What’s hot on the box? 7 sizzling shows hitting screens this week

In between match points and penalty shootouts we’re glued to Michelle de Swarte’s high fashion, low funds comedy, Rashida Jones and her pet robot and the latest Swedish cleaning craze.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Spent, BBC iPlayer, Mon 8 Jul

Former model, actress and comedian, Michelle de Swarte, joins forces with the production company behind I May Destroy You – a match made in TV heaven – for this darkly funny new series. As a catwalk model, Mia (de Swarte) has become accustomed to a certain lifestyle (expensive skincare, the latest designer fashion) all of which don’t hold much currency when she finds herself pushing 40, out of work, penniless and sofa surfing. Written by de Swarte and loosely based on her own experiences in the modelling industry and starting again in her late 30s, Spent is smart, funny and surprisingly deep.

Wimbledon, BBC One and Two, until Sun 14 Jul

Another week down, one more to go. Murray has retired, Radacanu is out we’re still mainlining Pimms and things on Centre Court are getting spicy. Can Carlos Alveraz make it two for two? Has Novak Djokovic still got it? After five long years away from SW19, will Naomi Osaka reign supreme? There’s still everything to play for! The women’s singles final will be held on Sat 13 Jul while the men’s will be battling it out against the Euros final, on Sun 14 Jul.

Sunny, Apple TV+, Wed 10 July

Not more AI and future tech scaremongering, you cry? Yes, but Sunny, will also give you mystery, intrigue, suspense, the stunning Japanese skyline, some laughs and a LOT of feelings. The dark comedy, based on Colin O’Sullivan’s novel, sees a superb Rashida Jones lead as Suzie, an American woman living in Kyoto whose son and husband both disappear in a plane crash. In the depths of her grief she accepts delivery of an annoyingly cheerful and super perceptive domestic robot which helps her come to terms with a whole lot more than the loss of her family. Spookily plausible, like a combination between I, Robot and Black Mirror.

The Euros: England vs. Netherlands, Wed 10 Jul, BBC One

After a nail-biter against Switzerland which ended in penalties, England have lived to survive another day in the Euros 2024 (c’mon lads!). Now they face off against the Netherlands in the Semi-Finals. Although we’re not sure our stress levels can take another last-minute win, we will be watching with bated breath. If their luck holds out, the final will take place on Sunday.

Vikings: Valhalla, Netflix, Thu 11 Jul

It’s the final outing for our axe wielding warriors, historically and literally as the gory but can’t stop watching, (we’re thinking Leo Suter’s six pack might have something to do with it), Vikings: Valhalla comes to an end. Picking up where last season left us with Leif Eriksson et al laying down roots in Constantinople. But if the first two seasons are anything to go by, it will be anything but smooth sailing for our hairy heroes. Great stories, gritty, action-packed, with Frida Gustavsson’s kick-ass Freydis as much as a draw as Suter’s abs.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, W, Thu 11 Jul

Move over Marie Kondo, we’re all about death cleaning now! That’s right, clearing out your crap while you can so your nearest and dearest aren’t left with the overwhelming task of sorting through your hoard after you die. Inspired by Margareta Magnusson’s bestselling book, this series is not as morbid as is sounds (promise) and sees Swedish “Death Cleaners” descend on unsuspecting and very much alive Americans for some cathartic decluttering. Narrated by Amy Poehler who hilariously guides us thorough the process, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and it may just inspire you to get your sock drawer together.

Sausage Party: Foodtopia, Prime Video, Thu 11 Jul

In need of a laugh after all that death cleaning? Enter Sausage Party: Foodtopia – a second helping of Seth Rogan’s anthropomorphised food cartoon. Funnier than you think, this serialised sequel to his 2016 movie sees Frank the sausage and team struggling to survive outside the supermarket. The star power involved – Kristen Wiig, Michael Cera, David Krumholtz, Edward Norton, Will Forte, Sam Richardson, Natasha Rothwell, Yassir Lester and Rogan – is enough to peak our interest.

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