The highly anticipated comedy comeback from David Mitchell and Robert Webb, 'Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping', has wrapped its first series on Channel 4, and a cast member has now revealed what it was truly like to work on the project.
Inside the Writer's Room and On Set
The new sketch series, which launched on September 5 and concluded its six-episode run on October 10, marked the return of the beloved 'Peep Show' duo to the sketch format. The show features a self-aware approach to comedy, tackling historical moments, news, and awkward social situations without attempting to provide solutions.
American stand-up comedian Krystal Evans, one of the show's featured comics, recently opened up about her experience. She expressed immense gratitude for being hired by such an iconic British comedy pair, calling the opportunity "crazy".
"They’re so cool, they made sure everything was in place for the writer’s room and the day-to-day shooting, so it was great working with them," Krystal told The Express. "I learned loads and it was very fun."
The show's ensemble cast also included Stevie Martin, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, and Lara Ricote. The writing team was a collaborative effort, featuring contributions from Krystal, Lara Ricote, Stevie Martin, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Abigail Burdess, and Sarah Campbell, with the programme directed by David Sant.
A Divided Reception from Viewers
Since its airing, Mitchell and Webb Are Not Helping has received a mixed bag of reviews from its audience. Fans have taken to online forums like Reddit to share their contrasting opinions.
Some viewers were delighted to see the pair back in their element. One fan wrote, "Personally I laughed out loud at almost every sketch, great to see them back in sketch show mode." Another commented, "I genuinely do not understand the criticism it’s been getting... I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it."
Others, however, felt the new material didn't quite reach the heights of the duo's previous classics like 'That Mitchell and Webb Look'. Criticisms included sketches that felt stretched thin, an over-reliance on swearing, and a lack of the absurd genius found in beloved bits such as 'Sir Digby Chicken Caesar'. One disappointed viewer stated, "It's... fine. I've watched them all, and it raised a few smiles here and there. But there's absolutely nothing on the level of Numberwang."
What's Next for the Series?
As of now, Channel 4 has not confirmed whether the show will be returning for a second series. The first run has certainly sparked conversation, proving that the return of Mitchell and Webb to sketch comedy remains a significant event for British television, even as it divides their fanbase.
For Krystal Evans and the other cast members, the experience was clearly a positive one. As Krystal summarised, "I’m very, very grateful for that and for all the viewers." Whether the show continues or not, it has provided a new platform for emerging comedy talent alongside two of the UK's most established stars.
