How the Daredevil opening title sequence was made: An interview with director Patrick Clair
May 10, 2015 | David FarnorA month ago today, Marvel’s Daredevil premiered on Netflix (you can read our binge reviews here). The first in a string of new superhero series made with the streaming site, the show is dark, violent and unlike anything in Marvel’s … Read More
Top TV shows and films on BBC iPlayer (7th May 2015)
May 7, 2015 | David FarnorIf you’ve ever wondered why we pay the Licence Fee, take a look at BBC iPlayer’s current line-up.
The Beeb’s catch-up catalogue is arguably the best it’s ever been, with serious election coverage, topical comedy (including satire of the … Read More
Spooks: A look back at the BBC spy series’ best episodes
May 4, 2015 | David FarnorFrom Tom to Lucas, we look back at the best episodes of the BBC’s spy series, Spooks.Read More
Revealed: Netflix’s ratings?
April 30, 2015 | David FarnorNetflix is a VOD service that prides itself on data. From its meticulous tagging of every sub-plot and pseudo-genre you could imagine to its personalised recommendations based on ratings and viewing behaviour, one could argue it’s a statistics company first … Read More
Penny Dreadful: A horror show of hidden depths
April 29, 2015 | David FarnorThis contains mild spoilers.
“Do you really want to be normal?”
That’s the question left hanging by Season 1 of Penny Dreadful. The show, which returns to Sky Atlantic – and NOW – next week, was one of the best … Read More
Top TV shows and films on BBC iPlayer (26th April 2015)
April 26, 2015 | David FarnorThis week on BBC iPlayer is all about Peter Kay’s new sitcom, Car Share, which premieres in its entirety online before its linear TV broadcast.
Equally impressive among the brand new offerings are the new season of W1A and Inside … Read More
Top TV shows and films on BBC iPlayer (16th April 2015)
April 16, 2015 | David FarnorBBC iPlayer continues to be an almost unrivalled source of free and diverse programming.
From a comprehensive range of election coverage – including interviews, Q&As for younger viewers and comedy panels – to human interest documentaries and sci-fi and … Read More
Spoiler Alert: Everyone Is Dead Now (a Game of Thrones song)
April 12, 2015 | David FarnorWarning: Spoilers.
With Game of Thrones Season 5 returning on Monday 13th April, the question on everyone’s lips is who’s going to get it next?
After the Red Wedding in Season 3 and the Purple Wedding in Season 4, we’re … Read More
Top TV shows and films on BBC iPlayer (Easter Bank Holiday 2015)
April 6, 2015 | David FarnorIt’s the Easter Bank Holiday, which means you’re either outside, enjoying the sun, or indoors, frantically catching up on housework and in need of a TV break. Either way, there’s a whole host of stuff you’ve probably missed on the … Read More
Bingeing on disillusion: Why we are more engaged with House of Cards than real politics
April 2, 2015 | David Farnor“It’s mostly so I can pose for the photos,” Russian President Viktor Petrov tells Frank Underwood in House of Cards Season 3. They’re talking about surfing.
“Plays well with the young people,” he adds. “It’s important that they see … Read More