News

According to an insider, a movie adaptation of hit BBC sitcom Ghosts could be going before the cameras this year.

One of the BBC’s most successful children’s shows of recent years is Horrible Histories, which presented sketches about historical events in a superbly silly fashion. The writers and performers soon took the show to the big screen in the wonderful Bill, which tells the fictionalised story of Shakespeare – it’s one of the most delightful family films of the last decade and a bit, and is available to watch via Amazon Prime.

The crew then went on to create Yonderland, a surreal sitcom about a magical kingdom hidden in a woman’s kitchen cupboard.

However, Ghosts is the show that has arguably made the most impact. Starring Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe as a couple who inherit a huge mansion, Ritchie soon discovers that she, and only she,...

Ghosts season 4 gets an update from showrunners Joe Port and Joe Wiseman, who confirm that some former characters are returning. The CBS series follows Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay Arondekar (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a married couple living among the deceased occupants of Woodstone Estate. Along with McIver and Ambudkar, the comedy stars Devan Chandler Long, Rebecca Wisocky, Brandon Scott Jones, Danielle Pinnock, Asher Grodman, and more. Beyond its main Ghosts cast, many memorable characters make brief appearances, including visitors of the converted bed and breakfast or spirits attached to other properties.

Speaking with TVLine, Port and Wiseman confirmed that a few notable characters will make their return in Ghosts season 4, which debuts on October 17. While absent from season 3, the showrunners revealed that the Farnsbys and Bjorn will feature this season.

Why Bringing These Characters Back For Ghosts Season 4 Is Exciting Season 4 Could Even Answer Some Questions.

With the Farnsbys returning, another...

The actor who plays Jay in CBS' Ghosts, Utkarsh Ambudkar, perfectly explains why his character's ability to see spirits in season 4 is a mistake. The network launched the series in 2021 as an American version of a British series of the same name. In the lore leading up to Ghosts season 4, Jay's wife, Sam, played by Rose McIver, can see the dead. To Jay's dismay, he doesn't share her unique ability. Her rare gift was garnered in an accident wherein Sam fell down the stairs and awoke with the ability to greet the dead.

While Jay comically desires to see the ghosts along with his partner, there are reasons that it's a risk the series should not take. Ambudkar added another reason to the list ahead of Ghosts season 4, perfectly explaining why his character is needed just as he is. Jay does his best to understand the periods and backstories of...

Thor's unique speech adds character depth but may be hindering his evolution in Ghosts. Even though other spirits have modernized their speech, Thor remains stuck in the past. Season 4 of Ghosts may provide an opportunity for Thor to grow and adapt his speech.

I'm a huge fan of CBS' Ghosts series, but if I'm being honest, I'm bothered by one trait that sets Thor apart from the rest of the ghosts. The series launched in 2021, inspired by a British series of the same name. The series introduced Sam and Jay Arondekar, a couple from New York City who moved to a mansion Sam inherited from a distant relative. Sam has been able to see ghosts for the last three series and can interact with all the ghosts from different time periods that inhabit her Woodstone Mansion home.

While all the CBS ghosts have unique qualities, some stand out for better or worse.

Ghosts season 4 introduces Sam's father to explore her relationship with her mother, adding depth to the storyline. Rachael Harris and Dean Norris portray Sam's parents in the series, offering new insights into Sam's past. The quick resolution of Sam's relationship with her mother in season 1 could have been drawn out for more impact and development.

Ghosts will introduce a new non-spirit character in season 4, uniquely positioned to develop a lacking Sam plot from two years ago. Rose McIver plays the central Ghosts character, who runs a bed and breakfast called Woodstone B&b with her husband Utkarsh Ambudkar's Jay. The couple run their business out of a historic mansion Sam inherited from a distant relative. She can see all the ghosts from various time periods and backstories who haunt the house following an accident that left her knocking on death's door. Since the accident, the spirits and Sam have become inseparable.

Jay doesn't need to die so he can see the spirits in Ghosts season 4. There are ways that Jay can communicate with the dead in Ghosts season 4, the same way Sam wasn't killed to have her paranormal capabilities. Ghosts has a chance to expand its lore in season 4 with creative twists that will lead to Jay having ghostly interactions.

Killing Jay in Ghosts season 4 isn't necessary for its big twist to make sense. In the American version of the British sitcom series. Utkarsh Ambudkar portrays Jay, who lives with his wife, Rose McIver's Samantha, in a historic mansion she inherited from a relative. The CBS series has been a hit in its first three seasons, and a twist announced for Ghosts season 4 could make it even better. At San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024, Ghosts teased a twist that would change the entire series.

The lore of the Ghosts universe...

Jay will finally be able to see Woodstone B&b's supernatural inhabitants in Ghosts season 4, changing the entire dynamic of the series. This major twist will allow Jay to fully engage with the narrative and form new relationships with the spirits. Jay's newfound ability will lead to more hijinks and exciting developments in Ghosts season 4.

