In a landscape cluttered with reboots, sequels, and live-action remakes, a truly original comedy is a rare gem. Enter Make That Movie, a six-episode absurdist series from Australian comedian Sam Campbell and writer Paddy Young. Premiering on HBO Max on May 28, 2026, the show has already been dubbed “the funniest TV show of the entire year” by The Guardian. But there’s a catch: it’s only available in Australia and the UK, leaving American audiences—and fans of cringe comedy icons like Tim Robinson and Nathan Fielder—unable to stream it.
What Is 'Make That Movie' About?
The premise is deceptively simple: Campbell plays a fictionalized version of himself, a once-hotshot movie director now traveling across the UK to find everyday people with big film ideas. In each episode, he and his eccentric team—including an awkwardly wealthy intimacy director played by Aaron Chen—help a regular person bring their movie vision to life. The results are hilariously chaotic, from a heist thriller where a couple can turn into snakes (but only one at a time) to a project that requires live snakes and a printing center staff turned actors.
The mockumentary format allows the comedy to breathe, packing more inventive jokes into six episodes than most sitcoms manage in an entire run. Whether it’s the clueless idea-starters who know nothing about filmmaking or Campbell’s own bizarre crew, the series delivers nonstop laughs.
Critical Acclaim—But Limited Reach
Critics are raving. The Guardian’s Stuart Heritage called it “a celebration, not just of bad films in all their various forms, but of comedy as an artform.” However, the show’s limited release is a major frustration. While it’s surging on streaming charts in Australia—hitting #5 on FlixPatrol—it’s unavailable in the U.S. This is especially galling given the global success of similar cringe comedies like I Think You Should Leave on Netflix and Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal on HBO. Both shows found cult followings by putting non-actors in absurd scenarios, a formula Make That Movie nails.
Not every review is glowing, though. Some critics note that the show’s irreverent humor may only resonate with existing fans of Campbell, known for his work on Taskmaster and Last One Laughing. “It’s unlikely to win you over if Campbell’s comedy hasn’t already,” one Rotten Tomatoes review warns.
Why American Viewers Should Care
For fans of the most flawless comedy series of the past decade, Make That Movie feels like a missing puzzle piece. Its blend of cringe humor, inventive premises, and genuine warmth echoes the best of the genre. The show also stars Lara Ricote, Helen Bauer, and David Hargreaves, adding to its quirky charm.
As streaming services continue to fragment content globally, Make That Movie is a prime example of a great show trapped by licensing deals. Here’s hoping a wider release—perhaps on a platform like Netflix or Hulu—will soon bring this comedic gem to American shores. Until then, U.S. viewers can only dream of the snake-heist comedy they’re missing.
For now, the show’s limited run is a reminder that sometimes the best comedy is the hardest to find. But if the buzz is any indication, Make That Movie won’t stay hidden for long.
