ITV viewers divided over ‘infuriating’ new series Douglas is Cancelled

ITV viewers have dished out their opinions on the new series Douglas is Cancelled (Picture: Sally Mais)

ITV viewers are at loggerheads after tuning into the new series Douglas is Cancelled.

The four-part drama created by Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Sherlock) stars Hugh Bonneville as Douglas Bellowes, a widely respected news anchor who presents the fictional programme Live at Six alongside Madeline Crow, played by Karen Gillan.

However, he faces a possible career-ending mistake after an anonymous social media account shares that they overheard him making a sexist joke at a wedding, setting in motion an online media storm which Douglas and those around him must then attempt to get a hold on.

In an exchange with his producer Toby (Ben Miles) as they try and control the narrative, Douglas is reminded that in order to avoid scandal while having a public profile, he must be ‘balanced, boring and bland’.

However some viewers have been left feeling bored of the series itself, with some saying they wouldn’t be watching beyond the first episode.

‘I’ve endured 30 mins of Douglas is Cancelled and I can bear no more! The only thing that needs cancelling is this show from what I can tell. The constant quick-fire back & forth whilst not actually saying a thing or having a point is infuriating,’ user JJ posted on X.

It stars Hugh Bonneville as a news presenter who finds himself in hot water (Picture: Sally Mais)

‘I love Stephen Moffat but I’m bored. Is it a play? Why hasn’t someone murdered the ghastly Claudia. Do I even care about the sexist joke. Maybe if this had been made ten years ago…Then again, I’ve only made it to halfway through ep 2, it might get better,’ Emily Thomas shared.

‘Given up and was looking forward to it. In fact I have cancelled,’ Deb added.

But one person who had watched the entire series praised what they’d seen.

‘I watched all of Douglas is Cancelled on ITVX earlier today as I just couldn’t wait to see it and I was pleased with what I viewed. Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan sparkle with on-screen chemistry. Incredibly well cast show & well written Steven Moffat,’ they posted.

Producer Toby (Ben Miles) tries to minimise the fallout (Picture: Sally Mais)

Their sentiment was also echoed by many others.

‘Absorbed all 4 episodes of #DouglasIsCancelled this evening. Moffat at his sassy and witty best,’ user AdamAfterDark shared.

‘I loved it. Actually laughed out loud a couple of times,’ Jennifer added.

Meanwhile Marnie said it was ‘pretty bloody brilliant’.

‘Such sharply written, quick witted dialogue with a great cast including Hugh Bonneville, Ben Miles, Alex Kingston and Karen Gillan who can give a look that holds such undertones. I’m prob going to binge, aren’t I? Thought so,’ she added.

Viewers were divided in their assessments of the series (Picture: X)

This person said the show appeared to be ‘promising’ (Picture: X)

However this one said Hugh couldn’t convince them to stay watching (Picture: X)

Another said the show ‘felt off’ (Picture: X)

But this fan said it was their favourite series since Mr Bates vs. The Post Office (Picture: X)

Others might be giving it another chance (Picture: X)

Douglas is Cancelled also stars Alex Kingston as the titular character’s wife Sheila, Simon Russell Beale as his agent Bentley, Ben Miles as producer Toby Patterson, Madeleine Power as his daughter Claudia and Nick Mohammed as comedy writer Morgan.

Douglas is Cancelled is streaming on ITVX.

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