Learning British
Sam Brown and Natalia Brammen 94 episodes Nov 7, 2026
Join Sam Brown and Natalia Brammen as they explore British culture, media, and history. Episodes range from badly aged sitcoms to cancelled celebrities. The show offers a conversational look at how British pop culture and historical moments have dated. Listeners can follow updates on Instagram at @learningbritishfilmtv.
Episodes
Graham Linehan vs. Trans Women in Sports | Learning British
Sam and Natalia continue their discussion of Graham Linehan's autobiography, TOUGH CROWD. Controversy, ahoy!Topics of conversation include 'Exiting the Vampire Castle' by Mark Fisher, cancel culture, Russell Brand, Graham's opinion on Owen Jones, the definition of trans, Coca-Cola, Vladimir Nabokov, Stonewall, Christmas denialism, self-ID laws, GIPANDOs in Massachusetts, gender neu
Graham Linehan, “Tough Crowd” and Transphobia | Learning British
Sam and Natalia jump into the deep end of the controversy pool to discuss Graham Linehan and his autobiography, TOUGH CROWD.TOUGH CROWD (or HOW I MADE AND LOST A CAREER IN COMEDY) is the 2023 autobiography by Graham Linehan, an Irish writer who wrote several acclaimed British sitcoms such as FATHER TED, THE IT CROWD, and BLACK BOOKS. From the mid-2010s to the present, Linehan has engaged in what m
"Nathan for You": Nathan Fielder before Elizabeth Holmes | Learning British
The plan? Watch NATHAN FOR YOU to celebrate the release of Nathan Fielder's new documentary, YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING. NATHAN FOR YOU is a satirical comedy TV show starring Nathan Fielder as a fictionalised version of himself. Using his business background, Nathan helps struggling businesses in America by suggesting outlandish strategies and marketing stunts. What does NATHAN FOR YOU have to do
The Fence: "The UK's only magazine" | Learning British
Sam talks to Natalia about an independent magazine called THE FENCE for forty minutes, because who is honestly going to stop him?THE FENCE is a quarterly magazine based on life in the UK and Ireland, featuring fiction, deep-dive investigations, and cultural essays. Sam talks to Natalia about the articles featured in Issue 29 of THE FENCE. Remember when we were watching all of Nolan's films? No
“70 Up” and the 7 Up Films w/ Michael Apted and Asif Kapadia | Learning British
“Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man…”Sam and Natalia watch the final film in the UP series, 70 UP.UP is a documentary series that chronicles the lives of ten boys and four girls as they grow older. Starting in 1964, filmmakers have returned to each of the original fourteen participants every seven years to see what has happened in the intervening years. The documentaries
The 2026 Booker Prize Shortlist | Learning British
Sam and Natalia visit the Southbank Centre in London as the 2026 Booker Prize shortlist is revealed.The Booker Prize is a literary award given to the best English-language novel published each year. After attending the 2026 shortlist announcement on September 22nd, Sam and Natalia go through their thoughts on each book.Intro: 00:00 - 05:50THE END OF EVERYTHING by M. John Harrison: 05:50 - 08:04THE
"Lie to Me": How the War on Terror Changed TV w/ Tim Roth | Learning British
Sam and Natalia, for some reason, watch all three seasons and forty-eight episodes of the mostly forgotten American crime drama TV show, LIE TO ME. LIE TO ME is an American crime drama television show that aired on Fox from 2009 to 2011. It follows Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth), and his friends and colleagues, who assist in criminal and civil investigations by 'truth-checking' suspects; the
Jon Ronson, "The Castle", and Masculinity | Learning British
Sam introduces Natalia to Jon Ronson and his new book, THE CASTLE, in this thrilling episode of the LEARNING BRITISH podcast.THE CASTLE (or Adventures in a World of Unravelling Men) is a 2026 book by acclaimed journalist Jon Ronson. THE CASTLE follows Ronson as he investigates a mysterious castle in rural Connecticut.Topics of conversation include Jon Ronson discovering Alex Jones in THEM, JK Rowl
#9. Interstellar (2014) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia continue their Christopher Nolan retrospective by watching and reviewing his ninth film, INTERSTELLAR.INTERSTELLAR (2014) is a science-fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, and Michael Caine. It follows a group of astronauts who travel through space in search of a new home for humanit
