One of the best shows on BBC is not returning – I’m gutted

One of BBC’s buzziest comedy-dramas, Film Club, is not coming back for round two, leaving fans (me) devastated.

The six-episode show created by and starring Sex Education breakout and Bafta winner Aimee Lou Wood follows best friends Evie (Aimee) and Noa (Nabhaan Rizwan).

Evie lives at home with her eccentric family, including her eternally worried and well-meaning mum, Suz (Suranne Jones) and is all but housebound after a traumatic event.

Her main interaction with the outside world comes in the shape of local bike-riding miscreant Callum, played by the inimitable Owen Cooper, who himself has a touching storyline.

Oh, and she has a weird boyfriend, Josh (Adam Long), who we’re all immediately hoping she’ll bin.

A movie enthusiast at heart, she and Noa, along with a gaggle of less committed but still supportive friends, host a weekly film club in the shed, capped off with costumes, decorations and a vow from Suz to not interrupt.

When Noa gets a job offer in Bristol, however, the underlying romantic tension finally comes to a head as the pair race against the looming deadline to confess their feelings and figure the whole mess out.

It’s got all the ingredients for the perfect watch – a heartwarming group of characters you’re rooting for, delightful family and friend dynamics, and just enough stakes to keep you hooked while still knowing everything will work out in the end.

With a delicate touch, it explores mental health, the impact of trauma and the beauty of human connection when life is at its hardest.

The impressive cast made it all the more appealing and effortlessly dropped into the shoes of their characters, with Aimee’s portrayal of Evie immediately capturing her heart.

And as someone who is not the biggest fan of the friend-to-lover trope, this was one of the rare occasions where it felt well-executed, brimmed full of chemistry, and their interactions made me equally laugh out loud and groan in exasperation when things weren’t working out.

It had an endearing spark to it that could have been nurtured into a roaring fire had it been given the space to grow beyond one season.

Clearly, the story resonated with others as well, not only landing 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and a slew of rave fan reviews, but also a Bafta nomination.

Which is why I am so heartbroken that Deadline has revealed it won’t have a second outing. According to the publication, it was a mutual decision between Aimee and the broadcaster.

The White Lotus star reportedly wants to prioritise other writing.

Yet Film Club feels as though it has plenty of potential for more. Although we get a somewhat satisfactory ending (a small mercy), there were definitely loose ends that could have been explored.

Has Noa left his job for good to choose Evie? What will it look like to give their relationship a proper go? What’s next for Evie’s recovery as she makes a resolution to work on experiencing life to the fullest?

I want to check back in with Suz and her romantic and not-so-romantic exploits and see Callum grow into a young man who still has a penchant for teasing Evie.

Aimee painted a delightful world that would have been nice to live in for a little while longer, at least.

I’m far from the only one disappointed at the news.

‘Just fell to my knees,’ Josh Carr wrote on X.

‘Literally one of the best series of the last few years, the reviews were great, Aimee is a massive star now, why isn’t this being renewed???????? What are we even doing,’ gaea reflected.

‘I thought it ended pretty satisfyingly, but I would have liked to have seen more,’ hj agreed.

‘What? Devastated, man. Film Club was an amazing show,’ Edward Burger said.

Still, if it must end, then it remains a wonderful bite-sized limited series to enjoy as a sweet rewatch. And, with her career going from strength to strength, time will tell what’s next for Aimee.

Film Club is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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