TV Critics: Getting On; Grand Designs

“Everything about this show feels real and unforced: from what’s included – such as the sheet shortages – to what’s not. Few of the patients speak; fewer still have any visitors. Getting old is most definitely not for wimps, and Getting On should be prescribed viewing for everyone.”
John Crace, The Guardian

“Some of the best comic dialogue on TV is exchanged in Getting On. The new season started with change. The old hospital has been shut and merged… But nothing has really changed, because nothing ever does. That’s fine by us. Kim for a while yesterday wore an ‘I need mending’ sticker. This show, emphatically, does not.”
Andrew Billen, The Times

“Getting On has its broad laughs – the ghastly breeziness of Dr Moore as she discusses her latest research programme for example: “I just think that vulvas could be a very interesting area for you to get into,” she tells a young houseman as she tries to press him into assisting her. But it really works because of the moments where they don’t worry too much about getting a laugh at all.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent

“Grand Designs celebrated its 100th anniversary with a spectacular instance of the ingredient that has sustained the series for so long – overreaching folly that succeeds against the odds.”
Tom Sutcliffe, The Independent

“Kevin McCloud’s ambivalence is part of what has made this show such a long-running success… Did Kevin like it? As usual, I couldn’t really tell. But everyone, including me, got what we wanted out of the hour’s television. Here’s looking forward to the next 100.”
John Crace, The Guardian