#8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia watch and review Christopher Nolan's eighth film, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES.THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2012) is the superhero-action sequel to BATMAN BEGINS and THE DARK KNIGHT. Eight years after the events of THE DARK KNIGHT, a retired Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) is forced to return to his Batman persona to save Gotham from Bane (Tom Hardy). The film also stars Michael Caine, Gary Ol
The Odyssey w/ Matt Damon | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia watch and review Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY.THE ODYSSEY (2026) is a film adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek poem, starring Matt Damon as Odysseus, the King of Ithaca. Sam and Natalia jump ahead in their Christopher Nolan retrospective series to find out if his new film is worth the hype.Topics of conversation include England in the FIFA World Cup, Odyseusz, iPhone fac
#7. Inception (2010) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia spend the UK premiere of THE ODYSSEY rewatching Christopher Nolan's seventh film, INCEPTION.INCEPTION (2010) is a science-fiction action film starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Dom Cobb, a thief who steals information by infiltrating the dreams of his targets. The film also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hardy, Elliot Page, Marion Cotillard, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe.Is INCE
The Inbetweeners Movie(s) | Learning British
Sam and Natalia finish THE INBETWEENERS with the show's two film adaptations, THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE and THE INBETWEENERS 2.THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE (2011) and THE INBETWEENERS 2 (2014) are coming-of-age teen comedy films based on the E4 sitcom, THE INBETWEENERS. Written by series creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris, the INBETWEENERS movies act as the de facto finale of the classic British si
The Inbetweeners w/ Simon Bird and James Buckley | Learning British
Sam and Natalia take a reprieve from their Nolan series to watch and review the British cult-comedy classic, THE INBETWEENERS.THE INBETWEENERS is a British coming-of-age sitcom that aired on E4 from 2008 to 2010. The series follows the cringe-inducing misadventures of four awkward Sixth Formers: Will McKenzie (Simon Bird), Simon Cooper (Joe Thomas), Jay Cartwright (James Buckley), and Neil Sutherl
Tip Toe w/ Alan Cumming and David Morrissey | Learning British
Sam and Natalia sit down and watch Russell T Davies' new contemporary LGBTQ+ drama, TIP TOE.TIP TOE (2026) is a limited television series released on Channel 4. It follows Leo Struthers (Alan Cumming), a bar owner on Canal Street in Manchester's gay village, who becomes embroiled in a feud with his next-door neighbour, Clive Goss (David Morrissey). The show also stars Elizabeth Berrington
#6. The Dark Knight (2008) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia watch the most famous and acclaimed Christopher Nolan film, THE DARK KNIGHT.THE DARK KNIGHT (2008) is the superhero-action sequel to BATMAN BEGINS. The film follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale), Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), and Harvey 'Two-Face' Dent (Aaron Eckhart) as they attempt to dismantle organised crime in Gotham, until their plans are derailed by Batman's
#5. The Prestige (2006) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia continue their Christopher Nolan series by watching and reviewing his fifth film, THE PRESTIGE.THE PRESTIGE (2006) is a mystery-thriller following two rival magicians, Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale), in turn-of-the-century London. The film also stars Michael Caine as John Cutter, Scarlett Johansson as Olivia Wenscombe, Rebecca Hall as Sarah Borden,
#4. Batman Begins (2005) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Prepare for back-to-back BATMAN BEGINS as Sam and Natalia continue their Christopher Nolan retrospective.BATMAN BEGINS (2005) is a superhero-action film which tells the origin story of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) becoming the titular icon. Following the death of his parents, Bruce Wayne fights to stop Ra's al Ghul (Liam Neeson) and the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy) with the help of his butler, A
Misfits w/ Robert Sheehan and Iwan Rheon | Learning British
Sam and Natalia watch and review the E4 classic, MISFITS.MISFITS is a science fiction dramedy TV show which follows a group of young offenders sentenced to work at a community service centre. After the titular misfits -- Nathan (Robert Sheehan), Simon (Iwan Rheon), Kelly (Lauren Socha), Alisha (Antonia Thomas), and Curtis (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) -- acquire supernatural powers based on their perso
