I May Destroy You

A finale, then, is a touchy affair, as the emotional stability of a show’s entire fandom rests in the palms of the showrunners’ hands. And if you think I’m exaggerating, just ask a Game of Thrones fan what they thought of The Iron Throne.

That was an extreme case but it did prove the power of a finale to tarnish a show’s legacy (although House of the Dragon is so far doing some good damage limitation). Here, however, we take a look at the ones who secured theirs.

Needless to say, the SPOILERS abound.

That was the core of an RTS London discussion, “Too much TV!”, which examined how the pandemic is affecting our viewing tastes and why, despite significant progress, platforms need better curation to guide audiences through the labyrinth of peak TV.     

As all the panellists agreed, you can’t have too much great TV. Whether there is enough of it is a moot point.   

And, perhaps, ultimately, the definition of what constitutes outstanding TV is subjective.   

The West Wing – All4

Aaron Sorkin’s fast-walking and faster-talking political drama offers a look behind the curtain at the inner-workings of the White House, as the administration deals with everything from hostage situations to passing new bills.

The online event will bring together some of the best talent in TV and the creative industries from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Faron McKenzie, Head of CDX, said: “I’m proud that our team of creators looked like and shared a similar lived experience to our audience.

“It is important for the BBC to champion Diversity and Inclusion and not be afraid to lean into these subject matters.”

Michaela doesn’t skirt issues – she goes straight at them.” Executive producer Roberto Troni is talking about Michaela Coel’s fearless new drama I May Destroy You, which explores sexual consent in contemporary London.

The 12-part BBC One/HBO series is, to an extent, based on personal experience – like her character, Arabella, Coel was sexually assaulted after her drink was spiked, an experience she revealed two years ago while giving the MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.

Long Lost Family: Born Without a Trace

ITV

Tuesday 2nd June, 9pm

People who are abandoned as babies are known as foundlings and they are often left in the first few hours and days of their lives. With no way of identifying them, they are born without truly knowing who they are.

Created by, executive produced and starring Coel, I May Destroy You explores sexual consent and the minefield that is dating and relationships.

The 12-part series brings into question the fine line between liberation and exploitation in the modern landscape.

Arabella Essiuedu (Coel) finds herself hailed as the ‘voice of her generation’ when a piece of her writing receives critical acclaim.

Carefree, non-attached and easily distracted, Essiuedu lands an agent and a book commission, along with the pressure to live up to her so-called 'literary genius'.