Five of the best sitcoms to cheer up your winter

Five of the best sitcoms to cheer up your winter - Just Recruitment

It can be tough to keep smiling when the weather’s grey. But these contemporary sitcoms give you plenty of ways to stay chipper

By Evie Prosser

If your office is anything like mine, today’s view from the window has been bleak. I arrived at work in howling rain and when I leave in an hour it will be just as wet.

    Line up any of these classic contemporary sitcoms on your TV this evening and you’ll feel winter’s chill disappear in an instant.  

Still, we can’t say we weren’t warned. As early as last summer forecasters warned that this winter could be a shocker. And with some expecting an arctic chill during January and February, it may be that the worst is yet to come.

So if, like us, you’re feeling downbeat and gloomy, here are five good reasons to cheer up. Line up any of these classic contemporary sitcoms on your TV this evening and you’ll feel winter’s chill disappear in an instant.

1. Detectorists

If you saw Mackenzie Crook in the BBC’s recent production of Worzel Gummidge, you’ll have been reminded of his talent as an actor. Detectorists shows off his writing smarts, too.

The three-season comedy follows the story of two keen metal detectorists – people who use metal detectors to locate treasure in the great British countryside.

It’s a slow-moving piece of television, but no less joyful for that. As one reviewer put it, the series struck “comedy gold”, though you’re sometimes hard pushed to spot the laughs. The bittersweet atmosphere is part of the show’s appeal.

As a winter watch, Detectorists has a huge amount to recommend it. The scenery is beautiful, and stunningly shot. Take in an episode or two and you’ll be longing to while away a summer’s afternoon in a quiet meadow with nothing but a metal detector for company.

2. Mum

Lesley Manville puts in the performance of her life (and that’s saying something) in the lead role of this slow-burning series. The story revolves around Cathy, a recently bereaved widow who’s trying to rediscover her identity while supporting her grown-up son.

The supporting cast is mesmerizingly good and includes the ever-brilliant Peter Mullan as Cathy’s love interest. With actors of this quality, it is no surprise the show has a naturalistic vibe: the dialogue rarely feels scripted because writer Stefan Golaszewski has such a sure touch.

Mum will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Ultimately, it’s a story about a person’s becoming. Dwell with it and you’re sure to feel the winter blues melt away.

Grey weather

3. Gavin & Stacey

One of the great joys of the triumphant Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special is that it introduced the series to a whole new audience. And for those of us who fell in love with it first time around, it was a chance to reconnect with much-loved characters like James Corden’s Smithy and Ruth Jones’s Nessa.

Corden and Jones teamed up to write Gavin & Stacey after working together on ITV’s Fat Friends. It turned out they had real chemistry, and the show delivers a pleasing mix of cockle-warming romance, laugh-out-loud comedy and Grade-A acting from the likes of Alison Steadman and Larry Lamb.

The whole boxed set is available on BBC iPlayer. Catch it now and you’ll be immersed in one of the classics of the Noughties. Winter, what winter?

4. Bad Move

Jack Dee’s sitcom about a couple of city slickers who move to rural Yorkshire was canned by ITV last year. But the two series (plus a Christmas Special in 2018) can still put a smile on your face.

    ...the setting is picturesque and the observations about rural life ring remarkably true.  

As you’d expect from Dee, the humour is deadpan and often painful to behold. But the setting is picturesque and the observations about rural life ring remarkably true.

It’s a pastiche, yes, and makes more than a passing nod to classic sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s like One Foot in the Grave and Only Fools and Horses. But it’s a pleasing, undemanding watch that makes for a surprisingly satisfying way to pass a winter’s evening.

5. Crashing

Crashing is the sitcom Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote and filmed before hitting the big time with Fleabag. It came out just a few months before its award-winning sibling in 2016, and therefore post-dates the Fleabag stage play, which debuted in 2013. 

Crashing showcases Waller-Bridge's trademark wit and whip-smart writing, with many fans regarding it as funnier than Fleabag. It certainly has more laugh-out-loud set pieces, thanks to the ensemble cast and unusual setting of a former hospital in which young professionals live in order to save on rent costs.

Definitely the crudest show on our winter-blues-beating list but no less worthy an addition for that. Pour yourself a large glass of wine, settle down with a snack or two, and get ready to lose yourself in Waller-Bridge’s genius. You won’t regret it.

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 16 January 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Six books that made me

You may also enjoy: The Marvelous Mrs Maisel could be the new Mad Men. Here’s why

Jobs currently available

New job
Part-Time Finance Manager
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913741
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing, sector-leading business in Sudbury that is looking for a Part-Time Finance Manager to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to manage the Finance Department and to support senior management in all areas of finance and accounting, reporting directly to the MD and being responsible for an Accounts Assistant.

Key duties include:

  • Reconciling current accounts on SAGE.
  • Updating the cash flow spreadsheet and reviewing.
  • Loading purchase invoices onto SAGE and distributing them for approval.
  • Producing Balance of Accounts for Finance Meeting.
  • Reviewing the sales ledger and purchase ledger.
  • Compiling supplier invoices, reviewing and loading for payment via Bacs, updating SAGE and sending remittance advice.
  • Managing SAGE backups.
  • Reconciling all bank accounts against paper statements.
  • Loading credit card payments onto SAGE and reconciling against the paper statement.
  • Calculating commission figures for payroll.
  • Processing wages – gathering all timesheets and expenses, compiling and sending to an outsourced company, receiving documents and payslips back, loading Bacs payments and sending payslips and loading Journals onto SAGE.
  • Downloading monthly supplier invoices.
  • Creating monthly sales invoices.
  • Compiling and filing VAT returns.
  • Compiling required documents for accountants at the financial year end, processing SAGE year-end end and communicating as necessary with accountants
  • Managing commercial and vehicle insurance. Reviewing current circumstances, reassessing cover and requirements, and supplying supporting documents.
  • All property management tasks with support from the Accounts Assistant.
  • Reconciling rental payments from the agent’s statement.
  • Communicating with and managing tenants when required.
  • Supporting other departments as required.