#3. Insomnia (2002) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia prepare for the release of THE ODYSSEY by watching Christopher Nolan's third film, INSOMNIA.INSOMNIA (2002) is a neo-noir thriller film directed by Christopher Nolan and written by Hillary Seitz. The film follows two Los Angeles detectives, Will Dormer (Al Pacino) and Hap Eckhart (Martin Donovan), who start investigating the murder of teenager Kay Connell (Crystal Lowe) in Nigh
#2. Memento (2000) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia continue their preparation for THE ODYSSEY by watching Christopher Nolan's second film, MEMENTO.MEMENTO (2000) is a neo-noir thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. Based on a short story by Nolan's brother, MEMENTO follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with anterograde amnesia who cannot retain short-term memories. On a mission to catch and kill the m
#1. Following (1998) | Christopher Nolan Ranked
Sam and Natalia prepare for the release of THE ODYSSEY by watching Christopher Nolan’s first ‘official’ film, FOLLOWING. FOLLOWING (1998) is a British neo-noir crime film written and directed by Christopher Nolan in his feature-length debut, filmed on black-and-white 16mm and produced on a shoestring budget. It tells the story of a man (Jeremy Theobald) who follows strangers around London before h
Christopher Nolan Ranked
In the lead-up to THE ODYSSEY, Sam and Natalia begin their Christopher Nolan watch-along series by immediately arguing about Christopher Nolan's films.Topics of conversation include whether Nolan is British, Steven Spielberg directing OPPENHEIMER, normies, "I'm in the Mood for Dancing", watching films in the cinema, why people who like THE DARK KNIGHT are annoying, BARBIE, Jordan
Every 28 DAYS LATER Film Ranked
Sam and Natalia watch, review, and rank all four 28 DAYS LATER films.Intro: 00:00 - 01:0928 DAYS LATER: 01:09 - 26:1228 WEEKS LATER: 26:12 - 01:05:0228 YEARS LATER: 01:05:02 - 01:51:48THE BONE TEMPLE: 01:51:48 - 02:12:34Final ranking: 02:12:34 - 02:19:25Don’t forget to follow and find us on Instagram (@learningbritishfilmtv) and follow us on Reddit (r/learningbritish).If you would like us to rea
The Bone Temple (28 Years Later) | Learning British
Sam and Natalia finish their 28 DAYS LATER retrospective by reviewing Nia DaCosta's 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE.28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE is the fourth (and, currently, final) entry in the 28 DAYS LATER film series, staring Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry. The film follows Spike as he is adopted into "Sir Lord" Jimmy Cry
28 Years Later | Learning British
Sam and Natalia continue their watchalong of the 28 DAYS LATER films with the second sequel, 28 YEARS LATER.28 YEARS LATER is a 2025 zombie horror film starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O'Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. It follows Spike, a boy living in a post-apocalyptic Britain, who undertakes a hazardous journey with his ill mother.After their cold reaction to 28
28 Weeks Later | Learning British
Sam and Natalia continue their listener-requested 28 DAYS LATER watchalong by reacting to its first sequel, 28 WEEKS LATER.28 WEEKS LATER is a 2007 zombie horror film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, starring Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner, Harold Perrineau, and Idris Elba. Set six months after the events of the first film, 28 WEEKS LATER follows two young children (portrayed by Mac
28 Days Later | Learning British
Is 28 DAYS LATER the best British horror film? Sam and Natalia sit down and watch Danny Boyle’s 2002 horror masterpiece.28 DAYS LATER (2002) follows Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to discover that the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the collapse of the UK. Joining forces with Selena (Naomie Harris), Frank (Brendan Gle
The Traitors (Series 4) w/ Claudia Winkleman | Learning British
Sam and Natalia begin the 2026 season of the LEARNING BRITISH podcast by watching and reviewing series four of THE TRAITORS.THE TRAITORS is a British reality TV show hosted by Claudia Winkleman. The show features a group of contestants participating in a social deduction game in which a small group of contestants become Traitors, who must work together to eliminate the Faithfuls. Series Four featu
#13. Hogwarts Legacy is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia finish their HARRY POTTER series by playing and reviewing HOGWARTS LEGACY.HOGWARTS LEGACY is a 2023 action role-playing game developed by Avalanche Software and published by Portkey Games. Set in the 1890s at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the player takes on the role of a fifth-year wizarding student (voiced by Sebastian Croft or Amelia Gething) who must use ancient m
