The practice of mass reprimand in response to the offensive behavior of public figures has existed for as long as people have had the right to free speech. Only that there’s been no term for it until recently when the phrase “cancel culture” was coined. While the social phenomenon has been useful for accountability, it’s devolved into a thorny issue, and it was only a matter of time before the entertainment industry began to examine it.Douglas Is Cancelled, a comedy miniseries that recently premiered on ITV, is one of the first steps in this direction. The show from the creative mind ofSteven Moffat(Sherlock,Doctor Who) is a bold satire focused on cancel culture. The miniseries will be available to stream on Britbox come next year as the BBC streamer aims to expand its catalog with powerful British storytelling.
StarringHugh Bonneville(Downton Abbey) as Douglas Bellowes,Douglas Is Cancelledfollows the debacle of the titular broadcaster whose once illustrious career is jeopardized after a careless sexist joke he made at his cousin’s wedding goes viral on social media. The show is described as a “timely series about gender politics and trial by social media.” Also starring isKaren Gillan(who recently revealed the show to beher all-time favorite) as Madeline Crow, Douglas’s co-presenter for the Live at Six News,ERalumAlex Kingstonas Sheila Bellowes, Douglas’s newspaper editor wife, andNick Mohammedas Morgan, a comedy writer at Live at Six.
Douglas Is Cancelledpremiered on ITV1 on 14 July 2025 with the subsequent three episodes released weekly through 25 August 2025. The show was well received by critics, scoring a 67% rating onRotten Tomatoes. Bonneville’s performance alongside the ensemble has been met with much praise, as has Moffat’s writing. Other cast members on the show includeSimon Russell Bealeas Bently, Douglas’s agent,Ben Milesas Toby, Douglas’s producer,Madeleine Poweras Claudia Bellowes, Douglas’s daughter and political activist, andJoe Wilkinsonas Tom, Toby’s driver.
Which Other Shows Are Coming to Britbox Next Year?
Douglas Is Cancelledalready landed streaming on ITVX, however, the show is set to join other highly anticipated additions to Britbox. Alongside the announcement, Britbox also unveiled the release dates for other new and returning shows, most of which are beloved detective series. They includethe fourteenth and final season ofVerapremiering on January 2nd,Lost Boys & Fairiesarriving on March 4, and the critically acclaimed genre-bendingmystery series,Ludwigstreaming on March 20, among many others.Robert Schildhouse, President BritBox North America and GM BritBox International commented on the new slate saying:
“BritBox anticipates our most electrifying year yet, delivering a slate of premium television to delight BritBox fans and new audiences. From inspired re-imaginings of well-known tales to dramas filled with surprise, intrigue and emotional resonance, BritBox presents gripping narratives, complex challenges, and dynamic characters, crafted by powerhouse talent in front of and behind the camera. We can’t wait for everyone to experience the next chapter of BritBox’s story on screen in 2025.”
Douglas Is Cancelledwill be available to stream on Britbox starting March 6th.