A huge Ghosts announcement was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con, and it's a twist that will change the entire show. Ghosts debuted in 2021, inspired by a British series of the same name. Ghosts follows Jay and Samantha, two young people living in New York City, until the latter inherits a mansion. While the couple plan to open a B&b, Ghosts season 1 establishes the series' biggest twist: Samantha has a near-fatal accident that allows her to see the spirits inhabiting her new home. Ghosts season 4 will follow that up with the biggest twist yet.

The...

Ghosts, a British gem in supernatural comedy, delights a loyal fan base with originality and British charm. US audiences can now enjoy the American remake on Paramount+ after the original series left HBO Max. Fans can purchase the complete British series on Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, or Google Play to keep the spirit of Ghosts alive.

The British series Ghosts instantly became a gem in the realm of supernatural comedies since it premiered on BBC in 2019, and while Ghosts was once on HBO Max, there are several avenues U.S. viewers can take to watch the series. Crafted by the creative minds behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland, the show weaves together the unlikely cohabitation of a living couple with a motley crew of deceased residents from various centuries, all confined within the walls of a dilapidated country estate. The originality of its humor, coupled with a distinctly British charm, quickly...

Warning: contains spoilers for Ghosts series 5.

Ghosts very nearly had a musical episode. The creators of the BBC comedy talked about it for a long time, says Larry Rickard, co-writer and the man behind the show’s caveman ghost Robin and headless Humphrey. The gang knew they wanted to do a deeply earnest love song, but couldn’t quite make the idea mesh.

“At one point we had a full day on it, but it felt like whichever direction we tried taking the story in to justify the conceit, we ended up at odds with each other over how the plot would then work around it, and how you would justify the songs being there without it feeling like it was a different show. You reach an event horizon of trying so hard to make it work that you realise this isn’t natural and this isn’t us.”

Not natural and not Ghosts,...

No Spaced. No The League of Gentlemen. No Smack the Pony or Goodness Gracious Me or The Royle Family or Brass Eye, or Red Dwarf or Father Ted or anything that belongs to the last century (side note: the late 90s were an incredible time for UK comedy). These are the 40 finest British comedy TV shows that have arrived since the year 2000, as nominated by our writers. Add in your favourites below, and it’s a party.

What’s cheering about this lot, apart from the fact that as comedies, they should all technically cheer us up, is how different they are. There’s the surreal chaos of Year of the Rabbit, and the sweet warmth of Lovesick, the Pythonesque bonkersness of Yonderland, the satirical might of The Thick of It and much more. Something for everyone, you might say.

And to make sure there was enough space to include a wide enough selection,...

The Continental: From the World of John Wick introduces several new actors while also bringing back some familiar faces. The prequel miniseries to the John Wick franchise, The Continental: From the World of John Wick tells the story of how Winston Scott came to be the proprietor of the New York campus of The Continental Hotel, the safe zone for assassins. The series takes place in an alternate history during the 1970s and expands the world from the John Wick franchise. The Continental weaves the history of the fictional criminal underworld with real events like the rise of the American mafia.

An important aspect of John Wick, beyond the titular character's hunt for revenge, is the hidden lore within John Wick’s world that is deeper than even any of the films go into. The series is massively successful, and combined, the four films earned over $1 billion at the box...

Ghosts, from the team behind Yonderland and Horrible Histories, has such a strong comedy premise that it’s no wonder America wanted its own version. ‘A young couple inherits a money pit mansion filled with the ghosts of people who died there throughout history.’ It’s a workplace comedy without work, forcing a varied gang of characters who wouldn’t usually be friends to spend time contained in a single location. The extra genius is that these characters aren’t just separated by class, money or education, but also by the centuries, which makes their conflicts even bigger and their connections – when they happen – even more meaningful. It’s colourful and daft and funny and filled with lovely surprises. Where else would you see a caveman playing chess with a sleazy early-90s Tory MP?

Not in CBS’ American remake, which was ordered to series in March this year and...

2020 brought many things with it. Brexit. Another iPhone. The 30th anniversary of Fresh Prince Of Bel Air. A Crackerjack revival, the increasingly critical state of our burning planet, the inauguration of a Gangsta Granny rollercoaster at Thorpe Park, and a global pandemic that shut down life as we know it.

A mixed bag, all told.

One thing you can largely rely on in worrying times is television, and below are the top returning British shows that fought their way through the Covid-19 lockdown to come back in 2020.

After Life series 2

Release date: Friday 24th of April, Netflix

Ricky Gervais’ emotional Netflix comedy about a misanthrope widower (Gervais) struggling to cope after the death of his wife (Kerry Godliman) will return for a second six-episode run. Filming began in September 2019, and it arrived on Netflix in April. Diane Morgan and Mandeep Dhillon co-star.

