Watch W1A

W1A is a British sitcom that premiered on BBC Two in 2014. The show revolves around the fictional BBC Broadcasting House and its management team. The show is a mockumentary that satirizes the behind-the-scenes workings of the BBC and its bureaucracy. The show stars Hugh Bonneville as Ian Fletcher, the newly appointed Head of Values at the BBC. He is joined by Monica Dolan as Tracey Pritchard, the senior communications officer, and Sarah Parish as Anna Rampton, the director of Better. The show features an ensemble cast portraying a variety of eccentric characters, including Siobhan Sharpe, the clueless PR consultant, and David Wilkes, the head of commissioning who is always on the hunt for the next big thing.

The show is set in the year 2014, just after the successful coverage of the 2012 London Olympics by the BBC. W1A seeks to show the BBC both as a reflection of the public's perception of the organization as well as a critique of its internal management. The show's creators, John Morton and Paul Schlesinger, were inspired by their own experiences working for the BBC and having to navigate its unique management structure.

In the first season, viewers follow Ian Fletcher taking on the role of the Head of Values, responsible for ensuring that the BBC continues to deliver high-quality, informative, and educational content. However, he quickly realizes that the job is not as straightforward as it may seem. Fletcher has to deal with a myriad of complex and often nonsensical issues, including the implementation of a new digital platform, the creation of a new BBC logo, and the controversy surrounding the absence of a traditional Christmas tree.

The second season sees Fletcher as the BBC's "Head of Values" again, but this time he has a new task, to organize the corporation's coverage of the upcoming general election. The season takes a more absurdist approach to the satire, with plot lines involving a fictional company called Fun Media, the creation of a new railway line, and the struggle to make the BBC more diverse.

Throughout the seasons, we see the challenges of the highly complex bureaucratic structure of the BBC, which is often at odds with the wants and needs of the public. The show also highlights the importance of marketing and public relations in today's media landscape, often portraying the bureaucracy involved in such tasks in a humorous light.

The show uses a mockumentary style that has become familiar in British television, with interviews interspersed with fly-on-the-wall footage of the actors going about their daily business. The show also uses documentary-style captions for comedic effect, often highlighting the absurdity of the situations.

One of the most notable aspects of W1A is the highly talented cast who bring the characters to life with nuance and humor. Hugh Bonneville gives a brilliant performance as Fletcher, showcasing excellent comic timing and delivery. Monica Dolan and Sarah Parish also deliver standout performances as Tracey and Anna, respectively. The ensemble cast works very well together, with the chemistry between the actors being one of the standout features of the show.

Overall, W1A is a witty, well-written, and nuanced satire of the BBC and its bureaucracy. The show's intricate plot lines and excellent comedy make it one of the most entertaining shows on television. The use of a mockumentary style and documentary-style captions adds to the comedic effect and sets the show apart from other sitcoms. If you enjoy political satire, British humor, or just enjoy a good laugh, W1A is a must-watch.

W1A is a series that ran for 3 seasons (15 episodes) between March 19, 2014 and on BBC Two