Douglas is Cancelled Viewers Share Their Complaint About the Drama

What did you miss?

Viewers of Douglas is Cancelled have complained about not being able to watch the show’s final episode.

Hugh Bonneville, Karen Gillan and Alex Kingstons star in ITV’s new comedy-drama about the powers of cancel culture, social media and the world of celebrity. The high-profile series proved popular after its first episode aired in late June, but as the second part aired on election night, viewers complained about the “chaotic” plot.

What, how and why?

Bonneville plays a TV news presenter whose career is in jeopardy after he is overheard on Twitter telling a “sexist joke” at a wedding. The comedy-drama is written by former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat and also stars Gillan as his co-presenter Madeline and ER star Kingston as his wife, who is also a newspaper editor. Ted Lasso’s Nick Mohammed, The Death of Stalin’s Simon Russell Beale and Coupling actor Ben Miles are also in the cast.

The second episode began with a flashback to a year before the joke controversy, exploring Douglas’ wife’s suspicions about his close relationship with his colleague Madeline. It ended with Madeline helping Douglas prepare for a Newsnight interview and ended on a cliffhanger when Madeline accused: “It wasn’t a joke, it was a story about me.”

What did the viewers say?

Viewers said that the second episode disappointed them compared to the first and that they did not understand what was happening.

One writer wrote on social media platform X: “I’m really sticking with #DouglasIsCancelled because it should be good but this second episode just seems chaotic and boring and I don’t like a single character in it.” Another said: “#DouglasIsCancelled sorry I gave episode 2 a chance; 15 minutes in it’s so annoying. The script is horrible and condescending. Too bad it’s impacting the acting!” A third posted: “#DouglasIsCancelled and they should try giving episode 2 a chance. I shot 30 minutes and I won’t go back. Badly acted. Badly scripted. No empathy for the characters. Definitely not funny. Boring, unbelievable.” And another shared: “#DouglasIsCancelled is entertaining but it doesn’t make much sense.”

But Madeline’s character has proven popular with some viewers. One commenter commented: “Karen Gillan has amazing one-liners and is always stunning, I love her wardrobe #DouglasIsCancelled” And another said: “Yes! One of us is hot. And one of us is smart. And, unfortunately, they’re both me! #DouglasIsCancelled is fabulous writing!”

Viewers are still eagerly waiting for the show to reveal what the joke that caused the scandal really was.

Douglas is Cancelled airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Thursdays and is available to stream on ITVX.

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