While we all know and love Sharon Horgan for bringing us some of the best TV comedies in existence (Motherland, anyone?), it's easy to forget that she's a pretty dab hand at drama, too - and BBC One's Best Interests is proof. The powerful series, which first aired in 2023, sees Sharon star alongside Michael Sheen as one half of a married couple caught up in a heart-shattering family crisis - and if you missed it the first time round, now's your chance to watch it on repeat.
Written by Adolescence creator Jack Thorne, the four-part series tells the fictional story of Nicci and Andrew (Sharon and Michael) and their 13-year-old daughter Marnie, who's diagnosed with a life-threatening medical condition. When doctors raise the devastating question of whether continuing treatment is really in Marnie’s best interests, or whether it will only prolong her suffering, the couple is thrust into an agonising legal and emotional battle.
Before you catch up on the series, here’s everything you need to know about Best Interests, including the plot, cast how to watch it.
What is Best Interests about?
Do be sure to grab some tissues, as Best Interests is an emotionally charged rollercoaster. Nicci and Andrew (played by Sharon Horgan and Michael Sheen) are a married couple facing the unimaginable. They're parents to 13-year-old Marnie (played brilliantly by Niamh Moriarty in her first screen role), who's been diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. When Marnie is hospitalised with a severe chest infection, her doctor raises the question of whether palliative care is the kinder option for her.
Nicci and Andrew are contrasting personalities - Nicci is fiercely protective and determined to fight to challenge the status quo, while Andrew internalises his pain, quietly trying to hold it together. As they wrestle with what's best for Marnie. their differing attitudes pull them in opposite directions. Meanwhile Marnie’s sister Katie (Alison Oliver) struggles with being - unintentionally - neglected due to her sibling needing a greater amount of care.
Who’s in the cast of Best Interests?
The cast of Best Interests includes:
- Sharon Horgan as Nicci
- Michael Sheen as Andrew
- Alison Oliver as Katie
- Niamh Moriarty as Marnie
- Noma Dumezweni as Samantha
- Chizzy Akudolu as Mercy
- Des McAleer as Eddie
- Mat Fraser as Greg
- Gary Beadle as Frank
- Jack Morris as Tom
- Pippa Haywood as Judge Spottiswood
- Shane Zaza as Fred
- Lucian Msamati as Derek
- Lisa McGrillis as Brenda
Is there a trailer for Best Interests?
Yes, you can watch the trailer for Best Interests below:
Is Best Interests any good?
Yes, it's very good. When it first aired in 2023, it was praised for its bracingly honest look at a child suffering from a debilitating medical condition. The series was nominated for several awards and won Best Limited Series at the Banff Rockie Awards. Jack Thorne - the writer behind Adolescence and forthcoming Keeley Hawes drama Falling - wrote the series, and he's spoken up about the lack of disability representation on screen, often tackling the theme in his work.
How can I watch Best Interests?
You can watch the four-part series right now! The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
What else can I watch Sharon Horgan in?
As well as being a superb actor, Sharon Horgan is also a talented writer and producer, and you should definitely watch her dark comedy Bad Sisters, which she created and stars in. You can watch series 1 and 2 on Apple TV+ now. Sharon will also play a key role in gripping Amanda Knox series The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, which arrives on Disney+ on Wednesday 20th August.
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