The Circuit review

Sharon 'Catastrophe' Horgan and Dennis Kelly have some dark fun with the quintessential middle-class institution.

The "new neighbours on the block" premise is given new life in this ambitious, surreal comedy pilot from Sharon Horgan and Dennis Kelly - writing together for the first time since Pulling. Gabe and Nat are invited for dinner by Helena and Sasha, who turn out to be bigger weirdos than they could have imagined. As the pair become involved with their neighbours' relationship, what the programme-makers describe as a "descent into hell and goulash" occurs.

The Circuit has found a recipe for success

Everyone hates dinner parties so why bother dressing up and wasting a decent bottle of red? That was the premise of The Circuit (Channel 4), the pilot of a prospective new comedy. It's hard to argue with, especially if you've ever poked half-heartedly at something unidentifiable in a ramekin while a booze-flushed stranger drones on about property prices.

The Circuit: Watch if you've been to a bad dinner party

Bloodshed, political debate, safe words - it's the dinner party from hell.

Women take the comedy throne at Channel 4

Game of Thrones aside, it is the women who catch the eye in Channel 4's forthcoming comedy line-up.