Whilst we at Must TV are huge fans of the high-octane thrill fests of Sky Atlantic, and the cinematic ventures of Netflix, we also can’t resist a comfort watch. There’s nothing like kicking your shoes off and plonking your bum on the sofa after a long day, ready to relax and unwind with something soothing. And you’d struggle to find something more soothing than The Repair Shop.
In this BBC fave, people from far and wide come to visit a handy gang of fixer-uppers, hoping to restore a family treasure to its former glory. And when we say it’s calming, we really mean it. There’s no cash incentive, without the big reveal of how much Granny’s old cup and saucer set is worth like in Antiques Roadshow. Instead the show is driven by stories. Each item brought in to The Repair Shop has one, a tale of sentimental value and family history. Like the tiger automaton loved by an elderly father, the portable radio which became a symbol of a couple’s love, and the stunt bicycle that was kept in a passed grandfather’s shop window.
As if listening to the heart-warming tales brought in with these objects wasn’t already cosy enough, there’s also the satisfaction of watching the expert crafters bring them back to life, and the subsequent elation on their owners’ faces. All this cosiness is filmed in a barn lit by fairy-lights, with plenty of exposed wood and people tinkering away in the background – it’s truly like the telly version of a hug. We admit, all this might be a bit sickly sweet for some. Because unlike other classic comfort shows, like the Bake Off, there’s no high-stakes competition, or risk of someone leaving an antique doll out the freezer. But if you ask us, that’s the joy of it. It’s pure, unadulterated delight, showcasing the best of humanity in hour long episodes that are as comforting as a cup of tea after a cold winter’s walk.
Anita Singh in The Telegraph calls the show “a comforting cross between Antiques Roadshow and Bagpuss,” saying there is “great joy to be had in watching the craftspeople go about their work with such passion and care.” The Guardian’s Rebecca Nicholson questions, “is there a lovelier show on TV?” She says “It is a celebration of fine work, family history and sheer enthusiasm.”
First shown March 2017. You can watch the trailer by pressing play on the show image, or by clicking here:
