With hundreds of shows streaming and dozens produced yearly, plenty fly under the radar before catching deserving attention regardless of their quality. One such show is Starstruck, the critically acclaimed but extremely underappreciated romantic comedy sensation that has aired on the BBC for three seasons now. For lovers of comedies that blend vulgarity and saccharine, Starstruck is the must-binge show right now that is streaming easily in the U.S.
Starstruck Premise
The pilot episode of Starstruck introduces 20-something Jessie, a New Zealander living in South London living an average life as a movie theater attendant and part-time babysitter. On a fateful New Year’s Eve, Jessie and her roommate go to a bar, where she meets and later has a one-night stand with an attractive stranger named Tom. As it turns out, Tom is an A-list actor, and as the two of them begin to run into each other more, they realize that Tom’s fame will make their feelings and a potential relationship complicated.
The Charming Brilliance of Rose Matafeo
Starstruck has a delightful premise that similarly entices people every year, with the classic rom-com pairing of ordinary and extraordinary people being one of the most common tropes of the genre. Aside from the surface value of its purely sweet and dramatically heart-wrenching aspects, the standout element of Starstruck is Rose Matafeo, who singlehandedly turned a neat idea for a romantic plot set-up into something fantastic. Matafeo’s film and television credits are still in their early stages, but this show should elevate her to the worldwide fame she deserves in future roles.
Matafeo’s efforts in Starstruck prove the series one of dedication and close working relationships, particularly picking her collaborators to match its friendly, inviting atmosphere. Matafeo created, starred in, and co-wrote every episode of Starstruck, so she is the most commendable part, but her co-writer Alice Snedden gets a credit on every episode as well. Another Kiwi writer, Nic Sampson, joins the writing team for the second and third seasons, making only three total writers for all 18 episodes of Starstruck.
Nikesh Patel and Rose Matafeo in ‘Starstruck’
Apart from the other fun tidbit that Matafeo shares a place with her co-star Emma Sidi, the other significant decision from the producers of Starstruck is their choice of directors. American writer Karen Maine follows Yes, God, Yes by directing every episode of the first season; Jamie Jay Johnson helms the second batch similarly with the British sitcom Dead Pixels. For the 2023 episodes, Matafeo and Snedden direct every episode themselves, adding to Matafeo’s perfectionist attention that translates to natural yet poignant on her show.
Where to Stream Starstruck in the U.S.
Only one U.S. streaming service hosts Starstruck currently; the BBC series has an exclusive deal set with Max at the moment. Only with a Max subscription can you see Starstruck in the United States, so catch up now on this short but dense series ahead of an official fourth season announcement.
Starstruck is streaming now on Max.