Watch Dead Pixels

Dead Pixels is a comedy television series that premiered in 2019 on Channel 4. It was created by Jon Brown and features an ensemble cast of young actors including Alexa Davies, Will Merrick, and Charlotte Ritchie. The show is set in London and revolves around the lives of three gamers who are addicted to an online video game called "Kingdom Scroll."

The main character of the show is Meg (played by Davies), a young woman who is obsessed with the game and spends most of her time playing it. She is joined by her housemate Nicky (Ritchie) and their friend Usman (Merrick), who are also avid gamers. The three of them spend their days working at dead-end jobs and their nights playing Kingdom Scroll, where they compete against other players for virtual rewards.

As the show progresses, the trio navigates their way through the ups and downs of their virtual and real-life relationships. Meg, Nicky, and Usman develop strong bonds in both the game and reality, but also face challenges, especially when they are forced to confront issues such as addiction, jealousy, and heartbreak.

The show features a mix of live-action footage and animated sequences that depict the gameplay in Kingdom Scroll. The animated sequences provide a unique, visually engaging way to represent the game and highlight the characters' enthusiasm and emotion as they play. However, the show also takes care to show the negative consequences of addiction to online video games, as the characters struggle with their commitments to the game while trying to maintain their real lives.

In addition to the three central characters, the show features a diverse cast of supporting players who add to the humor and drama of the series. These include Meg's boss Alison (Susan Wokoma), who is secretly a Kingdom Scroll player and bonds with Meg over their shared addiction, and Meg's boyfriend Simon (Jonathan Pointing), who is supportive but often feels left out of her intense gaming life.

The show has been praised for its fresh take on the gaming subculture and its ability to capture the essence of modern technology culture. It is an insightful and funny look at the lives of young gamers and their relationships, both online and off. The show doesn't shy away from serious issues like addiction and the impact of gaming on mental health, but it presents them in a relatable and humorous way.

Dead Pixels appeals to a young, tech-savvy audience and has gained a following for its humor and witty dialogue. The show's visual style and comedic timing are well-crafted, and the characters are likable and relatable, making it easy to connect with them. Despite its focus on gaming culture, the show is accessible to those who aren't gamers and provides a window into a world that few people may have explored.

In conclusion, Dead Pixels is a great example of original programming from Channel 4 that offers a fresh take on the world of gaming subculture. It's a hilarious and heartfelt show that will resonate with anyone who has ever been passionate about a hobby or pastime, and its characters are relatable and likable. The show's visuals are inventive and engaging, and the storylines are compelling, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a new comedy series to enjoy.

Dead Pixels is a series that ran for 2 seasons (12 episodes) between and on Channel 4