Back. Image shows from L to R: Stephen (David Mitchell), Andrew (Robert Webb)
Back

Back

  • TV sitcom
  • Channel 4
  • 2017 - 2021
  • 12 episodes (2 series)

Sitcom starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Also features Penny Downie, Louise Brealey, Geoffrey McGivern, Jessica Gunning, Oliver Maltman and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 1,832

Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 6

Back. Image shows from L to R: Andrew (Robert Webb), Juliet (Julie Dray)
Andrew has transformed the John Barleycorn. Stephen is feeling depressed and defeated. Laurie's birthday memorial is fast approaching and Stephen needs some help writing a speech to better what will surely be Andrew's amazing oratory.

Further details

Andrew has transformed the John Barleycorn into a huge success with a brilliant new look and a talented French chef. Stephen is feeling depressed and defeated, and drinking even more heavily than usual. Laurie's birthday memorial is fast approaching and Stephen needs some help writing a speech to better what will surely be Andrew's amazing oratory. Some other former foster-children turn up and Andrew's backstory starts to be brought into question. Buoyed up by this, Stephen throws every ounce of his manic energy into finding out the truth about Andrew's past. And when he finally does, it's a revelation that looks like it could change everything.

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 11th October 2017
Time
10pm
Channel
Channel 4
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Friday 13th October 2017 4:20am 4seven
Saturday 14th October 2017 1:50am C4
Saturday 12th December 2020 12:10am C4

Cast & crew

Cast
David Mitchell Stephen
Robert Webb Andrew
Penny Downie Ellen
Louise Brealey Cass
Geoffrey McGivern Uncle Geoff
Jessica Gunning Jan
Oliver Maltman Mike
Olivia Poulet Alison
Caius Luckyn-Malone Young Andrew
Guest cast
Charlie Baker Alfie Tate
Julie Dray Juliet
Tommy Love Diner
Joanne Sandi Librarian
Paul Sharma (as Phaldut Sharma) Chris
Jonathan Watson Dave
Writing team
Simon Blackwell Writer
Will Smith Writer (Additional Material)
Ian Martin Writer (Additional Material)
Will Smith Script Editor
Production team
Ben Palmer Director
Kate Daughton Producer
Kenton Allen Executive Producer
David Mitchell Executive Producer
Robert Webb Executive Producer
Simon Blackwell Executive Producer
Matthew Justice Executive Producer
William Webb Editor
Rosy Thomas Production Designer
Tracey Gillham Casting Director
Catherine Willis Casting Director
John Sorapure Director of Photography
Lynsey Moore Costume Designer
Lisa Kennedy Make-up Designer
Oli Julian Composer
Adam Young 1st Assistant Director
Jesse Armstrong Story Consultant
Tony Roche Story Consultant

Press

Back review

Simon Blackwell's comedy about a suspected cuckoo in the nest was surprisingly touching without veering into sentimentality. Bring on series two.

Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian, 12th October 2017

Preview - Back

David Mitchell and Robert Webb's new sitcom concludes tonight, with revelations presumably on offer.

Ian Wolf, On The Box, 11th October 2017

Final episode of the Mitchell and Webb comedy with a mysterious edge, and Andrew has a bizarre reaction when his fellow foster kids attend a memorial for Laurie. Naturally, his unease only makes Steven more determined to find out whether the self-styled prodigal son has something to hide - cue a stint in the library, where he makes a shock discovery. A strong ending to what has been a darkly comic series, and one that leaves the door ajar for another run.

Hannah J Davies, The Guardian, 11th October 2017

Back, episode 6 review: deserves a second series

Even if you like your comedy dark, Back (Channel 4) can still leave you reeling. Starring Peep Show's David Mitchell and Robert Webb, the six-part series has explored childhood trauma, jealousy, small-town anxiety and, above all, self-loathing. Fortunately, it is also very, very funny.

Rupert Hawksley, The Telegraph, 11th October 2017

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