Five Salford and Manchester-based box sets to brighten up your lockdown

Welcome to day whatever-it-is in lockdown.

There is still a lot of time to kill before we can go back to normal.

So here is a list of five must-watch shows set and filmed in Salford and/or Manchester, to keep you busy during isolation and remind you what the cities look like.

5. The Stranger (2020) IMDB Rating- 7.3

http://https://youtu.be/zgxHvElxRYY

The Stranger took Netflix by storm reaching its number one streamed show when it was released earlier this year. Filmed across various spots across Manchester including Saint Peter’s Square and Bury town centre, The Stranger follows the lives of suburban families, whose secrets and lies are made public by the appearance of a mysterious woman, turning their lives upside down. The Stranger is by no means perfect with some questionable dialogue and slightly cliche and cringe-worthy moments. However, the show has a fantastic ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its tense and gripping story-line.

4. Car Share (2015) IMDB Rating- 8.3

Written and directed by Peter Kay, Car Share follows John (Peter Kay) and Kayleigh (Sian Gibson) as they are forced to commute together to and from the supermarket in which they work, with hilarious and heartwarming results. Kay, a graduate of The University of Salford, sticks to his roots shooting the show in a variety of locations across Greater Manchester, including Swinton, West Houghton, Altrincham, Bury and Trafford. The show is simple but effective, with the vast majority filmed in the car as Kay drives. However, despite its simplicity, the witty dialogue and excellent chemistry between the two leads, means that Car Share is a little gem of a show that will keep you entertained and amused throughout.

3. Class of 92: Out of Their League (2015) IMDB Rating- 8.2

http://https://youtu.be/FuF9GCYrtCM

Missing the football? Then here is the show for you. Out of Their League, follows Manchester United class of 92 legends; Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, and Ryan Giggs, after they become owners of none league club Salford City FC. The former United boys train, watch and cheer the Salford lads through their combined new footballing venture. Everything from training, to board meetings, to half time team talks, are shown in this in-depth and fascinating look at how football clubs work from top to bottom. Popular pundit and former United captain Gary Neville is the real star of the show. His passion for the project makes for brilliant TV, as he goes through a roller-coaster of emotions with every kick of a ball.

2. Fresh Meat (2011) IMDB Rating- 7.9

http://https://youtu.be/QsDnApqgREw

Channel 4s Fresh Meat follows posh boy JP, the socially awkward Kingsley, loose cannon Vod, try-hard Oregon, bubbly borderline alcoholic Josie, and misfit Scotsman Howard, as they attempt to find their way through the trials and tribulations of student life. Set and filmed in Salford and Manchester, including The Kings Arms pub in Salford and Whalley Range Manchester, Fresh Meat is the perfect go to for a student who is missing the university experience. With the perfect blend of comedy and drama, it follows the personal lives and relationships of the five very different protagonists who are all uniquely funny and compliment each other well. Overall Fresh Meat is a hilarious and relatable look at student life, that will have postgraduates yearning to be back in that stage of their lives.

1. Phoenix Nights (2001) IMDB Rating- 8.4

http://https://youtu.be/GAfOXmg3-cI

National treasure and Salford University graduate Peter Kay finds himself again on the list with his award-winning Phoenix Nights. Filmed mainly in Bolton, Phoenix Nights follows the misadventures of Brian Potter and his employees at The Phoenix social club. Packed to the rafters with outrageous larger than life characters and witty northern humor, Phoenix Nights is the perfect way to boost your mood during lock-down. Kay plays the disabled cheapskate owner of the Phoenix Club, Brian Potter, as well as Max the bouncer accompanied by his partner in crime Paddy played by Peter Kay’s long time friend Paddy McGuiness.