Channel 4 is renowned for its high quality, original, British dramas and comedies, and their latest series Catastrophe is the perfect hybrid of the two. Based on the story of Sharon and Rob, who after a sex-fueled brief romance, are almost forced into a real relationship after Sharon discovers she is pregnant. But they are by no means parent material and neither, despite their age, is quite willing to grow up. The results are akin to two teenagers coming round to the idea of parenthood, except in this case it’s two thirty-somethings.
Interestingly, this sitcom bases the characters on the lives of actors Sharon Hogan and Rob Delaney’s. They’ve each included their own personal anecdotes on relationships and family life, incorporating them into the script. It’s hard to believe that any couple could go through quite as many ultra-complex scenarios and still come out alive and together as a couple. Yet, Sharon and Rob master this perfectly, probably because they’ve both half experienced it in real life.
Inspired by Sharon Hogan’s successful sitcom Pulling, Catastrophe is remarkable in the fact that it is not just ‘another spin-off’ of something that once was. It’s a tale that explores a more mature setting, probably not dissimilar to Sharon and Rob’s lives themselves. Yet, it doesn’t feel grown-up or ‘old’. Instead it seems relevant and modern, with the characters providing non-stop entertainment and keeping you gripped all the way through. It’s no surprise that the half hour show goes past in the blink of an eye.
In just two episodes, Catastrophe has already planted a long running pull that will keep viewers coming back week after week. It may fit into the traditional romcom genre, what with its ‘love at first sight’ approach and the idea of a ‘happily-ever-after’. However, it’s realistic in that it’s by no means simple, with a path that’s far from being straight and narrow. Both Rob and Sharon are plagued with insecurities, vulnerabilities and weaknesses, which just makes them all the more endearing to the audience. They are finally characters that the viewer can relate too, even if the situations they find themselves in are utterly laughable most of the time.
Equally, the characters are able to show clear appreciation for each other. Sharon and Rob genuinely have a close bond. which is well expressed when they smile and laugh at each other’s jokes, showing they actually do find them funny. What makes Catastrophe stand out from so many other British comedies is its take on characters; their genuine sincerity and their witty dialogue will leaves you in stitches, yet they are so incredibly relatable. Catastrophe is in prime position to become a long running fixture on our TV screens.
Emily Willson
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