Interview with Hugh Bonneville and John Morton on Their 2026 BBC Series
BBC’s ‘Twenty Twenty Six’: A Satirical Journey Across the Atlantic
BBC’s Culmination of Satirical Genius
The set of the BBC’s latest offering, ‘Twenty Twenty Six,’ may look mundane despite the star-studded appearance of Hugh Bonneville and Chelsey Crisp, but it promises another enthralling deep dive into the comedy of bureaucracy. Directed by John Morton, this new series serves as the follow-up to his BAFTA-winning satirical comedies, ‘Twenty Twelve’ and ‘W1A,’ which have become cult classics for their humorous insight into British public institutions.
From London to Miami and Beyond
With a backdrop that transforms seamlessly from London studios to the vibrant skyline of Miami, ‘Twenty Twenty Six’ captures the logistical chaos of organizing a soccer World Cup across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Despite not filming in the States due to budget constraints, the production features genuine Miami drone footage. Hugh Bonneville reprises his role as Ian Fletcher, navigating the challenges of his new post as Director of Integrity, offering viewers a comedic yet critical lens on U.S. organizational culture.
Unmasking the Humor in Bureaucratic Chaos
Creator John Morton explains the narrative approach, “I often start with an organization’s public aspirations and then work backwards, exploring the gap between mission statements and the Monday realities.” The setting provides rich ground for comedy, as it did with previous shows, by highlighting the dissonance between lofty goals and practical execution.
International Cast Enters the Stage
Joining the ensemble cast are American and Canadian actors such as Chelsey Crisp, Paulo Costanzo, and Stephen Kunken. This diverse team tackles Morton’s distinct dialogue with finesse, showcasing a rhythm that complements the comedic narrative. Morton comments on the talent blend, noting the American and Canadian actors’ contribution to the show’s unique tone.
Satire with a Political Backdrop
The series does not shy away from current political undercurrents, weaving satirical jabs at figures like Donald Trump into its storyline. However, Morton maintains that the focus rests on the comedic, logistical nightmares of organizing an event of this scale rather than diving deep into political commentary.
Global Audience Appeal
Nick Lee, BBC Studios’ Commercial Director of Drama and Comedy, highlights the international appeal of ‘Twenty Twenty Six.’ Building on Bonneville’s global recognition and the relatable ‘fish out of water’ dynamic, it aims to captivate audiences worldwide. Discussions are in progress to license the series, similar to its predecessors that found a home on BritBox in the U.S.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Sequel?
While Morton hints at a future storyline potentially involving the 2028 L.A. Olympics, he emphasizes the need to take a breather before embarking on another creative journey. As ‘Twenty Twenty Six’ makes its mark, fans and global audiences will be eagerly watching the spaces Morton will take his characters next.
