Twenty years ago, Charlie Ayo was a star DJ thanks to a hit song that topped the charts. But, like so many others, he succumbed to the perils of success, drugs, pleasures, and ego. Today, he scrapes by, staying with his aunt, doing odd jobs and failing at everything he tries.
His best friend, David, a Hollywood star actor, has just returned to London with his family. His wife is an internationally renowned DJ, but their daughter Gabrielle (Gabs) is suffering because of her parents’ careers. To get revenge and attract their attention, the little monster takes malicious pleasure in making his nannies resign one after the other.
As the last one slams the door shut, David, stuck, asks Charlie to look after Gabrielle. It’s the beginning of a friendship as strong as it is unusual. Everyone will grow from the experience.
Losers are not always who we think they are.
Turn Up Charlie is one of those series that doesn’t rely on big-name casting or flashy staging, but is much smarter and more interesting than you might think. It’s a shame it wasn’t renewed… Little by little, the series reveals charming characters. The tall, handsome Idris Elba reveals his sensitive side here, without overdoing it. At first unbearable, little Gabs eventually wins people over with her cunning and strong character.
In fact, the appeal of the series lies in the trajectory of the characters, all of whom are well written. Sarah is much less selfish than she appears, her manager less cold than she would have us believe. David is much less confident than he claims to be. Aunt Lydia and Dell are smarter than they let on. And so on.
In the end, after a series of adventures set to trendy music, everyone will be led to reevaluate their lives. And those who felt stuck will find a new beginning. A cute and sensitive series that restores your zest for life.
1 season (cancelled), 8 episodes (30 mn), 2019, on Netflix
WITH:
Idris Elba as Charlie, Frankie Hervey as Gabrielle, Piper Perabo as Sara, JJ Feild (Lost in space, Turn) as David, Angela Griffin as Astrid, Guz Khan as Del, Jocelyn Jee Esien as Auntie Lydia, Jade Anouka as Tommi, Cameron King as Hunter, Dustin Demri-Burns as Daniel Smith