The comedy, which originally aired on the BBC in 2019, stars Martin Clunes and Lisa Millett
The series first aired on BBC back in 2019(Image: BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Warren Orchard)
Martin Clunes ‘breath of fresh air’ sitcom is available to stream for free.
The 6-part show Warren, which first aired on BBC back in 2019, is the perfect one-night binge if you have a few hours to spare.
The comedy features Martin portraying a discontented 50-something driving instructor, Warren Thompson, who is compelled to relocate up north after his partner’s father falls seriously ill.
Despite craving a peaceful existence, Warren finds himself in a place he detests, undertaking a job he’s unsuited for with a family he never anticipated caring for – and is repeatedly drawn into self-created problematic scenarios.
. The synopsis adds: “Warren has a way of knowing best and speaking his mind that inevitably leads to conflict, chaos and disaster for those around him – and especially for himself.
“Warren doesn’t embrace the concept of growing old gracefully. He’s quite happy to keep railing against the world and trying to right perceived wrongs against him. There are no happy endings for Warren as he grapples with the problems and misunderstandings of his own making.”
Starring alongside Martin is Lisa Millett (Robin Hood), who portrays his partner, Anne. The cast also features Tim Preston (One Day) as Charlie, Oscar Morgan (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) as Danny and Neil Edmond (Ghosts) as Ian.
While the programme got mixed critical responses, it’s still worth the watch if you’re a Martin Clunes fan and fancy seeing him embody a grumpy, discontented character not far from his legendary role as Doc Martin in the ITV medical drama.
The programme was scored comparatively unfavourably by critics, who collectively rated it at 17 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.
In its one-star assessment, The Telegraph wrote: “Warren is at once underwritten and, worse, overwritten. There is a failure to follow through with the comic potential in a southerner trapped in the north.”
Meanwhile The Times added: “[Clunes’] nuanced comic turn deserved something rather better than Warren, with its overreliance on comedy staples – a shonky clairvoyant and a competitive next-door neighbour.”
Despite the negative critical response, the show proved more of a hit with viewers and currently holds a 69 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes.
“This comedy is really well written and a breath of fresh air,” remarked one viewer. “I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised. I seldom laugh out loud, even when humorous, but this had me really laughing.”
Another commented: “Absolutely hysterical, so well written, I don’t understand why they are not making a series 2!”, while a third noted: “It takes an episode or two but it does grow on you. Interesting premise and quite funny. I’m sorry that there isn’t a second series.”
All six episodes of Warren are available to stream on Prime Video