The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball | Learning British
Sam and Natalia watch and review the new Cartoon Network animated show, THE WONDERFULLY WEIRD WORLD OF GUMBALL. THE WONDERFULLY WEIRD WORLD OF GUMBALL is an animated children's show which follows Gumball Watterson (voiced by Alkaio Thiele), a blue 12-year-old cat, and his 10-year-old adopted brother, Darwin (voiced by Hero Hunter), a goldfish. Co-produced across the United States, Europe, and
BONUS: The 2025 London Film Festival
Sam and Natalia go to the 2025 London Film Festival in this bonus episode of the LEARNING BRITISH podcast.The 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF) took place from 8th to the 19th of October, 2025. Sam and Natalia saw eight films total across the festival. Jump ahead to the timestamps below to hear our reviews of each: (03:15) H IS FOR HAWK(05:50) ENZO(09:22) DIE, MY LOVE(11:14) & SONS(15:48) RO
#12. The Secrets of Dumbledore is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia finish the FANTASTIC BEASTS trilogy with the third and (thank God) final film, THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE.Five years after the events of the first film, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) tasks Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) with a mission to help take down the dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp... wait, no, sorry, Mads Mikkelsen). Friendships will be tested. Love will be lost.
The Wrong Mans w/ Mathew Baynton and James Corden | Learning British
Sam and Natalia sit down to watch James Corden and Mathew Baynton action-comedy TV show: THE WRONG MANS. THE WRONG MANS follows council workers Sam Pinkett (Mathew Baynton) and Phil Bourne (James Corden), both of whom become entangled in a far-fetched web of crime, conspiracy, and corruption after Pinkett answers a ringing mobile phone at the site of a car crash.Topics of conversation include Edga
#11. The Crimes of Grindelwald is bad, actually
Please, no, not another one! Sam and Natalia watch and review the next FANTASTIC BEASTS film: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD.Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) attempt to take down the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp), reuniting with Newt's old friends: Generic Love Interest (Katherine Waterston), Why Are You Still Here (Dan Fogler), and Ezra Miller... for
Ncuti Gatwa vs. Shakespeare: Born With Teeth | Learning British
Sam and Natalia visit London's West End to watch BORN WITH TEETH.BORN WITH TEETH is a play written by Liz Duffy Adams about the relationship between playwrights Christopher Marlowe (Ncuti Gatwa) and William Shakespeare (Edward Bluemel). Written in 2022, the play recently had its British premiere at the Wyndham's Theatre in London.Sam and Natalia sit down to watch Ncuti Gat- wait, no, sorry
#10. The Fantastic Beasts films are bad, actually
After reading that stupid play, Sam and Natalia watch and review the next instalment of the HARRY POTTER film series: FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM.Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a British wizard, arrives in 1920s New York City. After his magical suitcase is mistakenly picked up by Muggle ‘No-Maj’ Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), the two become wrapped up in an evil scheme perpetrated by i
This Country w/ Daisy May Cooper | Learning British
Natalia introduces Sam to the mockumentary sitcom that everyone won't stop recommending to him: THIS COUNTRY.Created and written by Daisy May Cooper and Charlie Cooper, the show focuses on the day-to-day lives of two cousins, Kerry (Daisy May Cooper) and Kurtan Mucklowe (Charlie Cooper), living in a rural village in the Cotswolds. Sam and Natalia sit down to watch all three series and nineteen
#9. The Cursed Child is bad, actually
After reviewing all the HARRY POTTER films, Sam and Natalia revisit the unofficially official eighth instalment of the Wizarding World: THE CURSED CHILD.HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD follows Albus Severus Potter (originally played by Sam Clemmett), the son of Harry Potter (originally played by Jamie Parker). After struggling to fit in at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Albus teams
Learning British has regenerated