This is a part-time role - working 20 - 25 hours per week - this role is office-based, and the ideal candidate will be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays, but hours can be flexible.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a lovely business, with a great ethos and a long-standing team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Engineer (North West Region)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: North West
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913740
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, industry-leading business seeking to add a Field Service Engineer to its team. This role will cover the North West region, including Manchester, Lancashire, and the surrounding areas.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the installation, commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment across a variety of environments in the North West.

Duties include:

  • Installation, commissioning, maintenance, and fault finding of a wide range of different manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Provide user training to end clients when required.
  • Provide feedback to customers on any issues raised during a commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visit.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience in performing in a technical field service team.
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way.
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude.
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job.
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment.
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues.
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed.
  • Some overnight stays are required.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be:

  • Joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.
  • Continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies.
  • You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be enhanced through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will benefit from dedicated product training, recognised by the industry, which will run on an ongoing basis as new products are introduced. A generous remuneration package is also guaranteed, including a competitive salary, company healthcare package, contributory pension scheme, phone, and laptop, along with the opportunity to progress your career within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB25
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Maintenance Engineer for a company based in Tiverton, Devon.

You will need to have an electrical bias and ideally have experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

The key objective of this role is to support the efficient operation of production facilities.

This includes:

  • Conducting regular safety inspections.
  • Performing both preventative and reactive maintenance on CNC machinery, and maintaining all site electrical systems.
  • Identifying and implementing improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and manage external contractors and maintenance resources.
  • Experience with CNC machinery is essential as a significant part of the role involves performing preventative and reactive maintenance on CNC machinery, including diagnostics and repair of control systems (Fanuc, Siemens, Hurco), and overseeing calibrations.
  • The role will also involve installation, testing, and maintenance of site electrical systems, including EV chargers.
  • Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults within machinery and control systems.
  • Overseeing machine calibrations and alignments.
  • Experience with PLC control systems.

Qualifications:

An electrical engineering qualification such as City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent is essential.

Hours:

39 hour working week: Monday to Thursday, 7am - 4pm and Friday 7am - 12pm.

This role offers Excellent Benefits, including:

  • 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
  • Company contributions to pension.
  • Healthcare cashback scheme.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Opportunities for overtime at a premium rate.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Material Process Technician
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB24
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Material Process Technician for their client based in Braintree, Essex.

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in science, chemistry or materials.

Duties will involve:

  • The production of technical data sheets.
  • Inspection of materials and evaluate product specifications.
  • Manufacturing materials and product samples for internal or customer use.
  • Monitoring and managing stock levels of raw materials and compounds.
  • Assisting in R&D.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Service Centre Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Saxham, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913739
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded business based near Bury St. Edmunds to recruit a Service Centre Administrator to their team.

You will be responsible for booking in all the products that enter the warehouse.

Duties include:

  • Unloading any delivery vehicle, ensuring all products are booked in using the correct product codes during the intake process, and highlighting discrepancies.
  • Advising the Service Centre Supervisor of any products booked in for special attention.
  • Maintaining a clean working area, including IT equipment, to ensure a high level of Health and Safety is present.
  • Providing details on the progress of repairs when requested by Customer Care.
  • Processing Return to Stock (RTS) in accordance with the correct process.
  • Working at a timely pace to ensure that sufficient repairs are available for the engineering workshop
  • Completing manual warehouse-oriented tasks, including lifting potentially heavy items, in line with the department’s needs.
  • Working towards an FLT licence, preferably Counterbalance, in line with the department’s needs.
  • Maintaining customer delivery spreadsheets.

Skills/Qualifications requirements:

  • Good English verbal and written communication skills.
  • Able to lift heavy product items.
  • Ability to work on your own initiative and be a decision maker within the scope of the role.
  • You need to have an eye for detail, be accurate and diligent at all times.
  • Able to develop product knowledge.
  • Take responsibility for the work produced and be proactive to ensure deadlines are met. Intuitive, working transparently if there is any delay.
  • Able to drive a PPT, Counterbalance (Desirable).

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,800 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913737
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing global organisation, based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are looking for a skilled Production Operator to join their team.

You must be willing to learn new skills and to work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, including undertaking comprehensive training to enable you to take part in tasting panels. Full training on the use of specialist equipment will be provided.

Key duties in this role include:

  • Handle ingredients on an industrial scale
  • Operate lines as required by the business
  • Undertake packaging, storage and distribution tasks
  • Maintaining accurate records in line with the required standards and customer requirements
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene
  • Working closely with Operational, Logistics and other business teams to maximise production quality and efficiency
  • Uphold exceptional Health and Safety standards
  • Build a comprehensive knowledge of ingredients and processes to ensure production meets customer requirements

Skills required for this role:

  • The ability to follow written instructions and perform basic calculations
  • Previous experience of working to robust quality standards and following procedures
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and confident to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety
  • Strong computer literacy – e.g. able to input data, confirm settings on machinery and produce reports with training
  • Conscientious with strong attention to detail

Working hours for this role are:

3 Rotating Shifts (14.00 – 22.00; 06.00 – 14.00; 22.00 – 06.00; Monday – Friday, rotating weekly)

Free parking is available onsite and due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more