Shows Like Pandemonium (2020)

Alison Steadman, Jack Christou, Jim Howick, Katherine Parkinson, Tom Basden, and Freya Parks in Pandemonium (2020)

7.2 / 10 (based on 955 reviews)

The Jessops decide to boost family morale by going on a summer holiday – in October.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Katherine Parkinson, Jim Howick, Freya Parks, Tom Basden
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1 season, 1 episode

Shows Most Like Pandemonium (2020)

Semi-Detached (2019)

Lee Mack in Semi-Detached (2019)

6.2 / 10 (based on 460 reviews)

Real-time sitcom following the hapless Stuart struggling between his new family and ex-wife, who lives across the road

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Lee Mack, Patrick Baladi, Neil Fitzmaurice, Sarah Hoare
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1 season, 7 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime

Mandy (2019)

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7.2 / 10 (based on 1644 reviews)

A woman becomes obsessed with a sofa she has seen in a shop window. Unable to think of anything else, she goes to desperate lengths to possess the furniture of her dreams.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Diane Morgan, Michelle Greenidge, Michael Spicer, Alistair Green
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2 seasons, 14 episodes, 15.0-minute runtime

Out of Her Mind (2020)

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6 / 10 (based on 508 reviews)

Exploring heartbreak, family and how to survive them.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Sara Pascoe, Juliet Stevenson, Fiona Button, Tom Stuart
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1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime

Defending the Guilty (2018)

Katherine Parkinson and Will Sharpe in Defending the Guilty (2018)

7.1 / 10 (based on 929 reviews)

An idealistic, young barrister is shown the ropes by a worldly mentor.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Hugh Coles, Will Sharpe, Katherine Parkinson, Gwyneth Keyworth
Creators: Alex McBride, Kieron Quirke
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1 season, 7 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime

Quacks (2017)

Quacks (2017)

7.7 / 10 (based on 1345 reviews)

In Victorian London four pioneers, friends, and rivals fighting to make a mark on the world and save lives.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Rory Kinnear, Tom Basden, Mathew Baynton, Lydia Leonard
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1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime

Back (2017)

David Mitchell and Robert Webb in Back (2017)

7.3 / 10 (based on 3267 reviews)

Sitcom following estranged foster-brothers Stephen and Andrew as they vow to take over the family business following the death of their father.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Main Cast: David Mitchell, Robert Webb, Louise Brealey, Penny Downie
Creators: Simon Blackwell
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2 seasons, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime

Housebound (2020)

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7.7 / 10 (based on 7 reviews)

Brits living under lockdown.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Karen Ascoe, Kenneth Collard, Vincenzo Nicoli, Pearce Quigley
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1 season, 14 episodes, 10.0-minute runtime

Murder, They Hope (2021)

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6.4 / 10 (based on 443 reviews)

Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson return to Gold’s whodunit comedy caper for a new three-part original series from the minds behind Murder on the Blackpool Express, Death on the Tyne and Dial M for Middlesbrough.

Genre: Comedy, Mystery

Main Cast: Sian Gibson, Shobna Gulati, Sarah Hadland, Johnny Vegas
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1 season, 3 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime

Two Doors Down (2016)

Alex Norton and Arabella Weir in Two Doors Down (2016)

8 / 10 (based on 1742 reviews)

Comedy centered around a couple and their insufferable neighbors.

Genre: Comedy

Main Cast: Arabella Weir, Alex Norton, Jonathan Watson, Elaine C. Smith
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5 seasons, 32 episodes, 28.0-minute runtime


In the world of television, where genres mix and originality often takes a backseat to tried and tested formulas, there emerges a show like “Pandemonium” (2020) that demands attention. This show, with its unique blend of mystery, drama, and supernatural elements, not only captivates its audience but also leaves them pondering the intricacies of its narrative long after the credits roll.

The Premise

At its core, “Pandemonium” is a story about chaos. Not just the physical chaos of a world turned upside down by a series of unexplainable events, but also the emotional and psychological turmoil that such events inflict on its characters. The show kicks off with a small, seemingly insignificant event that spirals out of control, affecting the lives of its characters in profound ways. This domino effect of disaster and the characters’ attempts to navigate through it is what makes “Pandemonium” stand out.

Characters and Development

The strength of “Pandemonium” lies in its characters. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their own backstories, motivations, and flaws. As the series progresses, the characters evolve in response to the challenges they face, making their journey both compelling and relatable.

The Reluctant Hero

Take, for example, the protagonist. Initially, they are portrayed as an average individual, someone you wouldn’t look twice at. However, as the chaos unfolds, they are thrust into the role of a hero, albeit reluctantly. Their development from an ordinary person to a central figure in resolving the crisis forms the backbone of the series.

The Antagonist

On the flip side, the antagonist of “Pandemonium” is not your typical villain. Their motives are complex, and as the story unfolds, we see glimpses of humanity in them. This blurring of moral lines makes the conflict in “Pandemonium” all the more intriguing.

Themes and Messages

“Pandemonium” is rich with themes and messages that resonate with its audience. At its heart, it explores the idea of chaos, both external and internal, and the human capacity to adapt and overcome. It delves into questions of morality, the nature of heroism, and the impact of our choices.

Chaos and Order

The show masterfully illustrates how chaos is not always destructive; sometimes, it’s a catalyst for change, pushing characters to grow and adapt. This theme is woven throughout the narrative, challenging the viewers’ perceptions of order and chaos.

The Gray Area of Morality

“Pandemonium” also tackles the complexity of morality. It shows that good and evil are not always black and white. Through its characters and their decisions, the show encourages viewers to think about the moral implications of their actions in a world where the right choice is not always clear.

Narrative Structure and Pacing

One of the most remarkable aspects of “Pandemonium” is its narrative structure and pacing. The show knows exactly when to ramp up the tension and when to give its audience a moment to breathe. This careful balancing act ensures that viewers are always on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next.

Flashbacks and Foreshadowing

The use of flashbacks and foreshadowing is particularly effective in “Pandemonium.” These narrative tools are used not just for exposition but to add layers to the story, revealing information in a way that is both engaging and suspenseful.

Visual and Sound Design

The visual and sound design of “Pandemonium” deserves special mention. The show’s creators have crafted a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly, a place where the extraordinary has become the norm. The use of color, lighting, and camera angles all contribute to the show’s unique atmosphere.

The sound design, too, plays a crucial role in building tension and enhancing the mood. The score is both haunting and beautiful, underscoring the emotional depth of the narrative.

Conclusion

“Pandemonium” is a show that defies easy categorization. It’s a blend of genres, a mix of the familiar and the innovative. Its strength lies in its characters, its themes, and its storytelling. For those looking for a series that offers more than just entertainment, “Pandemonium” is a must-watch. It’s a show that not only entertains but also provokes thought and discussion, long after the screen goes dark.

In a television landscape often criticized for its lack of originality, “Pandemonium” stands out as a beacon of creativity. It’s a reminder that, even in the most chaotic of times, there’s always room for stories that challenge, entertain, and inspire.

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