Rediscovering the Cult Brilliance of Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

This is a video essay reviewing why Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace was one of the finest comedies in the history of television. And while that is a bold statement to make, in my opinion, it is the exact definition of a hidden gem that deserves more attention for its genius.
But what makes it so great and why should you give it a shot?
This is my video explaining why.
Thank you to my Patreons for continuing to support this channel. You guys are amazing.
At the time of this being released, these include the lovely people: “Alex Sawa, Nick Krail, Cesar Ruiz, Jack Pollard, Dr_Slurp, ThatEvilCanadian”.
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What is Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace?
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a British horror parody television series created for Channel 4 by Richard Ayoade and Matthew Holness, and first broadcast in 2004. The show focuses on fictional horror author Garth Marenghi (played by Matthew Holness) and his publisher Dean Learner (played by Richard Ayoade), characters who originated in the Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight stage show.
Darkplace is presented as a lost classic: a television series produced in the 1980s, though not broadcast at the time (except in Peru). The presentation features commentary from many of the "original" cast, where characters such as Marenghi and Learner reflect on making the show. Darkplace parodies the fashion, special effects, production gaffes, and music of low-budget '80s television, as well as the modern practice of including commentary tracks on DVD releases of old films and television shows.
Darkplace was broadcast in a late-night timeslot, with very little advertising, and met with poor viewing figures. It nonetheless built up a significant internet following, leading Channel 4 to repeat the series and produce a DVD release. In 2005, Channel 4's Film Four asked Holness and Ayoade to write a script for a movie version of their programme.
The show was later broadcast in the United States on the Sci-Fi Channel & Adult Swim and is also available to stream on Peacock.
The spoof comedy series, released in 2004, lampoons 1980s television drama, particularly horror, sci-fi, and "the rampant egotism of self-appointed 'mastermind' authors. "The show presents Garth Marenghi's Darkplace as though it were a real, low-budget television series, produced in the 1980s, and now getting its first screening, framed as part of a director's commentary series. Darkplace's fictional show-within-a-show includes deliberately poor production and special effects, sub-par acting, choppy editing and storylines that are "severely flawed and open-ended". This is interspersed with present-day interviews with the cast.
The series' fictional premise is that some time in the 1980s, best-selling horror author Garth Marenghi and his publisher/publicist, Dean Learner, made their own low-budget television series with a single intent: "to change the evolutionary course of Man over a series of half-hour episodes." Set in Darkplace Hospital, "over the very gates of Hell", in Romford, London, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace shows the adventures of Dr. Rick Dagless, M.D., as he fights the forces of darkness while simultaneously coping with the pressures of "day to day admin." Within this fictional context, Marenghi wrote 63 teleplays from which 50 shows were produced (in the commentary, he mentions that there were 67 episodes at one point, though it may have been intentional by Holness to show discontinuity); however, Channel 4 was eventually forced to reject the show due to its "radicality", though Marenghi also cites possible government suppression: "MI8, which is actually three levels above MI6, pulled the plug. And they did it because I knew the truth."
In 2004, due to the "worst artistic drought in broadcast history", Channel 4 decided to air six of the original episodes.
The series had a spin-off, the spoof chat show Man to Man with Dean Learner, which began on 20 October 2006 on Channel 4. Dean's first guest was Garth Marenghi. During the interview with Garth a clip from the supposedly forthcoming movie, War of the Wasps, is shown, again featuring Dean Learner and his acting ability. Marenghi would also appear on the final episode of the series, which featured a clip from a video nasty that Garth and Dean had supposedly produced, which featured cameos from various Darkplace cast members.
And if you’re still reading this - hello.
This video is made through Fair Use under copyright law for the purposes of education in criticism or review; as well as parody or satire.
www.copyright.gov/title17/92c
www.copyright.org.au/ACC_Prod

[@Donat123457]

"Since I first came to Darkplace I was strictly solo. You're the first real buddy that I ever had. Buuut if you and he wish to be best buddies again, I won't stand in your way!"

[@TheAndrewj96]

*I won’t stand in your _waaaaeeeehhh._

[@krombopoulosmichael]

Best line delivery ever

[@1415Agincourt1415]

You and he were... buddies... weren't you?

