Liverpool is not only associated with the Batman and Captain America films but also with TV series. These long stories usually attract a lot of attention, encouraging people to follow the characters for a long time. Therefore, it is worth investigating which famous TV series are connected to Liverpool. What is known about the filming or how the actors are connected to the Merseyside centre? Learn more at liverpool-trend.com.
Jodie Comer, her connection with Liverpool and Killing Eve
Liverpool, known for its multifaceted cultural face, has been home to emerging talents who have managed to change the perception of modern TV series. A vivid example is Jodie Comer, who played Villanelle in Killing Eve, a British spy thriller that surprised audiences with its unexpected poignancy, subtle humour and fresh take on the cat-and-mouse genre.
The story revolves around two women, the modest MI5 agent Eve and the eccentric assassin Villanelle. Their tense relationship spans four seasons, giving viewers a range of emotions from laughter to surprise.
Although the series is associated with talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the author of the idea is writer Luke Jennings, who has created a series of novels that have inspired the film adaptation. Producer Sally Woodward Gentle saw potential in Jennings’s unconventional approach to portraying women and entrusted the adaptation to Waller-Bridge. Her perspective, which emphasizes relationships, character complexity and subtle humour, turned the story into what is now called a cult series.
Liverpool actress Jodie Comer conquered the casting directors and became one of the series symbols. Although her path to the role of Villanelle wasn’t easy, her jokes, naturalness and versatility convinced the creators. As the final test, Jodie had to quickly memorize nine pages of text. She coped brilliantly, creating an unforgettable image of the cute psychopath.
Sandra Oh initially didn’t believe that she could be approved for the leading role. However, Waller-Bridge’s script impressed the actress so much that she agreed to return to television after a long break. Her performance brought the series numerous awards, including the Golden Globe.
Each season of Killing Eve was created under different female showrunners. This approach gave the series a unique depth, as it influenced the script, music and other components of the series. This fact helped to avoid clichés and present the heroines as complex and unpredictable personalities. The filming took place in various locations, including the UK. This was especially important for Comer, who always mentioned Liverpool as a city that shaped her worldview.
Since its premiere in 2018, Killing Eve has won the love of both critics and viewers. The series has been called a threat to cinema and Villanelle’s iconic costumes have become a trend in pop culture. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer have demonstrated an exemplary screen tandem. Killing Eve has become proof that you can always find a ray of light even in the full darkness. It has also proven that Liverpool is a place where talent can always find their way to success.
The Responder as a TV breakthrough for Liverpool
The creator of The Responder, Tony Schumacher, believes that Liverpool has experienced a truly exciting time. This TV drama, filmed for BBC One, has won recognition and many awards. It takes viewers to the very heart of the city. The story of Merseyside police officer Chris Carson (played by actor Martin Freeman) is at the centre of the plot. The character also gets through his own psychological problems during the series.
Story of a Liverpool policeman giving impetus to the film industry
Schumacher, who grew up in Huyton, used his personal experience for the series. He worked for the Liverpool police for ten years, after which he tried himself as a taxi driver. Life also threw Tony Schumacher into difficult situations. He was even homeless for some time. However, he finally found himself in the writing business.
The recognition of his work was manifested in the fact that the film was nominated for a BAFTA award. It was also important for Liverpool, which became an important point on the map of British film production. According to Schumacher, the city is literally bubbling with creativity and it’s hard to disagree with that.
Liverpool as a filming location
As the first one, the second season of the series was filmed in Liverpool and the Merseyside area. Some of the used were Goodison Park and Bramley Moore Dock football stadiums, a house in Wavertree, the beach area of Blundellsands, St Helen’s Church in Crosby, football pitches in Bootle and shops in Liscard, Wallasey. The events of the second season take place six months after the finale of the first season.
“It’s buzzing, when I’m driving around, I’m seeing location signs on lampposts, it’s exciting,” said Schumacher. At the same time, he jokes that he feels a little jealous: “…oh, who’s making something that I’m not in? Or who’s making something that I’m not writing?”
Another impetus for the city’s creative industry was the Eurovision Contest, which Liverpool hosted in 2023. Schumacher notes that many professionals who came to the city were impressed by its atmosphere and potential. The second season of the series also depicted complex emotional experiences of love, family ties and mental health issues, which are familiar to the author himself. Liverpool, like The Responder, shows its best sides, consolidating its status as a TV capital.
