Charlie Brooker is set to return to BBC Two with a special edition of his 'Wipe' series, focusing on the coronavirus pandemic. Titled 'Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe', the 30-minute programme will offer a satirical take on life under COVID-19 lockdown.
The special marks the first commission for Brooker's new production company, Broke And Bones, which he co-founded with longtime collaborator Annabel Jones. The show is a co-production with Endemol Shine UK and will feature recurring fictional characters Philomena Cunk (Diane Morgan) and Barry Shitpeas (Al Campbell).
Brooker's 'Wipe' franchise began with 'Screenwipe' in 2006, evolving into 'News Wipe' and 'Weekly Wipe', followed by annual reviews. The last instalment, 'Charlie Brooker’s 2016 Wipe', covered Brexit and Donald Trump’s election victory. Brooker has been occupied with Netflix's 'Black Mirror' since then, but self-isolation has freed up time for this project.
The special was commissioned by BBC Two controller Patrick Holland, comedy boss Shane Allen, and Ben Caudell. Annabel Jones will executive produce, with Alison Marlow as series producer. Deadline previously reported that Brooker and Jones left Endemol Shine Group's House Of Tomorrow to set up Broke And Bones, and are in talks with Netflix regarding an exclusive deal for future 'Black Mirror' episodes.