[@ShinySephiroth1]

I've got a best buddy, Sanch...

[@genderender]

@@1415Agincourt1415 need i say more, need i say more

[@gwentucker4537]

My mum had to search high and low to find this on DVD for me when I asked for it for my 21st. 16 years later and it's one of my most prized possessions.

[@motioninart]

I’m truly jealous. Have you listened to the Dvd commentary haha

[@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw]

Garth marenghi's darkplace is made around 1984 I think it came out in 2004 but parody 80s tv show I think this show is made in 83 and 84 and got cancelled in 1984 20 year later in 2004 some reruns on channel 4 and that's it because this show was made around 20 year ago aired on tv almost 20 year now so this show is 40 year old by now?

[@junior602002]

@@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw Yes.

[@junior602002]

@@motioninart The full commentary is on KZbin.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I have the series DVD - I loved it when it first aired! I also have Dean Learner’s Man To Man as well!

[@PlanetBongoSan]

'I'm one of the only people in the world who've written more books than they've read'

[@ArcanePath360]

"Like a candle in the wind... unreliable" is a quote I still use today whenever I find someone unreliable. Most underrated line in comedy ever. Every time I watch this, and I've seen it so many times, I see something new that makes me laugh and appreciate all the intentional badness, which ironically take more time and effort to produce than if they'd have just made it normally. The sound mixing and editing are utter genius.

[@Nofixdahdress]

My favorite gag in Darkplace is when Sanchez is being introduced in episode one. Todd Rivers isn't only reacting to Dagless's internal monologue as if he can hear it, he's reacting as if it's *HIS* monologue. Just a great layered joke where the punchline is both Marenghi's poor writing and direction, as well as Rivers' overinflated ego and total ignorance of the plot of the show he's in.

[@aspatuarymax1470]

i like it when Dean Learner says "no"

[@Kennywashere]

That funeral scene with all the gun was chaotic, and goofy, that made me really crack up, I’ll definitely be checking this out!

[@ManCave1972]

I think we have waited long enough and we now deserve the long awaited documentary and retrospective produced by Dean Lerner and his daughter.

[@motioninart]

I would pay good money for this. Did you see the new book?

[@GangsterFrankensteinComputer]

@@motioninart Holness is doing a live tour right now. Looks hilarious.

[@TheGreatAmphibian]

Dean did interview Garth on his chat show, Man To Man With Dean Learner.

[@earlpipe9713]

@@TheGreatAmphibian Man To Man With Dean Learner was the greatest talk show ever

[@NBDYSPCL]

Can we take a minute to appreciate early 2000s British comedy series? Dark place, peep show, Spaced, The Office, IT crowd, Mighty Boosh. The cast lists are fantastic.

[@Chadhogan111]

Alan Partridge, black books, extras

[@motioninart]

The goat era

[@LeanneModenPoet]

I think Alice Lowe's acting is absolutely impeccable in this series too. Definitely worth a mention. RIP Madeleine Wool.

[@ajrollo1437]

On the plus side, her grave is now no longer behind the Iron Curtain. (Still shallow, though.)

[@chrisgilliver1]

Missing presumed dead, with the emphasis heavily on dead.

[@lordhoot1]

She wrote and starred in a black comedy film, Prevenge, a few years ago. It's well worth a look.

[@swiftnicknevison4848]

In the dvd commentary it's heavily implied that Dean learner had her killed.

[@trixiematelsdognanny6098]

I found it odd the three actors were specifically called out, but not her

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Matt Berry is my all time favorite actor. He's a genius

[@motioninart]

Same here

[@Vamroc]

My face legitimately hurts from laughing every time I watch it , the name Garth Marenghi is actually a rearrangement of the letters in the phrase "arrgh, nightmares" 🤣 That's how GODDAMN BRILLIANT this series was

[@motioninart]

Hahahaha I didn’t even notice this

[@yank509]

The only thing funnier than Darkplace is the director's commentary on the DVD, if you haven't already seen it I urge you to do so as soon as possible, adds a whole new level.

[@graytoby1]

Yes well worth a watch actually even better than the show

[@BlazingOwnager]

Can I just say this show made me a lifelong fan of Matt Berry. I started watching What We Do In The Shadows very much because of Darkplace.

[@jessbelen]

now watch toast of london

[@Kris.G]

And Snuff Box and AD/BC A Rock Opera

[@PussInBoot414]

@@jessbelenTOAST!!!

[@LexTNeville]

@@PussInBoot414 Ray Bloody Purchase

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Toast! 🎭

[@domskill]

Matthew Holness is currently writing novels as Garth and doing book tours, he stays in character the whole time even does Q&A's and signings. Very much worth trying to catch a show.

[@Shrasha]

At £20 a ticket I wholeheartedly agree. I’m going to see him in Leicester and cannot wait. Will try to get him to sign my copies of his 2 books

[@sporkfindus4777]

I am proud to say that I watched all 6 episodes when they were first broadcast. It was advertised well by channel 4, but few seemed to care. No idea why it wasn't popular at the time.

[@motioninart]

I’m jealous. Favourite episode?

[@Alphoric]

Probably as unless you knew what it was about it looks like a shit show with the filming and acting. Anyone who skipped channels would skip this. Also no one knew Garth Marenghi because he’s a fictional character so there’s no reason to have wanted to watch it. I feel like the show wasn’t meant to be a commercial success at all on purpose as they knew it would gain a ‘cult following’ in the years to come.

[@draculaman]

I watched it at the time too, iirc it was on pretty late (like 10:30pm) and was often bumped for other stuff so it was on at inconsistent times and there were weird gaps between episodes, it just never really got a proper go of it really, which would be tough for any show, let alone for a niche meta-comedy. Plus even with the cult popularity it had, it didn't come out on DVD for literally years after (I think because of some rights issue), so if you missed it, there wasn't really a way for people to check it out or stumble across it. I think if it had come along in the days of Streaming and Social media it would have done way better through word of mouth

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Yep, me too. I also can’t understand why it wasn’t popular - I thought it was brilliant……..however, with hindsight, I’m glad that it became such a cult series. The only hing I’m sad about is that Matt Holness hasn’t become a massive success in the same way that Matt Berry and Richard Ayoade have.

[@craigratio]

I was 13 and used to stay up to watch Banzai. Dark Place was hilarious as a kid. Better in my late teens. Even better again in my early 20's and now I'm in my 30's I genuinely think it's the best thing thats been on tv since the turn of the millenium. I urge everyone to watch it. Perfection.

[@sethmurphy7243]

I like how the cast played essentially two characters each, and their interview actor selves are completely different from their show character selves. Rick is a Mary Sue right about everything, while Garth is completely delusional and wrong about everything. Thornton is nervous and uncomfortable, while Dean is sinister and cunning. Lucien is strange and bombastic, while Todd Rivers is a reserved mixture of exasperation and denial.

[@toms9357]

I worked for Channel 4 back in 2012 on a show that ranked their 30 greatest comedies of all time based on an online vote. Darkplace didn't make the original shortlist! I raised it with the then head of comedy, he agreed it was a travesty, and it got added to the vote. It came 11th in the end, pretty good considering how few people saw it when it first aired!

[@jermaineayivoh8263]

Good on ya mate. Darkplace is legendary. I’m from Germany myself but lived in the UK from 1996-2007 and then again form 2008-2014. I found out about Darkplace a few years after it had originally aired, during a time while I was still living in the UK. In 2024 it will have been 10 years since I left the UK and moved back to Germany but looking back at it, Darkplace reminds of brilliant British humour as well as my time spent in the UK being some of the best years of my life.

[@BlazingOwnager]

Darkplace is truly an exception to the "if it's bad on purpose, it sucks" rule. Lots and lots of shows/movies try to be bad on purpose for a joke and it's groan worthy, but the mastery of it with Darkplace flip that on it's head. It's up there with Better Call Saul breaking the "I hate prequels" rule.

[@TheGreatAmphibian]

Buckaroo Banzai’s ears are burning…

[@Stathio]

I don't think that's a rule. There's a ton of great comedy which is 'bad on purpose' and is fantastic.

[@SlainByTheWire]

Never heard of this before. It's like a mashup of Mighty Boosh weirdness, with The Office style interviews, half the cast of The IT Crowd, with a sprinkle of The Day Today charm.