Learning British is a weekly show hosted by Sam Brown, a born-and-bred Brit, and Natalia Brammen, a Polish immigrant living in the UK. In each episode, Sam introduces Natalia to a new piece of British culture, media, or history, from badly aged sitcoms to cancelled celebrities. You can keep up with the podcast on Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningbritishfi
The Thursday Murder Club w/ Richard Osman | Learning British
Sam and Natalia watch and review Netflix's new cosy crime murder mystery, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB.THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four elderly amateur sleuths who attempt to solve a murder in their luxurious Cooper's Chase retirement village. The film stars Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best, Pierce Brosnan as Ron Ritchie, Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim Arif, Celia Imrie as Joyce Meadowcroft, and D
Harry Potter is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia watch, review, and rank all eight HARRY POTTER films. And, yes, they're all bad.The Sorcerer's Stone: 00:32 - 33:22The Chamber of Secrets: 33:22 - 01:01:59The Prisoner of Azkaban: 01:01:59 - 01:11:30The Goblet of Fire: 01:11:30 - 01:42:12The Order of the Phoenix: 01:42:12 - 02:06:48The Half-blood Prince: 02:06:48 - 02:22:55The Deathly Hallows (Part 1): 02:22:55 - 03:22:45Th
Black Books w/ Dylan Moran and Bill Bailey | Learning British
After rewatching THE IT CROWD, Sam and Natalia look back at Dylan Moran and Graham Linehan's sitcom, BLACK BOOKS.BLACK BOOKS is a British sitcom created by Dylan Moran and Graham Linehan, starring Moran as Bernard Black, Bill Bailey as Manny Bianco, and Tamsin Greig as Fran Katzenjammer. The series, set in the eponymous London bookshop, follows a grouchy and misanthropic shopkeeper after he ga
#8. The Deathly Hallows (Part 2) is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia finish their series reviewing the HARRY POTTER film series by watching THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2.Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) continues his quest to find and destroy Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes alongside his best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson).Topics of conversation include Ron’s characterisation, Robert Galbraith, lost causes, Reddi
The IT Crowd w/ Chris O'Dowd and Katherine Parkinson | Learning British
After finishing GARTH MARENGHI'S DARKPLACE, Sam and Natalia watch all four series of THE IT CROWD.THE IT CROWD is a British television sitcom originally broadcast by Channel 4, written and directed by... sigh... Graham Linehan. Set within the IT department of fictional company Reynholm Industries, the series stars Richard Ayoade, Chris O'Dowd, Katherine Parkinson, Chris Morris, Matt Berry,
#7. The Deathly Hallows (Part 1) is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia watch and review the penultimate film in the series, THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 1.Harry Potter's (Daniel Radcliffe) seventh and final year at Hogwarts is interrupted by Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), whose quest for immortality has brought suffering and chaos across the Wizarding World. Alongside best friends Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Harry
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace w/ Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry | Learning British
"Two words: telekinesis."GARTH MARENGHI'S DARKPLACE is a horror parody series following fictional horror author Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness) and his TV show DARKPLACE, presented as real in-universe, with commentary from producer Dean Learner (Richard Ayoade), actor Todd Rivers (Matt Berry), and actress Madeleine Wool (Alice Lowe).Discontinued after poor viewing figures, GARTH MAR
#6. The Half-Blood Prince is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia continue their series reviewing HARRY POTTER by looking back at the sixth film, THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE.Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) begins his sixth year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). After finding a mysterious textbook owned by "The Half-Blood Prince", Harry works with Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbled
It’s a Sin w/ Olly Alexander | Learning British
Sam and Natalia look back at the hit Channel 4 TV drama, IT’S A SIN.IT’S A SIN follows a group of gay men who move to London in the 1980s, depicting their lives across the ensuing decade as the HIV/AIDS virus begins to spread.The show stars Olly Alexander (Ritchie Tozer), Omari Douglas (Roscoe Babatunde), Callum Scott Howells (Colin Morris-Jones), Lydia West (Jill Baxter), Nathaniel Curtis (Ash Mu
