In the Long Run (2017–2020) User Reviews

Loved it! Funny, light entertainment that shines a comedic light on the life of an African family who moved to the U.K in the 80's.

[WhateverIWant29 · 8/10 · 17 July 2020]

Really enjoyed this series, so easy to watch. Nice, light, funny entertainment- not too cheesy or slapstick, but sitcom style without canned laughter. Focused on an African family with a British born son and their neighbours all living on the same London estate. It uses comedy to touch on the difficulties and differences faced by migrant families living the U.K. in the 80's. Well worth the watch!

Great Series

[GB65 · 8/10 · 14 February 2020]

I thought series one was a little slow but I suppose that was whilst they built up the characters. It's great to see a network give writers a chance and allow programmes to grow and in series two this one certainly did. Quality writing and good performances from all. True to life, believable stories and some wonderful memories. Looking forward to series three already.

Enjoyable & well observed

[deborahdelacroix-11843 · 8/10 · 2 April 2018]

I really enjoyed watching this series and thought the depiction of the eighties was brilliant. The tone was light-hearted, the soundtrack excellent, and the characters all plausible and likeable. Idris Elba's character was very good, as were all his family and in particular his young son, Kobna. Very gentle viewing but well worth watching, and definitely laugh out loud funny!

Another Idris Elba home run

[neilwaynesmith · 10/10 · 15 November 2019]

It there no end to the mans talents? This satisfies on so many levels, the period nostalgia and attention to detail, the excellent chemistry and synergy, great writing, great acting, bloody funny and doesn't preach on the attitudes towards race and discrimination.

Modern day Desmonds!

[deejaypard · 10/10 · 2 April 2018]

Watched all six episodes of this back to back. Its like a modern day Desmonds, totally loved it, will defo watch it all again. Idris Smashed it - Funny AF. The soundtrack is amazing toooo 10/10

Perfect soundtrack

[tararrr · 9/10 · 3 March 2019]

Elba and Bailey make a great team, I love them in everything they do. This show is worth watching just for the soundtrack. It'll put a smile on your face

Wonderfully nostalgic

[lizzieprince · 9/10 · 29 March 2018]

Loving this sitcom. I remember the 80s well and it's brilliant soundtrack takes me right back there. It's set in London in the early 80s with the riots, racism and difficult economic times as the backdrop. It's a funny, charming sitcom where you're rooting for the loveable characters. Idris Elba shows that he is a talented script writer as well as a good actor.

Great comedy

[kasam-khan · 10/10 · 1 November 2019]

Really loved the show needs another series. Very nostalgic reminds of Desmonds

Is it a comedy?

[The_Pete_Jackson · 4/10 · 29 March 2018]

Expectations were set high when Sky announced Idris was making a comedy set in the 80's so was excited by the prospect. However, sadly let down. The music sound bites every 5 minutes, the poor script, and the small points of mentioning what was going on in the UK at the time. Yes we get it - it's the 80's, we get it!! Plus Idris' character drives around in a T registration top of the range Cortina. I don't think so.

Great show

[davetattersalluk · 10/10 · 21 October 2019]

Binge watched season one last night and now onto season 2. Very funny and I was aged 8-18 in the 80s so I can relate to a lot. Music is great and it also shows what it was like in the 80s.

spot on

[prosper1 · 10/10 · 26 April 2018]

Genius heartfelt show. I held off on a review until episode 4. I was fortunate to grow up in a city where many commonwealth students went to school and as I grew older it was normal to hang with them as it was to hang with locals. Pity those without that enriching experience. This could have been set in Halifax N.S. or Toronto, as the same b.s. happens. But this show treats it right.... and with humor. I'd like to say more, but will settle on 'just watch it.'

Casting is genius, music sublime. I seldom give anything a 10, but this deserves it. bravo. Hope there's a few more seasons.

