Cockroaches

Cockroaches is a comedic post-apocalyptic drama series from ITV of 2015. This engaging comic series with a mix of thrilling suspense, intriguing narrative and signature British humor, introduces the audience to a post-apocalyptic world wherein the human race has been nearly wiped out due to a nuclear event.

Following this chaotic event, the story centers around Tom and Suze, two average people who have managed to survive in this dystopian world for around a decade, through their resourcefulness and sheer fortune. However, their life is far from normal. The new world has introduced them to some thought-provoking and intriguing scenarios that blur the line between comedy and horror.

Played by Daniel Lawrence Taylor and Esther Smith, Tom and Suze are two young adults who were just about to get intimate for the first time when the initial disaster struck. The series then follows them 10 years later as they struggle to stay alive — and maintain a semblance of sanity — in a wasted world. They navigate their way through the wreckage, the ruins, and the other eccentric survivors in a world turned upside down.

Tom and Suze's relationship dynamics offer a fresh comedic perspective on the otherwise gruesome post-apocalyptic genre. Despite the grim reality of their survival, the two manage to find humor and absurdity in their predicaments, which becomes a defining aspect of the show. Their love story also provides heartwarming moments amid the desolation, presenting a bittersweet depiction of human resilience and adaptability.

A key aspect of Cockroaches' narrative brilliance lies in its ability to incorporate a diverse array of characters into the story. As Tom and Suze navigate through their current dystopian world, they come across a host of weird yet humorous characters, played by a fantastic ensemble cast that includes the likes of Jack Whitehall, Katherine Ryan, and Jamie Demetriou.

Whitehall plays Oscar, Tom's suave, manipulative, and opportunistic younger brother. Despite his often questionable ethics, Oscar manages to create a life of relative comfort for himself in this bleak world, sometimes at the expense of others. On the other hand, Ryan takes on the role of Laura, an eccentric individual who somehow enjoys the new world, thriving in the chaos of it all. The vivid range of these characters adds depth to the narrative and maintains the intriguing enjoyment through the entire run of the show.

Moreover, Cockroaches' post-apocalyptic scenario also brings a remarkable shift in the society's dynamics. Old societal constructs have collapsed, and in their absence, new ones have emerged, often with humorous outcomes. The rules of social interaction have been turned on their head, and the series frequently exploits this chaos for comedic aims. Whether it's grappling with nuclear-fallout-affected wildlife or engaging with rogue groups of survivors, each episode of Cockroaches presents unexpected and bizarre situations for enjoyment.

Overall, Cockroaches is a unique fusion of post-apocalyptic drama and dark comedy, marked by its distinctively British tone of humor. The series features a solid cast, engaging storylines, and a lively, often absurd depiction of life after a nuclear disaster. Its narrative cleverly incorporates the captivating elements of a survival tale, romance, and comedy, resulting in a show that's both distinctive and captivating.

From the intriguing narrative to the witty dialogues, and from the distinctive characters to the thrilling suspense, Cockroaches provides a compelling combination of drama, comedy, and romance - all set in a distinctly dystopian backdrop. The series' playful approach to the grim realities of post-apocalyptic survival, complements the dry humor and dark themes at its heart, making it a unique, fulfilling, and at times, surprising viewing experience.