BritBox to Debate Whether 'Douglas Is Cancelled'
Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan in "Douglas Is Cancelled"
(Photo: Courtesy of BritBox)
BritBox has snapped up the buzzy ITV comedy drama Douglas Is Cancelled for its spring line-up, the latest project from former Doctor Who and Sherlock showrunner Steven Moffat, which aims to explore sexism, professional gender politics, social media, and cancel culture. It arrives at a timely moment when it seems worth asking what "getting canceled" even means anymore, and while your mileage will almost certainly vary about whether Moffat is the right person to tackle this topic. But the strong reviews and audience response to this series in the U.K. indicate that this show is more than initially meets the eye.
Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) stars as the eponymous Douglas Bellowes, an established broadcaster and host of a popular news program. Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy) plays his younger, more technologically savvy co-host, Madeline, whose social media skills he desperately needs after Douglas makes a controversial joke at a wedding that's overheard — and posted online — by another guest.
As the fallout worsens and the digital hottakes pile up, Douglas finds his life and career turned upside down. Will Madeline help rehabilitate his reputation? Or is it time for him to finally face some accountability for his actions?
Douglas Is Cancelled presents a fascinating reunion for Bonneville, Gillan, and Moffat. Gillan portrayed Amy Pond, the Eleventh Doctor's companion, during Moffat's time as showrunner of Doctor Who from Season 5 to Season 7. Bonneville appeared in the Season 6 pirate adventure "The Curse of the Black Spot."
Hugh Bonneville in "Douglas Is Cancelled"
(Photo: Courtesy of BritBox)
Here's the series' logline.
National treasure news presenter Douglas Bellowes tells a sexist joke at a wedding - will his career survive? And is anyone, at home or at the office really on his side?
Alongside Bonneville and Gillan, the series' impressive ensemble includes Ben Miles (Hijack), Alex Kingston (A Discovery of Witches), Nick Mohammed (Renegade Nell), and Simon Russell Beale (House of the Dragon).
“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)," Moffat said when the series was first announced. "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. And if that’s not enough, we’ve got Ben Miles, Alex Kingston, Nick Mohammed, and Simon Russell Beale. It’s the kind of cast that makes you terrified about stepping into the room.”
The four-part series is written by Moffat, who executive produces alongside his wife, Sue Vertue (Inside Man). Ben Palmer (The Inbetweeners) directs the series, with Lawrence Till (Silent Witness) as a producer. The series is produced by Hartswood Films (The Time Traveler’s Wife) in association with SkyShowtime and BBC Studios Distribution.
Douglas Is Cancelled will premiere on BritBox on Thursday, March 6, 2025, and stream two episodes a week on Thursdays through the end of the month.
