User reviews

glad to see here that I'm not the only one already hooked after just 3 episodes.

I've tried to explain to people why they must watch it, but the only way they will understand is to watch it!

Its hilarious: terrible acting, atrocious script, wobbly sets, appalling dubbing, and some very alarming wigs.

And lots of slow motion (well, its hard to fill a half hour slot with story all the time)

I'm looking forward to saying 'I told you so' to lots of people when they 'discover' this show in 6 months!

This is a comedy spoofing the best and worst of TV from the 1980's. Garth Marenghi is a horror writer who created a show during the 1980's so deep and meaningful that the networks banished it to storage. Now in 2004 the vaults have been opened unleashing it for the world to enjoy. By taking inspiration from classic shows including "Twin Peaks" and "The A Team" a fantastic show has been created. It centers on a Hospital where the docs carry guns and fight supernatural beings. The scripts are deliberately cheesy, the editing is poor and the acting is very wooden. But that is what makes it so funny. There are even those alwful end tags popular with American shows were the main characters laugh at some rubbish joke. If you lived during the 1980's you must see this!

I watched this show with trepidation expecting it to be another hit and miss, or even plain miss, of a mini-series. I was more then pleasantly suprised when the show proved not only to be hilarious but a much needed break from the vapid 'reality' shows that have come to expunge any palatability from our viewing pleasure. The 'bad acting', or 'showing the truth' as Garth puts it, is amazingly funny. This is especially true in the character of Garth's boss and the chef (The Office's Stephan Merchant). Overall, it can tend to be a bit tedious by the end but at the moment it is hysterical and I can't wait to see where they go from here.

"In the 1980's the horror writing genius and self confessed "sooth" Garth Marenghi penned a ground-breaking series of tele-plays. Of the 64 episodes written, only 50 managed to make it into production during the two-month filming. Marenghi's aim was simple: "To change the evolutionary course of mankind over a series of half-hour episodes". However, Merenghi claims that his series was too ground-breaking, and too shocking for the public, and for the past twenty years direct government intervention prevented the shows from ever seeing the light of day. That is, until now. Channel 4 (and E4) are now for the first time running six episodes from the series, and Garth Marenghi has said he is willing to be personally held accountable to God for the consequences."

Garth Marenghi's Dark Place is a spoof of all horror films, tv and action tv from the 80's. Its set up as if the series was made in the 80's and was banned and is now eventually being shown. Throughout the episodes we get to see the cast and crew's comments on the episode's scenes. This is the best comedy since the office.

9/10 (and I've only seen 3 episodes from the first series so far)

"the pube on the pipe idea came from a real life situation" Garth Marenghi

All hail Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness), his creation "Darkplace" is true comic genius. In my estimation it is right up there with the likes of "Brass Eye", "Jam", "League of Gentlemen" and "The Office".

Although this programme may not be suitable for all audiences i.e. people who don't understand or appreciate great comedy when it comes along and would rather watch "My Family". This is the ultimate for fans of contemporary comedy, shows that look to push the boundaries and limitations of the human mind.

I dare you, or maybe not you but anyone who hasn't seen Darkplace yet to watch it. It will develop you as a human being.

Oh and by the way i was hooked on Darkplace after 1 minute.

Fantastically stupid and wonderfully daft.....exactly how its meant to be!

I wasn't fully sure what to expect and nearly didn't watch it at all, that would have been a mistake. Three episodes in and I'm hooked and I'm slowly working on all my friends too as it would be a shame if this slipped by without getting the audience it deserves. I was a bit concerned after the first episode that the jokes would quickly wear a bit thin but this hasn't proved to be the case. I don't think it will be everyone's cup of tea but well worth trying because if it is you're in for one of the funnier half hours of television you'll see all week.

A British TV series that managed to be really crappy, stupid, and genius all at the very same time. Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is an awesome concept of intentionally setting out to be a genuinely awful '80s Horror series with all the bad hallmarks of filmmaking and performances, yet also managing to mock itself with hilarious and bonkers moments almost non-stop. The series throughout the episodes also have small interview/documentary style scenes with the filmmakers and actors to add further context of what is going on behind the scenes and how the crew were feeling shooting specific scenes, leading to some pretty funny moments and insights.

