Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
British government satire has dry wit and strong vocab.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
THE THICK OF IT is an award-winning British comedy centering around Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi), an aggressive and foul-mouthed director of communications who deals in crisis management for 10 Downing Street from the mismanaged offices of the Department of Social Affairs and Citizenship. Tucker's domineering ways keeps MPs like Hugh Abbot (Chris Langham) and Nicole Murray (Rebecca Front) in line with the prime minister's politics, and keeps staffers like senior minister advisor Glenn Cullen (James Smith), special advisor to the secretary of state Oliver Reeder (Chris Addison), and civil service press secretary Terri Coverley (played by Joanna Scanlan), on their toes. But as Tucker struggles to maintain his stronghold over the department, other government players, including Steve Fleming (David Haig) pose a threat to his position.
Is It Any Good?
The comedy series, which is is produced in a mock-documentary style, offers a satirical look into the world of British politics, and how British political leaders strive to control the information to make them look good in the media. The way specific political races are woven into its fictitious plot lines is also very clever.
It's entertaining, but viewers unfamiliar with British government and politics may find some of what they discuss here a bit confusing. Others may find the comedic style, which relies heavily on dry wit, very different from what they are used to. But if you are looking for a well-written and well-produced British satire, this one definitely fits the bill.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the differences between American television and shows from other countries. Why are some things considered funny in the U.S., and not in other places, and vice versa? Why can European shows feature more profanity and nudity on non-cable networks than American network television?
Also, why are American TV shows considered to be more violent than television shows from Europe? Are these differences a result of differences in culture? Or is it something else?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 19, 2005
- Cast : Chris Addison , Peter Capaldi , Rebecca Front
- Network : BBC America
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 23, 2022
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