Where do I begin! On a search for new televisions shows on Youtube, I came across this trailer for Noughts + Crosses. It’s a BBC One show based on a novel by Malorie Blackman which is based in an alternate reality based in a 21st-century parallel universe. Everything about this world basically mirrors our world today (except Covid) but there’s one difference: equality between races is lacking and there aren’t many laws or constitutions to protect from discrimination. In the book / show, two young people are forced to make a stand in this thought-provoking look at racism and prejudice in an alternate society.

Sephy is a Cross — a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought — a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum — a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together? [- Goodreads]

Now, I’m all about interracial relationships. Having been in one for the last 13 years, and having a biracial child, I like to see this kind of representation on television and in books. It was a big part of why I decided to make Alia and Eric an interracial couple in The Eos Key. Interracial couples are appearing all over television these days, and especially in commercials which I think is great. I don’t know about anywhere else, but here in Canada, there are so many commercials now with interracial couples. I feel as if the amount of interracial representation in TV and in commercials has absolutely doubled and it warms my heart to no end.

On my search for new interracial shows to watch, I stumbled across the trailer below for Noughts + Crosses. When I saw Sephy played by Masali Baduza, I immediately was attracted to everything about her. Her dark skin, her natural hair, her soft features, I was drawn to her right away. I saw myself in her character. Then, when Callum played by Jack Rowan was introduced as a soldier and also a love interest, I knew that I then added this show to my ‘want-to-watch’ list.

The premise of the show directly relates to today’s world, and the main characters are swoon worthy. It’s Sephy and Callum against the world, literally. Who doesn’t love a story about star crossed lovers? What’s even better, in the trailer below, I noticed a single shot of an actor who I never would have imagined would be part of a project like this. One of my favourite artists Stormzy, makes an appearance on the show and I cannot wait to see it.

I started travelling further down the N+C rabbit hole, and found that another favourite of mine Richard Madden played Callum on stage when he was just a wee lad. Dominic Cooke adapted his version of the story, which ran at the Civic Hall in Stratford-upon-Avon in winter 2007 and toured the UK in 2008. If you’ve seen Netflix’s The Bodyguard, or Rocket Man: The Elton John Story, or of course his role as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones, you know who I’m talking about. That gorgeously down-to-earth, blue eyed Scotsman who will immediately win your heart with the first few words out of his mouth.

Please, if you have watched this show, let me know what you think! I my head, I’ve already built up this show to be something amazing. Then again, I’ve recently started binge watching The K2 which is a Korean drama.

Noughts + Crosses will be the next show that I binge for sure!