Just Act Normal
| Just Act Normal | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy drama |
| Based on | Little Birds by Janice Okoh |
| Screenplay by | Janice Okoh |
| Directed by | Nathaniel Martello-White |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Cinematography | Adam Barnett |
| Production company |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC Three |
| Release | 16 April 2025 – present |
Just Act Normal is a 2025 British comedy drama television series adapted by Janice Okoh from her own stage play Three Birds. The cast is led by Chenée Taylor, Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie and Akins Subair with Romola Garai and Sam Buchanan.
Premise
[edit]Three siblings must cope with life when their mother Jackie disappears.[1]
Cast
[edit]- Chenée Taylor as Tiana
- Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie as Tanika
- Akins Subair as Tionne
- Romola Garai as Ms Jenkins
- Sam Buchanan as Dr Feelgood
- Jamelia as Fake Jackie
- Ivanno Jeremiah as Leo
- Jennifer Metcalfe as Candy
- Talitha Wing as Rome
- Lauren Beardsmore as Lisa
Production
[edit]The series is adapted by Janice Okoh from her own stage play Three Birds, which original 2013 production had Michaela Coel and Susan Wokoma. The setting has been moved from South London to Birmingham. The series is directed by Nathaniel Martello-White.[1] The series is from producers The Forge Entertainment, as was originally titled as We Go Again.[2]
The six-part series is the first television roles for the three lead actors: Chenée Taylor (who plays Tiana), Kaydrah Walker-Wilkie (Tanika) and Akins Subair (Tionne), but also includes Romola Garai, Sam Buchanan, Talitha Wing, Ivanno Jeremiah and Jamelia, with a guest role for Jennifer Metcalfe.[3]
Filming took place in Birmingham and Coventry in June 2024.[4]
Broadcast
[edit]Just Act Normal is broadcast on BBC Three from 16 April 2025.[1]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]The series has received positive reviews and praise from critics. In a 5-star review for The Guardian, Lucy Mangan summarized it as "heartbreaking, hugely funny, endlessly subtle ... incredible TV", and described the "youthful cast" as "exceptional".[5] Writing for RadioTimes.com, Morgan Cormack said "levity, comedy and charm [were all] delivered flawlessly through [the] three newcomer leads."[6]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Aroesti, Rachel (12 April 2025). "Just Act Normal: the dark comedy drama that's a TV feelgood joy". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ^ Warner, Sam (28 June 2024). "BBC confirms cast for new Birmingham-set drama from Ackley Bridge producers". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ^ "Just Act Normal: First look". British Comedy Guide. 24 March 2025. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ^ Clarke, Nathan. "BBC crews are filming around Birmingham for new drama series as writer says 'I am over the moon'". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 14 April 2025.
- ^ Mangan, Lucy (16 April 2025). "Just Act Normal review – to watch this wonderful show is to see stars being born". The Guardian. Guardian News & Media Limited. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- ^ Cormack, Morgan (16 April 2025). "Just Act Normal's Nathaniel Martello-White: "We need more mainstream depictions of the Black experience"". RadioTimes.com. Immediate Media Company Limited. Retrieved 16 May 2025.
- 2025 British television series debuts
- British comedy television shows
- British English-language television shows
- Television shows set in England
- 2020s British comedy television series
- BBC television comedy
- BBC Three original programming
- Television shows filmed in England
- Television shows set in Warwickshire
- Television shows set in the West Midlands (county)
- BBC television dramas