So here we exist, in hot sunny days, and what do we want? Escape to a place that is sunny, balmy and more strikingly beautiful than where we are anchored. Well, PBS is delivering that this weekend.

Portofino Hotel (begins Sunday, PBS, 8 p.m.) is an animated postcard. Catnip for fans of British vintage television, it looks stunning, is built around the beautiful Italian decor and is an opera-dress of epic proportions. It’s a piffle, but a perfect piffle.

We are transported to Italy in the 1920s, where Bella Ainsworth (Natascha McElhone) and her family have opened a hotel in the charming town of Portofino. Hoping to attract a wealthy English clientele and introduce them to local food, drink and merriment, it looks like the plan will be a success. The first guests to arrive are naughty Julia Drummond-Ward (Lucy Akhurst), who has brought along her daughter Rose (Claude Scott-Mitchell). The first words spoken are Julia’s command to Rose after they get off the smoky train, “Be careful not to stain your dress, Rose.” Ah yes, “smuts” and you will not be surprised to learn that Italy as it is presented is drenched in smuts. Politely, be careful.

Turns out Rose is there because Bella’s accomplice husband Cecil (Mark Umbers) wants Rose to marry her son Lucian (Oliver Dench), who is mentally and physically injured after serving in World War I. world. The glittering rose is unaware, but the others are not. As Lucian’s sister says, “She might look like the back of an omnibus and the father would still be eager for Lucian to marry her.” Meanwhile, Lucian himself seems torn between his devotion to his friend Dr. Anish Sengupta (Assad Zaman) and a local beauty he visits at night, when the sun goes down and said beauty is lounging in her nightgown. night. Oh, what larks.

Catch up on the best streaming TV of 2021 with our holiday guide

It’s hard to find fault with Portofino Hotel if you are devoted to such trinkets of British period dramas. Every necessary element is there. There is an element downstairs, in which the English cook is very unhappy with the local meat and the “waxy potatoes” found in the region. There is the big old lady who despises everyone. It’s Anna Chancellor as Lady Latchmere who, when asked how she’s doing, replies, “Simply awful!” There are ruminations on the impact of the war and finally one notices the rise of fascism among the local population. The series – six episodes arriving weekly – isn’t the product of the BBC, it’s more of a concoction put together by ITV/BritBox/Sky Italia/Foxtel. The creators and producers simply put the right elements together and everything fits together perfectly. The clothes and furnishings are to die for. By all means escape to this hot piffle.

Also airing/streaming this weekend

Flatbush torts (Showtime, streams on Crave) is a whole different entertainment kettle. Understated, contemporary and urban, it unfolds as both comedy and FX-style drama Atlanta Is. That is, with mumbled conversations, malarkeys, and vivid glimpses into the lives of its characters.

Longtime friends Dan (Dan Perlman) and Kevin (Kevin Iso) are roommates. In reality, Dan works as a teacher and Kevin, a struggling artist, collapses on his couch. This all takes place in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn and the neighborhood is, essentially, the main character. Dan is a good teacher but doesn’t care and digests a bunch of drugs to help him drift. Kevin works as a food delivery boy, but is hopeless and manages to annoy a drug dealer who then claims he owes him a lot of money. There’s little drama, lots of dry humor, and the feeling that you’re watching real life of real people played for a sardonic wit. It’s all a bit messy and melancholy but the absurd fun bursts out. A 10-episode first season is airing now, and a second season begins on Sunday.

Take note of the Indspire Awards 2022 (Sunday, CBC, APTN 8 p.m.) honoring this year’s recipients, people from diverse walks of life, business and culture from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. This week 60 minutes (Sunday, CBS, Global, 7 p.m.) promises insight into how Britain actively courted Russian billionaires to live and work in London, leading to the city being nicknamed “Londongrad,” as well as a profile of Trevor Noah. Finally, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins, with coverage on Sportsnet One, Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

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