Champion (II) (2023) User Reviews

Strong soundtrack, politically relevant

[iSkiDV · 6/10 · 3 July 2023]

Champion's biggest selling point is the strong soundtrack. I believe they (half) attempted to make this work with Mood, but failed miserably. When it comes to music and beat, I'd easily give the series 10 stars. There is some serious British talent behind it.

Politically speaking, the show is relevant to current events. Whether that's a good thing in terms of watching an entertaining drama, is going to largely be up to individual viewers & their tastes & preferences. The first episode is quite meta in that it largely feels as if one is watching a news story about a social media video after it has gone viral. I'm unsure whether I'm saying that as a compliment. For anyone who has signed off of all social media platforms because of the continual drama over pretty much anything & everything, Champion starts to feel like you're being shoved back to the hamster wheel. I am hopeful this will get better.

The one thing that detracts from this series is the seemingly over the top selfishness of multiple characters. You can understand it from Vita's best friend, but the self absorption of her brother, and even worse, her mother (?!) is tough to watch. I have a large Greek family & there's definitely drama & people in everyone's business, however, I can't say any parent has tried to force one child to give up everything for their sibling. The mother expecting Vita to act as an assistant to her brother starts to become almost bizarre to the point her behaviour is borderline abusive. Bosco is completely self absorbed and self important.

What Champion offers is something different to other shows on the BBC. It is worth giving it a chance.

Entertaining and great soundtrack

[Billchenzo · 8/10 · 18 July 2023]

The storyline kept me entertained and the actors were good throughout. I thought Bosco, Vita and the dad were all great actors and I'll be keeping an eye out for more work. The only issue for me (stressing that this is my personal taste) was that it focused a bit too much on the bad in people and everyone trying to snake each other. Maybe that is a true representation of how people are? But I just feel it would have been a better watch if it was more lighthearted at times. Without a doubt the best thing about the show was the soundtrack and musical performances though, they popped off I can't lie!

A British version of the American TV show "Empire" done better

[privateman-26336 · 7/10 · 19 January 2024]

You can't help but see the similarities of "Champion" with the American tv series "Empire". Both shows are centered on families involved in the music business. Both feature sibling rivalries and other external problems that both hamper and make their music better.

Where "Empire" got tiresome with the constant implausible family feuds, Champion brought more believable issues to the table and executed those issues very well. The writing is soo much better here. There is depth to the characters here. The music is fabulous also.

Overall I feel this is a very watchable series and I hope there will be at least one more season of Champion.

The best thing from Black British Tv and BBC

[natalieyesufuedwards · 10/10 · 26 July 2023]

Champion stands as an exceptional homage to Black British and Jamaican culture. BBC and its team should truly be proud of this masterpiece. The exquisite soundtrack further elevates the viewing experience. The well-crafted pace and rhythm of the writing, coupled with outstanding acting, make the TV series a true delight to watch. Without a doubt, Champion is worth every moment of your time.

Champion TV show adeptly explores themes of patriarchy in the Black household and the often unacknowledged sacrifices made by Black women for their families. It is a much-needed representation on British screens, and I hope to see more of such insightful storytelling in the future.

Definitely worth seeing.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 7/10 · 5 December 2023]

Vita Champion has always lived in the shadow of her brother, world famous, but troubled rapper Bosco Champion, but one day the worm turns, and she starts working on her own, but will both careers thrive, or will one suffer?

Very relevant, politically and socially it felt like it needed to be put out, and not at some obscure time slot on BBC4, it feels a little padded at times, eight episodes is way too long, and it does lag in the middle, four episodes would have been so much better.

It's very well acted, it's very nicely produced, a great mix of music, it showcases the talents of Malcolm Kamulete and Déjà J Bowens, they're excellent. I loathed Beres, but Ray Fearon is great.

One issue I have, apart from Vita and Lennox, every other character is loathsome, Bosco, Beres, Aria, Mark, Honey, even Dawn, they're all utterly selfish, greedy, and ready to step all over one another. There's no good in any of them, I'm not too sure that's a fair representation.

I read one silly comment somewhere, about it lacking diversity, personally I've argued for years that I wanted to see dramas focusing on British Carribbean families, finally!!! Great to see, more of this please BBC.

7/10.

Incredible! Music, acting, writing - all too notch

[hwxvkfzyr · 10/10 · 21 September 2023]

This may not be everyone's cup of tea but it masterfully embodies black British culture in London. The struggle, our love of music, family and friction with the police. There is beautiful tale of sibling love intertwined in an immersive and truly authentic sound track.

It's gritty, cinematic, gentle and rough all at the same time. The scenes in Jamaica had me smiling from ear to ear. The music is just on another level, so much talent on display. And I just knew Ghetts had to be behind Bosco.

After ending on a cliff hanger, you'll be hoping they come back with season 2! This is one of the best things I have seen from the BBC in a very long time!

Mad drama, good music, trash parents

[mr11212 · 7/10 · 25 January 2024]

This is a show that's based in the UK, centered around a drama filled but talented Caribbean family that is doing their best to move through without much needed therapy. I cannot stress enough how upsetting all the parents are on this show though. It's disgusting. However it's a good show, with good (and sometimes great) music, and across the board good acting. I appreciate that about it. The show is easy to get caught up into and hard to walk away from completely. My wish is that amidst all the drama and backstabbing that some of these characters could've made more responsible decisions. We can't be all bad.

Infuriating but all in with the drama, singing

[breej-25362 · 10/10 · 2 February 2024]

The music mostly sounds good so no complaints there. Vita is a strong singer. Bosco is obviously selfish. Doesn't want to credit his sister for her work or pay her is disrespectful. Then again the message of daughters being asked to mute themselves to not take away the light from their brothers still runs strong.

