Beyond the Bump in the Night: Why “NightWatch” with Charlie and Daisy Cooper is Comfort Viewing at its Finest
The annual descent into pumpkins, costumes, and spooky specials is upon us. While manny seek genuine frights this Halloween season, there’s a quiet charm to be found in shows that lean into the idea of the supernatural, prioritizing connection and humor over jump scares. Enter “NightWatch,” a new series featuring the brilliantly comedic duo of Charlie cooper and Daisy May Cooper, and it’s a surprisingly delightful addition to the autumnal television landscape.
This isn’t a high-stakes paranormal investigation. Instead, “NightWatch” follows Charlie and Daisy – the latter playing a delightfully exaggerated version of her “This Country” character, Kerry – as they embark on a childhood dream: spending the night in haunted locations, hoping for a ghostly encounter. It’s a premise built on a wonderfully flimsy foundation, but the real magic lies in the dynamic between these two siblings. And after observing their on-screen rapport, it’s clear that the show reveals deeper threads connecting the artists behind the characters and the invention itself.
The Patience of Saints & The Pursuit of Comfort
What immediately strikes you about “NightWatch” is the remarkable patience Charlie displays with his sister. Daisy May, in full chaotic glory, approaches each location as if preparing for a prolonged camping trip. The scene in the crystals shop,laden with protective amulets,is a perfect encapsulation of her approach. Then comes the unpacking at Gloucester Prison - a chilling location steeped in history, having witnessed the hanging of 123 men – and the sheer volume of “essentials” is astounding. Cushions, a dry robe, a stuffed unicorn (“For comfort!”), fairy lights, face and foot masks, and, crucially, hot water bottles and pillows. Charlie’s wry observation that it looks like “a clown’s suitcase” is a highlight. He’s the pragmatic one, content with a small rucksack and willing to carry the load, while Daisy May prioritizes…well, everything. Her reliance on Charlie’s phone for Pad Thai delivery perfectly illustrates this delightful imbalance.
It’s a dynamic many siblings will recognize, and it’s undeniably relatable.Watching this unfold, I found myself thinking: why shouldn’t we all prioritize comfort? Why not embrace a little bit of cozy chaos in the face of the unknown?
Romanticism & The Echoes of “This Country”
Beyond the comedic setup, “NightWatch” reveals a shared romanticism between Charlie and his co-star (and real-life sister) Daisy. This echoes the core of their previous work,”This Country.” Kurtan, Charlie’s character in that acclaimed mockumentary, was trapped in a life he couldn’t escape, a poignant portrayal of rural stagnation. Here, that yearning for something more manifests in Charlie’s genuine desire to experience the supernatural. He doesn’t just want to see a ghost; he wants a “hearty Victorian ghost, like a gaoler!”
This desire isn’t about fear, but about connection to the past, a fascination with the stories embedded within these old walls. The moment he pauses before the mirror in the prison cell, contemplating the faces that have gazed into it over the years, is genuinely moving. It’s a quiet,introspective moment that elevates the show beyond simple silliness. And, of course, the sibling banter continues - a constant negotiation of boundaries, shared memories (like the story of chasing a burglar in matching underwear!), and the inevitable discussion of “fart hazards.” (“Your particles have been absorbed by the mattress above me,” Daisy May deadpans with perfect timing.)
A Show for the Halloween-Weary
“NightWatch” isn’t for those seeking a meticulously researched paranormal investigation. The “supernatural” elements are minimal – a spirit radio waved around, a temperature-sensing teddy bear. But that’s precisely its strength. It’s a show for those of us who find the Halloween season a bit…much. It’s a comforting antidote to the relentless pressure to be scared,a reminder that sometimes the best thing is to simply enjoy the company of loved ones.
The true draw is the undeniable chemistry between Charlie and Daisy Cooper.Their camaraderie feels utterly authentic, a blend of playful bickering, shared history, and genuine affection. It’s a dynamic honed by years of working together and, more importantly, by being siblings.
If your a fan of “This Country,”