#5. The Order of the Phoenix is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia continue their series reviewing HARRY POTTER by looking back at the fifth film, THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX.Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) begins his fifth year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). After the Ministry of Magic take control of their school, Harry recruits his fellow classmates to fight against the return of L
The Office (Series 2) | Learning British
After reviewing series one of THE OFFICE, Sam and Natalia watch and react to series two.THE OFFICE is a British mockumentary sitcom created, written, and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Series two of THE OFFICE follows David Brent (Ricky Gervais) as he battles to keep his job in Slough. Sam and Natalia sit down to watch and review the entire second series, including the Christmas s
#4. The Goblet of Fire is bad, actually
After reviewing the first three HARRY POTTER movies, Sam and Natalia watch and react to THE GOBLET OF FIRE.Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) begins his fourth year with Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). After Harry is chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, he joins forces with Hufflepuff student Cedric Diggory (Robert Pattinson) to investigate a dark conspiracy a
The Office w/ Ricky Gervais | Learning British
Sam and Natalia have reviewed GAVIN & STACEY and THE ROYLE FAMILY, so it’s time to watch another acclaimed British sitcom—THE OFFICE.THE OFFICE is a British comedy mockumentary TV show, written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The show follows David Brent (Ricky Gervais), the manager of an office in Slough, and his employees, Tim (Martin Freeman), Gareth (Mackenzie Crook), a
#3. The Prisoner of Azkaban is bad, actually
After watching and reviewing the first two HARRY POTTER films, Sam and Natalia rewatch the fan-favourite, THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN.Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) begins his third year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). After learning that notorious criminal Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped Azkaban prison, Harry uncovers dark trut
Doctor Who (Series 15) | Learning British
When the Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) accidentally picks up new companion Belinda Chandra (Varada Sethu), he must return her to her hometime on Earth: 24th May, 2025.But evil lurks in the dark corners of the universe. Reuniting with old friends like Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) and Kate Lethbridge-Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), The Doctor faces several intergalactic cataclysms. Will Dr. Who finally fi
#2. The Chamber of Secrets is bad, actually
After watching and reviewing THE PHILOSOPHER’S STONE, Sam and Natalia hop back on the Hogwarts Express with THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) begins his second year at Hogwarts with his best friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson). After a new teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh), joins the school, Harry discovers that the mythological C
Doctor Who (Series 4) | Learning British
Bannakaffalatta, strong! Bannakaffalatta, cyborg!Sam and Natalia take the TARDIS back to 2008 to review every episode of DOCTOR WHO series four, from "Voyage of the Damned" to "Journey's End".The Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) reunites with Donna Noble (Catherine Tate) to travel in time and space. When the Daleks return with their creator, Davros (Julian Bleach), The Doctor a
#1. The Sorcerer's Stone is bad, actually
Sam and Natalia begin their deep dive into the Harry Potter universe with THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE.Does the first instalment of the Wizarding World hold up? Or will Sam and Natalia get off the Hogwarts Express early?A young English boy, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), discovers he is a wizard. After being accepted into Hogwarts, Harry joins forces with his new friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and H
"What a Sad Little Life, Jane…” Come Dine With Me | Learning British
Justice for Jane! Before Sam and Natalia begin their deep dive into the HARRY POTTER film franchise, they look back at the most famous—or infamous—episode of the British cooking show, COME DINE WITH ME.In January 2016, Channel 4 released series 37, episode 1 of COME DINE WITH ME, set in East Oxfordshire. And television history was made! Beset with tense dinner conversations and fraught personal po
The Harry Potter Haters
