It’s cold. It’s dark and we’re all upset about lockdown. At least we still have popcorn and television. Our best advice to you this weekend is to grab your warmest blanket, and maybe a hot chocolate – snuggle up – and tuck into some good TV.

While it may be tempting to watch a thriller, or a zombie film – we’re favouring some more light-hearted TV. TV that will make you smile, laugh and recognise that there is still some good in the world. Here are our top upbeat series to watch right now:

Love Life – BBC iPlayer

Image: BBC

You may recognise Anna Kendrick, the lead actress in Love Life, from Pitch Perfect. You may think to yourself – this is not for me. Well, think again. Labelled by critics as the ‘speed dating equivalent of normal people’ – Love Life is the funny, irreverent, lovable and strangely deep television viewing that we all need right now. It follows protagonist Darby Carter from her first to last love, detailing all the missteps and hiccups along the way.

It is narrated by the strangely soothing voice of Lesley Manville, feeding us wise words and lessons throughout. The first episode reflects on the fact that for most people, there is not just one big love in our lives, but many loves, from flings to marriages to love for our family and friends. It is all of these loves which make our lives worthwhile. Go on, give it a watch.

I Hate Suzie – Sky Go

Image: Forge

I Hate Suzie is less calming, more chaotic – but an equally brilliant watch. Billie Piper plays movie-star Suzie Pickles, whose life is turned upside down by a compromising phone hack. The series follows Suzie – and her best friend-come-agent, Naomi, as they try to navigate a media storm and save Pickle’s personal life simultaneously.

Expect swear words, shenanigans and nudity – this series is not for the faint hearted. It does feel refreshingly honest and although frantic, is experimentally and beautifully shot. It sheds light on how exposed we all really are in the media-age, whilst giving us some added joy and jubilation along the way. Get your housemates in on the ride.

Harlots – BBC iPlayer

Image: Stylist

This period drama is no Downton Abbey (and that’s a good thing, by the way). It’s bold, daring, fast-paced and hilariously lewd. The soundtrack is also pretty catchy. It follows the rivalry of two competing brothels in mid 1700s London and all the sex, money and backstabbing that goes along with it. The cast is fantastic: Samantha Morton plays a strong, punchy but faulted Madame, Margaret Wells, and her daughters are played equally brilliantly by Eloise Smyth and Jessica Brown Findlay.

We’re let in on some cunning lessons on how to wile and manipulate rich men – sometimes to get what you want – other times, to survive. The many strong-willed female characters are one of the serious strengths of this series, serving as a gentle reminder that long before feminism, women had various crafty methods of making headway in the world. If you like the first season, the good news is that there’s two more for you to get stuck in to. Lockdown sorted.

Which series will you be settling into this weekend? Let us know in the comments below. If you like our blog, you’ll love our Instagram.