David Tennant delivers career-best performance in There She Goes, a BBC comedy drama that has steadily gained critical acclaim since its 2018 debut, culminating in a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Set against the backdrop of a British family facing extraordinary challenges, Tennant’s role in the series highlights his dramatic range while delving into deeply personal and emotional territory.
Tennant’s Complex Role in a Family Facing Extraordinary Circumstances
Renowned for his work in series like Doctor Who, Broadchurch, and Jessica Jones, David Tennant is often praised for his ability to bring relatable, dynamic characters to life. In There She Goes, he steps into the shoes of Simon Yates, a father navigating the realities of raising a daughter with a profound learning disability. Jessica Hynes portrays Emily, Simon’s partner, and together they parent Rosie—a nine-year-old girl with a chromosomal disorder so rare that doctors cannot fully diagnose her. Their son Ben, Rosie’s older brother, must also find his place in the family as their lives are shaped by the complexities of Rosie’s condition.
The show uses a blend of present-day scenes and flashbacks to reveal the family’s journey, tracing their struggles in marriage and parenting as they learn to adapt to a world that is not tailored for Rosie. Simon and Emily are far from flawless, much like any real parents, and strive to provide love and support in an environment that is challenging for them and for Rosie’s grandparents and brother.
There She Goes stands out for its realistic and compassionate depiction of parenting a child with additional needs, particularly when the rest of the household does not require the same level of care. Rosie’s difficulty in communicating, regulating emotions, and the resulting chaos are central to the family’s story. The series sheds light on how Simon, specifically, wrestles with the newfound demands of parenthood when his daughter’s needs push him far beyond the ordinary.
Origin of There She Goes: Inspired by Real-Life Experience
There She Goes draws deeply from the personal life of its creator and writer, Shaun Pye, known for co-creating Monkey Dust and acting in television projects such as Extras as Greg Lindley-Jones. Pye’s real-life experiences as a parent to Joey, his daughter with a unique chromosomal disorder, serve as the cornerstone for the series’ narrative and emotional authenticity. Pye’s background in comedy enlivens the series, allowing humor and pathos to coexist in scenes that could otherwise lean into despair.
David Tennant recognized the remarkable honesty in Pye’s storytelling, stating,
“He’s so honest about his journey with his daughter”
—David Tennant, via Radio Times. Pye’s wife, Sarah, contributed to the writing, offering insights and corrections that kept the depiction true to their family’s real-life challenges—particularly in initial drafts that softened Simon’s persona more than was accurate after Joey’s birth. The final episode, titled 414, reflects another direct link to the Pye family’s story, portraying Rosie’s entry into puberty and the arrival of a long-awaited diagnosis, paralleling events experienced during the 2020 pandemic.
Throughout television history, numerous acclaimed shows—from comedic hits like Seinfeld to heart-wrenching dramas like Euphoria—have drawn inspiration from the creators’ own experiences. In the case of There She Goes, the authenticity is palpable, allowing audiences to connect with the story’s humor and hardship on a personal level.
A Standout Performance: Tennant Blends Humor and Heartbreak
The portrayal of Simon Yates by David Tennant in There She Goes is recognized as both deeply moving and surprisingly funny. Tennant’s Simon is not portrayed as an all-knowing disability expert; he’s simply a father who finds raising a child challenging, made all the more complicated by Rosie’s unique needs. The series unflinchingly captures moments where the parents’ best efforts simply aren’t enough, providing a window into the lives of families juggling hope, exhaustion, and love.
Tennant’s approach is informed by his own life as a father of five, and this authenticity permeates his acting. He captures the emotional turbulence faced by any parent—extreme frustration countered by unconditional affection—especially when communication barriers make understanding a child’s needs nearly impossible at times. This nuanced performance demonstrates Tennant’s versatility across genres, cementing his status as a powerhouse in both drama and comedy.
Accurate media representation of neurodivergence and disabilities is still uncommon, yet There She Goes succeeds in giving depth to all perspectives involved—not just Rosie’s but also Simon’s and Emily’s. The series does not shy away from showing how parenting a neurodivergent child reshapes the lives of every family member. Moments of levity, such as Simon’s sarcastic banter and comedic antics, provide relief in tense situations but also highlight the constantly shifting emotional landscape the family must navigate.
The Series’ Reception and Future Prospects
Since its initial broadcast on BBC, There She Goes has steadily built a reputation as an underrated gem, with its 91% Rotten Tomatoes score reflecting the appreciation of both critics and viewers for its raw honesty and emotional resonance. The closing special, 414, left fans wondering if the story might continue, as creator Shaun Pye has not ruled out the possibility of more episodes in the future. Despite being particularly resonant in the United Kingdom, the series’ universal themes of resilience, familial love, and navigating the unknown speak to audiences anywhere.
The performances by the entire cast, including Jessica Hynes as Emily and David Tennant as Simon, shine under the script’s unflinching honesty and subtle wit. By weaving together humor and heartbreak, the show underscores the profound impact that a single, uncommonly honest portrayal can have on viewers’ understanding of disability, parenting, and perseverance. For audiences eager to discover a moving story with both gravitas and warmth, There She Goes stands as a perfect showcase for Tennant’s extraordinary talent and for meaningful, emotional storytelling on screen.