Read more:the best stand-up specials on Netflix here.

The Ghosts creators have worked together for over a decade. To-date, the six-person team have written and performed in long-running children’s sketch comedy Horrible Histories, three series of fantasy sitcom Yonderland, feature film Bill, and two series of the supernatural BBC comedy Ghosts, with a third on the way.

Channelling Mrs Merton asking Debbie McGee what first attracted her to the millionaire Paul Daniels, I ask Baynton and Howick via Zoom what inspired the group to write Ghosts, a sitcom about a group of individuals who frequently drive each other nuts, trapped together for what may well be eternity?

Both laugh. “I’m sure we do drive each other nuts in many ways,” says Howick, “but the truth is, like the ghosts, what we always come back to in these episodes is that they love each other and don’t know what they would do without each other. I...

“Carpool Karaoke” producer Fulwell 73 has hired ITV comedy controller Saskia Schuster to head a new scripted outfit out of the U.K.

Schuster joins as head of scripted at the “Late Late Show with James Corden” producer in early May. Based in London, she will report into managing partner Leo Pearlman.

Schuster joined ITV in 2014 as controller for comedy, and her commissions include “The Trouble With Maggie Cole,” “The Keith and Paddy Picture Show,” “Birds of a Feather” and “Harry Hill’s Alien Fun Capsule” for ITV, as well as “ Shopping with Keith Lemon,” “The Stand Up Sketch Show,” “Don’t Hate The Playaz” and “Timewasters” for ITV2.

Schuster has played a key role in addressing gender imbalance in comedy, founding Comedy 50:50, an initiative aimed at rolling out practical measures to achieve equal representation in writing rooms and production teams for women.

As part of this drive, Schuster was responsible...

The BBC is well known for their gripping dramas but they do give us some rip-roaring comedies too. Coming from the writers and performers behind ‘Yonderland’, ‘Bill’ and ‘Horrible Histories’, the newest series to hit the post-watershed mark, Ghosts promises all the silliness you would expect from this team, tickling the funny bone with momentary chills.

The half-hour six-episode comedy follows a young couple, Alison (Charlotte Ritchie) and Mike (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), a cash-strapped young couple struggling to buy their first home. The couple’s luck changes when a distant relative bequeaths them a sprawling country estate. The catch? The old house is haunted by the ghosts of its former inhabitants. The restless spirits horrified that the new owners plan to turn the peaceful pile into a bustling hotel, make plans to oust the troublesome newcomers. But their bungled efforts have unintended consequences…

It would be hard not to make comparisons...

The BBC has launched the debut trailer for the upcoming sitcom ‘Ghosts’ and there are a few ghosts that haven’t quite got the hang of haunting.

The sitcom is from the lead cast of writer-performers behind the award-winning Horrible Histories and Yonderland, and feature film Bill and will consist of 6 half-hour episodes.

It tells the story of a crumbling country pile of Button Hall which is home to numerous restless spirits who have died there over the centuries – each ghost very much a product of their time, resigned to squabbling with each other for eternity over the most inane of daily gripes. But their lives – or, rather, afterlives – are thrown into turmoil when a young urban couple – Alison and Mike (Charlotte Ritchie and Kiell Smith-Bynoe) – surprisingly inherit the peaceful derelict house and make plans to turn it into a bustling family hotel. As the ghosts attempt to oust the newcomers from their home,...

A David Tennant-fronted comedy drama, a multi-character sitcom from the writer of Paddington 2, a comedy crime thriller featuring Episodes’ Daisy Haggard and a raft of new talent form part of the BBC’s latest comedy drive.

The British public broadcaster has unveiled its new slate of comedies across its channels BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four. This comes as BBC comedy chief Shane Allen tells Deadline that by making shows that are quintessentially British, they are increasingly traveling to the U.S. and internationally without the need to be remade.

On BBC One, Paddington 2’s Simon Farnaby and his colleagues behind Horrible Histories and Yonderland are producing Ghosts, a multi-character sitcom. Farnaby, Mathew Baynton, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond are working with Monumental Television on the six-part horror comedy, which follows a group of restless spirits squabbling in a crumbling country house.

Former “Doctor Who” star David Tennant will play the father of a severely learning-disabled girl in “There She Goes,” a new comedy for the BBC from Sharon Horgan’s production company Merman.

The five-part series will go out on the pubcaster’s BBC Four channel. Tennant and Jessica Hynes (“Shaun of the Dead”) star as Simon and Emily, respectively, the parents of 9-year-old Rosie, played by Miley Locke. Edan Hayhurst appears as Ben, Rosie’s brother.

Shaun Pye (“Todd Margaret”) penned the series. The producers said that each episode would shine a light on day-to-day life with Rosie, from simply trying to take her to the park to explaining that every day isn’t her birthday. Sky Vision is selling the series internationally.

