There’s comedy, drama and lack of sleep on SBS VICELAND in February

With SBS VICELAND, you’ll always find something to expand your mind and fit your mood. Here's just some of what's on offer this February.

'Derry Girls' Source: Hat Trick Productions

The Bad Kids

When three marginalised kids unwittingly film what looks like a murder, they see an opportunity – albeit a dangerous one – to raise the cash to help one of the boys’ brothers, who needs treatment for leukaemia. The main suspect is a high school teacher whose life seems to be falling apart at the seams. Set in the early noughties, this Mandarin-language drama was a massive hit when it was released last year in China. It will have you hooked right from the first very memorable opening scene; the child actors’ performances in particular are outstanding.

The Bad Kids premieres at 10.50pm, Tuesday 1 February on SBS VICELAND. It is also now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Letterkenny

We turn to Canada now for season 7 of a comedy best summed up by the word ‘unique’. Siblings Wayne and Katy are back, with mates Squirrely Dan and Daryl, and the rest of the Letterkenny sub-cultures. We love the wordplay of this show, as well as the oddballs found everywhere you look. If you haven’t caught it yet, in a nutshell, the residents of Letterkenny belong to one of three groups – the Hicks, the Skids and the Hockey Players – who are constantly feuding with each other over seemingly trivial matters that often end with someone getting their ass kicked.

Letterkenny season 7 airs at 8.30pm from Wednesday 2 February on SBS VICELAND. All seven seasons are now streaming at SBS On Demand. 

Back to Life

In season 2 of Back To Life, we pick up with Miri (Daisy Haggard) six weeks from where we left her, starting her life over after prison. This season, like the first, is peppered with bittersweet and charming expressions of Miri’s interrupted adolescence, her enthusiastically crimped hair, for example. There’s a date with neighbour Billy, an outside threat to contend with, her parents’ relationship undergoes some much needed healing, and there is a scene with Billy’s mother that’ll have you howling. A brilliant dramedy from the UK.

Back To Life season 2 airs at 9pm from Wednesday 2 February on SBS VICELAND. Season 2 is also now streaming at SBS On Demand.

Sex Unlimited

'Sex Unlimited' Source: Barcroft Studios / Future Unlimited

From the UK comes this irreverent round-up of sex-related adventures and embarrassing mishaps; the latter may be an understatement, given we end up in the ER at one point. Twelve people share their pursuits of sexual gratification, including when things went a little awry… think stuck sex-toys, inseparable couples and snapped banjo strings (?!). 

Five-part documentary series Sex Unlimited airs at 9.20pm from Friday 4 February on SBS VICELAND. Episodes will be available at SBS On Demand after they air. 

Derry Girls

'Derry Girls' Source: Hat Trick Productions

While this candid sitcom is set during The Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland, writer Lisa McGee has centred the series on five high school students – four girls from Derry/Londonderry and the English James – who are tackling the challenges of being a teenager, with the odd bomb threat and other signs of instability creating fodder for a stream of zingers from the hilarious ensemble cast, which includes comedian Tommy Tiernan. The Guardian called this series “reckless, joyful and celebratory”, and we’re glad to have it on our screens.

Derry Girls premieres with a double episode at 9.25pm on Monday 7 February on SBS VICELAND. Episodes continue as double episodes on Monday nights, with season 2 following hot on the heels of season 1. Episodes will be available at SBS On Demand for 14 days after they air. 

Insomnia and Me

Daisy Maskell in 'Insomnia and Me'. Source: Proper Content / BBC

Since childhood, Daisy Maskell, the UK’s youngest ever breakfast radio host, has suffered with insomnia. She is not alone. Research reveals that sleep disorders have almost doubled over the past 8 years, with lockdowns exacerbating the problem, especially for 16 to 24-year-olds. In this documentary, Daisy talks to experts and fellow sufferers and tries a multitude of remedies and treatments in a bid to get a better night’s sleep. She also explores the roots of her own insomnia, and shares insights into the struggles with her mental health.

Insomnia and Me premieres at 7.30pm on Saturday 12 February on SBS VICELAND. It will be available at SBS On Demand for 30 days after it airs. 

Wellington Paranormal

‘Wellington Paranormal’ season 4. Source: Distributor

Season 4 of award-winning, international hit comedy, Wellington Paranormal promises to be the most exciting yet with six all-new cases that stretch the Paranormal Unit to breaking point. New Zealand’s most popular cops, Minogue, O’Leary, Sarge and Parker, face a surprising new set of creatures and challenges that prove why this low-budget Kiwi comedy continues to receive global praise.

Wellington Paranormal season 4 premieres at 8.30pm on Wednesday 16 February on SBS VICELAND. Episodes continue weekly.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE to watch Wellington Paranormal co-creator Taika Waititi’s film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople which is screening in a back-to-back marathon from midday on Waitangi Day, Sunday 6 February, on SBS VICELAND.

RAW Comedy Festival 2021

Dhruv Iyer, finalist of RAW Comedy Festival 2021. Photo by Jim Lee. Source: Distributor

RAW Comedy is Australia’s largest and most prestigious open mic comedy competition. Through it came Hannah Gadsby, Ronny Chieng, Celia Pacquola, Matt Okine, Anne Edmonds, Becky Lucas and Aaron Chen, just to name a few. This show is the Grand Final from April last year held at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Host Dane Simpson presents the freshest and funniest new talent from around the country, finalists Caitlin Maggs (ACT), Dhruv Iyer (WA), Hamish Levis (TAS), He Huang (VIC), Jayde O’Brien (QLD), Kelly Gulliver (NT), Mathew Hespe (VIC), Patrick Golamco (NSW), Prue Blake (VIC), Rudy-Lee Taurua (SA), Tom Witcombe (NSW) and Zoë Sitas (NSW).

RAW Comedy Festival 2021 airs at 9.25pm, Saturday 19 February on SBS VICELAND.

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