Comedian Merrick Watts has been a fixture of the Australian radio landscape since 1998, when he made a name for himself as one half of the dynamic duo Merrick and Rosso.
Having embraced a solo career for the past few years, the laid-back larrikin is currently hosting his own show 'Merrickville' on Triple M Sydney, and has tried his hand at television, with numerous appearances as an comedian and an actor, including a more dramatic role in crime series Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities.
Watts is now embarking on new challenge, as he's about to take the stage at the Sydney Comedy Festival to perform his first solo stand-up act, Man of the Hour, in which he'll attempt to answer life's biggest questions (including an in-depth discussion about bull ants...).
Not averse to the odd television binge, the devoted husband and father-of-two has picked for us his favourite programs from SBS On Demand. Here's his Top 10:
The Young Pope
Directed by Academy Award-winner Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo), The Young Pope follows the story of Lenny Belardo (played by Jude Law), the newly elected Pius XIII - the youngest and first American Pope in history. Merrick says he's "only about halfway into the first series", but is "already hooked", thanks to the "great performances and convincing backdrops."
The Night Manager
In what many have described as an expensive audition for Tom Hiddleston to become the future James Bond, a former British soldier turned hotel manager (Hiddleston) is recruited by British intelligence operative (Olivia Coleman) to investigate whether a businessman/philanthropist (Hugh Laurie) is an arms dealer. "Hugh Laurie is exceptional," says Merrick, and this addictive series "builds to a great climax."
Fuck that's delicious
This unique food show follows rap's greatest bon vivant (and former chef) Action Bronson, as he travels the world meeting like-minded pleasure-seekers and eating his fair share of everything. "Action Bronson is hilarious and strangely a total natural on screen," says Merrick, who also appreciates that the show is "fast paced, and never drags."
Atlanta
Merrick highly recommends this Golden Globe-winning comedy drama created, produced by and starring musician and actor Donald Glover, who became widely known thanks to his role in Community. Atlanta follows two cousins, who work through the Atlanta music scene to better their lives: "A lot of hype. Definitely worth watching, but some episodes in the middle of the series have people divided."
Medici: Masters of Florence
This lavish political family drama, starring Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman and Richard Madden (Robb Stark in Game of Thrones), takes us on a journey through stunning medieval Italy, telling the story of the Medici dynasty and how they created their extreme wealth: "Great subject matter, it almost writes itself."
First Australians
Directed by Rachel Perkins (Jasper Jones), First Australians chronicles the birth of contemporary Australia from the perspective of its first people. It depicts the true stories of individuals - both black and white - caught in an epic drama of friendship, revenge, loss and victory in Australia's most transformative period of history: "I love Australian history, and it starts with the First Australians."
Food Safari
One of SBS's most popular and enduring food shows, Food Safari sees presenter/producer Maeve O'Maere (and her famous brightly coloured tops) bring her insider's knowledge to take us on a tour of Australia's vibrant and diverse culinary scene. Merrick chose it for his wife Georgie, who "LOVES it!"
Food Lovers' Guide to Australia
The show that started it all, presented by Maeve O'Meara and Joanna Savill, brings to the screen the most exciting food this country has to offer, travelling from the farms and plantations of the outback to tropical Kakadu, sharing wonderful meals and stories: "Again, another cooking show that my wife Georgie adores."
Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations
The best-selling author and chef Anthony Bourdain, whose best-selling exposé of the restaurant world 'Kitchen Confidential' made him one of the most loved and respected names in food writing, travels the world seeking the ultimate dining experience: "The first and the original. Gonzo food journalism at its best."
Broken Flowers
Billy Murray stars in indie master Jim Jarmusch's quirky, deadpan comedy following recently dumped Don who receives a mysterious letter from an anonymous former lover informing him that he has a son who may be looking for him. Merrick chose it "because Bill Murray is in it, and he is literally one of my favourite humans. Bill makes anything work."
Source: SBS Movies
