The BBC created two series based around the daily lives of employees in a Manchester factory’s canteen. Victoria Wood, who wrote and stars in the show, gathered together a strong group of character actors to play a varied collection of people, allowing for many silly situations throughout the sixteen episodes. The staff all report to "Tony" (Andrew Dunn), who is battling cancer and has a bit of an infatuation with supervisor "Brenda" (Wood). Also featured are close friends "Dolly" (Thelma Barlow) and "Jean" (Anne Reid); handyman "Stan" (Duncan Preston), who’s always got something in his hand; and the two younger employees – “Twinkle” (Maxine Peake), who tends to see things negatively, and “Anita" (Shobna Gulati), who isn't the sharpest. Typically, each episode highlights a different character, but it’s the sense of camaraderie within the group that truly makes the comedy shine. There are many cutting comments exchanged, with the men consistently finding themselves at a disadvantage against these women who freely discuss their most personal issues while eating shepherd's pie. The conversations are surprisingly mature, including references to pelvic floors, fatty pastries, and even vulcanized rubber. Julie Walters reunites with Wood as her mother "Petula," who lives in a caravan, and Celia Imrie joins as the clumsy but well-intentioned HR officer "Philippa," both of whom significantly contribute to the show’s insightful humor, using the workplace and its environment as an ideal way to tell stories that likely resonate with many viewers. I found the relationship between Barlow and Reid particularly enjoyable—especially when they're talking about hips and antibacterial hand cream—but nearly everyone has something that will bring a smile to your face most of the time. To be truthful, I enjoyed the initial season more because it had a rougher, funnier feel. The second series seemed to focus too much on romantic relationships, but overall this is an excellent example of a well-crafted and skillfully made sitcom that combines impressive comedic timing, some familiar jokes, and generally a lot of enjoyment amongst appliances that splatter grease.

Source on TMDB