User reviews

Just because it's written by Blackwell (writer for Peep Show) and stars Mitchell and Webb, don't expect this to be a Peep Show spin off - lot's of people I've spoken to did, and so got put off when they found out it was a different programme, with different characters, different humour and a different story.

I watched the first episode as I was intrigued into this new story by the Peep Show team, but I knew to be open minded and didn't expect to see Mitchell playing a Mark Corrigan and Webb playing a Jeremy Usbourne.

Instead what you have is a very intriguing piece of comedy drama. I've only seen up until the 4th episode, and I've heard the 5th is we where get all the pay offs and where it gets much darker.

The drama is really clever, to be fair, and unexpectedly dramatic from a sitcom writer and a sitcom duo. There are certainly very funny moments, especially at the end of episode 1 and there were some very funny moments in episode 4, with it being reminiscent of the Mark/Jez conversations of Peep Show, EXCEPT in reverse. Andrew (Webb's character) seems to be an almost perfect foster son, he's a world traveller with a clear mind, good intentions, a cultured palate and wants to live his life the best way. Stephen (Mitchell) whilst still a rule-abiding citizen, over-thinker like Mark Corrigan is more mystified by the world around him, and more of a drinker, and sometimes needs Andrew to dodge some bullets for him (it was the other way round sometimes in Peep Show).

To summarise, don't judge this show at all based off Peep Show. It's not the same, and should be judged by it's own storytelling and merits, and by all factors its been very good so far. I'm about to watch the rest of the episodes, and I feel like all this drama and these questions the audience has are about to be answered (or maybe not).

Give it a try

The main thing to note is if you don't like dry and dark humour that doesn't stop to give you time to process and signal that yes, that was a joke, then you will hate this.

There is a prominent Mitchell and Webb vibe from the show. But it definitely differs in tone somewhat from Peep Show and their various sketch shows. Personally I found this incarnation less appealing than those previous works, but there is no real reason why someone couldn't enjoy this more, it's just a matter of taste.

Overall if you are a fan of the duo then you will probably enjoy this, I think the only thing it lacks is a likeability factor with the mains. You never connect with them properly and there is no mechanism this time to falicitate this despite their apparent dislikablilty. I thought you were supposed to mellow out in your old age as a comedian, not get bleaker!

Good concept, good characters, and definitely a more intelligent series than (what Mitchell & Webb will always be compared to) Peep Show, but certainly not as funny. It's not a fair comparison really, as the two series are very different, and Back is more of a drama which targets quite sensitive topics and does so well.

Ultimately though, it's not hilarious, and whilst there are definite laughs, usually from Mitchell's pessimism, it's not as enjoyable when Webb plays quite a dislikeable character. It has a good arc which you do invest in, it's worth a watch, but not their best.

With the stars of Peep Show and one of the writers of Peep Show (and the Thick of It) the word Peep Show is never far from your mind here but it's a very different beast - a sort of malevolent dramatic sitcom but with cosy drone shots of rural Gloucestershire and endlessly intrusive quirky incidental music like a Waitrose ad that's taken a bad turn. The witty dialogue is the biggest draw here really and the MVP of the ensemble (as in the far more consistent Semi-Detached) is far-and-away UK comedy legend Geoff McGivern who barks gloriously throughout.

Otherwise - it's a bit of a drab muddle, the plot lurching one way then the other and taking huge tonal leaps into maudlin drama as scheming step-brother Webb cuckoos his way into into David Mitchell's life. No one in it beyond McGivern is particularly likable and it often runs out of steam very quickly. The set-pieces can be great but it doesn't really cling together outside of them. The second series, hugely belated due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, feels like an odd throwback sitcom and has such a whiplash-inducing forced cliffhanger that it almost feels they came up with it on the day of shooting.

So yes - hugely inconsistent but fans of good UK comedy will certainly find something diverting in all the awkward glossy mess it's just sadly burdened by the weight of the talent involved.

First episodes are always tricky for sitcoms and with a lot of setting up to do and a fairly large cast to introduce, it can bring immediate criticism before even given a chance for the story to evolve properly, which is unfair especially for a show with so much potential as this one. I thought it was brilliant, laughed loudly for the most part of it and smiled the entire time... and that's what sitcoms are about. This one hit the nail on the head for me and I'm looking forward the next episodes.

The writing is satisfyingly excellent. Dark humour, much as with peep show, causes that pleasingly awful cringe. Where this differs is that the tension arches its back from the first episode to the last, like a malevolent cat performing a tickle stretch.

The level of observational comedy in this is so consistent, I begin to wonder if the writers discovered an unwritten diary of mine labelled "things I half-noticed, but neither properly analysed, nor was diligent enough to write down."

As for the compelling darkness, "Back" opens out intrigues to outdo much "serious" TV drama. These are the shadows of comedy - a perspective on real lives that can handle being pushed into caricature.