Merman also won a second-season order for “Motherland,” its comedy about modern parenting and family life.

The shows were announced as part of the BBC’s new comedy slate.

Simon Brew Jan 25, 2018

We chat to the multi-Oscar-winner Nick Park, about his first feature film as director in over a decade, Early Man...

Nick Park has more Oscars than I’ve got pairs of shoes. He’s created characters that mean something to a huge number of people. And yet when I told him, just before our interview, how much I’d enjoyed his new movie, Early Man, he looked taken aback. And then genuinely appreciative. I’m not sure why that should surprise me, given how much Park clearly sinks into his work. But also, the surprise that somebody had liked his movie seemed genuine. Pre-release nerves are funny things.

Still, as he stirred his freshly poured cup of ginger tea, he settled down for a chat…

I wrote on my notes after seeing this film that your film captures the spirit of Whizzer & Chips, Yonderland, Hot-Shot Hamish, Escape To Victory and Ray Harryhausen!

Following the worldwide hit “Paddington,” one of the most successful family films of all time, this much-anticipated sequel finds Paddington (Ben Whishaw) happily settled with the Brown family in London, where he has become a popular member of the local community, spreading joy and marmalade wherever he goes.

While searching for the perfect present for his beloved Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday, Paddington sees a unique pop-up book in Mr. Gruber’s antique shop, and embarks upon a series of odd jobs to buy it. But when the book is stolen, it’s up to Paddington and the Browns to unmask the thief.

Reuniting many of the original film’s cast while welcoming those in new roles, Paddington 2 stars Golden Globe nominee Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”), Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“Blue Jasmine”), three-time Golden Globe nominee Brendan Gleeson (“The Guard,” “Into the Storm,” “In Bruges”), Oscar nominee Julie Walters (“Billy Elliot,...

Warner Bros. has released the first full U.S. trailer for Paddington 2, which is slated for release on January 12, 2018, following a successful U.K. release. This trailer comes less than two weeks after Warner Bros. acquired Paddington 2 from The Weinstein Company, after the producers wanted to remove all association with Harvey Weinstein following his sexual assault scandal. Now that this delightful family film has found a new home, this trailer offers some more never before seen footage featuring the title bear (Ben Whishaw) being locked up in jail.

The previous trailers, which had been released by the international distributor StudioCanal, hinted that Paddington Bear would ultimately get in some trouble with the law, but this new trailer reveals that he was framed for stealing a rare and valuable book, which leads to Paddington being locked up in prison. He doesn't get off to a good start with his fellow inmates either,...

Simon Brew Nov 20, 2017

Simon Farnaby is to script the first movie adaption of Enid Blyton's The Magic Faraway Tree

With its bank account flush following its success with Paddington and Paddington 2, StudioCanal has greenlit a major film adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree. Incredibly, it’s not been the source for a film before.

Simon Farnaby, co-writer of Paddington 2 and part of the Horrible Histories and Yonderland ensemble, is penning the screenplay for the film. In the official press announcement, he says “The Magic Faraway Tree books are a firework display of the imagination. The pages are lit up with wonderful characters, humour, peril and adventure. Most homes have a well worn jam fingerprinted volume somewhere on their shelves. I’m very much looking forward to bringing the likes of the Old Saucepan Man and Dame Washalot to the big screen for fans both old and new”.

Expect,...

Ben Mortimer Nov 8, 2017

Simon Farnaby chats to us about writing Paddington 2, appearing in Rogue One, and making Yonderland...

Simon Farnaby is a man already keenly admired around these parts for being part of the Horrible Histories, Yonderland and Bill ensemble. But he's also the man who co-penned the script to the incoming Paddington 2, which seemed like a good enough excuse for a chat to us. Here's how it went...

See related Deadpool: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick interview Deadpool: Ryan Reynolds on channeling the character

How did you end up joining Paul King [director/co-writer] on writing duties this time round?

Paul and I are friends, and we met many, many years ago in the comedy fringes, shall we say. We met and got on, and we did a one man show; we co-wrote a show, which I was acting in, and Paul directed for Battersea arts centre, this was 2004, or something.

Den Of Geek Oct 17, 2017

Join Mark Kermode and some bloke from Den Of Geek for an evening of nerdy movie chat...

We're joining forces with Mark Kermode for a special evening of movie nerdy joy, live on stage in London! It's called Movie Geek, features special guests, and with clips, ranting, love for films that not enough people love and maybe even a few giveaways, it promises to be quite the evening!

We are now also delighted to confirm that Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard - Bill! Horrible Histories! Yonderland! And More! - will be joining us as special guests for a segment of the show.

If you buy a ticket that also includes our Movie Geek book, Mark and the Den Of Geek team will sign it for you at the end.

It takes place this evening, Tuesday 17th October 2017 at the Prince Charles Cinema in London. And you...

