Two Weeks in August is White Lotus on a BBC budget – with very British holiday hell

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I always find myself dreaming of faraway places around this time of year. We’re all so eager to escape the everyday – to trade airport hassles and arriving exhausted for something amazing, whether it’s a thrilling adventure, a chance to grow as a person, find inner peace, or simply enjoy some sunshine with an ice cream. But ‘Two Weeks in August’ is a good reminder that things aren’t always as perfect as they seem, even under the beautiful Aegean sky.

The idea of trouble brewing in beautiful places isn’t new. Even before the popular show The White Lotus, writers like Somerset Maugham noticed the contrast between the glamorous French Riviera and the often-questionable characters it attracted. Agatha Christie also frequently used luxurious settings for her mysteries, like in A Caribbean Mystery and Death on the Nile, and my personal favorite, Evil Under the Sun – which, by the way, includes a memorable bit of beachwear advice from Jane Birkin: always remember your bathing cap!

It’s not surprising that stories often feature a group of people with problems brought together in a lovely setting. Vacations naturally lead to introspection, and almost always, some kind of drama. The expectation to feel blissful or lucky in such a perfect place can actually create its own set of difficulties.

I was told the series Two Weeks in August is like a lower-budget version of The White Lotus, and that’s a pretty accurate comparison. It follows a group of well-off vacationers on a Greek island who quickly realize they can’t outrun their personal problems, even while on holiday.

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This story follows a group of friends who met at university and are now in their 40s, along with their spouses and children.

Catherine Shepherd’s writing cleverly uses recognizable, over-the-top character types for comedic effect. We have Solomon, a self-absorbed actor who pretends to disconnect but immediately starts recording auditions; Léa, a French nanny who prioritizes adult drama over childcare; and Nat, a glamorous woman vying for the attention of her gay best friend Jacob, despite his frustratingly self-assured relationship. The show essentially highlights how frustrating other people can be, and this villa is full of them.

We don’t need elaborate imagery of mythical figures to understand the point – people have always misbehaved, and they always will.

Jessica Raine gives a fantastic performance as Zoe, a wife who tries to stay positive despite her husband Dan (Damien Molony) constantly complaining and predicting disappointment. Her powerful confrontation at the dinner table feels well-deserved and is truly captivating.

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This show offers a few helpful hints for anyone planning a group trip this summer: avoid traveling with people who have significantly more or less money than you. Steer clear of romantic entanglements with your friend’s partner, and definitely don’t share intimate moments like moon-gazing. Finally, be wary of overly friendly couples you meet repeatedly – getting involved with them is likely to lead to trouble.

Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget your bathing cap.

Two Weeks in August is available to watch in full now on BBC iPlayer.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-06-03 10:08