Ironically, the real crew trying to find the film equipment that was used to record '80s media actually made the show more expensive, yet it still feels very authentic due to the execution. The DVD Bonus Footage/Commentary pushes this even further by keeping the actors in character. With only six 25 minute episodes, it zips by very quickly and I wish there was another season. On the other hand though, doing that might have tarnished its perfect track record, so keeping it short and sweet was probably for the best. It wasn't the biggest show ever even in the UK, but outside of that I don't know if many have heard of it. Give it a go when you can.

10/10

Words cannot describe just how good Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is. But I'll give it a shot regardless. Darkplace is an intentionally poorly made surreal and nonsensical medical drama show within a show. It follows a group of doctors tackling supernatural oddities, with hilarious commentaries by the real life actors who play the actors in the show who play the doctors in the show within the show. I know that's a little confusing. What makes Darkplace so unbelievably brilliant is the continuity errors, bad acting, awful dialogue, gaping plot holes, and absurd story lines (all deliberately done, mind you). Highlights include a woman turning into broccoli, an awesome bike chase through a forest (with out of place motorbike sound effects), some incredibly offensive Scottish stereo- typing, and the unforgettable fake 80's song "One Track Lover," which must be heard to be believed. There's so many more hilarious moments, but most are so absurd that their really difficult to try and explain, so I'd just say watch the show for yourself. It's a pity this show was cancelled so soon, and unfortunately, there's only six episodes. Maybe that's to be expected when a show is as unique as this one. Still, those six episodes are filled with so much awesomeness that they must be seen.

I love British comedies and I love spoofs of 80s TV shows. But this seems to be neither a very funny comedy nor a successful parody. I think aesthetically they have the 80s style of a Glen Larson show down pat but that's where the joke ends (and it gets repeated over and over again). I think that satire works best when there is a certain seriousness and earnestness to the writing and the performances, that the characters aren't in on the joke. That doesn't seem like the case here. This just seemed like it was riding on the strength of how weird and wacky the 80s were for TV production and for bad writing and acting. One joke. But the show doesn't go further and becomes just as bad a show or worse than the ones that would have been cancelled in the 80s. I think they could have taken the aesthetic but had tighter, more comedic writing. I like Richard Ayoade and Matt Berry in IT Crowd who are mostly wasted in this show.

No this show is not the best comedy since The Office, that award goes to Peep Show which is something I recommend people go and check out. Alternatively The Mighty Boosh or Spaced are miles ahead in creativity and humour.

Imagine a place between tuseday and purple - between the eighties and chest wigs. Now think back to Saphire and Steel, Deathwatch and certain episodes of Dr Who. Welcome... to Darkplace

Dodgy effects (forgivable - and amusing) and dodgy scripts (unforgivable - and hysterical) ruled the roost shamelessly and here they are aped to the max. I've only seen the first episode (as well as the 'Official' Garth Marenghi website) and I screamed in a miasmous catatony - I gaped shudderously at the incomprehousity of the spectacle - I laughed till I stopped laughing. It's looking good - and I hope it's a short run, as these things can be flogged silly.

As it stands, it is refreshingly sarcastic about nerd orientated broadcasting - and amazingly would stand as a series from the period. Whiffs of Michael Mann, William Friedkin, HP Lovecraft, Starsky & Hutch and hospital based soaps should have folk wincing and laughing till doomsday.

Plot snippets so far: the guy went axe happy in a trout farm. Nuff said.

I wanted to like this series, as it really nails the aesthetic of low- budget 80s productions. The props are great, the acting and costuming is appropriately B movie, but that alone isn't enough to carry the series. If the same effort had been put into writing as was put into production, this could have been a classic series, but the writing's lacklustre. There are laughs to be had, but in some episodes they're few and far between. Everything feels tepid and safe. For a much tighter execution of the concept behind the series, Danger 5 series 2 is a much better way to spend one's viewing time. I'm surprised this has such a high rating.

Clearly trying to be funny from being a poorly made show. From the writing to the acting to the special effects they are all poor. If you are someone who finds thing like this kind of thing funny then you will enjoy this otherwise avoid.

When The show 'Little Britain' ended, I felt that TV was lacking in any hilarious new comedies. Then I saw an advert for 'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace' so I decided to watch it.

Since then I've been hooked, I have never seen anything like this show before. It is truly amazing. This proves that you don't need clever scripts, great acting or impressive special effects.

