Babylon. Image shows from L to R: Finn (Bertie Carvel), Liz Garvey (Brit Marling). Copyright: Nightjack
Babylon

Babylon

  • TV comedy drama
  • Channel 4
  • 2014
  • 7 episodes (1 series)

Police-based comedy drama focuses on the over-stretched Metropolitan Police Force. James Nesbitt stars as Chief Constable Richard Miller. Stars James Nesbitt, Brit Marling, Paterson Joseph, Jonny Sweet, Bertie Carvel and more.

Press clippings Page 4

Interview with director Jon Baird

Jon Baird swears he has not got it in for the police.

David Morgan, Warrington Guardian, 13th November 2014

'Babylon' season 1 episode 1 review

All early evidence points towards Babylon being both a gripping and groundbreaking police drama, one with its foot set firmly in 21st century ideals and its tongue firmly in cheek.

Matthew Dennis, Cult Box, 13th November 2014

Babylon: Pilot disappointing but show now must-see TV

It took two and a half hours to find its feet, but Babylon has become must-watch TV.

Abigail Chandler, Metro, 13th November 2014

Is Babylon realistic? We call the police...

How does the Channel 4 comedy drama measure up to real life policing?

Vincent Graff, Radio Times, 13th November 2014

Babylon review: Nesbitt & Marling shine (spoilers)

It's fair to say that I enjoyed this episode of Babylon a lot more than I did the original pilot.

Matt D, Unreality TV, 13th November 2014

Babylon review, Episode 1 - 'problematic'

Despite strong performances this police satire could be funnier.

Gerard O'Donovan, The Telegraph, 13th November 2014

Babylon co-creator Jesse Armstrong on policing

As Babylon returns, one of its writers recalls how the febrile atmosphere around the De Menezes shooting plus a lot of sympathetic input from police helped them to keep this comedy-drama real.

Jesse Armstrong, The Guardian, 12th November 2014

Babylon - review

A bad cop/worse cop comedy-drama lacking true grit.

Brian Donaldson, The List, 12th November 2014

Review: Babylon

The fate of this series will ultimately rely on the writer's and director's ability to maintain the sometimes-difficult tone, as finding the right balance may prove tough to sustain. But the show has a talented cast from top to bottom and promises to never ever be boring. It's worth a watch.

Ryan Hooper, On The Box, 11th November 2014

The title of this show is Jamaican English slang for police officer... just in case you were wondering.

And there's plenty else that will have viewers scratching their heads here, too.

It's both a serious drama about coppers, corruption and crime in the capital, and a whip-smart comedy written by Peep Show's Sam Bain and Jesse Armstrong.

A feature-length pilot directed by Danny Boyle aired earlier this year.

"It's fabulous that it is now getting a full series," says James Nesbitt, who plays Commissioner Richard Miller.

"I loved the character and the writing.

"I also knew it was going to go to interesting places so I didn't hesitate for a minute to sign up for a whole series."

In the opener, Richard declares, "London is safe, Big Ben's on time, all is well", to his PR executive Liz Garvey (played by screenwriter and film producer Brit Marling).

He then has to deal with a riot in a youth offender's unit caused by the failings of the institution's private security company.

Nothing is as it seems.

Jennifer Rodger, The Mirror, 9th November 2014

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