“It’s not just all Jesus, you know.”Almost thirty years ago, Bloomsbury released the first HARRY POTTER book. Since then, the series has become a renowned British institution. But the books and films have faced renewed backlash in recent years, partly due to J. K. Rowling’s controversial statements on transgender rights.Join Sam and Natalia as we review the HARRY POTTER franchise before the releas
J. K. Rowling Invades The Simpsons
In this episode of the podcast, the Simpsons visit England!THE SIMPSONS is an animated sitcom satirising American life. It stars Homer (Dan Castellaneta), Marge (Julie Kavner), Bart (Nancy Cartwright), Lisa (Yeardley Smith), and Maggie. In 'The Regina Monologues' (S15E4), America's favourite yellow family visit London in search of Grampa's lost love.Topics of conversation include A
The Royle Family | Learning British
After watching GAVIN & STACEY, Sam introduces Natalia to another acclaimed British sitcom: THE ROYLE FAMILY.THE ROYLE FAMILY centres on the lives of a Manchester-based family, the Royles, comprising Jim (Ricky Tomlinson), Barbara (Sue Johnston), Denise (Caroline Aherne), Antony (Ralf Little), and Denise's fiancé David (Craig Cash).Topics of conversation include Jessica Hynes, the cultural
Gavin & Stacey (The Finale) | Learning British
Sam and Natalia watch and react to the GAVIN & STACEY: THE FINALE and the subsequent documentary special, GAVIN & STACEY: A FOND FAREWELL.Five years after Nessa’s (Ruth Jones) shock proposal, Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey’s (Joanna Page) family converge on England for Smithy (James Corden) and Sonia's (Laura Aikman) wedding. Will Smithy marry Sonia? Does Nessa get to Southampton Dock
Gavin & Stacey (Series 2 + 3) | Learning British
After reviewing the first series, Sam and Natalia watch and react to series two and three, including the 2019 Christmas special.Gavin (Mathew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page) return from their honeymoon to discover that Nessa (Ruth Jones) is pregnant—and Smithy (James Corden) is the father.Topics of conversation include Carpool Karaoke, why British people don't like James Corden, laugh tracks,
Gavin & Stacey | Learning British
"What's occurin', alright?"GAVIN & STACEY is a British sitcom written by James Corden and Ruth Jones. It follows the budding relationship between an English man, Gavin (Matthew Horne), and a Welsh woman, Stacey (Joanna Page). The show was critically acclaimed during its initial run and has since developed a large fanbase.In this episode of the podcast, Sam introduces Natalia
Doctor Who (Series 3) w/ David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, and John Barrowman | Learning British
The podcast is back, baby, and it’s nerdier than ever. Join Sam and Natalia as we watch and review series three of DOCTOR WHO, from ‘The Runaway Bride’ to ‘The Last of the Timelords’.Starring David Tennant, Freema Agyeman, and John Barrowman, series three picks up straight after Billie Piper's departure in series two.Topics of conversation include Narnia, Sam’s terrible Scottish accent, THE CA
The Traitors (Series 3 Finale) | Learning British
Claudia Winkleman trapped with five people in the Scottish Highlands? Sounds like an ideal Friday night. After watching and reacting to THE TRAITORS in the last episode, Sam and Natalia discuss the series three finale.Topics of conversation include the Seer, Alexander Diplomat, GAVIN & STACEY, the role of charity in capitalism, men interrupting women, the winner of THE TRAITORS, the Royal Menc
The Traitors (Series 3) w/ Claudia Winkleman | Learning British
In our inaugural episode of the new year, Sam and Natalia watch and review series three of THE TRAITORS.THE TRAITORS is a British reality TV show hosted by Claudia Winkleman. Twenty-five contestants, divided into “Faithful” and “Traitors”, compete for a cash prize in a historic Scottish castle. Sam and Natalia watch the most recent series until the penultimate episode, before reacting to the final
The 2024 American Election
A surprise episode! Yes, we're still alive. As America chooses between President Trump and Vice President Harris in the 2024 election, Sam and Natalia analyse US politics from a British perspective, before and after the results.Topics of conversation include Sam and Natalia’s £100 election bet, Melania Trump, the state of democracy, nice Americans, Hillary Clinton, cultural pessimism, Keir Sta
Doctor Who (Series 2) w/ David Tennant and Billie Piper | Learning British
After reviewing DOCTOR WHO series one and fourteen, Sam and Natalia look back at series two with David Tennant and Billie Piper. Having regenerated into his Tenth incarnation in "The Parting of the Ways", The Doctor and Rose Tyler fly across space and time, facing Sycorax, Cybermen and the Devil himself, before facing a heartbreaking departure across the Void.Sam and Natalia review every
