Cuckoo. Image shows from L to R: Ivy (Andie MacDowell), Ken (Greg Davies). Copyright: Roughcut Television
Cuckoo

Cuckoo

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC Three / BBC Three (Online)
  • 2012 - 2019
  • 33 episodes (5 series)

BBC Three comedy starring Greg Davies as the constantly infuriated husband and father of a peculiar family. Also features Helen Baxendale, Esther Smith, Tyger Drew-Honey, Kenneth Collard, Juliet Cowan and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 931

Press clippings Page 6

Cuckoo episode 3 review: Ken On E

The odd-couple bromance at the heart of Cuckoo is shaping up to be one of the most enjoyable comedy double-acts of the year...

Gem Wheeler, Den Of Geek, 14th October 2012

Greg Davies interview

"I used my only drug trip to help play wasted dad."

Laura Armstrong, The Sun, 9th October 2012

This week, Ken's political dreams are dashed when his son beats up the son of a local Liberal Democrat. To add to his woes, his well-meaning wife has suggested a boys' night in with his hippy son-in-law, who wants to explore Ken's mind calendar. The evening progresses terribly, naturally, until Ken accidentally pops a couple of dodgy painkillers, declares his undying love and is soon boogying the night away dressed like one of Dexys Midnight Runners.

Comedian Greg Davies, who plays Ken, rarely underplays a gag, but tonight his demented capers put one in mind of a male Miranda (albeit
a rather manic Miranda). Far and away the funniest episode so far.

Claire Webb, Radio Times, 9th October 2012

Cuckoo episode 2 review

This‭ ‬second‭ ‬episode‭ ‬of‭ ‬Cuckoo‭ ‬was‭ ‬much‭ ‬funnier‭ ‬than‭ ‬the‭ ‬opener,‭ ‬with‭ ‬some‭ ‬fantastic,‭ ‬laugh-out-loud‭ ‬moments‭.

Gem Wheeler, Den Of Geek, 4th October 2012

Cuckoo pats his jacket-potato van lovingly. "If a fast-food van can save the world," he says, eyes alight, "and I think it can, then this is the van to do it." There's little wonder Cuckoo's father-in-law Ken is at the end of his tether.

Larger-than-life comedian Greg Davies plays Ken and gleefully overacts, his face crumpling like a toddler's, mid-tantrum. American actor Andy Samberg is his vacuous foil Cuckoo, oozing sincerity as he spouts utter tosh. Unsurprisingly, the rest of the cast can't compete with these two caricatures and when they're off screen the gags flounder.

Tonight there's a party to celebrate Cuckoo joining the family - but he's the least of Ken's worries.

Claire Webb, Radio Times, 2nd October 2012

It has to be said: BBC3's comedies are getting less fist-bitingly awful. This latest effort, which stars Andy Samberg as Cuckoo - a braid-wearing, full moon party casualty who finds himself married to a Midlands girl and living with her parents - is very passable. Its trump cards are the performances of Samberg and the pleasingly deadpan Greg Davies. This week Ken (Davies) is infuriated by the suggestion that he remove the World War II books from his study, so that Cuckoo can use the room for meditation without having his mellow harshed. But Ken's attempts to manipulate a house vote have awkward consequences for Dylan (Outnumbered's Tyger Drew Honey). It's not clear how long the scenario can be sustained and the show seems unhealthily reliant on the slightly incongruous star power of its lead but, for now, it's good fun.

Phil Harrison, Time Out, 2nd October 2012

I've tried to like Cuckoo (BBC3), I really have. I like the premise - girl goes gap-year travelling, comes back with floppy-upper-lipped American new-age husband. He's not quite what girl's family had in mind for her.

People I know and whose judgment I trust (did trust) have told me they think it's funny. But the girl (Tamla Kari) is so dippy that it's hard to feel anything for her except annoyance. The comedy is mainly based around the generational/ideological gap and tension between husband (Andy Samberg) and dad (Greg Davies); but it's overdone, forced, not recognisable or real. Nor is it surreal, or bold. It's just a little bit silly really.

Sam Wollaston, The Guardian, 2nd October 2012

Cuckoo Episode 1 review

I hope Cuckoo grows on me because there is something there - without a doubt. At the moment, though, I'm feeling a little disheartened by the show.

UK TV Reviewer, 29th September 2012

Cuckoo episode 1 review

The script's a little underpowered at the moment, but if the series delivers on the opening episode's promise, Andy Samberg's first foray across the Atlantic could well be one of 2012's highlights.

Gem Wheeler, Den Of Geek, 28th September 2012

Greg Davies: I have a terrible work ethic

Greg Davies - all 6ft 8in of him - is perched on a pub stool looking like a man in dire need of a cigarette.

Sarah Deen, Metro, 27th September 2012

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