In a year packed with streaming hits, one comedy has quietly become the must-watch for fans of absurd, cringe-inducing humor—but you might not be able to see it. Make That Movie, the brainchild of Australian comedian Sam Campbell and Saturday Night Live UK writer Paddy Young, has been hailed by The Guardian as "the funniest TV show of the entire year." Yet, for American audiences, it's nearly impossible to stream. That's a shame, because this six-episode gem has all the makings of a franchise that could rival the biggest comedy names in the business.
A Simple Premise, Endless Laughs
The show follows a fictionalized Sam Campbell, a once-hotshot movie director now scouring the UK for everyday people with big-screen dreams. Each episode, Sam and his eccentric team—including an awkwardly rich intimacy director played by Aaron Chen—meet an ordinary person with a wild movie idea and try to bring it to life. The results are gloriously unhinged, from a heist thriller where a couple can turn into snakes (but only one at a time) to casting printing-center workers as actors. It's a mockumentary that packs more inventive jokes into six episodes than most sitcoms manage in a full season.
A Comedy That Deserves a Bigger Stage
Fans of Tim Robinson's chaotic sketches or Nathan Fielder's social experiments will feel right at home. Make That Movie shares that same fearless, cringe-comedy DNA, turning awkward silences and absurd premises into comedic gold. But here's the kicker: the show is only available on Channel 4 in the UK and HBO Max in Australia. According to FlixPatrol, it's already climbing the charts Down Under, hitting #5 on the streaming service. Imagine what it could do with a global release.
Why It Should Be a Movie Series
The show's format is practically begging for a big-screen adaptation. Each episode is essentially a mini-movie, complete with its own genre spoofs and behind-the-scenes chaos. A Make That Movie film series could take that concept to the next level, giving Campbell and his team a bigger budget to create even more outrageous productions. Think This Is Spinal Tap meets The Rehearsal, but with a feature-length canvas. The potential for cameos, meta-humor, and cinematic parodies is endless.
Critical Acclaim, Limited Reach
Critics are already singing its praises. The Guardian's Stuart Heritage wrote, "This show is a celebration, not just of bad films in all their various forms, but of comedy as an art form." However, not everyone is on board. Some reviewers note that the show's irreverence might not win over newcomers if they're not already fans of Campbell's unique style. But for those who appreciate the weird and wonderful, it's a treasure.
The Case for a Global Release
It's frustrating to see a show this good trapped in a limited release. In an era where quirky comedies can become global phenomena, Make That Movie deserves its shot. Whether it's a streaming deal or a theatrical run, the show's blend of cringe comedy and heartfelt moments could resonate with audiences worldwide. And if a movie series is in the cards, now's the time to strike while the iron is hot.
Until then, international viewers can only hope that HBO Max or another platform picks up the rights. Because a comedy this funny shouldn't be kept under wraps. It's time to let Make That Movie make its mark on the world.