Rose tinted 80's nostalgia,funny,absolutely worth a watch

[joannagray · 10/10 · 15 April 2018]

Wasn't sure what to expect but it was a fab,funny revelation.Feels a bit like'Only Fools and Horses' but from a black immigrant perspective.Loved the music as it tied in with the themes and brought the 80's flooding back.As someone else commented it does mention a lot of the 'issues' but with a light touch that I appreciated. The characters are great and whoever the 'singer;is they are super talented and added a poignancy to the episodes.

A gentle gem of a show

[flamingofair · 10/10 · 18 October 2019]

What a charming, funny, well written comedy. Such a blast from the past, can't believe I've only just discovered this show. Thoroughly enjoyable

Brilliantly different & reassuringly familiar!

[j-murdoch862 · 10/10 · 3 April 2018]

A totally different slant on the 80's with a very good dynamic between the characters. It offers a comedic take on the trials and tribulations of a West African family bringing up their family in London.

This is what happens when television celebrities are over indulged!

[gb901 · 2/10 · 1 April 2018]

Created and starring idris elba - the new ofah this most certainly isn't. Reminds me of the ill conceived - and poorly received - early 2000s bbc alleged sitcom "the crouches" - and we all know what happened to that!

Funny....80s Nostalgic...Great Music

[ijeomas · 10/10 · 7 October 2020]

I watched Seasons 1 and 2 in one sitting, then I realized I'd spent the latter part of my day stuck to the TV. Idris did this!!!! I love this show, I forwarded it to everyone I know. Being a mixed chick of the Jamaican Indian Haitian mix, born in the Bahamas, raised in Florida with family all over the world, this show is an awesome depiction of comedy in real life.

Easy viewing - got funnier

[kookie-salt · 8/10 · 9 August 2020]

I loved this! Watched three seasons in three nights. Easy to watch, lots of laugh - and with each episode laughed more.

A gem found recently on CBC Gem

[marferlang · 10/10 · 2 February 2021]

What a great discovery! I am fully hooked after watching three episodes. I hope it will be a 'long runned' series. It deserves ten stars for the freshness of the series, and its excellent cast of actors.

Idris what a cracker

[suzannefoulk-69784 · 10/10 · 2 April 2018]

Absolutely loving this comedy . So funny and will resonate with so many being brought up in the eighties . Great characters .

TV Gold

[conrad-anang · 10/10 · 31 March 2018]

Idris Elba delivered TV Gold with this one. 80s based nostalgia. Great comedy and music. Wish it was on the BBC for a wider audience.

Brilliantly funny

[lindsayreid2009 · 10/10 · 31 March 2018]

Wasn't sure what to expect from this but we as a family have all found it witty & hilarious, mixing real issues with giggles.

Superb, touching comedy

[paulbrook31 · 10/10 · 2 April 2018]

The only criticism I have about this series is that there aren't enough episodes. It was touching, nostalgic and vey funny.

Optimistic and Orignal

[edesignzzzz · 9/10 · 6 December 2018]

When I heard about the plot of this comedy I thought to myself "oh-oh here we go again" I was expecting an angry African family dealing with the trials of life in London laced with political undertones of discrimination etc. Boy was I wrong.. I have watched five episodes already and I can say that this is nostalgic humour thats optimistic and does not dwell on the short comings of the characters. The plot is so fast that the characters don't dwell on thier problems for you to feel sad for them. There is always a silver lining and there is no heavy political undertone and the setting in 1985 London takes it out of context from the whole BREXIT conundrum. The writing maybe cheesy and the characters almost stereotyped but the optimism in the face of social and racial tensions of today is brilliant.

In the Long run is a worth the sprint!

[lezoraarter · 10/10 · 30 March 2021]

This series has everything you want in a phenomenal show: drama, humor, diversity and a terrific cast of actors. I love this show. It makes me laugh out loud and it touches my heart. I get to see it more on Hulu rather than STARZ. Thank you , Idris Elba for creating such a wonderful show!!!

Old School English humour

[herehelpyou · 9/10 · 21 April 2018]

I am on episode . I have had a few laughs about things that used to happen when I was younger.

Not bad Idris, not bad.

Different from everything else nice move.