7.5 / 10 (based on 68 reviews)
Comedy drama following a group of journalists reporting on a small African war for BBC News At Ten
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Martin Jarvis, Doon Mackichan, Bruce Mackinnon, Joanna Brookes
Creators: Sandra Jones, Jon Rolph, Tira Shubart
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 7 episodes
Shows Most Like Taking the Flak (2009)
Zomboat! (2019)
7 / 10 (based on 2001 reviews)
A Zombie apocalypse is unleashed in Birmingham and sisters Kat and Jo, together with unlikely travel companions Sunny and Amar must flee for their lives…by canal boat.
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Leah Brotherhead, Ryan McKen, Hamza Jeetooa, Cara Theobold
Creators: William Hartley, Adam Miller
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Hang Ups (2018)
6.4 / 10 (based on 901 reviews)
After the collapse of his previous group therapy practice, Richard is no longer able to conduct the traditional 50-minute sessions most therapists have with their patients. Instead, he’s developed a new form of therapy – weekly quick-fire sessions with his patients which take place online, through a webcam. The few patients on his list present a hilarious and outrageous catalogue of neuroses, phobias, issues, anxieties and psychopathies, but even these short sessions, where he’s confronted by everything from the sublime to the ridiculous, are not his greatest challenge. His patience and temperament are stretched to their limit by the daily interruptions of a demanding extended family, errant teenagers and his own trouble-filled past.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Stephen Mangan, Bebe Cave, Fionn O’Shea, Karl Theobald
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Manhattan (2014)
7.7 / 10 (based on 8844 reviews)
In 1943, in Los Alamos, New Mexico, a team of government scientists is working on the top secret Manhattan Project in a race to produce an atomic bomb before the Nazis. Meanwhile, their families adjust to a life on the military base.
Genre: Drama, History, War
Main Cast: Rachel Brosnahan, Michael Chernus, Christopher Denham, Katja Herbers
Creators: Sam Shaw
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 23 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
Stath Lets Flats (2018)
7.6 / 10 (based on 4268 reviews)
Comedy following incompetent Greek-Cypriot lettings agent Stath who works for the family business Michael and Eagle.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Jamie Demetriou, Al Roberts, Natasia Demetriou, Kiell Smith-Bynoe
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 19 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Marcella (2016)
7.4 / 10 (based on 33301 reviews)
Marcella Backland left the Metropolitan Police for the sake of her family, only to have her husband leave her. She returns to her job on the murder squad, investigating a case that seems disturbingly familiar to her.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Anna Friel, Ray Panthaki, Jack Doolan, Jamie Bamber
Creators: Hans Rosenfeldt, Nicola Larder
Directors:
Writers:
3 seasons, 24 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Brave New World (2020)
7 / 10 (based on 15541 reviews)
In a utopia whose perfection hinges upon control of monogamy and privacy, members of the collective begin to question the rules, putting their regimented society on a collision course with forbidden love and revolution.
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Jessica Brown Findlay, Harry Lloyd, Nina Sosanya
Creators: Grant Morrison, Brian Taylor, David Wiener
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes, 415.0-minute runtime
In 2009, the BBC introduced a satirical comedy series that took a unique approach to depicting the world of war journalism. Titled “Taking the Flak,” this show offers a blend of humor and drama, set against the backdrop of a fictional African country embroiled in civil war. The series dives deep into the lives of journalists, cameramen, and producers as they navigate the chaotic and often absurd world of reporting from a war zone.
The Premise
“Taking the Flak” focuses on the team of a British news broadcaster, covering the conflict in the fictional African country of Karibu. The central character, Harry Chambers, played by Martin Jarvis, is a seasoned correspondent who finds himself competing with younger, more ambitious reporters. Alongside him is the resourceful and unflappable producer, Jane Thomason (Doon Mackichan), and the enthusiastic but inexperienced reporter, Grace (Joanna Brookes). The show cleverly uses the setting of a war-torn country to explore the absurdities of media coverage, the complexities of international reporting, and the personal dynamics among the news team.
Why It Stands Out
At first glance, “Taking the Flak” might seem like just another comedy. However, it distinguishes itself through its sharp satire and the way it handles the subject matter. Few shows manage to balance humor with the grim realities of war, but “Taking the Flak” does so masterfully. It pokes fun at the media circus that can surround war reporting, the often surreal juxtaposition of everyday life with the horrors of conflict, and the bizarre scenarios journalists find themselves in.
The Satire
One of the show’s strongest points is its satirical edge. It doesn’t just lampoon the obvious targets – ambitious reporters, cynical producers, and the chaos of war – but also delves into the more subtle absurdities of the media industry. For example, the series highlights the obsession with ratings and how it can lead to questionable journalistic practices, such as staging news segments for more dramatic effect.
Character Dynamics
Another aspect that makes “Taking the Flak” compelling is the dynamic among its characters. The show does an excellent job of developing its characters beyond their professional roles, giving viewers a glimpse into their personal struggles, ambitions, and quirks. The rivalry between Harry and his younger counterparts provides both tension and comedy, while the relationship between Jane and her team adds depth to the narrative.
Memorable Episodes and Scenes
Throughout its seven-episode run, “Taking the Flak” delivered numerous memorable moments. One standout episode involves the team attempting to interview a local warlord, showcasing the lengths journalists go to for a story, and the often unpredictable nature of such endeavors. Another notable scene is when the crew, in a rush to broadcast a live report amidst gunfire, accidentally captures a soldier relieving himself in the background – a humorous yet poignant commentary on the clash between the gravity of war and the trivialities of live television.
The Impact and Legacy
Though “Taking the Flak” had a relatively short run, its impact and legacy are noteworthy. It offered a rare glimpse into the world of war reporting, a topic that, despite its importance, is seldom explored in television comedy. The show provided not only entertainment but also a critical reflection on the media’s role in war, the ethical dilemmas journalists face, and the human element behind the news.
Critical Reception
Critically, “Taking the Flak” received mixed reviews. Some praised its witty writing, strong performances, and originality, while others felt it sometimes struggled to balance its comedic and dramatic elements. Regardless of these differing opinions, the show has maintained a dedicated fanbase that appreciates its unique approach to satire and storytelling.
Influence on Other Shows
While it’s hard to measure the direct influence of “Taking the Flak” on subsequent television shows, its unique blend of comedy, drama, and satire set a precedent for exploring serious themes through a humorous lens. It showed that comedy could be a powerful tool for critiquing and reflecting on the complexities of modern journalism and the absurdities of the media landscape.
Conclusion
“Taking the Flak” is a hidden gem in the realm of television comedy. Its clever satire, engaging characters, and unique setting make it a standout show that deserves more recognition. By tackling the serious subject of war reporting with humor and sensitivity, it offers viewers a refreshing perspective on the media industry and the often chaotic world of international news. For those who appreciate sharp wit and insightful commentary, “Taking the Flak” is a must-watch series that proves comedy can be both entertaining and thought-provoking.