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Home > TVing Abroad Blog > What to watch tonight: “Cunk on Earth” Episode 1 on BBC Two.

What to watch tonight: “Cunk on Earth” Episode 1 on BBC Two.

November 15, 2023
What to watch tonight: “Cunk on Earth” Episode 1 on BBC Two.

A hilarious journey through history with Philomena Cunk.

Looking for a side-splitting yet insightful take on the history of human civilization? Look no further than “Cunk on Earth”, a comedy-drama series that manages to blend humor and history seamlessly. Starring Diane Morgan as the irreverent Philomena Cunk, the show takes viewers on a whirlwind tour from prehistoric times to the present day, exploring the roots of human civilization with a satirical twist.

Cunk on Earth” is a British mockumentary TV series created by Charlie Brooker, featuring Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk, an uninformed investigative reporter. This character was previously seen on “Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe” and “Cunk on Britain.” The show, praised for Morgan’s deadpan delivery, premiered on BBC Two in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2022, garnering acclaim from critics.

The premise.

“Cunk on Earth” kicks off its journey with Episode 1: “In the Beginnings” at 23:00 CEST, on BBC Two. In this hilarious TV show, Philomena Cunk delves into the records of history, covering everything from the formation of the earliest societies to the present day. The episode takes the form of a spoof documentary, reminiscent of “landmark” TV documentaries, where presenters gravely pace among ancient ruins or illuminate cave paintings with a torch.

In the opening episode, Philomena Cunk fearlessly navigates caves and conquers mountains in her quest to unveil humanity’s first moments. Guided by a cast of diverse experts, she tackles the agricultural revolution, the origins of societies, and significant historical figures with her signature cluelessness.

From attributing the adoption of plant-based diets to humans’ inability to outrun their leafy meals to labeling Julius Caesar as “the most notorious Roman until Polanski,” Cunk’s deadpan delivery and nonsensical commentary make for sublimely silly moments. The genius lies in the deadpan encounters where academic experts earnestly respond to Cunk’s absurd questions, creating a perfect blend of comedy and historical insights.

Diane Morgan’s triumph.

Diane Morgan shines in her role as Philomena Cunk, the clueless sage with a penchant for delivering profound-sounding yet utterly nonsensical statements. Morgan’s comedic timing and delivery elevate the show, making it a laugh-out-loud experience for viewers. The broader canvas of “Cunk on Earth” allows Morgan to showcase her comedic range, creating a character that is both endearing and hilarious.

A satirical masterpiece.

“Cunk on Earth” stands out as a satirical masterpiece that doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the conventions of traditional documentaries. The series cleverly subverts the genre, offering a fresh and comical perspective on historical storytelling. It invites viewers to laugh at the quirks and eccentricities of historical figures and events, all while subtly delivering historical nuggets wrapped in humor.

“Cunk on Earth” Season 1 is a must-watch for anyone seeking a light-hearted yet informative journey through history. Diane Morgan’s Philomena Cunk is a comedic force to be reckoned with, turning what could have been a dry historical account into a hilarious exploration of the past. So, if you’re pondering what to watch tonight, make it “Cunk on Earth” – a laugh-out-loud experience that will leave you both entertained and surprisingly well-versed in the absurdities of human history.

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