Twenty Twenty Six Struggles to Match the Brilliance of Its Predecessors
John Morton, the creative mind behind the acclaimed mockumentaries Twenty Twelve and W1A, has returned with a new series titled Twenty Twenty Six. Set against the backdrop of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this show follows the familiar character Ian Fletcher, played by Hugh Bonneville, as he navigates the chaotic world of international sports bureaucracy. While the series retains the awkward charm and satirical edge of its forerunners, it often feels like a rehash of past successes rather than a bold new venture.
A Clever Yet Familiar Premise
Twenty Twenty Six is not without its merits. The show cleverly evolves Ian Fletcher's predicament by placing him in Miami, where he must contend with American, European, Canadian, and Mexican colleagues. This fish-out-of-water scenario generates plenty of toe-curling awkwardness, reminiscent of the cringe comedy that made W1A so beloved. The series also features delightful word salad from characters like David Tennant's VP On Pitch Protocol Phil Plank, adding to the humorous portrayal of institutional incompetence.
One of the standout elements is the social media team, which delivers a withering take on the vapidness of modern journalism. This satire is borderline cruel but immensely entertaining, highlighting Morton's sharp wit. Additionally, the exploration of American stereotypes, from slick East Coast lawyers to eco-friendly West Coast types, adds depth by reminding viewers that the US is not a monoculture.
Recycling Old Jokes and Missing Key Elements
Despite these strengths, Twenty Twenty Six falters by playing it too safe. The jokes, while still awkward, often feel recycled from W1A, with little innovation beyond swapping the BBC logo for FIFA. The return of Will, Ian's personal assistant, exemplifies this issue; his presence is justified by thin reasoning, and he serves primarily as a butt for nepotism and ineptitude jokes, offering nothing new.
More disappointingly, the absence of Siobhan, played by Jessica Hynes, is keenly felt. In previous series, her dynamic with Ian provided a perfect comedic balance, and without her, the show lacks that essential spark. Furthermore, some attempts at humor, such as jokes about social politics and pronouns, fall flat and feel outdated, detracting from the overall experience.
Final Verdict: Enjoyable but Uninspired
In summary, Twenty Twenty Six is a clever and funny show that will likely please fans of Morton's earlier work. Hugh Bonneville's performance as the baffled Ian Fletcher remains charming, and the series successfully captures the spirit of institutional dysfunction. However, it struggles to escape the shadow of its predecessors, relying too heavily on familiar tropes without introducing enough fresh material. For those seeking a safe dose of cringe comedy, it delivers, but it falls short of the groundbreaking humor that defined Twenty Twelve and W1A.