Coupling w/ Steven Moffat | Learning British
COUPLING is a British television sitcom written by Steven Moffat, most famous for his work on DOCTOR WHO and SHERLOCK. The show centres on six friends brought together by the relationship of Steve Taylor (Jack Davenport) and Susan Walker (Sarah Alexander).Like FRIENDS and SEINFIELD, COUPLING has a dedicated fanbase. Sam and Natalia watch and review all four series (twenty-eight episodes) of COUPLI
The Doctor Who Movie w/ Paul McGann | Learning British
At the turn of the millennium, DOCTOR WHO landed in America, enraging nerds everywhere.Sam and Natalia watch and review the DOCTOR WHO movie, in which The Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann) teams up with Grace Holloway (Daphne Ashbrook) to defeat The Master (Eric Roberts).Topics of conversation include Jim Carrey, The Seventh Doctor in THE HOBBIT, Damien Molony, the fall of Communism, Olivia Coleman, and
The 2024 UK Election
As the UK elects a new Prime Minister, Sam and Natalia look back on the last 14 years of British politics before reacting to the 2024 UK general election results.Topics of conversation include Keir Starmer, the 2016 EU referendum, the Green Party, Kelly Osbourne, Monzo bank, Maggie Thatcher the Milk Snatcher, Private Eye, gay marriage, the worst Prime Minister in UK history, Sam’s “vibes-based” th
Douglas Is Cancelled w/ Hugh Bonneville | Learning British
Rich white men, beware – Twitter is coming to get you!DOUGLAS IS CANCELLED is a new four-part miniseries written by Steven Moffat for ITV. The show follows Douglas Bellows (Hugh Bonneville), a widely respected news anchor who is ‘cancelled’ after making an inappropriate joke at a wedding. Douglas attempts to reassemble the tattered remnants of his life with the help of co-anchor Madeline (Karen Gi
DOCTOR WHO: Empire of Death — The Ncuti Gatwa Finale
The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) has lost, his ageless enemy, Sutekh (Gabriel Woolf), reigns supreme, and a shadow is falling over creation. Nothing can stop the devastation... except, perhaps, one woman. Unless that one woman turns out to be nobody in particular.Sam and Natalia watch, review, and react to the series 14 finale: THE LEGEND OF RUBY SUNDAY and EMPIRE OF DEATH. Topics of conversation include
DOCTOR WHO: The Legend of Ruby Sunday
The Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) discovers the truth about Ruby Sunday’s (Millie Gibson) parents, with the help of Mel Bush (Bonnie Langford), Kate Stewart (Jemma Redgrave), and Rose Noble (Yasmin Finney). But as the Time Window reveals horrifying secrets from Christmas Eve, mysterious technologies unleash a great evil.Who is Susan Triad (Susan Twist)? Who is Mrs Flood (Anita Dobson)? And, for G
Inside No. 9 w/ Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith | Learning British
There's always a twist at the end.Inside No. 9 is a British black comedy anthology. The brainchild of Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, each 30-minute episode is a self-contained bottle episode, with new characters, a new location, and a new premise. Sam and Natalia look back at the show before reviewing the final episode, ‘Plodding On’.Topics of conversation include Steve Coogan, theatre
DOCTOR WHO: Rogue
The Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) land in 1813, where guests at the Duchess of Pemberton’s (Indira Varma) party are being murdered after the arrival of a mysterious bounty hunter called Rogue (Jonathan Groff).Topics of conversation include MODERN FAMILY, the friend zone, ASMR, Pride Month, 'The Girl in the Fireplace', naked homophobia, stupid DOCTOR WHO fan
DOCTOR WHO: Bad Wolf and The Parting of the Ways — The Christopher Eccleston Finale
As we approach the series fourteen finale with Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson, Sam and Natalia look back on Christopher Eccleston’s final story. The Ninth Doctor (Christopher Eccleston), Rose Tyler (Billie Piper) and Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) are secretly brought on board Satellite Five to fight the Daleks, with the whole of creation at stake.Topics of conversation include The Notebook
DOCTOR WHO: Dot and Bubble
The world of Finetime seems happy and harmonious. But an awful terror is preying on the citizens. The Fifteenth Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) must make them see the truth before it's too late.Topics of conversion include BACK TO THE FUTURE, burgers, Andrew Scott, cottage cheese, BLACK MIRROR, TikTok, David Tennant, and DOCTOR WHO pub quizzes.Learning British is a weekly
