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Mongrels is a British comedy television show that aired on BBC Three from 2010 to 2011. The show consists of puppet characters, who reside in a dirty alleyway behind a pub in the East End of London. The humor is primarily crude and aimed at adult audiences, and centers around the lives of the typical inhabitants in the alleyway, who all happen to be animals.

The show follows the lives of five animals: Nelson, a metrosexual fox; Marion, a sarcastic cat; Destiny, a dim-witted Afghan hound; Kali, a grumpy pigeon; and Vince, a sensitive red fox. Nelson is the leader of the group, while Marion is his reluctant girlfriend. Destiny is constantly trying to win over the affection of the other animals, especially Vince, who he has a crush on. Kali is just there to mooch off of the group, while Vince is a sensitive soul who is always torn between what is right and what is wrong.

Each episode typically follows the group as they find themselves in various scenarios, such as trying to survive a heat wave, accidentally getting on a petting zoo truck, or trying to find money to buy alcohol. While the humor is often crude and vulgar, it is also incredibly witty and clever. The show cleverly uses the animal characters to explore human society and behaviors, often with a biting satirical edge.

One of the strengths of the show is its ability to balance crude humor with more heartfelt moments. While the bulk of the show is dedicated to toilet humor and raunchy jokes, the characters also have moments of genuine emotion and vulnerability. The relationship between Nelson and Marion, in particular, is incredibly touching, as they navigate their complicated romance while surrounded by the chaos of their alleyway.

One of the standout elements of Mongrels is its incredible production design. The show's puppetry is top-notch, with each character being intricately designed and animated. The alleyway set is also incredibly detailed, with a realistic level of grime and filth that helps ground the absurdist humor of the show. The voice acting is also fantastic, with each actor bringing a unique energy and comedic timing to their respective characters.

While the show was praised for its humor and production, it was not without its controversies. Some viewers criticized the show for its frequent use of racial and homophobic slurs, arguing that the humor was offensive and unnecessary. Others felt that the show's humor could be overly reliant on crude jokes, and that the show struggled to find a balance between vulgarity and genuine emotion.

Despite these criticisms, Mongrels remains a beloved cult classic for many viewers. Its unique blend of absurd humor and heart makes it a standout entry in the genre of adult-oriented puppet comedies. The show's legacy has been preserved through streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime, making it accessible for a new generation of viewers to discover and enjoy.

Mongrels is a series that ran for 2 seasons (17 episodes) between June 22, 2010 and on BBC Three