There’s never been a better time to hunker down in front of the TV and binge through those shows on your to-do list! We’re bringing some of Sunderland’s own to your big screens this spring, with our pick of Mackem people, programmes and shoot locations. All of that, plus plenty of other family-friendly flicks, laugh-out-loud favourites and don’t miss documentaries…
SUNDERLAND’S OWN
GINA MCKEE
Bodyguard, Line of Duty & Phantom Thread
Gina is a fully-fledged movie superstar.
Born in Peterlee and raised in and around the city, Gina first burst on to the acting scene as a 15-year-old child prodigy performing with the National Youth Theatre.
Fast-forward to 2020 and Gina has bagged herself a BAFTA TV Award, received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from our friends at the University of Sunderland and appeared in the highly successful Netflix drama, Bodyguard.
CALLUM RENNIE
50 Shades of Grey
From the banks of the River Wear all the way to featuring in a Hollywood super hit, Callum Rennie has had quite the journey to the main stage.
Born and raised in the city, Callum and his family emigrated to Canada during his younger years and has since gone on to appear in over 125 film projects.
He is perhaps best known for his appearance on Jigsaw (2017) as Detective Halloran and Fifty Shades of Grey (2015).
The latter is still available on Netflix.
PETER FARRER
Sunderland Till I Die
We know, we know. Peter may not be a certified Hollywood actor, but this Mackem cabbie has captured the hearts of TV audiences up and down the country after his iconic string of appearances on Sunderland ’Til I Die.
Peter’s unwavering support for the club and his affable personality shone through from the outset, in which he became one of the central characters in the Netflix blockbuster.
ROB RACKSTRAW
Messy Goes to Okido
You may not recognise his face, but Rob Rackstraw’s voice will be recognisable to TV-lovers across the world.
Born in Silksworth in 1965, Rob rocketed to fame following his appearances as Scoop, Muck and Spud on beloved children’s programme, Bob the Builder.
He is now the voice for Zim on Messy Goes to Okido.
BLAST BEACH
Alien 3
The North East coastline is worthy of an Oscar or two.
Venture to Seaham and you’ll find beaches used in the opening scenes of Alien 3 (1992)! Originally a dumping ground for colliery waste, the Blast Beach or ‘Fiorina 161’ was used for exterior shots during the opening sequence of the thrilling sci-fi horror picture!
CRACKING COMEDY
STILL OPEN ALL HOURS
Things may feel uncertain in the world, but Still Open All Hours is going nowhere this spring!
Log in to BBC iPlayer and catch six side-splitting series’ of the grocer’s shop sitcom starring David Jason.
THE INBETWEENERS
Head over to All 4, where you can find three full series of The Inbetweeners.
Expect nostalgic school days, laugh-out-loud comedy and cringeworthy moments as four ‘neither cool nor credible’ friends journey through their final school years.
FRIENDS
Friends has been cheering us up for over 25 years – and there’s no reason why it can’t continue to do so.
Hunker down for an evening of guaranteed giggles as six 20-something pals navigate the pitfalls of work, life and love in 1990s Manhattan.
DON’T MISS DOCUMENTARIES
STACEY DOOLEY
Let Stacey Dooley educate you in your own homes this spring over on BBC iPlayer.
Search Stacey Dooley in the app and hear about some of the world’s most controversial issues as she goes behind the scenes to dig up new information.
BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE DOGS
Let the nation’s pooches do the talking!
Head on over to ITV Hub for a must-see documentary series revealing the most popular breeds, what makes people fall head over heels and how our favourites have changed over the years.
THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS
Amazon is screening mystery documentary drama, Three Identical Strangers. It tells the unsettling true story of three young men in 1980s New York, who were all adopted but meet in later life to discover they are triplets.
Their quest to find out why turns into a bizarre and sinister mystery!
FAMILY FAVOURITES
AVATAR
With Disney+ in full swing, there’s never been a better time to enjoy the very best TV and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Don’t miss the chance to catch fantasy/sci-fi favourite, Avatar, this April.
THE BOSS BABY BACK IN BUSINESS
A binge-worthy series the whole gang will love. With a little help from his brother and accomplice, Tim, Boss Baby tries to balance family life with his job at Baby Corp headquarters.
PETER RABBIT
Mark Easter with the perfect springtime family flick. Head over to Netflix and catch Peter Rabbit as he faces tough new foe in his ongoing battle for the veggies in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Starring James Corden, Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne, this live action film is the perfect feel-good movie for the Easter hols.
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