8.4 /10 1 Votes
8.6/10 TV Written by Simeon Goulden Country of origin United Kingdom Genre Sitcom | 8/10 IMDb Created by Simeon Goulden Composer(s) Oli Julian First episode date 14 October 2011 Network Sky 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Directed by Ben Taylor (Series 1)
John Henderson (Series 2) Starring Darren Boyd
Jude Wright
Robert Lindsay
Dolly Wells Cast Darren Boyd, Mathew Baynton, Robert Lindsay, Jude Wright, Dolly Wells | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Spy is a British situation comedy created and written by Simeon Goulden. The first series aired on 14 October 2011 on Sky1 in the UK, as well as on the online video service Hulu in the United States. A second series began airing on 19 October 2012, ending with a Christmas Special on 26 December 2012. On 1 March 2013, Darren Boyd announced that the show would not be returning for a third series.
Contents
Spy 2011 marcus the godfather
Reception
Reception of the series has been varied. Olly Grant of The Telegraph described the new series as "a very promising little comedy, and [Robert] Lindsay is particularly good in it." The premiere was described by Ben Arnold (The Guardian) as a "hopeful offering", but wrote, "It will need considerably more laughs in future episodes to stand repeat viewing." The series' second episode was termed "mediocre" by Catherine Gee (Telegraph), but Jack Seale (Radio Times) wrote "never mind that everyone's crazy and nothing is real, so that – like a lot of US sitcoms – you wouldn't mind missing an episode. When you're in front of it, Spy keeps doling out quick, cheap, satisfying laughs." In a 2011 year-end wrap-up, Julia Raeside (Guardian) wrote:
Spy on Sky1 was for me the surprise sitcom hit of the year. Darren Boyd has been solidly delivering funny best friends and boyfriends for years, so it was great to see him taking the lead in such a brilliantly written show. It makes stunning use of physical comedy and the gags come thick and fast.
In 2012, Sam Wollaston (Guardian) described it as "totally ridiculous, but in a charming way" and having "a lovable silliness."
DVD release
The complete first series of Spy was released on DVD on 5 November 2012.
The complete second series of Spy was released on DVD on 29 July 2013.
International remakes
An American version was being discussed to broadcast on ABC. ABC released casting info for the show, with Rob Corddry being cast as Tim, Mason Cook as Marcus, Paget Brewster in the new role of Erica as Marcus' mom and Tim's ex-wife, replacing Judith, Moshe Kasher as Chris, Camille Guaty as Caitlin, and Ken Jeong as The Examiner. Nat Faxon was to guest star in the pilot, and if the series was picked up, would have been a guest star in as many episodes as possible. The show was to be produced by ABC Studios and Hat Trick Productions, with Simeon Goulden, Jimmy Mulville and Helen Williams as executive producers. The series was to be written by Simeon Goulden as well, with Alex Hardcastle directing the pilot. On 10 May 2013, Deadline reported that ABC had passed on the pilot.