Heading Out

Watch Heading Out

  • 1969
  • 6.2  (340)

Heading Out is a British television sitcom which aired in 2013. Created by comedian and TV presenter, Sue Perkins, it follows the daily life of Sara (played by Perkins), a veterinarian who decides to come out to her friends and family on her 40th birthday. The show features a talented cast including Steve Oram, Joanna Scanlan, Dawn French, and Nicola Walker.

Sara is a highly skilled but somewhat socially awkward veterinarian who has devoted her life to animal care. Despite her successful career, Sara is struggling with a personal secret - she's gay and has never told her friends or family. The anniversary of her 40th birthday proves to be a turning point, and with the help of her best friend, Justine (played by Scanlan), Sara decides to break the news to her loved ones.

As the show progresses, Sara's journey of self-discovery and coming out is the focal point and theme of the show. We watch as she navigates the sometimes uncomfortable and often hilarious interactions with her friends and family as they discover this new information about her, and each episode chronicles the ways in which she copes with her newfound honesty and the reactions of those around her.

The humor of the show pulls no punches, and the writers and actors aim to create belly laughs at every opportunity. Perkins, in particular, brings her signature deadpan delivery and sharp wit to the role of Sara, delivering some unforgettable one-liners that will have audiences in stitches.

In addition to the show's focus on Sara's coming out journey, the show zeroes in on her relationships with her friends and family. Each character is given their own distinct personality and backstory, which keeps the show interesting and dynamic.

One of Sara's closest friends is Justine, a successful businesswoman and mother who is often the voice of reason and support for Sara. Justine is a complex character whose own secrets and complicated relationships add depth and interest to the show.

Another integral character is Sara's mother, Margaret, played to perfection by Joanna Scanlan. Margaret is a larger than life character who has always been in control of her daughter's life, and when Sara finally tells her the truth, the resulting confrontation makes for some of the show's most emotionally impactful moments.

Other recurring characters in the show include Sara's boss, the eccentric animal clinic owner Caroline, and her younger brother Daniel, both of whom add a lot of humor and heart to the already rich storyline.

The show is deftly directed and shot, and the humor is always grounded in the reality of the characters and their relationships. The honesty and depth of the show are especially notable, as we get to watch Sara navigate the ups and downs of her emotional journey, and the subsequent impact on her life.

In conclusion, Heading Out is a well-written, well-acted, and thoroughly entertaining sitcom. It deals with important themes like honesty, acceptance, and self-discovery with both humor and sensitivity, and audiences of all ages and backgrounds will find something to relate to in Sara's story. Overall, an excellent series that is well worth a watch.

Heading Out