‘Dara’s Dull Appreciation Society’ is heading to U and U&Dave, with Dara Ó Briain (Mock the Week) hosting a brand-new comedy entertainment series celebrating members of the public who take the mundane to magnificent new levels.
The 4×40’ series will see guests from across the country showcase their seemingly dull, but actually quite interesting, collections, pastimes and passions. Dara, along with his judging board, must decide who cuts the mild mustard, who is thrilling by mistake, and who earns the ultimate accolade each episode: the Golden Fleece.
Joining Dara in the search for Britain’s most gloriously unremarkable obsessions is self-confessed “prince of dullness” John Robins (Taskmaster), alongside two further comedian guests on the judging panel each episode.
“The word dull is a lie; this is a show about great passions, dangerous obsessions and lives led with fervour, zeal and all-consuming devotion. But, y’know, for garage forecourts or antique supermarket shopping bags. There is greatness in the mundane!”
“I can’t wait to grill our members to find out if they have extracted every ounce of pleasure from some of the dullest corners of the world. As someone who rates service stations based on cleanliness, choice and “vibe”, who maintains a Wordle spreadsheet and treats a supermarket shop like a military operation, I’m looking forward to spending time with my tribe!”
It is the sort of premise that feels almost too perfectly tailored for U&Dave: a panel show where the joke is not really laughing at people’s odd obsessions, but celebrating the sheer depth of human commitment required to become genuinely passionate about garage forecourts, antique supermarket shopping bags, or whatever other magnificently niche interests walk through the studio doors.
Jason Dawson, commissioning executive for UKTV, adds:
“There’s an implicit irony in just how excited we are to be working with Dara, John, and the producers at Interstellar on this joyous show. Along with the funniest comedians in the country, we’re going to celebrate those eccentric everyday heroes who make the unremarkable truly remarkable and invite viewers to embrace their inner dull!”
Gerald Casey, director of programming, unscripted, says:
“With the winning combination of the brilliant Dara Ó Briain as our host and the hilarious John Robins as the arbiter of all things dull, I’m sure our viewers will love this headfirst dive into the fascinating world of dullness.”
The series is produced by Interstellar, with David Williams and Jamie Ormerod serving as executive producers, Sheryl Lacy as director of production, and Mike Rayment as series producer.
Jamie Ormerod and David Williams add:
“In a world packed with cynicism that seems to spin ever faster, we’re appropriately whelmed to be making a show that slows down to appreciate the simple things in life. Dull is never boring; it’s often surprising, oddly fascinating, and in the hands of Dara Ó Briain, very, very funny too.”
‘Dara’s Dull Appreciation Society’ films next month and will stream on U and air on U&Dave next year.
‘Dara’s Dull Appreciation Society’ Season 1 does not yet have a premiere date but will air on U and U&Dave in the UK in 2027. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown