Living the Dream (British TV series)

Last updated

Living the Dream
GenreComedy drama
Created by Mick Ford
Written byMick Ford
Jimmy Dowdall (2 episodes)
Jamoe Franser (2 episodes)
Directed byPhilippa Langdale (3 episodes)
Saul Metzstein (3 episodes)
Anthony Philipson (2 episodes)
Starring
ComposerOli Julian
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes12
Production
Executive producers
ProducerJames Dean
Running time50 minutes (including adverts)
Production company Big Talk Productions
Original release
Network Sky One
Release2 November 2017 (2017-11-02) 
12 February 2019 (2019-02-12)

Living the Dream is a British comedy drama series that first aired on 2 November 2017 on Sky One. The series centres around the Pemberton family, who move from Yorkshire to Florida. [1]

Contents

Cast

Episodes

Series 1 (2017)

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions) [2]
11"Adults Only" Saul Metzstein Mick Ford 2 November 2017 (2017-11-02)N/A
When the Pemberton family swap Yorkshire for a new life in Florida they take on the running of a trailer park, but find the eccentric residents are not keen on their planned changes.
22"Gators for Cougars" Saul Metzstein Mick Ford 9 November 2017 (2017-11-09)0.63
The Pembertons have not got life in Florida off to the best of starts. Mal tries to keep the peace with the bullying Troy, Tina and Freddie struggle to get to grips with High School and Rhonda invites Jen to lunch.
33"True Love Waits" Saul Metzstein Mick Ford 16 November 2017 (2017-11-16)0.64
The park's septic tank explodes and Mal and Jen are forced to turn to the only sewage expert around: Mayor Herman Bloch.
44"Krakatoa"Philippa LangdaleMick Ford23 November 2017 (2017-11-23)N/A
Pemberton sees an opportunity when Troy's arch rival from his wrestling days challenges him to a grudge match in his RV park.
55"Blind Test"Philippa Langdale Mick Ford 30 November 2017 (2017-11-30)N/A
Due to a mistake by Mal, Jen's overcritical mother Maureen arrives in Florida 3 weeks early. Mal and Freddie come up with a money-making scheme - hosting an unusual wedding.
66"Snake in the Grass"Philippa Langdale Mick Ford 7 December 2017 (2017-12-07)N/A
Following the success of the wedding, Mal and Jen splash out on a makeover of the park and a local TV advert. Then they receive a letter from a lawyer that prompts Mal to seek out the co-owner of the park.

Series 2 (2019)

No.
overall
No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions)
11"Steak Out" Saul Metzstein Jimmy Dowdall8 January 2019 (2019-01-08)N/A
An attempted burglary prompts Mal to buy a gun behind Jen's back. There are some very dodgy brownies on offer when they visit their new neighbours. Tina tries to find a way to dump Conan and Freddie falls for he class bad girl.
22"Visa Tambien" Saul Metzstein Jamie Fraser15 January 2019 (2019-01-15)N/A
Visa problems force Mal to fire Jen putting a strain on their relationship. With too much free time on her hands Jen begins to worry that Freddie may be dealing drugs. Tina and Herman plot Conan's future.
33"The British Method"Saul MetzsteinJacquetta May22 January 2019 (2019-01-22)N/A
New employee Stacee ruffles a few feathers by making big changes at the RV park. Jen restarts her sports physio career working for a star golfer. Mal and new resident Marvin get into trouble when they go hunting wild boar.
44"Pickled Eggs"Anthony PhilipsonJimmy Dowdall29 January 2019 (2019-01-29)N/A
Mal is having a crisis of masculinity as he approaches 50. The park residents try to help with an ancient ceremony, while his family plan a surprise party. Tina is on the trail of a student putting on an illegal rave.
55"Awards Season"Anthony PhilipsonPerrie Balthazar & Jamie Fraser5 February 2019 (2019-02-05)N/A
It's the RV Park of the year awards and Kissimmee Sunshine could win Best Park. Mal is certain the judges are staying in the park and everyone is a suspect. Larissa suggests Jen should bring TJ to the awards ceremony.
66"Endangered Species"Anthony PhilipsonJamie Fraser12 February 2019 (2019-02-12)N/A
Mayor Bloch is up for re-election and has made a campaign promise to close RV parks. A furious Mal choose one of the park residents to run for office against Bloch and has to get them ready for a televised debate at the Park.

