Cunk on Cinema: Diane Morgan Returns in New BBC Two Mockumentary Series
Philomena Cunk, the beloved deadpan documentary character portrayed by actress Diane Morgan, is set to return to screens in a new three-part BBC Two mockumentary series titled 'Cunk on Cinema', exploring the history of film from its invention to the age of artificial intelligence.
The series, announced on 9 April 2026, is written by celebrated satirist Charlie Brooker and will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the UK and Ireland before being released internationally on Netflix.
Background
Philomena Cunk first appeared as a character in Charlie Brooker's 'Weekly Wipe' before graduating to her own specials, including 'Cunk on Shakespeare', 'Cunk on Britain', and the globally successful 'Cunk on Earth', which became a hit on Netflix and introduced the character to audiences worldwide. The character's signature style — asking experts absurdly literal questions with complete sincerity — has made her one of British comedy's most distinctive creations.
Key Developments
In 'Cunk on Cinema', Philomena will turn her unique investigative lens on the history of the moving image, from the invention of the camera and the New Wave filmmakers of the 1960s, through the advent of CGI, to the contemporary impact of artificial intelligence on the film industry. The series is produced by Pacesetter Productions and directed by Al Campbell.
Charlie Brooker, 55, offered a characteristically sardonic take on the timing of the new series, stating: "Now that Sora has killed off Hollywood and itself (presumably as part of a murder-suicide pact), it's the perfect time to look back at two hundred centuries of cinema, in the company of an idiot we're apparently cursed to employ: Philomena Cunk."
Diane Morgan, 50, who plays Cunk, offered her own assessment of the subject matter in character, noting that cinema has given the world profound moments — before listing a series of increasingly absurd examples in classic Cunk fashion. Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, commissioned the series, describing Cunk as a "leading intrepid documentary filmmaker."
Why It Matters
The return of Cunk is significant both as a cultural event and as a reflection of the BBC's continued investment in distinctive British comedy. The character has become a genuine global phenomenon through Netflix, bringing a distinctly British satirical sensibility to international audiences. The choice of cinema as a subject — particularly the role of AI in film — feels timely given the rapid changes reshaping the entertainment industry.
For UK and Irish audiences, the series will be available on BBC Two and iPlayer, maintaining the BBC's role as a home for ambitious, original comedy.
What's Next
Production on 'Cunk on Cinema' began in the week of the announcement. No broadcast date has yet been confirmed, but the series is expected to air later in 2026 on BBC Two before its international Netflix release.
Read the full announcement at RTÉ Entertainment.