[@simonmcguire4290]

Too many classic quotes to recall but I do like 'she was like a candle in the wind, unreliable' 🤣

[@motioninart]

Fantastic hahahaha

[@WHATISUTUBE]

Instant fucking classic I have a special place in my heart for this show. I can't sing its praises enough.

[@SchrodingersDinger]

Man I am SO HAPPY this video popped up in my recommendations. It convinced me to watch this show which I would have never found otherwise. Awesome upload; I'll be back for more!

[@gilliebrand]

A shame that some people just don't get it, but I think it is a work of genius, and great acting. Thanks for sharing, and highlighting a fantastic series.

[@motioninart]

❤️

[@hrblsh]

This is great to see! I’ve been watching this show for almost 2 decades. It never stops being funny! I tell people about it, but sadly I don’t think anyone ever checks it out. The other show I like just as much is the first season of The Mighty Boosh. The Song One Track Lover is so awesome.

[@motioninart]

I get the same response and I’m also a fan of the mighty boosh. Truly Garth was ahead of its time

[@joeherschel5396]

As a child, I was watching tv late at night and flipped to adult swim at the very moment they walked in to see the eye monster having sex with the man, followed by the birth. I then turned off the tv and it terrifyingly stayed in my memory for many years as my only exposure to it. It wasn’t until I heard about it as an adult that I learned it was a comedy and watched the whole thing. Now it is one of my favorite tv shows ever.

[@StoriesFablesandGhostlyTales]

My highschool years saw me and my pals in TEARS watching this show. Bloody hilarious - the wit, the gags, the silliness, and excellent writing. And it was the first time I saw Matt Berry and Howard Moon from Mighty Boosh...such an amazing show. Perfect....just a perfect show.

[@onceagain77]

I remember when Darkplace aired on adultswim in the early 2000's. Such a great show.

[@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw]

Just like the movie galaxy quest but galaxy quest is a star trek in movie parody DARKPLACE is a in show medical drama and horror in one.

[@Turak_64]

Also in a way, because not that many people know about this show it also makes it extra special. I'm glad Garth is making a comeback with his new horror books. I went to a Q&A and got my Dark Place DVD signed. Matthew was a gent.

[@XRL7official]

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is phenonminal, always come back to it.. Great vid!

[@Briansgate]

I cannot describe how funny and genius this show is.

[@johncolon4461]

From the states, I loved the show when it aired on Adult Swim way back and everyone I've managed to sit down to watch this... creation is still quoting it over a decade later. It's even inspired some character writing. It's amazing but I guess it's good it got to bow out with 6 episodes and in top form.

[@mwright3471]

Me and my friend watched this when it was first broadcast on TV. All our friends thought it sucked. But me and my friend still quote it to this day.

[@simonhodgetts6530]

I still use the Todd Rivers finger point method (also used by Matt Berry in The Mighty Boosh) when making a, erm, point.

[@arrivalofdoom7449]

Theres so much in the "serious parody" that is spot on. I was sad that Alice Lowe wasnt in everything so to see her cast in Black Mirrors Bandersnatch was beautifully done. Richard Ayoyade is of course a tower of brilliance - the heavy synth including the beautiful credits - the level of cleverness put into the Easter Eggs -:damn and the rap- how could you forget the rap ? Plus Mighty Boosh Fielding & Barrett showing up. If you have this combined with Man to Man with Dean Lerner , its even more gold. A golden period of comedy that will not come again - this , Boosh , Nighty Nighty , Nathan Barley - i could go on ❤

[@menshevik1012]

I used to really enjoy Nathan Barley. Unfortunately the way it basically used the media as the butt of the joke meant it was always on thin ice. Some really great comic actors in that.

[@BlazingOwnager]

This show is so packed with jokes you'll never catch them all on a second, third or forth viewing. It's up there with Police Squad. And like Police Squad, I'm honestly not sure I'd go back and uncancel it. It fit the theme perfectly and every single episode is solid gold, with more seasons that could have changed or degraded.

[@jonothanthrace1530]

The best part of "One Track Lover"'s visuals for me is Thornton fumbling with the ice. It's just a perfect touch.

