BritBox may not be as widely known as global streaming juggernauts like Netflix and Disney+, but if you're a diehard fan of British shows and movies, there's arguably no better streaming service out there. Founded by BBC Studios and ITV, the platform features current and classic programs across all genres, whether you're into quaint country mysteries, quirky detective dramas or cackle-inducing TV comedies.
And of the latter, BritBox is home to one of this writer's favorite British sitcoms: "Chewing Gum," the 2015 E4 sitcom by the multitalented Michaela Coel, who would go on to create the acclaimed HBO dramedy "I May Destroy You," earning the Best Actress BAFTA and a Primetime Emmy (becoming the first Black woman to win for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series) in the process.
Based on Coel's 2012 one-woman play "Chewing Gum Dreams," "Chewing Gum" may not be as well-known as Coel's latter, darker work, but it's no less worthy of a watch, a riotously funny series featuring some of Britain's finest, with the likes of Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey joining Coel onscreen. Need more convincing? Here's why you should tune into "Chewing Gum" on BritBox now.
What is 'Chewing Gum' about?
Writer-creator Michaela Coel stars as Tracey Gordon, a 24-year-old deeply religious but sexually curious woman who dumps her ultra-pious boyfriend of six years, Ronald (John MacMillan), to embark on a chaotic and hysterical mission to break free from her repressed Pentecostal upbringing, lose her virginity and explore the wider world.
As the sitcom follows along with Tracey's amorous hijinks and attempts at seduction across two seasons and a dozen episodes, "Chewing Gum" gives hilarious insights into the protagonist's colorful world, from bad dates to Beyoncé-inspired makeovers to the London council estate in which she lives. (Along with Coel and MacMillan, the cast includes Danielle Walters as Candice, Tracey's best friend; Susan Wokoma as Tracey's sister Cynthia; and Shola Adewusi as their strict, devout mother Joy.)
Why I recommend you stream 'Chewing Gum' on BritBox
If you enjoy smart cringe comedy like "Fleabag," "Derry Girls," "This Way Up" and, yes, "I May Destroy You," you'll no doubt find plenty to like about "Chewing Gum." Coel — who took home a BAFTA for performing in the unapologetically raunchy sitcom — wrings countless laughs out of Tracey's awkward attempts at romance and coming-of-age foibles, especially as the character frequently breaks the fourth wall to share her innermost secrets and wildest anxieties.
"Chewing Gum" is the rare comedy series that maintained a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes across its entire run, with critics praising Coel's "brazen" lead performance, the scripts' deft juggling of "Christian convictions and crude intentions" and the show's overall "surreal charm and button-pushing comedy."
Stream "Chewing Gum" on BritBox now
