TV Flashback: The ‘80s Spoof/Comedy ‘Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace’ One of the Funniest Mini-Series of the 21st Century

“Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace” is one of the funniest, most original, and most underrated television series of all time. Released in 2004 on British television—and running only six episodes—this ‘80s television spoof delivers some of the smartest humor I’ve ever seen. Yet, it’s gone largely unnoticed, and is only able to be watched on YouTube. So why is the show so revolutionary, despite its lack of recognition?

“Darkplace” has a pretty complicated premise. Matthew Holness portrays Garth Marenghi, an eccentric horror writer. Back in the 1980s, Marenghi wrote, directed, and starred in a horror show called “Darkplace,” in which his character, Rick Dagless, is the main doctor in a supernatural hospital. This fake horror show is beyond horrible. There are blatant editing mistakes, laughable acting, and ridiculous storylines. It’s intercut with director’s commentary from Marenghi and other co-stars. Basically, Holness and the rest of the cast are portraying two different characters: the cast and producers of the show, commentating on it, and the horribly acted characters of “Darkplace.”

Holness is a mastermind for sure, but my favorite character has to be Richard Ayoade’s Dean Learner, Thornton Reed. Dean Learner is the producer of the show, and his character, Reed, is the headmaster of Darkplace Hospital. Now, this may seem counterintuitive, but he is easily the worst actor in the show, which makes him the best. He delivers lines horribly and constantly glances into the camera. It’s hard to act like you’re so bad at acting, and “Darkplace” shows off Ayoade’s talent. 

Matt Berry plays hospital badboy Dr. Sanchez. His actor, Todd Rivers, is not quite as present as Marenghi and Learner in the commentary, but when he is on-screen it’s the highlight of the episode. Berry’s performance as Rivers is just so thorough and hilarious, and he brings such a presence to the screen.

With only six episodes, this show surprised me at every single moment. It’s a shame there wasn’t a second season…”

Finally, Alice Lowe plays Madeleine Wool, who plays Dr. Liz Asher. She is the only main cast member who doesn’t show up in the commentary, as Wool was declared missing. As the season progresses, we begin to realize that Dean Learner probably killed her. It’s such a crazy detail that adds a new layer to the show, showing how important every single line is to the plot.

“Darkplace,” the show in the show, is hilariously bad. But here’s the thing that I didn’t expect: I was genuinely invested in the plot. It’s stupid, but the plots are just minimal enough to make me care about what’s happening. To be honest, I was always disappointed when it switched to the commentary portion, because I just love the campy and creepy style of the show. Still, without the commentary, “Darkplace” would lose its meta quality. 

Seriously though, the plots of the show are so insanely good. My favorite, “Skipper the Eyechild,” has some of the most comedic lines I’ve ever heard. Rick Dagless finds a little alien child with a huge eye, and slowly becomes a father figure. Skipper is meant to replace Rick’s dead son. Remarking on his son’s death, Dagless says, “He was half-boy and half-grasshopper. He never stood a chance.” That line alone should convince you to watch this genius show.

Another episode centers around a group of Scottish men who are haunting the hospital. It’s such a random choice that shows the eccentricity of Garth Marenghi. In the last episode, there’s an entire music number. With only six episodes, this show surprised me at every single moment. It’s a shame there wasn’t a second season, but I guess this type of genius is always unrecognized. 

There’re so many little running gags throughout the show. My personal favorite is how Garth Marenghi is laughably bad at writing people talking on the phone. Another running joke is the constant mistreatment of Liz, and even how they don’t credit her as a doctor in the cast list. Again, these details are just so small but an eagle-eyed viewer will notice, and it’ll heighten their experience. 

I can’t tell you enough to watch this. The entire show is only about three hours long, and it’s completely free on YouTube. I mean it when I say that this might be the funniest show of the 21st Century. If you don’t watch it, I’m afraid you are seriously missing out.

*”Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place” is available to watch on YouTube and you can purchase the DVD from Amazon.