[@motioninart]

So subtle

[@evanthesquirrel]

One gag I never noticed until this clip show was Dr. Rick says he got attacked by a cordless iron, then a clearly visible cord is on the iron as it floats by.

[@motioninart]

I love that skit

[@zverina]

There's a book out now that extends the Marenghiverse: Garth Marenghi's TerrorTome. Doesn't quite hit the comedic heights of the series, but it's mildly amusing disposable reading. Funny how Darkplace and Police Squad! both lasted only 6 episodes. When something is too smart, it must be purged.

[@atomicsmith]

Truly one of the greatest TV comedies. The following year Channel 4 put out Nathan Barley (another 6 episode masterpiece), and then promptly canceled that. Who were the Genius/Idiots that commissioned these amazing shows, but then didn't have the foresight to keep them on???

[@motioninart]

I secretly hope Richard Ayoade cancelled himself just for the fun of it. Haven’t heard of Nathan Barley - I’ll have to check it out

[@atomicsmith]

@@motioninart Hope you like Nathan Barley. It's the I Ching of hipster culture. I think it didn't play well outside of London at the time, but now that hipster culture is omnipresent, it feels like a work of pure prophecy. (Charlie Brooker is probably the greatest prophet of our era). I've subscribed and hope to see a video on NB - even if you pan it.

[@Phildough]

Darkplace suits being only one series long. The plot of the show includes the idea that footage is limited.

[@PhilRennie]

There's a sister series to this called Man to Man with Dean Learner, a late night chat show from Dean Learner's 'playboy mansion' with Matthew Holness as a different guest each episode. If you like Darkplace you'll probably love that too.

[@gordondean9189]

Thank you for doing the lord's work in spreading the word on this absolutely fantastic comedy series. Very possibly the best written, acted and directed show ever, I watch it over and over and find new easter eggs every time. Sheer genius.

[@TheWaynos73]

Best dvd release ever. The commentaries are gold.

[@bonglandgreg]

"I'm 110% behind you, which means i can backtrack 10% and still be fully behind you. Thats how behind you i am"

[@motioninart]

Hahahaha

[@happystash]

after decades of loving these actors I'm giving it a crack, thx for the vid

[@motioninart]

❤️

[@opineshrine7650]

Can’t believe this came up on my feed am literally watching it right now. One the funniest, irreverent comedies put on tv. Just fantastic. Am howling with laughter rewatching it brilliant

[@alanbyrne9972]

So glad I caught the very first broadcast by sheer accident. Incredible show

[@JoeLigmama]

One of the only shows you can take any scene, line, frame, out of context and find humor

[@vomitus7528]

Underated show.

[@mechanicaldavid4827]

Pairs surprisingly well with Lars Von Trier's Kingdom Hospital (1997)!

[@TheWolf2225]

My friend I just want to tell you, every video you do is amazing and I wish you had more views and subscribers. Your amazing and keep up the good work!

[@motioninart]

Oh man. That’s means so much. Thank you my fellow comrade. Comments like this keep me going.

[@_Jay_Maker_]

For years, I legitimately thought this was an Adult Swim production. It has all the energy and vibe of one. Cue my astonishment at realizing that it was a real, actual show that aired on the BBC. Just hilarious to me. _Definitely_ need to add this to my collection!

[@MunkiZee]

Channel 4, which is an independent commercial channel separate from the BBC, but it was on mainstream British television yes

[@entropynme]

I absolutely love this show and everyone involved with it. I remember back in the day when I saw that Adult Swim starting airing it I was so happy. Also that song is fucking incredible, Matt Berry is an amazing musician and does a bunch of collabs with people I love like Josh Homme

[@noneed4me2n7]

Just found this a few weeks back and was so bummed it was only six episodes and some supplemental material. So entertaining and seeing Richard Aoyode as someone other than Moss was fun as well. The level they went to get that early 80s TV feel was top notch. It felt like I was watching some passed over TV gem, which for me it truly is.

[@briancoffey7369]

Thanks for making this. I couldn't disagree with anything you said.

[@motioninart]

You're too kind. Thanks for stopping by.

[@ben-zu4iq]

your KZbin channel is my favorite glad to see another video :)

[@motioninart]

I love you

[@johnathanmcgill5942]

I love this show so much I bought it in a region I can't even watch it. It's the best television series ever and I do not say that lightly.

