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TV Highlights: Becoming Elizabeth, Bluey, The Holiday and Rutherford Falls

Pierra WillixThe West Australian
Alicia von Rittberg in Elizabeth.
Camera IconAlicia von Rittberg in Elizabeth. Credit: Nick Briggs Supplied by Stan

Becoming Elizabeth

Sunday, Streaming on Stan

Long before she claimed power and became known as the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth Tudor found herself orphaned as a teenager.

Just two years old when her father King Henry VIII ordered the execution of her mother Anne Boleyn, the death of her father just over a decade later saw her become embroiled in the political and sexual politics of the English court as a power struggle for the country emerged.

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With her nine-year-old brother Edward ascending the throne, a dangerous scramble for power began as outside forces vied for control of England, which became particularly vicious when she was pitted against her older sister Mary.

This tumultuous period in history is the focus of this new period drama, which stars Alicia von Rittberg as the future queen. One for the history buffs.

New Bluey episode Statues.
Camera IconNew Bluey episode Statues. Credit: Supplied by ABC

Kids

Bluey

Monday, 8am and 6.20pm, ABC Kids

Bluey lovers (which is basically everyone, right?) had a scare a few weeks back when rumours started circulating the beloved show would be no more.

Luckily, the total opposite is true, and 11 new episodes are about to be released.

Having watched the first three episodes, the first of which is titled Musical Statues, the magic is still there and even if you don’t have kids, there’s plenty to learn from this loveable family of blue heelers.

The Holiday.
Camera IconThe Holiday. Credit: Photographer Mark Cassar / Chalk/Chalkboard

Drama

The Holiday

Wednesday, 6.30pm, BBC First

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name, this British drama follows Kate (Jill Halfpenny), who is on her dream family holiday in Malta, but is shocked when she learns her husband and a close friend have been having an affair.

The only problem is she doesn’t know who.

With her four best friends all also on the holiday, she spends her time trying to get to the bottom of what happened and who was involved, but as she edges closer to the truth, it becomes apparent someone might be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the fling a secret.

Dallas Goldtooth as Nelson and Jana Schmieding as Reagan Wells
Camera IconDallas Goldtooth as Nelson and Jana Schmieding as Reagan Wells Credit: Peacock Supplied by Stan/Greg Gayne/Peacock

Comedy

Rutherford Falls

Friday, Streaming on Stan

With a production team of writers and producers who were involved in hits like Parks and Recreation, The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, this comedy series was destined to be a hit, but seems to have flown under the radar so far. Now it’s time to catch up, as the second season is upon us, with best friends Nathan (Ed Helms) and Reagan Wells (Jana Schmieding) continuing to help each other tackle work, romance and changes to their small town, as well as the Native American reservation it borders. With a strong focus on having Native American Indigenous writers on board, this series offers candid conversations about privilege and the whitewashing of history as well.

Master Cheng.
Camera IconMaster Cheng. Credit: Supplied

MOVIE

Master Cheng

Streaming on SBS On Demand

After the death of his wife, Chinese widower Cheng (Pak Hon Chu) turns up in a remote Finnish town with his young son Niu Niu (Lucas Hsuan).

Walking through the doors of a roadside cafe run by Sirkka (Anna-Maija Tuokko), he asks around to see if anyone knows of a “Mr Fongtron”, but has no luck.

With nowhere to stay, the pair are offered a room by the woman, who later offers him a job after he saves the day and helps feed a bus-load of Chinese tourists not enamoured by the bland potato and sausage sauce on offer.

Soon starting to delight other customers with his cuisine, he becomes a valued member of the community, but when his visa is about to run out, they all have to band together to try to find a way to help him stay.

A charming and comforting watch, the Nordic humour adds a dash of spice to the recipe.

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