Related Research Articles

<i>The League of Gentlemen</i> British comedy television series

The League of Gentlemen is a surreal British comedy horror sitcom that premiered on BBC Two in 1999. The programme is set in Royston Vasey, a fictional town in northern England, originally based on Bacup Lancashire, and follows the lives of bizarre characters, most of whom are played by three of the show's four writers – Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, and Reece Shearsmith – who, along with Jeremy Dyson, formed the League of Gentlemen comedy troupe in 1995. The series originally aired for three series from 1999 until 2002, and was followed by a film The League of Gentlemen's Apocalypse and a stage production The League of Gentlemen Are Behind You!, both in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stanley Tucci</span> American actor (born 1960)

Stanley Oliver Tucci Jr. is an American actor. Known as a character actor, he has played a wide variety of roles ranging from menacing to sophisticated. Tucci has earned numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Tony Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Gatiss</span> British actor, screenwriter and novelist

Mark Gatiss is an English actor, comedian, screenwriter, director, producer and novelist. He is best known for his work in television acting in and co-creating shows with Steven Moffat. Gatiss has received several awards including a BAFTA TV Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award, as well as nominations for two Laurence Olivier Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dexter Fletcher</span> British actor and director

Dexter Fletcher is an English film director and actor. He has appeared in Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, as well as in television shows such as the comedy drama Hotel Babylon and the HBO series Band of Brothers and, earlier in his career, starred as Spike Thomson in the comedy drama Press Gang. His earliest acting role was playing Baby Face in the 1976 film Bugsy Malone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">T. W. Robertson</span> English dramatist and stage director

Thomas William Robertson was an English dramatist and stage director known for his development of naturalism in British theatre.

Kathryn Drysdale is an English actress. She gained prominence through her roles in the BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001–2009) and the films Vanity Fair (2004) and St Trinian's (2007). Her other work includes the drama Tripping Over (2006), the fourth series of Benidorm (2011) on ITV, the Channel 4 parody The Windsors (2018–2020), and the Netflix period drama Bridgerton (2020–).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reece Shearsmith</span> British comedian (born 1969)

Reeson Wayne "Reece" Shearsmith is an English actor, writer and comedian. He was a member of The League of Gentlemen, with Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. He later created, wrote and starred in the sitcom Psychoville, with Pemberton, as well as the dark comedy anthology series, Inside No. 9. He has had notable roles in Spaced and The World's End.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Pemberton</span> British actor and comedian (born 1967)

Steven James Pemberton is a British actor, comedian, director and writer. He was a member of The League of Gentlemen with Reece Shearsmith, Mark Gatiss, and Jeremy Dyson. Pemberton and Shearsmith also co-wrote and starred in the black comedy Psychoville and the anthology series Inside No. 9. His other notable television credits include Doctor Who, Benidorm, Blackpool, Shameless, Whitechapel, Happy Valley and Mapp and Lucia.

Victor Francis Pemberton was a British writer and television producer. His scriptwriting work included BBC radio plays, and television scripts for the BBC and ITV, including Doctor Who, The Slide, Timeslip, Tightrope and The Adventures of Black Beauty. His television production work included the British version of Fraggle Rock, and several independent documentaries including the 1989 International Emmy Award-winning Gwen: A Juliet Remembered, about stage actress Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elaine C. Smith</span> Scottish actor/ singer/ performer.

Elaine Constance Smith is a Scottish actress, comedian, and political activist. She rose to prominence from appearing in the BBC Scotland sitcoms City Lights (1984–1991) and Rab C. Nesbitt (1988–2014). Smith has played the role of Christine O'Neil in the BBC Scotland sitcom Two Doors Down (2013–present).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Siobhan Finneran</span> Irish actress born in England (born 1966)

Siobhan Margaret Finneran is an English actress. She made her screen debut in the 1987 independent film Rita, Sue and Bob Too, and subsequently worked consistently in television drama including roles in Coronation Street (1989–1990), Clocking Off (2000–2002) and The Amazing Mrs Pritchard (2006). In 2005, Finneran originated the lead female role in the stage play On the Shore of the Wide World and was awarded the Manchester Evening News Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Also a comedy performer, Finneran appeared as Janice Garvey, a leading character in the first seven series of ITV sitcom Benidorm (2007–2015).

