Hunderby

Synopsis

Hunderby is a dark British comedy series created by Julia Davis, which debuted in 2012. Set in the early 19th century, the show follows Helene, a young woman who marries a local pastor in the remote village of Hunderby. Beneath the quaint rural setting lies a world of absurdity, deceit, and scandal. The series brilliantly juxtaposes period drama tropes with sharp, modern-day satirical humor, exploring themes of power, sexuality, and social hypocrisy. With its unique blend of gothic aesthetics and biting wit, Hunderby offers a hilarious and often unsettling exploration of the intricacies of relationships and societal expectations during the Regency era.

Cast

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  Julia Davis

  Dorothy

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  Rosie Cavaliero

  Hesther

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  Alexandra Roach

  Helene

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  Rebekah Staton

  Annie

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  Ben Bishop

  Tom

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  Alex Macqueen

  Edmund

Reviews

Hunderby has received largely positive acclaim for its distinctive humor and Julia Davis's creative vision. On IMDb, it holds a respectable rating of 7.3/10, reflecting its strong fan base and appreciation among viewers for its clever writing and eccentric characters. Critics have praised its successful fusion of period drama with dark comedy. The Guardian highlighted the show as "an exquisitely twisted period comedy that delights in the grotesque and the absurd," appreciating its originality and fearless approach to taboo subjects. Similarly, The Independent described it as "a brilliantly executed black comedy that shines with sharp wit and unexpected emotional depth." On Rotten Tomatoes, while it doesn't have an aggregated critic score due to limited mainstream attention, audience reactions praise the show's offbeat style, calling it "refreshingly bold and unnervingly funny." However, some critics and viewers found the show's dark tone and niche humor challenging, noting it may not appeal to those preferring conventional comedy or straightforward period dramas. Despite this, Hunderby's unique voice and commitment to sharp satire have earned it a cult following and multiple awards, including a British Comedy Award for Best Sitcom. Overall, it stands out as a clever, provocative series that pushes boundaries while retaining engaging storytelling.