The whole fiasco could have been avoided if Vitas family only supported her career. Two siblings with that much talent in the spotlight would have been better than sidelining one.

Vitas "manager" Mark clearly has his own agenda, and Vita is naive. I don't blame Honey for betraying Vita. All in all this is very entertaining to watch.

great production, great actors, but did this need to be a series????

[fkiii1 · 6/10 · 19 July 2023]

Champion offers a great perspective from the journey of a British Jamaican musical family in London and the conflicts they face with Bosco dealing with his issues while pursuing a musical career and Vita his younger sister always being the one he depends on. Every single actor did a great job on this production, the visuals to this show is quality, glad that bbc is taking the black representation in multicultural London seriously.

Now I must say, not sure if Champion is created from an existing IP, it did not need to be a series, a movie would have been fine as it feels the story was too stretched out, 8 episodes could have been wrapped up in a 90 to two hour film. Some of the writing felt too repetitive and on the nose, the dialogue could have been better, still great job to cast and crew, would still recommend.

Just staying for the music

[Bad_Penguin · 5/10 · 19 January 2024]

This show started off pretty strong but it quickly turned into a series of cliché storylines straight out of a soap opera handbook.

The doomed love story, the family drama, the best friend feud, the dead relative, the bad decisions, the stereotypes characters, the disneyfied version of the music industry... It's a bit much.

The music is the only thing that's keeping me going at this point but as the episodes drone on, there's less and less of it.

I feel like there could be endless seasons of this show, they'd just find new and creative ways to add unnecessary drama but you'd keep on watching because the songs are all bangers.

ENCORE!

[mailboxgeneral · 10/10 · 16 January 2024]

Amazing amazing. Amazing. Need season two immediately. The storyline was absolutely brilliant. Entertaining kept me on my seat throughout the whole 8 episodes. I'm hoping season two is just as amazing or more brilliant than season 1. The soundtrack was amazing. I'm definitely going to upload it. I hope that Bosco gets the JUSTICE that he deserves to turn his life around. BBC you did excellent on this one. Please don't take forever to get season two out and over to Netflix immediately if you have not seen champion please I encourage you to watch it most amazing in a very long time one of the best on Netflix.!

Amazing piece of TV from the bbc

[faychantelle · 10/10 · 21 January 2024]

I really enjoyed this show it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time i watched it in two settings and that is fast for me! I like that it highlighted family issues and mental health issues that so many of us suffer with especially black men and dont talk about it. The show Made me laugh sad and annoyed in parts as I was so engrossed in all the different characters. The ending got me online hoping for a season 2 asap and im now fully invested in the show and need to know what happens next! I really hope we get a season 2 as I just love a good black British TV show. The music had me dancing also .

SEASON 2 PLEASE!!!

[krslex · 10/10 · 2 February 2024]

Exceptional acting, exceptional music, exceptional storyline! It's NOT basic boring writing. These characters have breadth and width! Yes there were uncomfortable moments when I wanted to slap the parents silly but if you don't understand how the characters are layered then your TV watching and literary skills may need to be upgraded. I appreciated the Patois language and that it was only watered down just enough to engage the simpleminded watcher. The speed of the show was spot on. There are So many opportunities to delve into each characters stories and personalities. I'm excited for season 2.

So Refreshing & Full of Talent

[kennedifh · 9/10 · 19 January 2024]

I really loved this show! I binged it and was genuinely emotional as I came to the end :') in my opinion, the characters are relatable and lovable. It's refreshing seeing a predominantly dark skin cast. I even really liked the music!! Which is NOT common for me and tv shows lol. But there's so much talent within this cast ranging from acting to music. Vita (Deja Bowens) has such a powerful voice and was so versatile music wise throughout the show!

I liked that the show did represent some things like how black daughters are expected to carry the weight of their brothers and sometimes even their families. They discussed mental health and showed how messed up prison systems effected Bosco. We had the lesbian couple <3

I'd say this show is definitely worth a watch.

Engaging, a show with depth

[LinuxBits · 9/10 · 18 January 2024]

I found this show to be very engaging with loads of depth in the characters which are beautifully portrayed as complex human beings that have multiple sides to them. With underlaying themes like family dynamics, music, anxiety and mental health, friendship, black culture, how one takes or loses authority over one's life, it had leaves me invested and with a desire to see another season of the Champion family. I find the show authentic and raw without the need to be shocking.

A minor point for me is that some of the scenes are a tad hard to suspend disbelieve in, however, for me personally, the authenticity of the show more than makes up for it.

Excellent!

[dawnmariejones-33726 · 10/10 · 16 January 2024]

I felt every emotion possible! Well written, excellent cast! Ten thumbs up! Can't wait for season 2-10. What I wanted to happen, HAPPENED! Shocking ending . When you can relate to the emotions in a script is what makes movies even greater than expected. The character Bosco definitely did his thang and I personally feel they chose the absolute best for the part. OMG and the character VITA .... you definitely captured and made the film saucy and I felt every tear, smile, shout, and celebration but you did an exceptional job, all while I couldn't stop watching until I finished the entire series in 8 hours.....

I WANT MORE.!

[ladytee-29894 · 10/10 · 23 April 2024]

The storyline is painful and beautiful. Every episode had music, like the good stuff. Hits on Hits! I feel for VITA. I cry for Bosco. With a slight realization I personally know an Aria and Beres. Right there in my family.! I wish the world would watch this show. Rewatching it isn't even a discussion. I hope this story continues. I was on the edge of my seat each episode. So big up to the actors, writers and directors/producers. CHAMPION is PURE GOLD with Diamonds in between. What I'm taking most from this show is, you can't pick your family. But you can choose who stays in your life. And if your career is worth fighting for. Put on those gloves.!