Highlights for me include, Episode 4's bike chase, Episode 1's graveyard shootout and well, pretty much the entire show.

This show is pure comic genious.

I'll finish with a quote...

"She was like a candle in the wind ... unreliable"

I'm Garth Marenghi. Author, dreamweaver, visionary, plus actor. You're about to enter the world of my imagination. You are entering my Darkplace. Garth Marenghi is genius, and as Dean Lerner himself said:"Garth is the most significant artist that I have ever worked with, and I have worked with Lulu and four other people.". And when Dean Learner says that. At the beginning of every episode Garth Marenghi reads excerpt from his novels that only further proves his masterful writing abilities (Mike stared in disbelief as his hands fell of from 'Slasher'.). Music by Stig Baasvik, based on melodies originally whistled by Garth Marenghi.

'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace' is fantastic horror and behind the scenes spoof. Probably the best there ever is. It ran only six episodes before the show was cancelled because the low viewer numbers, and it is sad. But on the other hand, the long run would have become repetitive and finally turned stale. Six twenty five minute long episodes is perfect length for such absurdity. The writing is masterfully bad as the acting and directing (all of this is on purpose of course). Constant continuity errors and bad dialogue offers laugh after laugh. But not most of the jokes are on your face, at least half the jokes are very subtle that you notice them on the second (or fourth or even on the sixth) viewing, or when someone points it out for you. TV show inside TV show have never been funnier, and the really funny part about it is that I actually cared about the show and characters Garth Marenghi had created.

Gun doting doctors in hospital constantly plagued by supernatural forces can never be any cooler than in Garth Marenghi's imagination.

Recently I came across Garth Marenghi's Darkplace. And I am glad I did. I will try to keep this short, this show is one of the funniest shows.... No, this IS the funniest show I have ever seen. Hilarious puns and story lines, outrageously obvious usage of miniatures, its just all around great. The editing is fantastic and really helps push the already funny dialog over the top. After I watched the series I found myself unable to sleep! All I could do was lay there in bed and giggle. And when I woke up it just started all over again. All day at work I just kept remembering funny dialog. And laughing out loud like a madman. The show is great. Its just too bad there's only 6 episodes! Search until you find it, take a day off from work, make your favorite lunch, turn your damn cellphone off and watch Garth Marenghi's Darkplace!

It's amazing. I can't do it justice in a review, you should watch it, if you haven't already.

This is one of the best things on tv today, if you ever get half a chance to watch it then DO!!!! so cheep it's priceless! 9 out of 10

In the 1980s horror writer Garth Marenghi wrote, directed and starred in a TV series so cutting edge that TV channels refused to show it. It's now the early 2000s and the series is finally being released. Set in Darkplace Hospital, Marenghi plays Dr Rick Dagless, a caring yet unconventional doctor. His colleagues are Drs Lucien Sanchez and Liz Asher and boss is Thornton Reed. Together they deal with some bizarre, paranormal cases.

A hysterically funny, highly unconventional series. First of all, it's a series within a series as we have actors playing characters playing characters. This allows for two strands of humour. First, there's a satire on the makers of the series (Marenghi et al) and the making of the series.

Then there's the series itself which is filled with absurdist, over-the-top humour. While there's some great visual gags and punchlines part of the comedy is the intentional cheap, B-grade feel to proceedings: deliberately hammy acting (Richard Ayoade as Dean Lerner as Thornton Reed is fantastic here), poor production values (e.g. Seeing the strings attached to flying objects), badly synced voiceovers, cheesy jokes. It's so intentionally bad it's brilliant.

The main cast - Matthew Holness as Garth Marenghi as Dr Rick Dagless, Richard Ayoade as Dean Lerner as Thornton Reed, Matt Berry as Todd Rivers as Dr Lucien Sanchez, Alice Lowe as Madeleine Wool as Dr Liz Asher - are excellent. Ayoade and Holness also wrote the show and Ayoade directed it.

We also have notable supporting cast members: Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding of The Mighty Boosh fame and Stephen Merchant of The Office and Extras fame. The appearance of Barratt and Fielding shows the quality and sort of humour you should expect.

Superb comedy series.