Rob Leane May 4, 2017

The Mighty Boosh’s Julian Barratt and Yonderland’s Simon Farnaby talk to us about their Isle of Man action comedy, Mindhorn...

When you get to chat to two comedy geniuses at once, it doesn’t feel much like an interview. It’s more like sitting in on some well-honed hilarity, and trying not to make a tit of yourself when you try and interject with a question. This is what it felt like when I sat down with Julian Barratt and Simon Farnaby for twenty minutes, in a snazzy central London meeting room, to talk about Mindhorn.

See related Denis Villeneuve interview: Sicario, Kurosawa, sci-fi, ugly poetry Dune reboot: Denis Villeneuve confirmed to direct

The film, if you’re unfamiliar, casts The Mighty Boosh alum Barratt as a washed up actor by the name of Richard Thorncroft. His heyday was way back in the 1980s, when...

Starring Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh, Nathan Barley), and featuring a host of British comedy favourites, including the film's co-writer Simon Farnaby (Horrible Histories, Yonderland) and Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge), anarchic comedy Mindhorn follows a broken down former TV detective as he's drawn into a real-life murder case. With its uniquely British style and play on the dated quirks of vintage television, the film is reminiscent of cult favorites like Garth Merenghi's Darkplace. Washed-up Richard Thorncroft (Julian Barratt) peaked with hit 1980s detective show Mindhorn, playing the titular Isle of Man sleuth with a robotic eye that allowed him to literally “see the truth”. Decades later, when a deranged Manx criminal demands Mindhorn as his nemesis, Thorncroft returns to the scene of his greatest triumphs...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Louisa Mellor Feb 17, 2017

Yonderland's creators thank fans in a message confirming that the fantasy comedy has come to an end...

Sad news for Yonderland fans: Sky's brilliant fantasy comedy series has closed its doors after three blisteringly great series. 

See related  Jurassic World review Looking back at Jurassic Park

Co-creator and actor Laurence Rickard Tweeted this fond goodbye message to the show's many devotees and those who helped to make it happen, signed "six idiots":

Our hearty congratulations and thanks go to the entire Yonderland team. You were just brilliant.

And additionally, don't think we won't be holding you to this "next adventure" promise. The world needs much more of your particular brand of joy and silliness. Please don't be strangers!

@Lazbotron...

Earlier this week, new photos were released from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story that tease some of the deleted scenes that weren't included in the theatrical cut. Today we have even more details about this blockbuster before it enters its fourth weekend at the box office, including some very obscure Easter Eggs about a few of the X-Wing pilots. If that wasn't enough, the cameo appearance of director Gareth Edwards has also been revealed. There may be Spoilers for Rogue One below, if you're among the few who haven't seen it yet, so read on at your own risk.

Radio Times was perusing the official tie-in book Rogue One: The Ultimate Visual Guide, and came across some intriguing details. British fans may have noticed a few familiar faces among the X-Wing pilots, notably Uptopia star Geraldine James and Yonderland's Simon Farnaby, although their real names were never revealed in the actual movie.

Rachel Meaden Dec 24, 2016

Tis the season both on both sides of the portal as Debbie is gearing up for Christmas and Yonderland is celebrating Thanktival…

Hooray! Yonderland is back! And for an hour long Christmas special no less!

See related Power Rangers, boob armour, and impractical costumes

Christmas is a stressful time for all of us but it’s doubly headache-inducing for Debbie Maddox aka the Chosen One. We meet back up with Debbie as she’s getting the Maddox household ready for an imminent Christmas Eve party and angrily tracking an undelivered Christmas present for her in-laws. In Yonderland, our favourite idiot Elders are preparing for ‘Thanktival’ a Yonderland festival where (in true Yonderlandian style) people buy presents to thank their friends and family for all they’ve done for them throughout the year but before they can open them they’re gobbled up by a Monster called Chompus.

Louisa Mellor Dec 12, 2016

We’ve taken a pen to the UK Christmas TV and radio schedules and circled the shows we’re looking forward to. Add yours below!

Amid the cosy repeats, big movies and inescapable cranberry-stuffed cookery shows on TV this month are a few original gems. Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton’s Inside No. 9 festive special The Devil Of Christmas (Tuesday the 27th of December, 10pm, BBC Two) is top of our must-watch list. Hot on its heels is Yonderland’s family friendly Yonder Yuletide (Saturday the 24th of December, 6.30pm, Sky One). Another for families on Sky is the Christmas Day Jasper Fforde adaptation The Last Dragonslayer, while Channel 4 has the non-festive-but-essential-for-fans-of smart-sci-fi Humans series two finale (Sunday the 18th of December, 9pm).

See related James Cameron's Avatar: five years on Avatar review

Not to forget, of course, the Doctor Who Christmas Special, a brand-new series of Sherlock,...

