The series stars Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan as hosts of current affairs TV show.
Writer Steven Moffat’s new show, described as a “dramedy” by Variety, promises a mini-reunion for his Doctor Who era. Hugh Bonneville, co-stars with Karen Gillan (Amy Pond) and Alex Kingston (River Song).
Douglas is Cancelled tells the story of a middle aged and widely-respected television presenter who falls afoul of social media.
Here’s the synopsis:
Douglas lives a perfect life. He enjoys his privileged status as national treasure and host of current affairs show “Live at Six” while off-air he shares a harmonious home with wife Sheila, a newspaper editor.
But their world is turned upside down when, at a family wedding, he’s overheard making an “ill-advised joke.” As a guest threatens to expose Douglas on social media the rumour mill goes into overdrive and sparks off a digital storm that quickly upends his life and career. With her 2 million social media followers, tech-savvy co-anchor Madeline could throw Douglas a lifeline by posting in his defence … but will she?
The show’s ensemble also includes Ben Miles (Hijack), Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) and Simon Russell Beale. Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners) directs.
Steven Moffat introduced the show via Instagram in his usual amusing style…
Steven Moffat said:
“I just sat down and wrote this. Didn’t even tell anyone what I was doing. And now it’s all happening, thanks to the amazing Sue Vertue (renowned TV producer and in a rare moment of weakness, my wife). I can’t quite believe we’ve managed to get the mighty Hugh Bonneville involved as Douglas and that we’ve lured my old friend Karen Gillan back from Hollywood to play Madeline.”
Karen Gillian said:
“To torment a man, let alone a man named Douglas, for four episodes — armed with the writing of Steven Moffat — is a great privilege that I’m going to enjoy every minute of.”
Hugh Bonneville said:
“Working again with a director like Ben, on Steven’s acidly witty script, with an ensemble of this calibre, is as daunting as it is exciting.”
The show comes from Hartswood Films in association with SkyShowtime and BBC Studios Distribution. Moffat executive produces alongside Sue Vertue for Hartswood. The producer is Lawrence Till (Silent Witness).
Production has just begun in London. We’ll keep you posted.