[@spicecadet1126]

Great video. But i wanted to add a little information you missed , it wasn’t written these actors it was written by these actors. It was actually based on two stage show they did for the Edinburgh festival. Hope you check out Man to Man With Dean Learner too

[@cpuuk]

As a parody this is top of the pile. They made the behind-the-scenes at the time of the series. I was watching the BBC Exorcist behind-the-scenes (made 40 years after the release) and you can see how spot on GMD is in regards to style and reminisce- hilarious (not Exorcist, that remains scary).

[@yvehooson9262]

I loved this show and assumed I would never see it again as it never seems to get repeated... so happy to find it's on KZbin :)

[@grahamnunn8998]

I think quality of the work these people went on to do all started here. Could not believe how good it was when I first saw it.

[@peterclarke7240]

It genuinely wouldn't surprise me if the biggest joke is that the show wasn't cancelled, but that they deliberately only set out to make six episodes and then pretended it'd been cancelled to gel with its own internal mythos. This is Britain, after all. Short runs of pure genius are sort of one of the few things we do well, so it wouldn't be outlandish for the writers to go completely meta and spoof that concept as much as the idea of show about a cancelled show becoming a cancelled show.

[@simon1003]

Garth Marenghi has a book out - TerroTome and is touring the UK reading it. Got my tickets for Liverpool in Feb.

[@tonyjonesbassoonwhippet2271]

Loved this show! Me and my brother used to piss ourselves watching it😂😂 My bruv actually got me the series on DVD for Xmas many years ago.

[@szuzin]

my favourite joke from darkplace is that the monkey keeps going "yelling!" instead of making actual monkey noises lmao

[@motioninart]

Hahahaha

[@b.w.22]

It’s funny how Darkplace gets into one’s vocabulary - like the moment the Apeloid exits the hospital, I’ll say “ah - the bike” nearly everytime I see a bicycle. I’ll also say “oh no” like Thornton Reed says the moment Garth realizes the apes have taken over the hospital.

[@AFriendRemembers]

Great series! Thanks for ahaeing

[@motioninart]

❤️

[@matafuko]

I got the dvd in about 2008, I'd only seen clips on youtube before that but it was so funny. There's loads of extra interviews and stuff. I expect it's all on here now!

[@Scott-xw5kl]

This show got me through a very dark time in my life. Thanks Mr Merenghi.

[@motioninart]

❤️Hope you’re doing better buddy

[@PussInBoot414]

I miss this era of British comedy, you just can’t beat it

[@KrugerFS]

Watched it the other day, loved it. also watched Year of the Rabbit and Toast of London

[@ronchang9791]

The intro song, alone, is worthy of an award.

[@motioninart]

So good

[@motioninart]

How good

[@simplegarak]

This had 6 episodes, police squad had 6 episodes... I'm detecting a depressing pattern.

[@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw]

Is the police squad of great Britain.

[@junior602002]

@@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw No.

[@MIGUELDELLVALLE06-jv1sw]

@@junior602002 is not I thought it was the police squad of great Britain because it had 6 episode and no seasons 2 or 3 or 4 it was cancelled I think just like police squad darkplace is fell more like police squad and more like galaxy quest if is not about aliens and star trek (not the 1986 movie) and like the young ones and bottom well police squad did got a movie the naked gun (you know the one) and it's sequels darkplace don't had anything of that because it's cancelled and been forgetting in the public until 2004 when Garth marenghi show it to the public 20 year after it's was cancelled and aired on tv once again I think it was the police squad of horror British shows.

[@melvert33]

You and he were buddy's, weren't you?

[@motioninart]

So good

[@speedyspeederson]

Biggest televisual event since Quantum Leap! And I don't say that lightly! 😂

[@keithbertschin1213]

Thank You Thank You 100%

[@animeanibe]

This show is pure comedy gold. "One of the finest comedies in the history of television" is not a bold statement. It's an understatement.

[@motioninart]

❤️

[@maxiboyfm3a]

I forgot about this show, I should watch it again.

[@motioninart]

Every now and then I’ll have to rewatch it because it’s so good and holds up

[@Han_Shot_1st]

This was brilliant ! I loved the show.