Rachel Meaden Nov 27, 2016

It’s the penultimate episode of Yonderland series 3 and we’re finally getting some answers to what Cuddly Dick is getting up to…

This review contains spoilers.

See related Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, modern myths, playing Loki and more Tom Hiddleston interview: The Avengers, War Horse, Greek mythology and more Marvel Studios movies: UK release date calendar Why Thor: Ragnarok may be a pivotal film in Marvel's phase 3

3.7 Miss Smashing

Yonderland does beauty pageants in episode 7 but something about it doesn’t feel quite right when all the rejected contestants start going missing…

This week sees the re-emergence of a Televised Beauty Contest Yonderland called Miss Smashing. Debbie thinks that something about the show smells a bit fishy and endeavours to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile Negatus is a double agent working for Cuddly Dick once again and trying to decide if he should...

Rachel Meaden Nov 21, 2016

The brilliant Yonderland delves into the Debbie/Elf relationship this week with a body swap episode...

This review contains spoilers.

See related Celebrating Heathers

3.6 Swapsies

This week in Yonderland the dreaded move to Glasgow (no disrespect to Glasgow, I’m sure it’s lovely, it just doesn’t contain any larders with portals to magic, fantasy worlds, as far as I’m aware) is getting closer and we’re learning a lesson in empathy thanks to a two-headed Timber Grub with a penchant for chocolate cereal. Naturally.

The newly freed Negatus is prepped by Debbie and the Elders prior to his mission to be the mole in Cuddly Dick’s evil administration and find out what’s happening to the “Late People” of Yonderland. When Debbie and Elf go back through the Portal they swap bodies and it’s a race against time to switch them back...

Rachel Meaden Nov 14, 2016

Creative, beautifully bizarre, unbridled fun, Yonderland is a show we all need in our lives...

This review contains spoilers.

See related Looking back at Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

3.5 The Negatus Redemption

Hooray for the return of Anthony Stewart Head as Pete’s Dad Nigel (I know he goes by Anthony Head nowadays but seven seasons of conditioning from Buffy The Vampire Slayer credits is a hard thing to shake)! Also, points for anyone else who correctly called the Prison Break adventure for Negatus!

The Elders are getting fed up of hiding out in the woods so, with Debbie’s begrudging assistance, they hatch a plan to recruit a mole and enlist the help of a recently imprisoned Overlord with a score to settle against Cuddly Dick. Meanwhile, as Debbie is busting Negatus out of prison, the Elders get some lessons on how to survive in the forest.

Rachel Meaden Nov 7, 2016

Yonderland series 3 is steadily becoming the best half-hour of the week. The latest episode boasts clowns, prison and a violent Wi...

This review contains spoilers.

See related Marvel Studios: how long is left on everyone’s contracts?

3.4 Boo

Episode 4 of this series of Yonderland might have been better placed last Sunday. Between Cuddly Dick getting more and more sinister and the appearance of a freaky looking clown, this one could have younger viewers watching from behind a cushion.

The Elders have returned to Yonderland but they’re in hiding from a still-angry public. Camped out in the woods, the Elders are convinced they’re being haunted by a ghost. Meanwhile Cuddly Dick is collecting volunteers for some experiments he’s secretly undertaking and Debbie is trying to win over hearts and minds (kidneys and legs/ arms and brians) in Yonderland while also organising her twin’s birthday party.

Rachel Meaden Oct 30, 2016

Yonderland's third series is its most confident, consistently fun outing yet. Here's our look at the latest episode...

This review contains spoilers.

See related American Horror Story season 6: Roanoke Chapter 6 review The Serial effect: making true crime hot TV property American Horror Story: examining the real lost colony of Roanoke American Horror Story: is there life after Jessica Lange?

After the Ocean’s Eleven spoof of last week we return to a more familiar (but no less great) episode in the shape of The Bird And The Bee.

After being chased out of Yonderland by an angry mob, the Elders are still camped out in Debbie’s loft and The Chosen One is, understandably, getting a bit peeved about it (particularly when they’re eating all her Christmas tree ornaments and trying on her clothes). To test the waters Debbie pops back through...

Rachel Meaden Oct 24, 2016

Yonderland delivers one of its best episode so far with a full-on heist movie genre homage...

This review contains spoilers.

See related Impractical Jokers: funny, silly, and well worth watching Homes Under The Hammer: the most comforting show on TV Red Dwarf XI episode 6 review: Can Of Worms Zapped episode 1 review Count Arthur Strong and the comforts of traditional sitcom

3.2 Elders 11

Question: What happens when you try and make a half-hour heist movie starring the Council of Elders? Answer: You get the best episode of Yonderland so far.

With Debbie deciding to leave Yonderland for good she takes the opportunity, while Husband Pete is on a reccy to Glasgow, to pop back one last time and bid farewell to the Elders and other Yonderlandians (Yonderlandish? Yonderlandites?). No sooner is Debbie back on the other side of the portal than the villainous Cuddly Dick incites a riot,...

