4.9
Where can I stream To Be the Best legally?
To Be the Best is included with a subscription to Spectrum On Demand in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
To Be the Best
1992·Show
To Be the Best fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension6
- Adrenaline3
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Romantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Romance7
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Cringe Humor2
- Situational Comedy1
World
Family, history, and the mind
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and storytelling
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
To Be the Best is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic and moving
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic, moving, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age2Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumFamily, history, and the mind
Its world is built around family, history, and the mind.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty3Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and storytelling
The characters, performances, and storytelling stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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You want fast pacing
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Episode ratings
| Season | Episode 1 | Episode 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 not rated |
| Episode | |
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| Episode 1 | Episode 1 not rated |
| Episode 2 |
About
To Be the Best is a two-part 1991 British television serial, based on Barbara Taylor Bradford's 1988 novel of the same name, a follow-up to A Woman of Substance (1984) and Hold the Dream (1987). It stars Lindsay Wagner as Paula O'Neill (née Harte), taking over the role from Deborah Kerr.
Paula O'Neill feuds with her cousins as she fights to save her grandmother's business, and struggles to salvage her marriage.
Family SagaBusiness DramaRomantic StrugglesWealth & AmbitionIntergenerational ConflictCharacter-DrivenClassic MiniseriesDramatic NarrativeEmotional Journey
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about To Be the Best
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is To Be the Best worth watching?
56
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 56/100 (IMDb 4.9). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How many seasons does To Be the Best have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 2 episodes.
Is To Be the Best based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did To Be the Best air?
S1
It ran from 1992 to 1992 and has ended.
What language is To Be the Best in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, France.
In how many countries can I watch To Be the Best?
5
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for To Be the Best in 5 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.