Starts Wed Mar 6, 10pm, BBC4
In-the-know Americans have been banging on about this since 2009 – finally, we get a chance to see what all the fuss is about. A comedy of smalltown bureaucracy and political backstabbing, it stars ‘Saturday Night Live’ veteran Amy Poehler as a hapless local government administrator with vague ambitions for something more out of life. After a shaky start that cleaved a little too closely to the template of ‘The Office’, it has blossomed to become a cult treat to rank alongside ‘Arrested Development’ and ‘Community’.
If you love American comedy, watch out for...
‘The Mindy Project’ - (C4, spring 2013)
‘Arrested Development’ - (Netflix, spring 2013)
Finally! The long-awaited return of the Bluths in the cult comedy for everyone
‘Veep’ - (Sky Atlantic, June 2013)
Julia Louis Dreyfus’s Selina salvages what’s left of her career in season two
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What?
A four-part drama placing a quartet of apparently unconnected lives on a collision course on the margins of London.
Who?
Lennie James, Jaime Winstone and Olivia Colman
When?
2013, C4
What?
As the Time Lord turns 50, anything could happen. Matt Smith could be bumped off. Jenna Louise Coleman might survive an episode.
Who?
Matt Smith and Jenna Louise Coleman
When?
Easter 2013, BBC1
What?
It’s another semi-improvised mockumentary. But, as Ricky Gervais told us, if anyone has earnt the right to recycle the formula, it’s the man who turned it into an art form.
Who?
Christopher Guest, Chris O'Dowd and Nina Conti
When?
Late spring 2013, BBC2
What?
Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in a studio sitcom for ITV, playing bickering partners, with Frances de la Tour as their best friend.
Who?
Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi
When?
Late spring 2013, ITV1
What?
A detective hunts for a missing, pregnant 12-year-old girl in what could be the classiest TV drama of the year.
Who?
Jane Campion, Elisabeth Moss and Holly Hunter
When?
Spring 2013, BBC2
What?
The bridesmaid becomes the bride: Kevin Eldon gets his own show in which he’ll be calling in a few favours from his comedy friends.
Who?
Kevin Eldon
When?
March 2013, BBC2
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