Rachel Meaden Oct 16, 2016

Awash with clever wordplay, great jokes and fun performances, Yonderland series 3 continues to make perfect Sunday evening viewing...

This review contains spoilers.

See related Sherlock series 4 trailer breakdown Sherlock series 4: first 2 episode titles revealed Sherlock: an on-screen history of series 4's Culverton Smith

3.1 A Rising Tide

After a promising first series and a confident second, Yonderland has returned for a third and begins by posing the question, ‘do you need a Chosen One after the evil has gone?’

We meet up with Debbie Maddox (Martha Howe-Douglas) back in the West Midlands and in the aftermath of Imperatrix’s demise. Debbie is considering her life now that husband Pete (Daniel Renton Skinner) has been offered a new job in Glasgow and Yonderland is seemingly safe. A previously imprisoned envoy for the council of Elders, Cuddly Dick (Stephen Fry) returns to Yonderland and Debbie receives an Omg (like...

Production company launches with investment from BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment.

Former Film4 head Tessa Ross and ex-Working Title TV chief Juliette Howell have joined forces to launch TV and film production company, House Productions.

The independent outfit launches in partnership with international distributor BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment – a division of Access Industries, the media, industrial and technology group owned by Us industrialist Len Blavatnik.

House Productions will be based in London with Ross and Howell as joint CEOs, and will collaborate with talent with whom they have previously worked as well as striking up new relationships.

Announcing the new company, Ross said: “Juliette and I are truly excited about what we can achieve together, and with our partners at BBC Worldwide and Access Entertainment.

“We’re going to build a creative and supportive home at House Productions and look forward to growing something unique and long lasting with both new and old collaborators.

Howell added:...

facebook

twitter

google+

From Flushed Away and Hunchback to Titan A.E. and Sky High - the family movies that don't get the love they deserve...

When I sit through a film such as Zootropolis, Rango, Frozen, Wreck-It Ralph, Eddie The Eagle or Coraline, I can’t help but be thankful somebody has bothered. As a parent as well as a movie lover, I’ve grown to really dislike family movies that just turn up to act as a surrogate babysitter for 90 minutes, with no intention of becoming anybody’s favourite film. The films I'm going to talk about are the family movies therefore that I think both try and do something a bit more, yet continue to fly under many people's radar.

A bonus mention before we get going, and number 26 in the list, much to my surprise: Alvin & The Chipmunks 4. I was expecting next to zero from it, courtesy...

facebook

twitter

google+

The Aliens, from the producers of Misfits, is raucous fun with a social message. Here’s what to expect from E4’s new sci-fi comedy…

Whenever humans imagine being invaded by an alien race, it’s pretty much always a big deal. Flying saucers land and what follows are mind-blowing technological developments, intergalactic war, the White House being evaporated, or Sarah Jessica Parker’s head winding up on a Chihuahua’s body. Rarely is first contact no biggie.

Except in E4’s The Aliens, a new comedy sci-fi written by Fintan Ryan (Rev, In The Flesh, Never Better) set forty years after an extra-terrestrial craft crash-lands in the North Sea. Out of it came a few hundred humanoid aliens who travelled ashore on rafts and were, for a short time, integrated into British society before political resentment and intolerance eventually forced them into a ghetto. Known as Troy,...

facebook

twitter

google+

Director Richard Bracewell chats to us about Bill, and the behind the scenes struggle to bring it to the screen.

Regular readers of Den Of Geek will well know that we're sizeable fans of the comedy Bill. It's available on DVD now, and we can't recommend it highly enough.

What wasn't so well known at the time of its release was that Bill went through a distributor change last year, which at one stage looked like it might derail a wide cinema release, and thus keep the movie away from many people's eyeballs. We thus spoke to director Richard Bracewell about the film, and the behind the scenes story of just what was going on...

Can we dig into the untold story underpinning Bill? In particular, the problems that most didn't see, about simply getting the film released? Can you take us through what happened? Because we...

Simon Brew Sep 14, 2016

Stephen Fry is playing a character named Cuddly Dick in Yonderland series 3. We've got proof, too...

Here's a recap of some rather excellent news: not only is the sublime Yonderland returning to Sky 1 for a third series, but it's been revealed that Stephen Fry is to join the cast.

We've now learned that he'll playing a character named Cuddly Dick, who has been revealed with this teaser trailer and image combo...

Yonderland, which is quite wonderful if you've not had the chance yet, stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farbaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard (who write the show and perform the vast bulk of roles in it). 

More on Yonderland as we hear it. And do check out Bill, from the same team, which is now available on DVD. We like Bill, too.

facebook

twitter

google+

Yonderland will be returning - and Stephen Fry is joining in the fun.

Well, this is rather excellent news. Not only is the sublime Yonderland returning to Sky 1 for a third series, but it's now been revealed that Stephen Fry is to join the cast.

