7.8 /10 1 Votes7.8
7.6/10 TV | 7.8/10 IMDb Writers Stefan Golaszewski | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Starring Russell ToveySarah SolemaniKerry HowardJoe WilkinsonCamille CoduriRicky Champ Awards British Academy Television Award for Best Scripted Comedy Cast Profiles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Him & Her is a British television sitcom about a lazy twenty-something couple; Steve and Becky, who live in Walthamstow, London. It was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC Three on 6 September 2010. It is written by Stefan Golaszewski and stars Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani. The theme tune is the song "Boom Bang-a-Bang" by Lulu.
Contents
The first series aired from 6 September to 11 October 2010, and comprised six episodes. The second series aired from 1 November to 13 December 2011, and comprised seven episodes. The third series aired from 18 November to 23 December 2012, comprising seven episodes, including a 'special' Christmas episode.
The fourth (and final) series aired from 21 November to 19 December 2013 and comprised five episodes. Series 4 (subtitled "The Wedding") is based around Laura and Paul's wedding ceremony and reception, rather than the flat where Steve and Becky live.
Series 1 (2010)
Becky and Steve are happy to spend their days watching DVDs in Steve's flat, but are constantly interrupted by Dan (the man who lives upstairs), Laura and Paul (Becky's sister and her fiancé), and Becky's parents.
Series 2 (2011)
Becky moves into Steve's flat permanently. Becky's sister Laura and her friend Shelly have become best friends with Steve's ex-girlfriend. Dan is back with his girlfriend.
Series 3 (2012)
Steve contemplates proposing to Becky, but struggles to find the right moment. Becky's sister Laura is pregnant, and is letting everyone know about it. Meanwhile, the relationship between Shelly and Dan continues to blossom.
Series 4 (2013)
The series focuses on Paul and Laura's wedding day. Each episode follows a different stage of the day, with Becky as chief bridesmaid and Steve as best man, from the early morning wake up call, through the ceremony and the speeches, to the late-night disco. Becky finds out she's pregnant with Steve's baby
Cast
Critical reception
Most critics in the UK responded warmly to the first series; although there was some mild criticism directed towards the more crude and naturalistic aspects of the programme, reviewers reacted positively to the quality of writing and acting found on the show. In the Metro Keith Watson summed it up as "sleazy fun [but] not without a certain soiled charm", while in The Independent Brian Viner compared the set-up to that of the popular British sitcom The Royle Family, describing Him and Her as "beautifully acted... wonderfully written... and intermittently very funny indeed". In one of the more negative reviews, David Crawford of the Radio Times was a little more reserved in his praise of the show; although he admitted that "the chemistry between the two leads... [gives the] filthy comedy a warm-hearted edge" he also expressed distaste for the "lewd and crude" humour frequently on display.
In respect to the writing, The Guardian labelled the series "a witty, touching show" that "has the feel of a series of short plays", while in The Radio Times Claire Webb noted how as the series progressed she found it to be "more Beckett play than the [usual] zany fare you might expect from a BBC3 sitcom.
On reviewing the final episode, Aidan Smith of The Scotsman summarised the show as "a jam and fluff-covered gem featuring charming performances from Russell Tovey and Sarah Solemani as Steve and Becky". The series was awarded the BAFTA for British Academy Television Award for Best Situation Comedy in 2014.
DVD release
The complete first series DVD was released on 18 October 2010 and the second series on 12 November 2012. A series 1 & 2 boxset was also released on 12 November 2012.