[@motioninart]

So good hey

[@drmonroej4]

I only found out about this show a few years ago. I have already watched it through multiple times. It’s so great!

[@motioninart]

How good hey

[@MB-st7be]

The Devil of Christmas episode of Inside No.9 was another excellent example of 70s horror parody with its own directors commentry layered on top

[@ParkerMcgraw]

I'd love one of these for Man to Man too.

[@motioninart]

could be a video for the future :)

[@johnr.7906]

I just watched this series last week. It's on an entirely different level. You have to watch it, multiple tines....

[@therealmikebrown]

Bro, I downloaded this series as a torrent like 5 years ago without ever hearing about it. I found this and Psychoville randomly and they are fucking awesome.

[@forthrightgambitia1032]

I actually first heard of it soon after I moved into student digs at my second year at university in late 2006. Channel 4 did a re-run and I caught the first episode... one of my housemates seemed to know about it. The following summer some of the episodes had been uploaded to KZbin in 3 parts so I saw them then... strangely I remember the monkey episode only having some of the parts available and I don't remember finding the second episode until later.

[@nikyt36]

The Dean Learner talk show is also gold 😂

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Man To Man. Ep 6 with Bitch Killer is funniest! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@motioninart]

Need to get onto this

[@nigelgreen9369]

6 is a magical number in British television

[@motioninart]

How so

[@chetmanley1885]

I watched it when it aired and it wasnt broadcast again for like 10 or 15 years. Was on some 11pm, weekend edgy comedy slot, so you're the type of person thats up late but not going out. Glad I got the DVD, but you can stream it now and im glad it's gotten more popular.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

I have said many times, this show should be required viewing in film and TV production classes... :)

[@motioninart]

Agreed

[@kristaylor776]

Going to see Garth in Birmingham next Friday. Greetings, dreamweaver!

[@motioninart]

How was it

[@DeclanBurger]

Ah man this was a great show, used to love watching this and the intro song. That little one track lover song was classic haha

[@motioninart]

Such a classic. Got a favourite ep?

[@skattyopt]

I really like darkplace it was always on at random times. I could never remember what it was called so i am glad i found this, now i can rewatch it.

[@motioninart]

It’s so good

[@Paul07791]

Over here it was on Channel 4 same time every week. Great memories of obsessing over it as students.

[@Chadhogan111]

I saw "Garth Merenghi Live" last month. Matt Holness has written a few books as Garth. Just released his new one.

[@proterotype]

I wait for October to watch this every year (for two years straight)

[@motioninart]

Good man

[@chads.1726]

I love this show so much. I have watched it and its so funny and smart. Not surprising nobody got it.

[@motioninart]

I know 🥲

[@SteveThePster]

Absolutely stunning show 😂

[@motioninart]

So good hey

[@MrChuckGrape]

Dark place was one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. They ran the series in the US on Adult Swim along with episodes of look around you. It blew my mind at the time.

[@jspenny]

I was recommended this around 2005ish while I was a big fan of The Mighty Boosh. I love this show.

[@motioninart]

Great show

[@SabinMedia]

I've had this on DVD for years and tried to show friends and family it but they just don't get it. I've always loved the bike chase scene. I think there is a audio book of this on spotify. Green Wing was good at the time from Channel 4 too I think and both still crack me up.

[@stephenevans6070]

I loved it, it was brilliant, I kind of got the impression that Garth Marenghi is based on James Herbert

[@motioninart]

Who?

[@stephenevans6070]

you have the whole internet at your finger tips, look it up.

[@RunOfTheHind]

The time between the broadcast and the DVD release, many long years later, was a "dark" time for those who appreciated the show. Bootlegs eventually showed up on eBay. Man To Man With Dean Lerner was a kind-of sequel that did drop without a trace. Matt Berry's whole career is pretty much due to his Sanchez voice.

[@DissidentThoughts]

Another underviewd British comedy worth covering is Operation Good Guys which is a police mockumentary

[@yolandajones4990]

Yes! I’m a huge fan of that show too!

[@BadgerOff32]

I'm actually going to see Garth Merenghi live in November! It's gonna be awesome!

[@Kris.G]

I'm going to do the same!