Watch Garth Marenghi's Darkplace

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a British comedy television series that originally aired on Channel 4 in 2004. The show is a parody of 1980s horror and science fiction television programs, and it follows the exploits of a fictional author named Garth Marenghi in his self-titled TV show.

The series stars Matthew Holness as the titular character Garth Marenghi, a fictional horror author and actor who portrays the show's main character, Dr. Rick Dagless, MD. Richard Ayoade co-stars as Dr. Lucien Sanchez, Matt Berry plays Todd Rivers, and Alice Lowe portrays Liz Asher. The show also features a number of special guest stars, including Graham Linehan, Stephen Merchant, and Julian Barratt.

The series is presented as a lost television show from the 1980s that was never aired due to its controversial content. The premise of the show is that Garth Marenghi had convinced a local British television station to produce his new horror television show, with the idea that he could single-handedly create and star in his own program. The result is Darkplace, a show that is clearly low-budget and low-quality, with over-the-top acting, cheap special effects, and an intentionally melodramatic tone.

As the series unfolds, audiences are treated to a variety of strange, surreal, and often ridiculous horror elements, including invisible monsters, time travel, and demonic possessions. The show cleverly satirizes the common tropes and cliches of 1980s television, while also delivering its own unique and humorous takes on the genre.

The show-within-a-show format allows for a lot of meta-commentary on both the production of 1980s television shows and the medium itself. There are a number of tongue-in-cheek jokes about bad acting, cheap visual effects, and repetitive plots. However, the show also cleverly subverts many of these tropes, using them to surprise or shock the audience.

The performances in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace are a highlight of the series. Matthew Holness is excellent as the over-the-top author/actor Garth Marenghi, bringing both an air of egotism and bumbling charm to his character. Richard Ayoade brings his signature deadpan delivery to the role of Dr. Sanchez, while Matt Berry's Todd Rivers is simultaneously absurd and charismatic. Alice Lowe's role as the hospital employee Liz provides a grounded counterpoint to the show's more outlandish elements. The chemistry between the four leads is fantastic, and they play off each other beautifully.

In addition to the four protagonists, the show is also notable for its many cameos from other popular British comedians. These include Graham Linehan (Father Ted, The IT Crowd), Stephen Merchant (The Office, Extras), and Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh). These guest appearances lend the series an added sense of humor and self-awareness, as well as providing a fun glimpse into the larger world of British comedy at the time.

Overall, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a hilarious and absurd comedy that pokes fun at the horror and science fiction genres, as well as the television industry itself. Its unique format and talented cast make it a cult classic that is still remembered fondly by fans today.

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between January 29, 2004 and on Channel 4