Latest news with #DouglasIsCancelled
The National
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
All we know about Channel 4's Downing Street drama Number 10
Moffat is best known for his work on BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who, and has also worked on shows such as Sherlock, Dracula and Douglas Is Cancelled. Gwawr Lloyd, acting head of drama at Channel 4, said: 'We're thrilled to be bringing Number 10 to Channel 4, a bold, brilliant and witty new drama from the exceptional mind of Steven Moffat and the powerhouse team at Hartswood Films. READ MORE: Hit Netflix Scotland-based crime drama Dept Q set for second season 'Number 10 will offer a rare glimpse behind the doors of the world's most iconic political residences, which will take viewers from the high-stakes decisions of leadership to the lives of the staff who keep the house running. 'An insightful and entertaining twist on a state of the nation drama.' What is Channel 4's Number 10 about? Producers say the show is about 'the only terrace house in history with mice and a nuclear deterrent' and the only place in the world 'where a hangover can start a war', adding that 'the government will be fictional, but the problems will be real'. Moffat's (below) latest show will also tell the story of those working in the street who are not part of the government, such as cafe workers, maintenance workers, and even the cat. The programme will be produced by Hartswood Films, part of ITV Studios, and directed by Ben Palmer. Sue Vertue, executive producer for Hartswood Films, added: 'We are excited to be working with Channel 4 on Number 10, which is a passion project for Steven. 'He says there are three famous doors in the world; he's done 221B Baker Street and the Tardis – now he's going to do the real one.' When is Channel 4's Number 10 going to start? An air date for the programme will be announced at a later date. No cast is yet announced also.
New York Times
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Polish Spies, South Korean Zombies and a Sicilian Prince
The United States' relationships with the rest of the world's nations are fluid right now, but one thing is for sure: We keep importing their television shows. Here are some recent additions to what appears to be an increasingly large trade imbalance, at least when it comes to scripted series. 'Dog Days Out' With 'Bluey' on a hiatus, this cheerfully mesmerizing South Korean cartoon — it's like a crackerjack action blockbuster for toddlers — can fill the animated-puppies vacuum. You might even consider the lack of hyper-articulate dialogue to be an advantage: There's something restful about a soundtrack that consists of smashes, crashes and a variety of canine shrieks and laughter. On an idyllic suburban cul-de-sac rendered in candy-colored 3-D animation, the puppies come out to play when their barely seen masters are away and destroy everything they can get their paws on. Joining them in the slapstick mayhem are their toys, including a rainbow-hued chew doll that instigates much of the trouble; opposing them are curmudgeonly birds and crafty rodents. Many shows for preschoolers feature the same kind of nonstop action, but the animators at the South Korean studio Million Volt execute this one with a combination of fluid style and infectious spirit that can hook the unwary adult. (Netflix) 'Douglas Is Cancelled' Steven Moffat of 'Sherlock' and 'Doctor Who' wrote this dark four-episode comedy which, consciously or not, pulls a bait and switch. Starring Hugh Bonneville as Douglas, a popular broadcaster anonymously accused of having told a sexist joke, it begins as a brittle farce about the comfortably entitled running afoul of cancel culture and social media mobs. But then it shifts, becoming a sometimes didactic and unconvincing, sometimes powerful and unsettling, examination of men's corrosive treatment of women. Moffat, who can be a very clever writer, takes the male repertory of gaslighting, stonewalling and veiled aggression and turns it against the men in his story in amusing ways. It's also noticeable, though, how the targets of the most pointed satire tend to be young women, and how the best roles are written for middle-aged men. Karen Gillan, as Douglas's on-air partner, and Alex Kingston, as his wife, are fine in fairly monochromatic parts. But the spotlight is on Bonneville, who is excellent as always; Simon Russell Beale, who is hilarious as Douglas's diffidently loathsome agent; and Ben Miles, who is chilling as an utterly cynical producer. (BritBox) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Wall Street Journal
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘Douglas Is Cancelled' Review: Hugh Bonneville's Cyber Satire
Douglas Bellowes, the affable chap played by Hugh Bonneville in 'Douglas Is Cancelled,' is a 'national treasure,' a TV host who has spent a career comforting his U.K. audience through times of bad news, smiling with viewers in times of good news. And yet, somehow, after 30-odd years, it's all still news to Doug. Woke? He's barely conscious. His wake-up call arrives by way of social media—a post alleging that Douglas told a 'sexist' joke at a recent wedding. A wholly inappropriate gag, apparently, though it is not explained. Doug seems, very sincerely, to not know what it's all about. But all those around him begin losing their minds.
