he BBC’s moving drama Best Interests is coming to Netflix this week, and if you missed it when it first aired in 2023, you now have another chance to watch it. But be warned, you might want to keep some tissues nearby!
The four-part series follows Nicci and Andrew, the parents of young teenager Marnie, who was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition as a baby. When doctors suggest that allowing Marnie to die is in her best interests, her loving family must contemplate this huge decision.
© Mark Johnson, BBCThe drama is penned by acclaimed screenwriter Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Help), who is no stranger to bringing thought-provoking drama to our screens. Plus, Michael Sheen and Sharon Horgan are outstanding as devoted parents Andrew and Nicci, who are faced with an agonising dilemma.
Before you press play, find out everything you need to know about the series.
What is Best Interests about?
The series tells the moving story of two parents who must make an unthinkable decision regarding their daughter’s life.
© Kevin Baker, BBCThe full synopsis reads: “This a story of a family driven apart by having to make choices no parent would ever want to make. Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen play married couple Nicci and Andrew, they have two daughters: Katie played by Alison Oliver and Marnie played by Niamh Moriarty.
“Marnie has a life-threatening condition. The doctors believe it is in her best interests to be allowed to die, but her loving family disagree. And so begins a fight that will take them through every stage of a legal process, as they struggle to contemplate this huge decision. Who decides? And in whose best interests will it be?”
What have viewers said about Best Interests?
The series received acclaim from both viewers and critics upon its initial release.
Taking to social media, one person described the show as “brilliantly thought-provoking” and “heart-rending,” while another penned: “God that was harrowing, powerful and powerfully acted. Wow.”
© Samuel Dore, BBCA third person added: “An almost perfect drama. The script is breathtakingly powerful with giant performances from the actors.”
Critics were equally as impressed, with The Guardian handing out five stars to the “masterly and profoundly moving” series, while The Independent hailed it as “unflinching” and “powerful,” noting the “excellent” cast performances.
Meet the cast of Best Interests
Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters) and Michael Sheen (Good Omens) lead the series as Nicci and Andrew, while Alison Oliver (Wuthering Heights) plays their eldest daughter, Katie, and Niamh Moriarty (September Says) portrays Marnie.
Also starring in the series are Noma Dumezweni as Samantha, Chizzy Akudolu as Mercy, Mat Fraser as Greg, Des McAleer as Eddie and Gary Beadle as Frank.
© Sam Taylor, BBCRounding out the cast are Jack Morris as Tom, Pippa Haywood as Judge Spottiswood, Shane Zaza as Fred, Lisa McGrillis as Brenda and Lucian Msamati as Derek.
How to watch Best Interests
Best Interests is coming to Netflix on Friday 10 July. In the meantime, viewers can stream the show on BBC iPlayer.
