Time travel has long been a staple of television, from the Time Lord's adventures to countless heroes hopping through history. But Timewasters takes a refreshingly different approach. This British comedy, created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, aired on ITV2 from 2017 to 2019 and follows four struggling musicians from South London who accidentally discover a time machine in the elevator of their rundown apartment building.
Instead of grand destinies, they find themselves stranded in the past, trying to make the best of it. The result is one of the funniest and most original sci-fi comedies of the last decade—and one that nearly got an American remake before those plans fizzled out.
A Different Kind of Time Traveler
Nick, Lauren, Jason, and Horace aren't scientists or explorers; they're a jazz quartet just trying to get by in modern London. Their lives change when they meet "Homeless Pete," a mysterious figure who insists the elevator can travel through time. Soon, the band is stuck in 1926, where their biggest challenges aren't paradoxes or world-ending threats but finding a place to stay, booking gigs, and avoiding making things worse. The comedy shines in the clash between modern sensibilities and Jazz Age life, where wealthy socialites are alternately fascinated and clueless.
Taylor originally conceived the series while learning trumpet, inspired by the idea of a Black jazz band in the 1920s. Adding time travel turned it into something wonderfully strange. Unlike many shows in the genre, nobody in Timewasters believes they're destined to save history. They're just trying to survive it.
Sharp Satire with a Light Touch
Season 2 moves the quartet to the late 1950s and Britain's cool-jazz scene, giving the show a new era to play with while keeping the same chaotic energy. Across both seasons, the entire story unfolds in just 12 episodes, making it an easy and rewarding binge.
The series never lets its social commentary overpower the comedy. Racism, sexism, and class divisions are present, but the show handles them with satire rather than a wagging finger. The humor comes from the absurdity of outdated attitudes and the group's exasperated reactions. It also cleverly critiques how period dramas often ignore Black characters, offering a perspective rarely seen in time-travel stories.
Music and Chemistry
The cast's chemistry is a major highlight. Taylor plays anxious bandleader Nick, while Adelayo Adedayo's Lauren is the group's voice of reason. Kadiff Kirwan brings boundless confidence to Jason, and Samson Kayo nearly steals the show as the enthusiastic Horace. Guest stars include Joseph Quinn and Paddy Young, adding to the fun.
Music is integral, with the band performing modern hits in a jazz style that fits perfectly with the 1920s. These musical moments deepen the story, reminding us that these characters are musicians no matter what time-travel chaos surrounds them.
An American Remake That Never Was
For a while, it seemed Timewasters might get a US adaptation. LL Cool J was reportedly involved, and by 2021, ABC was developing a remake with A Black Lady Sketch Show writer Lauren Ashley Smith as showrunner. The American version would have been set in New York, with the characters traveling back to the Harlem Renaissance—a concept with just as much potential. However, after pandemic-related delays, no updates emerged, and the remake quietly stalled.
All 12 episodes are available on Amazon Prime Video, making it a perfect pick for a weekend binge. If you're looking for something beyond the usual Doctor Who adventures, this overlooked gem is worth rediscovering. For more binge-worthy picks, check out our Prime Video binge guide or explore top picks for the weekend.
