
Watching a series with your spouse, friends, or family used to be wholesome, but shows like Line of Duty and Happy Valley changed that.
Now, we prefer to start the week with… crime, treachery, and suffering.
Fortunately for viewers who have become accustomed to the darker side of life, there is more to coming in the shape of new programme, Better, following Happy Valley’s epic end last week.
Who is involved, and what is the story about?
What is Better about?
’19 years ago, when Lou was a young police officer at her lowest ebb and Col was a low-ranking but ambitious newcomer to the Leeds underground, their paths met, and they made a deal that transformed their lives forever,’ the author writes.
‘The arrangement allowed Col to become very wealthy and influential, while Lou was able to turn around her faltering career.’
‘A complex but particular link was formed between the two, and so Lou’s steady descent into corruption started. But now, as Lou’s family faces disaster, she must right the wrongs she has spent years rationalising and forgiving in order to have a second shot at a new, better life.’
Who is in the Better cast?
Leila Farzad as Lou Slack and Andrew Buchan as Col McHugh lead the cast.

Leila is likely best remembered for her role as Naomi Jones in ‘s I Hate Suzie, for which she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 2021 BAFTAs.
Fans of ITV’s Broadchurch, where he played Mark Latimer, may recognise Andrew Buchan.
He also appeared in ‘s This England as Matt Hancock, which followed the government during the coronavirus outbreak.
Joining them on the cast are:
- Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Andor) as Vernon
- Charley Webb (Emmerdale) as Elise
- Zak Ford-Williams as Owen
- Samuel Edward-Cook as Ceri Davies
- Carolin Stoltz as Alma
- Kaya Moore as Noel Wilkes
- Ceallach Spellman as Donal
- Olivia Nakintu as DC Esther Okoye
- Joseph Steyne as Joleon
- Anthony Lewis as DC Niall Ibbotson
- Junade Khan as DS Pritam Khan
- Gavin Spokes as DI Phil Cowper
When does Better air?
Better will debut on BBC One on Monday, February 13.
The episode will air from 9pm, with the following four episodes airing every week from then.
You will be able to watch the whole series (five episodes in total) on BBC iPlayer from February 13.