I May Destroy You

Michaela Coel's astonishing series turns a traumatic experience into blistering TV.

A Twitter-famous writer with a bestseller to her name and plenty of online fame, Arabella (Michaela Coel) has a deadline. Overnight, she needs to finish the first draft of her second book or her publishers won't be happy. But when her mates suggest that she comes out for a couple of drinks, the London-based scribe quickly acquiesces. The next morning, though, she doesn't feel okay — and it isn't just a hangover, with Arabella slowly realising that she has been the victim of sexual assault.

It's best to take I May Destroy You's title literally from the get-go — in reference to how this show will make you feel, that is. Turning a traumatic experience into blistering television, the 12-part series is easily 2020's best, and it is definitely a phenomenal effort from creator/writer/co-director/star Coel. Watching Arabella come to terms with what's happened to her, and to regain her sense of self, isn't easy viewing — but it's absolutely must-see TV.