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

ITV viewers are at loggerheads after watching new series Douglas is Canceled.

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

However, he faces a mistake that could end his career after an anonymous social media account shared that they heard him make a sexist joke at a wedding, sparking an online media storm which Douglas and his entourage must then try to control.

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

However, some viewers grew tired of the series itself, with some saying they wouldn’t watch beyond the first episode.

“I’ve sat through 30 minutes of Douglas is Canceled and I can’t take it anymore! The only thing that needs to be canceled is this show, from what I can tell. The constant back and forth without saying anything or having a reason is infuriating,” posted user JJ on X.

“I love Stephen Moffat but I’m bored. Is this a play? Why didn’t anyone murder the terrible Claudia? Do I really care about the sexist joke? Maybe if this had been made ten years ago… But hey, I’ve only read half of episode 2, it might be better,” shared Emily Thomas.

“I had given up and was looking forward to it. I actually canceled,” Deb added.

But one person who had watched the entire series praised what he had seen.

“I watched the whole of Douglas is Cancelled on ITVX earlier today as I was looking forward to it and was pleased with what I saw. Hugh Bonneville and Karen Gillan shine with their on-screen chemistry. Incredibly well acted and well written series by Steven Moffat,” they posted.

Their sentiment was also shared by many other people.

“Watched all 4 episodes of #DouglasIsCancelled tonight. Moffat at his sassy and witty best,” shared user AdamAfterDark.

” I loved. I even laughed out loud a few times,” Jennifer added.

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Meanwhile, Marnie said it was “really great”.

“A very incisive script, witty dialogue, with a terrific cast, including Hugh Bonneville, Ben Miles, Alex Kingston and Karen Gillan, who can deliver a look that has such nuance. I’ll probably binge, right? That’s what I thought,” she added.

Douglas is Canceled also stars Alex Kingston as the title 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 comedian Morgan.

Douglas Is Canceled airs on ITVX.

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