“It’s an unromantic romantic comedy”: Youssef Kerkour and Katherine Parkinson on Significant Other

Significant Other is the “unromantic romantic comedy” that, from the off, disrupts traditional tropes of the genre. The ITVX show stars Youssef Kerkour as Sam, who’s ready to give up on life via a slew of pills, but is rudely interrupted by his neighbour, Anna (Katherine Parkinson of The IT Crowd fame), who knocks on his door at an inconvenient moment mid-heart attack. Despite the heaviness of this premise, there’s a lightness of touch and a brilliant streak of pitch-black humour running through the show, as the unlikely pair find connection in their mutual loneliness.

The Upcoming had a fabulous chat with Kerkour and Parkinson, who provided a fresh and frank insight into the series. They introduced it as a bingeable exploration of two middle-aged characters with personal baggage, navigating an unpredictable relationship. Parkinson applauded the depiction of complex emotions and real issues like mental health with a perfect mix of wit and warmth. She especially praised the non-generic characterisation, hailing from the original Israeli series. Kerkour underscored the show’s commitment to capturing the rawness of human behaviour, allowing a deeper exploration of issues under the comedic veil. The actors delved into their characters’ flaws and abrasive interactions, which surprisingly endear them to viewers.

Sarah Bradbury

Significant Other is released on ITVX on 8^th June 2023. Read our review here.

Watch the trailer for Significant Other here: