Pistol
A six-episode limited series about the punk revolution, ‘Pistol’ follows guitarist Steve Jones’ adventures with the notorious Sex Pistols as they rise to fame and fall apart. Based on Jones’ memoir Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol, the show is written by Craig Pearce who co-wrote the screenplays for Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge,The Great Gatsby, and the upcoming Elvis film with Baz Luhrmann and directed by Danny Boyle.
Featuring original music from the band, despite former frontman Johnny Rotten’s attempt to prevent the show using the material, Its release during the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations is no mistake and those who aren’t keen on flag waving will welcome the distraction.
Pistol will be available to stream on Disney + from May 31st
Better Call Saul
It’s flown under the radar and been unrighteously snubbed at the major award shows but fans of Breaking Bad prequel Better Call Saul are fully aware that over the last five seasons they have been treated to some of the best TV ever broadcast.
The story of how chancer Jimmy McGill became Cartel lawyer Saul Goodman will conclude with season 6 and even though you know where he’ll end up, how he gets there has been a slow-burning, brilliant masterclass in writing, acting and direction.
When it first began everyone was salivating at the prospect of Walter White turning up in the final episode to complete the circle and there’s still a possibility that he might, but if doesn’t happen, those that have stayed the course won’t be too bothered as long we learn what happened to Jimmy’s wife Kim (played by the astounding Rhea Seehorn) and if spends the rest of his days working in a Cinnabon in Omaha.
With the end in sight, those that haven’t yet had the pleasure might want to hold back for a couple of months so they can binge the series without pausing for another episode and although having watched Breaking Bad greatly enhances the experience, truth be told it’s not essential because Better Call Saul stands on its own and could be, dare I say it, head and shoulders above its predecessor.
Better Call Saul is available to stream on Netflix UK.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In
Whatever club you support, it’s hard not to have respect for Sir Alex Ferguson, the man who made Manchester United into the dominating force in English football for most of the 90s and 2000s. Born in 1941, this son of a shipbuilder was a prolific goalscorer in the Scottish league before moving into management and the documentary explores his playing days which many people might not know much about - especially the religious discrimination he faced for marrying a Catholic whilst he was at Glasgow Rangers.
His remarkable success at Aberdeen eventually led to an appointment at Man United and despite a rocky few years in which he was rumoured to be on the verge of being sacked numerous times, he eventually found the winning formula.
It’s by no means a warts-and-all documentary (his son Jason directed it) but for youngsters who where not around at the time and football fans with gaps in their knowledge, it’s well worth a watch.
Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In is on Channel 4 at 7.30pm on 4th June.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
The first couple of episodes of Disney’s latest Star Wars spin-off, Obi-Wan Kenobi, have been met with a mixed response but with the promise of Darth Vader raising his bucket-head sometime soon, excitement levels for fans are off the scale.
For those who don’t know the plot, Obi-Wan (Ben) Kenobi is hiding out on Tatoonie keeping an eye on young Luke Skywalker and hiding out from the Empire’s Jedi hunters. When the other Skywalker, Leia, is kidnapped from her home in Alderaan, Kenobi is compelled by her adoptive father to go off-world and rescue her.
With plenty of new characters, callbacks and easter eggs, you average Star Wars fan will feast their eyes and forgive most of the flaws and if you’re not into tales of a galaxy far, far away but feel like giving it another shot, start with The Mandalorian before you watch this.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is streaming on Disney + now.
Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin
Werner Herzog is always worth a watch and Nomad: Into the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin is his documentary chronicling the life of the acclaimed travel writer and journalist.
The doc is divided into eight chapters, in which Herzog travels to Patagonia, the Black Mountains in Wales, and the Outback of Australia, where he meets Chatwin's friends and others who shed light on his life and art.
The directors affection for Chatwin shines through and he captures the visual beauty of the locations he visits with his usual expert eye and whilst the subject will be unknown to many, this philosophical and fascinating doc is a must-see for anyone struck by the travel bug.
Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin is on BBC4 9pm 4th June
Platinum Party at the Palace
Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Hans Zimmer, Ella Eyre, Craig David, Mabel, Elbow and George Ezra will share a three-stage set up with the likes of Duran Duran, Andrea Bocelli, Mimi Webb, Sam Ryder, Jax Jones, Celeste, Nile Rodgers, Sigala and Diversity – all performing at this star-studded Jubilee tribute.
Also appearing at the event and on film will be Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham, Stephen Fry, Dame Julie Andrews, The Royal Ballet, Ellie Simmonds, and a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John.
A section on musicals, the latter curated by legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, featuring a special appearance by Lin-Manuel Miranda and featuring casts and special guests from The Phantom Of The Opera, Hamilton, Six, The Lion King and Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Closing the two-and-a-half hour show will be legend Diana Ross, with her first UK live performance in 15 years.
Platinum Party at the Palace is on BBC One on 4th June from 7.30pm
