Significant Other

At the start of new ITV comedy Significant Other, Sam (Youssef Kerkour) is preparing to kill himself. He swallows as many pills as he can get his hands on, prepares a small note, and lies down as he awaits his death. Before he can fall asleep, though, a panicked knock at the door from his neighbour, Anna (Katherine Parkinson), derails his plans when she announces that she’s having a heart attack. This unlikely encounter sparks the beginnings of a kinship between the pair as they negotiate their own messy lives in this twist on the rom-com formula.

Led by outstanding performances by Kerkour and Parkinson, the opening two episodes are an exceptional introduction to the show. After the initial set-up, the introductory chapters serve primarily to acquaint viewers with the central characters. Sam is separated from his wife (Kelle Bryan) and children, whereas Anna has become disenfranchised with love after years of being alone. Although the neighbours begin to bond while sharing a packet of sweets at the hospital they’re taken to, it’s only when more is revealed about each of their situations that it becomes clear that loneliness is the commonality that binds them.

Much like After Life explored themes of grief and depression with a wry sense of humour and deep-seated empathy, Significant Other tackles loneliness with the same degree of thoughtfulness and care. The script deploys a wicked sense of dry wit, which the leads effortlessly take to. The show is incredibly funny whilst simultaneously drawing attention to the characters’ troubles. Likewise, even in just the first episodes, the series taps into emotionally resonating moments that allow the stars to flex their dramatic muscles. The second episode, for example, concludes in a chaotic situation typical of the genre; however, there’s a tangible sense of tragedy interwoven within the comedy, which hits harder than any punchline.

Underneath the endearing sense of humour, there’s a deeply moving portrait of humanity and loneliness at the core of Significant Other, all of which is stunningly realised by the stellar combination of Parkinson and Kerkour.

Andrew Murray

Significant Other is released on ITVX on 8^th June 2023.

Watch the trailer for Significant Other here: