This comedy-drama kept me glued to my sofa when it first landed on the BBC back in 2020, and now it's coming to U this month.
Based on David Nicholls' bestselling novel, the four-parter, titled Us, follows Douglas Petersen, who is blindsided when his wife Connie tells him that she's not sure if she wants to remain married to him. Agreeing to still embark on their meticulously planned grand tour of Europe, the last summer trip before their son Albie goes to university, Douglas sets out to win back his wife's affection and save his marriage.
© Lucia Faraig Ferrando / Drama Republic LtdKate Thomas, HELLO!'s Website Editor, is adding this adaptation straight to her must-watch list. "I'm a huge David Nicholls fan and have read One Day so many times that my dog-eared copy is starting to fall apart. Us is one of the popular author's most witty and realistic novels. I can't wait to see this bittersweet story about the end of a marriage on the small screen."
Keep reading for all you need to know about the series, which could be your next one-night binge.
What to expect from Us
The series centres around Douglas Petersen, who is looking forward to a grand tour of Europe with his wife Connie and their son, Albie, before the teenager leaves home for university.
However, before they set off on their trip, Connie drops a bombshell: she's not sure she wants to be married to Douglas anymore.
© Drama Republic Ltd / Colin HuttonThe synopsis continues: "Douglas seizes the holiday as his chance to fix things, a desperate quest to save his marriage in some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Will he be able to convince Connie that he is the man she fell in love with?"
Who stars in Us?
Tom Hollander (The White Lotus) stars as Douglas, alongside Saskia Reeves (Slow Horses) as Connie.
© Drama Republic Ltd / Colin HuttonPlaying Albie is Tom Taylor, who viewers may recognise from his roles in Doctor Foster and House of the Dragon.
What have viewers said about the show?
The series was met with rave reviews from viewers upon its initial release, with one person calling the series "fantastic".
Another fan binge-watched the entire season in one sitting. "Binged watched in a day," they penned online. "Very enjoyable series, lots of witty moments but emotional ones too. Great cast. Very realistic, following the struggles of an ordinary British family."
© Drama Republic Ltd / HAL SHINNIEA second viewer added: "What a wonderful, wonderful surprise. The acting is outstanding; the storyline wonderful; the journey physically and emotionally perfect. I need more. One series is just not enough."
A third fan encouraged others to tune in, writing: "Such a beautiful series. I was laughing from the first line, but I was sobbing by the end of episode four and moist-eyed at moments in between. Some of the drama is a little far fetched, but it's sensitively played by the core cast, and the locations are beautiful - I felt like I had been on the trip with them! Highly recommend."
How to watch Us
All episodes of Us will be available to stream from 23 August on U.
TV and film adaptations of David Nicholls' novels
© NetflixNetflix's One Day (2024)
Emma and Dexter are brought to life on screen by Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in Netflix's 14-part series, which was released in 2024. The series boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 92 per cent and has been hailed by viewers as "a masterpiece".
One Day (2011)
Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess play Emma and Dexter in the 2011 big-screen adaptation of David's hit novel. While the film only holds a 37 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, fans have praised the movie as "beautiful" and "touching".
© Picturehouse/Kobal/ShutterstockStarter for Ten (2006)
James McAvoy stars in an adaptation of David's 2003 novel, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, James Corden and Catherine Tate. The film follows Brian Jackson, a working-class student at Bristol University, as he navigates life in his first year.
© Ken McKay/ITV/ShutterstockWho is David Nicholls?
David Nicholls is a British novelist and screenwriter who achieved huge success with his international bestseller, One Day.
His other literary works include You Are Here, Us and Sweet Sorrow.
The author, who grew up in Eastleigh, Hampshire, has also penned multiple screenplays for films and TV series, including When Did You Last See Your Father?, and adaptations of the Thomas Hardy novels, Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Far from the Madding Crowd.