Yonderland, which is quite wonderful if you've not had the chance yet, stars Mathew Baynton, Simon Farbaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Ben Willbond and Laurence Rickard (who write the show and perform the vast bulk of roles in it). It's unclear as of yet just where Stephen Fry fits in, as his involvement hasn't been officially announced by Sky 1 itself. But here's the Tweet from Mr Fry....

Let us cast off these cumbersome robes. I%u2019m delighted to be joining the cast of #Yonderland for Series 3 on @sky1 pic.twitter.com/7IVDa6sPpr

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) January 25, 2016

More on Yonderland as we hear it.

facebook

twitter

google+

Paddington’s writer-director Paul King will return for its sequel, Paddington 2…

Here’s some good news – after earning a hefty box office success and a place in our hearts with 2014’s Paddington movie, writer-director Paul King has signed up to make a sequel.

Studio Canal and producer David Heyman have snapped King up once more, along with Simon Farnaby. The Bill, Yonderland and Horrible Histories alum – who appeared in a hilarious role in the first film – will help to develop the story.

Deadline broke the news, as well as mentioning the fact that Studio Canal is hoping to turn this one into a long-running franchise. That’s no surprise, considering that the first film raked in a worldwide box office gross of over $250 million, from a budget of just $55 million.

The film’s success came as a bit of an underdog story, not least because of...

Laurence Rickard Dec 23, 2017

Ahead of the brilliant Bill screening on BBC Two, a look at how the film itself got made...

Here's something rather exciting. Writer/actor Laurence Rickard of Horrible Histories, Yonderland and now Shakespeare comedy Bill has written a guest article for us, all about the making of the film. And here is it...

See related Why The Lost World: Jurassic Park deserves more credit

"They won't just say 'that sounds great, let's do it.'"

It was April 6th 2011 – my first day in what I shall call 'the movie business' (because I can't think of a less knobby term) – and those were the words of Tony Bracewell, producer of Bill... That afternoon we went in to see the lovely people at BBC Films, who said 'that sounds great, let's do it'. It remains the only time Tony's been wrong, so I like to remind him about it.

Exclusive: Immensely talented Yonderland writer and actor Laurence Rickard walks us through the making of Shakespeare comedy Bill.

Here's something rather exciting. Writer/actor Laurence Rickard of Horrible Histories, Yonderland and now Shakespeare comedy Bill has written a guest article for us, all about the making of the film. And here is it...

"They won't just say 'that sounds great, let's do it.'"

It was April 6th 2011 – my first day in what I shall call 'the movie business' (because I can't think of a less knobby term) – and those were the words of Tony Bracewell, producer of Bill... That afternoon we went in to see the lovely people at BBC Films, who said 'that sounds great, let's do it'. It remains the only time Tony's been wrong, so I like to remind him about it. A Lot.

Of course, his note of caution was utterly justified. As I've since learnt,...

Rachel Meaden Oct 14, 2016

With Yonderland series 3 on its way, we salute an underappreciated family comedy gem from the cast and creators of Horrible Histories...

I make no bones about the fact that Horrible Histories is one of one my favourite TV shows. It never fails to make me laugh and I cannot tell you at how many pub quizzes I’ve deployed nuggets of information learned from that show. So, two years ago when it was announced the team behind Horrible Histories were moving on to something new, needless to say, I was rather intrigued. When I discovered fantasy and puppets were being thrown into that mix, I was well and truly sold.

See related 25 great sci-fi films that are under 90 minutes long Damon Lindelof finally explains the Lost finale 50 forgotten sci-fi films from the 1990s 8 original sci-fi films to look forward to in 2016

For the uninitiated, Yonderland is a family-friendly,...

If you're not already a fan of the brilliant Yonderland, from the Horrible Histories and Bill team, Rachel thinks you should catch up...

I make no bones about the fact that Horrible Histories is one of one my favourite TV shows. It never fails to make me laugh and I cannot tell you at how many pub quizzes I’ve deployed nuggets of information learned from that show. So, two years ago when it was announced the team behind Horrible Histories were moving on to something new, needless to say, I was rather intrigued. When I discovered fantasy and puppets were being thrown into that mix, I was well and truly sold.

For the uninitiated, Yonderland is a family-friendly, fantasy comedy. It’s the story of full time Mum, Debbie of Maddox (Martha Howe-Douglas) who discovers a portal to another world in her larder. An elf called Elf (voiced by...

From Horrible Histories to Yonderland, to the big screen – the comedy troupe behind the aforementioned TV shows now make their cinematic bow, with the hilarious comedy Bill – depicting the “lost” years of William Shakespeare. We spoke to leading cast members Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby and Martha Howe-Douglas on the project, and what it’s

The post Exclusive Interview: Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby and Martha Howe-Douglas on Bill appeared first on HeyUGuys.