Someone sent me a link to an episode and I reluctantly clicked it expecting the worst. From the initial intro I started smiling and found that the humor in this connected right to my funny bone. I spent the rest of the day watching the rest of the episodes and forgetting all my responsibilities. After getting to the last episode a frown crossed my face as there were no more. I ended up watching "interviews" with the cast which were also very funny. It reminded me of so many shows in the 80's and really nailed the titles and music. Sometimes it went really over the top for groaners, but they quickly got back on track. A wonderful find from someone in the US who has never heard of this before. Wishing for more!

A British classic, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a horror parody comedy that excels in its weird zaniness. The excessive slow motion scenes, the deliberately shoddy editing and continuity flaws, the overacting ... all of these contribute to the ludicrousness and aid in replicating the feel of the cheesy low-budget 80s shows. The writing contains many gems and the pseudo documentary style with in character cast interviews further enhances the show's levity. With only 6 episodes, it offers a small but fresh sampling of plotlines while also reinforcing the gag of it being a lost series that was retrieved.

While not all the humour landed for me, I could appreciate the creativity in the dialogue and especially in the intentionally poor production quality. Some of the elements across episodes however did feel a little repetitive (like an over-reliance on mists).

But Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is well worth a watch, especially to those who are aficionados of compelling B-flicks and quirky parodies.

Me and my husband came across this entirely by accident one night while flicking through the channels and couldn't stop laughing at it. we were devastated when it was only on for a few weeks and we still talk about it now. It really needs to be brought back onto the telly for people to enjoy it all over again. I would love a new series too but just seeing the original would be just about good enough. All the cheesy '80's'style bad wobbly sets and stilted acting are spot on. Trying to explain the premise to people is impossible, the only way to get it across is to watch it. If you watch the IT crowd you will be familiar with some aspects of it. The boss in the IT crowd will point you in the direction of the amount of cheese.

Like most parodies – especially of genres that are practically already parodies of themselves – this can be uneven. It can be repetitive at times, and some jokes fall off the cliff from the heights of Monty Python like silly, to just dopey. But when it IS funny, it can be laugh out loud funny. And this is another one of those cases where the DVD extras are arguably even better than the show itself.

Garth Marenghi (Matthew Holness) is a very low rent variation on a Stephen King type novelist, whose horror books once sold in the millions, but whose latest novel sold either 213 or 179 copies depending on whom you believe. Possessed of an ego the size of all outdoors, Marenghi wrote, produced and starred in this low budget horror series set in a hospital, where he plays the brave and brilliant head doctor. Marengehi introduces each of the six episodes, and they are interrupted for occasional commentary by Marenghi and sometimes his publisher Dean Learner (played by creator Richard Ayoade) a fast talking guy who seems more like a pimp on a 70s TV show than a purveyor of literature, and who has been convinced by Marenghi to play his boss in the series – despite the fact that he has absolutely no acting ability whatsoever (but he's cheap). They're joined by Todd Rivers (Matt Berry), a hunky leading man in decline from drink who pronounces every line like he's doing Shakespeare in a huge auditorium and Madeline Wool as the obligatory female who seems to be in the show to be a punching bag – literal and figurative (Alice Lowe).

All the actors are very funny as bad actors in an awful TV show and also as 'themselves' in the interview sections. (Although, curiously, Alice Lowe as Madeline is left out of all the interviews).

For me the very funniest bits were the lengthy extra 'interviews' on the DVD, which feature some hysterical (and clever) improv as the cast (always in character) discuss the making of the series. Those left me wondering how they didn't crack themselves up more often (you see than almost fall apart more than once).

Uneven yes, but also a lot of fun.

I did not seriously believe this would, nor could come to any good. I was right. You cannot seriously think this to be comic genius, surely! Many say 'Ooh, it's right up there with The Office', but that was utter rubbish as well. It's incomprehendable how people can stand comedy made to look like fly-on-the-wall, real-life sound bite, documentary-style reality. On top of that, this particular take on the ever-weakening comedy barrel (too much scraping at the bottom, you see) is based around a fictitious 1980's TV show so purposefully badly made that after five minutes, it just becomes an embarrassment, for all the reasons it doesn't intend to be. Fine, have a spoof, poorly put together, horror/comedy, outlining how poorly funded such television is and having a good laugh in the meantime, but, for the love of Buddha, do not keep inter-cutting it with atrociously acted sound bites from cast and producer telling us tongue-in-cheek how marvellous they thought it was and is. In one respect it is identical to The Office - and any other jape that should only really be told once. I get the joke, it's just not funny.