Watch Back to Life

Back to Life is a British comedy-drama TV series that premiered on BBC Three in 2019. It stars Daisy Haggard as Miri Matteson, a woman who returns to her small coastal town of Hythe in Kent after serving an 18-year prison sentence. However, her attempt to reintegrate into society proves to be a lot more challenging than she thought it would be.

Throughout the six-episode series, we see Miri trying to navigate through the various obstacles that come with being a convicted felon. She struggles to find employment, housing, and acceptance from her former friends and neighbors, who are still haunted by the crime she committed as a teenager.

Despite the unpleasant reception she receives from some of the people in the town, Miri remains optimistic and determined to start over. She moves back in with her parents (played by Geraldine James and Richard Durden) and begins attending group therapy sessions. There, she meets others who have also been released from prison and is able to form new relationships.

While the show deals with serious issues like guilt, shame, and redemption, it also has plenty of humor and heart. Daisy Haggard delivers a fantastic performance as Miri, a flawed but likable character who is simply trying to move on from her past mistakes. Her chemistry with the rest of the cast is excellent, especially with her parents, who are both hilarious and endearing in their own unique ways.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to balance the darker aspects of the story with lighter moments that add levity and charm. The show also has a distinctive visual style, with beautiful shots of the seaside town and clever editing that enhances the humor and drama.

The supporting cast is also notable, including Miri's new friend Billy (Adeel Akhtar), who becomes one of her closest allies in the town, and her former classmate Caroline (Geraldine Somerville), who has a complicated history with Miri.

Overall, Back to Life is a refreshing and engaging series that tackles a difficult subject matter with sensitivity and humor. It presents a nuanced portrayal of a woman trying to rebuild her life after being incarcerated and explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances. The show has received critical acclaim for its unique tone and outstanding performances, especially from lead actress Daisy Haggard.

Back to Life is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between November 10, 2019 and on BBC Three