No reviews
A gritty crime drama set on the streets of Manchester. Amy and Mark marry young, seemingly the wedding of her dreams, but actually the start of a nightmare. Even at his reception with pregnant Amy about to give birth, Mark is cheating with Ginger Jenny in the alley behind the hall. Fast forward five years and with two kids, the couple struggle daily to keep their head above water. A secret gambler, Mark loses his wages regularly on the horses and finally ends up desperate to find cash to pay the bills. Unable to tap up his mates anymore, he ends up going to a loan shark. But is he thinks Lenny Yates will give him a break when it comes to repayments, he’s badly mistaken. Lenny will make him pay – and worse, he’ll make Amy pay using the darkest methods possible.
Genre: Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Leslie Ash, Laura McMonagle, Alexander Vlahos, Jack Deam
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1 season, 6 episodes
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Bang (2017)
6.7 / 10 (based on 570 reviews)
Sam’s life changes when he comes in possession of a gun. Complicating things is the fact that his sister Gina is a police officer.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Catrin Stewart, Jack Parry-Jones, Suzanne Packer, Jacob Ifan
Creators: Roger Williams
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2 seasons, 14 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Nothing to Declare (2020)
No reviews
From the dealing dens of London to the hash markets of Morocco and India, via prison in Spain, Mark’s dreams of being a big-time drug baron are thwarted. When he reaches rock-bottom, he must make a live or die choice.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Kenny Fullwood, Alex Boorman, Laura McMonagle, Farshid Rokey
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1 season, 7 episodes
The Doll Maker (2020)
3.7 / 10 (based on 9 reviews)
Life is messy for Detective Sophie Whitton, but one thing she is clear about, is the pursuit of justice – when another victim of The Doll Maker is found, her determination to hunt him down leads her on a journey that is as much about finding herself as it is about finding him. With a plot that twists and turns and an enigmatic lead in Sophie Whitton, this is a killer thriller with a subtext that explores the challenges of life and love with heart and intelligence.
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Jessica Clark, Kate Magowan, Tom Lister, Susie Trayling
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1 season, 6 episodes
Trickster (2020)
No reviews
As World War One begins, a baby girl is born. After a tragic event that left her father shaken, he makes a decision that will change everything – to raise Georgina as George, ensuring her safety but marking the start of her life of crime.
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Sophie Hopkins, Cameron Jack, Leslie Ash, Joan Hodges
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1 season, 8 episodes
Broke (2020)
4.8 / 10 (based on 1231 reviews)
A trust-fund baby who is cut off by his dad is forced to move in with his wife’s estranged sister.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jaime Camil, Pauley Perrette, Natasha Leggero, Izzy Diaz
Creators: Alex Herschlag
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1 season, 13 episodes, 21.0-minute runtime
Versailles (2015)
7.9 / 10 (based on 17491 reviews)
In 1667, 28-year-old all-powerful king of France, Louis XIV, decides to build the greatest palace in the world – Versailles. But drained budget, affairs and political intrigues complicate things.
Genre: Biography, Drama, History, Romance, War
Main Cast: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan, Stuart Bowman
Creators: Simon Mirren, David Wolstencroft
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3 seasons, 30 episodes, 52.0-minute runtime
In the ever-changing landscape of television, where shows come and go with the seasons, there’s one that made a brief but memorable mark in 2020: “Broke”. While it might not have become a household name or sparked extensive fan theories online, this sitcom brought a unique blend of humor and heart to the screen. Let’s take a closer look at what made “Broke” stand out, why it mattered, and why it’s worth your time even now.
The Premise
At its core, “Broke” is a story about family, money, and the unexpected twists life can throw your way. The show revolves around a single mom and bartender, Jackie, living a modest life with her son Sammy in Reseda, Los Angeles. Their routine existence is upended when Jackie’s estranged sister Elizabeth, her formerly wealthy husband Javier, and their loyal butler Luis show up on their doorstep. Why? Because they’re broke. Completely penniless, they need a place to stay, turning Jackie’s world upside down.
The Cast and Characters
“Broke” boasts a cast that brings this quirky family dynamic to life with both charm and depth. Pauley Perrette, known for her role as Abby Sciuto on “NCIS”, plays Jackie, embodying the role of a resilient, loving mother with a sarcastic edge. Jaime Camil, who viewers might recognize as Rogelio de la Vega from “Jane the Virgin”, shines as Javier, the charismatic but clueless husband whose heart is in the right place, even if his financial sense isn’t. Natasha Leggero brings a delightful snobbery to the character of Elizabeth, whose journey from riches to rags offers some of the show’s best comedic moments. Lastly, Izzy Diaz rounds out the main cast as Luis, the devoted butler whose loyalty to Javier and Elizabeth brings both humor and warmth to their new living situation.
The Humor
What sets “Broke” apart from other sitcoms is its ability to blend situational comedy with character-driven humor. The show thrives on the clash of lifestyles between Jackie’s down-to-earth, working-class reality and her sister’s obliviousness to the real world, thanks to a life of luxury. Javier’s attempts to adapt to a life without money are particularly amusing, as he navigates the world of coupons, budgeting, and, shockingly to him, public transportation. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s snarky remarks and Luis’s unwavering dedication to his employers add layers of comedy that keep the show engaging.
The Heart
Beyond the laughs, “Broke” touches on themes of family, forgiveness, and the realization that wealth isn’t just about money. The show delves into the strained relationship between Jackie and Elizabeth, exploring how their unexpected reunion allows them to bridge old wounds and forge a stronger bond. It also examines the concept of pride, with Javier struggling to find his place in a world where he can no longer rely on his financial status. These deeper moments provide a nice counterbalance to the humor, making “Broke” a sitcom with substance.
Why It Mattered
In a television landscape often dominated by high-concept dramas and reality TV escapades, “Broke” offered something increasingly rare: a simple, heartfelt comedy about the importance of family and the unpredictable nature of life. It reminded viewers that laughter and love can be found in the most challenging circumstances, and that sometimes, being “broke” can lead to the richest experiences.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Despite its premature cancellation after just one season, “Broke” remains a hidden gem worth discovering. Its blend of humor, heart, and a talented cast makes for an enjoyable watch that feels both familiar and fresh. For fans of sitcoms looking for something light but meaningful, “Broke” is a perfect choice. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that reflect our own lives back at us, with a bit of humor mixed in for good measure.
Final Thoughts
“Broke” may not have had a long run, but its impact and the joy it brought to its viewers during its brief time on air are undeniable. In a single season, it managed to tell a compelling story about what truly matters in life. For those who missed it during its original airing, it’s never too late to check it out. And for those who did watch, revisiting “Broke” might just be the perfect way to bring a little laughter and warmth into your day.