One of the best things I've seen on TV.

Mitchell and Webb had a great series with Peep Show and I discovered after that they had done their own clever funny Sketch show "That Mitchell and Webb look" but this was an utter disappointment!

AlthoughI only watched the first couple of episodes then switched channels. It could be that its a shaky start and they're a bit rusty from their previous success of Peep show so there could be that pressure of surpassing such a successful show!

Good concept, overall, I enjoy the series. The ideas and humour are great on Mitchell and Webb's part, because they've had plenty of practice at the kind of roles they play. Also, Olivia Poulet is awesome as per usual. I have to say though, I thought the rest of the characters and story arcs are truly awful. Geoff is one of the worst characters ever written in a comedy series, trying so hard to be edgy, but just coming across as obnoxious and trying so hard to appeal to the E4 viewers. The rest of the characters, especially the mother and the sister are badly written and badly acted. And don't get me started on the bar staff. I can only assume they are somebody's mates from acting class who have never had a major role in a series before.

It's a good job Simon Blackwell and Mitchell and Webb are holding this together otherwise there would never have been a 2nd series.

All being said, bring on series 3.

When the Peep shows long run finally came to an end. It also meant the best sitcom of the last decade ended too. So it's great to the shows two stars Robert Webb and David Mitchell back together in this new comedy. People will argue there characters are the same as in the Peep Show. David something of a failure hopeless with women. Robert equally abject but always able to blag his way through life and with ladies. For me I don't care it's great to see them together in this very funny show. If like me you've been missing the Peep Show then Back will at least fill the void. 9/10

I'm not sure how exactly to describe it but I'd say it's a worthy-ish evolution of the dynamic duo of Mitchell and Webb.

I'd heartily recommend it to anyone who can appreciate the humor poking its head out from the plot full of dreary yet energetic dysfunction.

Bleak humour as can be expected. Typical David Mitchell toffish world weary rants. Webb is the sociopathic one. Characters are pretty one note. Decent though. Gets a bit boring. Give it a watch, there's not many episodes. I don't see this one lasting as long as peep show. Might find it's footing but season1+2 are a bit bland.

Better than Peep Show in my opinion. PS seemed a bit too infantile at times, while this has a great story line. Good writing, with funny "down and out" characters. Especially Webb makes a strong performance. A must-see for Mitchell fans.

One of the best sitcoms I have seen in a while. There are no weak characters, they are either great or better. I binged this mercilessly

It definitely takes a couple of episodes to bed in, and for you to get the feel of it, but once you do, you will be well and truly hooked.

If you're expecting something similar to Peep show, forget it, this is an altogether different, and individual piece of work.

The one question you'll want the answer to, what exactly is David's game? What's he up to, and what is he after?

The humour is dark, it's bleak, but it is so deliciously satisfying throughout.

I love the characters, they're all great, Geoff is outrageous. I can't think of I've see Penny Downie in a comedy role before, but boy is she good.

I am so glad there's a second series.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, 9/10.

If you like Peep Show, this is great! While not as crazy, their sense of comedy remains.

Predictable jokes, a boring plot and some dull side characters, the first episode of this Channel 4 sitcom was a turgid disappointment. There were some laughs, however, and Mitchell and Webb play their roles quite well, so there is room for improvement, and hopefully we're just off to a shaky start, and will kick into a higher gear as the show progresses.

Two brilliant lines about vinyl and cancer, but some dodgy stuff with dogs and aeroplanes. Mitchell is the best thing about this show, and Webb plays a snarky, hate-able git extremely well. For whatever reason.

One joke was ripped from David Mitchell's Soapbox, the YouTube series, and it was done much better on there.

Totally loved it! I am a huge fan of all of their collaborative work and Back is no exception! Beautifully written, with great acting from all the cast, obviously Mitchell and Webb are brilliant, and it is interesting to see Webb take on a slightly different role to what we're used to with Jez. Mitchell's character could well be Mark in an alternate time line, but is great none the less. I just came on here to check if there were any more episodes but sadly the first season concludes at 6. I should have known being a British series but still, I need more! Can't wait for next series, I'm sure it will develop nicely.

No comedy these days gets anywhere near this, brilliant writing, great acting, and a story that keeps you hooked, can't wait till series 2 gets here.

It's a hilarious show that's teeming with 'laugh out loud' jokes. Along with that, it's easy to watch and relaxing since it's not too intense when it comes to following a plot.

I had a few scare when appear some times looks like a ghost! Im watching the serie only 4 him

Wish know the Laurie side story ( Matthew Holness ) because the season have more holes about his character and the true view of the family . Hoping the s 2 gives more answer

It really is. Mitchell and Webb at their very best with an amazing cast. Brilliant script and the subtle and overt humour is so well balanced.

Very cheering and wish they'd run to a third series. The first 2 are so good.

Holness appear a less but his so great ,really enjoy the serie