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Blunt Talk

Blunt Talk

America's most trusted newsman. Maybe.

2015–2016Ended2 seasons20 episodes~30 min/epTV-MAMidcredits score: 62nd percentile of all shows

A British newscaster moves to Los Angeles with his alcoholic manservant and the baggage of several failed marriages to host a sanctimonious talk show.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch Blunt Talk?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Blunt Talk to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Rent / Buy

BuyBuy

Highlights

What stands out about Blunt Talk?

Blunt Talk earns 5 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood

Reception

Is Blunt Talk worth watching?

Blunt Talk's Midcredits score is the 62nd percentile of all shows, from 4.8K ratings across 2 sources. 78% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

62nd percentile

Better received than 62% of shows

60th percentile among Comedy60th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)55th
Approval (how many liked it)67th

Acclaim

Crowd Pleaser: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

72 /100

55th percentile of all shows

55th percentile among Comedy53rd percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

Approval

How many liked it

78% liked it

67th percentile of all shows

62nd percentile among Comedy65th percentile among 2010s
78% rated it 7–1022% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

76th percentile

4.7K ratings across platforms

64th percentile among Comedy78th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 4% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show's comedy and appeal hinge on Patrick Stewart's out-of-type performance, with the writing and supporting characters failing to match his charisma.

Fans praised

  • Patrick Stewart's charming, versatile performance
  • Quirky, lovable, well-developed characters and ensemble chemistry
  • Refreshingly different, off-kilter blend of dark comedy and heart

Detractors panned

  • Humor relies entirely on Stewart playing against type, not actual jokes
  • Juvenile, crude, and clichéd comedy focusing on drugs and sex
  • Unlikable protagonist and chaotic, unfunny writing

What stands out

ActingDivisive85

Stewart's charismatic and versatile lead; ensemble keeps up

CharactersDivisive70

Quirky, flawed, mutually accepting ensemble; Blunt a lovable mess

OriginalityDivisive70

Refreshingly weird, off-kilter blend; but borrows from classics

Emotional impact70

Sweet, tolerant relationships amid chaos; oddly soothing

DialogueDivisive65

Witty, rapid-fire, but occasionally not funny on its own

Pacing65

Fast half-hour, packed with incidents

HumorDivisive55

Juvenile antics and crude jokes hit or miss; relies on Stewart

Plot and storyDivisive50

Loosely plotted, character-driven; predictable at times

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 17 points higher than women.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 13 points higher than non-US viewers.

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2016 · 10 episodes

  • S2E1

    I Remember That Time More Like a Movie I Saw Than a Life I Lived

    Oct 2, 2016
  • S2E2

    If It Comes in a Plastic Bag, Don't Eat It

    Oct 9, 2016
  • S2E3

    Your Therapist and His Pussy Are Here

    Oct 16, 2016
  • S2E4

    How Is It That Every Conversation We Have Comes Back to the Size of Your Penis?

    Oct 23, 2016
  • S2E5

    It's Been Months Since I Kidnapped You

    Oct 30, 2016
  • S2E6

    Love Is Not Linear

    Nov 6, 2016

Watch experience

What is Blunt Talk like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Wry, light and gentle — a slow-burn watch that leaves you feeling good.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
WarmAbsurdJoyful
Heaviest: throughout
Satirical humor
Register
Satirical · 5% of showsAbsurdist · 6% of shows: Deliberately illogical; embraces nonsense.Warm
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Resets each episode · 10% of showsOne continuous story
ToneThe show plays its absurd, exaggerated situations with a straight-faced sincerity that underlines the comedy.
The rideThe series maintains a consistently light and comedic mood with absurd situations, never becoming heavy or dramatically intense.
StructureSelf-contained episodes follow a conventional setup-payoff structure, consistent with the sitcom reset format.
Episode formatEach episode presents a self-contained comedic situation around the talk show and Walter's life, with the status quo restored by the end.
Season formatThough episodes are self-contained, the two seasons follow a continuing storyline about Walter's life and career in Los Angeles.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Feel-goodFun
Why it leaves you this wayThe series leaves you amused and heartwarmed by its flawed but affectionate characters.
How it ends · evidence
Ambiguous ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Comedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12% (this title): Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2% (this title)
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7%: Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1%
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Comedy: Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony. · Comedy of manners: Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).

12% of shows fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe typical episode follows Walter Blunt's well-intended but misguided actions as a British newscaster hosting an American talk show, satirizing social codes and media culture.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% (this title) · Coming of age 9% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% (this title) · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% (this title) · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

IdentityRedemption · 3% of shows: Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Ambition · 14% of shows
Satirizes its theme: Attacks its theme through ridicule.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe show explores Walter Blunt's struggle to maintain his persona while confronting his own failures and reinventing himself in a new city.
StanceThe show satirizes the media industry and Walter's pretensions while focusing on his personal and professional dynamics with Harry.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalJazzSupportive music · original score
SettingLos Angeles TV talk show studio and the lavish home of its British host
MusicThe upbeat score accompanies the show's lighthearted and satirical tone.

Content guide

Is Blunt Talk okay for kids?

TV-MA

Blunt Talk is rated TV-MA. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at intense (67/100), language at intense (67/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at mild (33/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 2 other countries
  • AustraliaMA15+
  • Brazil16
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Profanity
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (5 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does Blunt Talk have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Blunt Talk?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Patrick Stewart
as Walter Blunt
Globe nominee: Golden Globe nomination — Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or MusicalTop draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Adrian Scarborough
as Harry Chandler
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Timm Sharp
as Jim
Dolly Wells
as Celia
Jacki Weaver
as Rosalie Winter
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Mary Holland
as Shelly
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Karan Soni
as Martin
Romany Malco
as Bob Gardner
Ken Weiler
as Sam
Erik Griffin
as Gershawn

More like this

What are shows like Blunt Talk?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like Blunt Talk include The Larry Sanders Show (1992), The Eric Andre Show (2012) and A Black Lady Sketch Show (2019).

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What other shows share a tag with Blunt Talk?

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