Celia Daisy Morna Haggard is a British actress and writer. She is known for her roles in the BBC sitcoms Uncle and Episodes. Haggard stars in BBC Three’s comedy-drama, Back to Life, which she also created and co-wrote with Laura Solon. Since 2020, she has appeared alongside Martin Freeman as Ally in the FX series Breeders, a role for which she was nominated for the BAFTA Television Award for Best Female Comedy Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rosie Day</span> English actress

Rosie Jane Day is an English actress, author and playwright. She is known for her roles as Mary Hawkins in the Starz series Outlander and Sarah Jessica Parker's daughter in the comedy film All Roads Lead to Rome. She starred as Tina Pemberton in Sky One's Living the Dream and Sierra in the 2018 Summit Entertainment feature Down a Dark Hall.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gemma Whelan</span> English actress (born 1981)

Gemma Elizabeth Whelan is an English actress and comedian known for portraying Yara Greyjoy in the HBO fantasy-drama series Game of Thrones. She also plays Kate in all seasons of the comedy Upstart Crow, Detective Eunice Noon on the first season of The End of the F***ing World on Channel 4, and Geraldine on the third season of Killing Eve.

<i>Mount Pleasant</i> (TV series) British television comedy drama

Mount Pleasant is a British comedy-drama which first aired on Sky 1 on 24 August 2011. The show moved to Sky Living in 2012, before moving back to Sky 1 in 2015. The show ended in a 90 minute special on 30 June 2017.

<i>Inside No. 9</i> BBC TV dark comedy series

Inside No. 9 is a British black comedy anthology television programme that first aired on 5 February 2014. It is written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton and produced by the BBC. Each 30-minute episode is a self-contained story with new characters and a new setting, almost all starring Pemberton or Shearsmith. Aside from the writers, each episode has a new cast, allowing Inside No. 9 to attract a number of well-known actors. The stories are linked only by the number 9 in some way, typically taking the form of a door marked with the number 9, and a brass hare statue that is in the background of all episodes. Themes and tone vary from episode to episode, but all have elements of comedy and horror or perverse humour, in addition to a plot twist. Pemberton and Shearsmith took inspiration for Inside No. 9 from an episode of Psychoville, a previous project, which was filmed in a single room – this in turn was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Rope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Quiet Night In</span> 2nd episode of the 1st series of Inside No. 9

"A Quiet Night In" is the second episode of the British dark comedy television anthology series Inside No. 9. It first aired on 12 February 2014 on BBC Two. Written by Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, it stars the writers as a pair of hapless burglars attempting to break into the large, modernist house of a couple—played by Denis Lawson and Oona Chaplin—to steal a painting. Once the burglars make it into the house, they encounter obstacle after obstacle, while the lovers, unaware of the burglars' presence, argue. The episode progresses almost entirely without dialogue, relying instead on physical comedy and slapstick, though more sinister elements are present in the plot. In addition to Pemberton, Shearsmith, Lawson and Chaplin, "A Quiet Night In" also starred Joyce Veheary and Kayvan Novak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Wokoma</span> British actress

Susan Indiaba Wokoma is a British actress, writer and director. She is best known for her roles as Edith in the Enola Holmes films, Cynthia in Chewing Gum, Raquel in the E4/Netflix show Crazyhead and Fola in Cheaters. Wokoma was listed as one of Europe's Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2017 and named a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit by an international jury the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The 12 Days of Christine</span> 2nd episode of the 2nd series of Inside No. 9

"The 12 Days of Christine" is the second episode of the second series of British black comedy anthology series Inside No. 9. It first aired on 2 April 2015 on BBC Two. It was written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, and directed by Guillem Morales. The episode tells the story of Christine, a young woman living in a small flat, over 12 years in her life, focussing on key days and life events in that time. Christine is played by Sheridan Smith, while those who play an important part in her life are played variously by Tom Riley, Stacy Liu, Michele Dotrice, Paul Copley, Pemberton, Jessica Ellerby, Joel Little and Dexter Little. Shearsmith plays the Stranger, an unknown figure apparently haunting Christine.

Private View (<i>Inside No. 9</i>) 6th episode of the 3rd series of Inside No. 9

"Private View" is the sixth and final episode of the third series of the British black comedy anthology television programme Inside No. 9. Written by Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith, the episode was directed by Guillem Morales and was first shown on 21 March 2017, on BBC Two. It stars Pemberton, Shearsmith, Fiona Shaw, Montserrat Lombard, Morgana Robinson, Felicity Kendal, Johnny Flynn, and Muriel Gray. The comedian Peter Kay makes a cameo appearance, with his character being killed in the episode's opening seconds.

References

  1. Cumming, Ed (2 November 2017). "Living the Dream, review: comedy drama at its most lightweight". The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 December 2017.
  2. "Weekly Top 30 Programmes". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board . Retrieved 8 November 2017.