Back
- TV sitcom
- Channel 4
- 2017 - 2021
- 12 episodes (2 series)
Sitcom starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb. Also features Penny Downie, Louise Brealey, Geoffrey McGivern, Jessica Gunning, Oliver Maltman and more.
Streaming rank this week: 4,121
Episode menu
Series 2, Episode 1
Further details
After a long absence, a rejuvenated Stephen prepares to head back to the John Barleycorn, just as Andrew is starting to feel restricted and weighed down by the mundanities of being a provincial pub landlord. Have the tables now turned for these reluctant foster brothers?
On Stephen's return, his sister Cass has some surprising news about mum Ellen's relationship status, while the opening of a rival cutting-edge pub just up the road evokes curiosity and trepidation, especially when it becomes apparent that the new establishment needs a manager, and is looking to headhunt a certain hotshot from the Barleycorn.
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 21st January 2021
- Time
- 10pm
- Channel
- Channel 4
- Length
- 35 minutes
Cast & crew
| David Mitchell | Stephen |
| Robert Webb | Andrew |
| Penny Downie | Ellen |
| Louise Brealey | Cass |
| Geoffrey McGivern | Uncle Geoff |
| Jessica Gunning | Jan |
| Oliver Maltman | Mike |
| Olivia Poulet | Alison |
| John MacMillan | Julian |
| Jumanne Bailey | Cath |
| Anna Leong Brophy | Bryony |
| Tim Downie | Lee |
| Donavan Imber | Keith |
| Roisin O'Mahony | Shoe Shop Assistant |
| Robert Purdy | Barman |
| Oliver Wellington | Robbie |
| Simon Blackwell | Writer |
| Will Smith | Writer (Additional Material) |
| Ian Martin | Writer (Additional Material) |
| George Kane | Director |
| Lyndsay Robinson | Producer |
| Kenton Allen | Executive Producer |
| David Mitchell | Executive Producer |
| Robert Webb | Executive Producer |
| Simon Blackwell | Executive Producer |
| Matthew Justice | Executive Producer |
| Victoria Grew | Executive Producer |
| Jo Alloway | Line Producer |
| Nick Ames | Editor |
| Al Rogers | Editor |
| Rosy Thomas | Production Designer |
| Tracey Gillham | Casting Director |
| Catherine Willis | Casting Director |
| Claire Finlay-Thompson | Costume Designer |
| Sean Van Hales | Director of Photography |
| Lisa Halstead | Make-up Designer |
| Oli Julian | Composer |
| Andy Stenning | 1st Assistant Director |
Video
Stephen is making great progress
Stephen is living a good life.
Featuring: David Mitchell (Stephen), Robert Webb (Andrew), Olivia Poulet (Alison), Donavan Imber (Keith) & Oliver Wellington (Robbie).
Press
Back knows the provincial pub is Britain in microcosm
This comedy series starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb also has deep feeling for its boozer's denizens.
Rachel Cooke, The New Statesman, 27th January 2021Back review
Return of sibling-rivalry comedy with Mitchell and Webb.
Veronica Lee, The Arts Desk, 22nd January 2021Back review
Whether you can stomach the lurches from pitch-black humour about mental illness to banter about fizzy drinks in the bar depends chiefly on how much you enjoy Mitchell and Webb as a sitcom double act. Fans of their previous series, Peep Show, might love it. I can't say I do.
Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail, 22nd January 2021Back review
Mitchell and Webb return to offer some comfort viewing.
Carol Midgley, The Times, 22nd January 2021Back series two review
To judge the new series of Back on the strength of its first episode would be like ruling on a movie on the first 20 minutes. For while the show is certainly funny, the main aim of creator Simon Blackwell is to set the wheels in motion for a captivating psychodrama that will play out over the following five weeks.
Steve Bennett, Chortle, 21st January 2021TV review: Back, Series Two, C4
Now this is more like it. At the risk of sounding like a fogeyish version of the David Mitchell character in Peep Show/real life this is a proper good old grown up comedy. Not really a sitcom at all though judging by the first episode of the second series, but hang around, there is definitely humour to be sniffed out here.
Bruce Dessau, Beyond The Joke, 21st January 2021Back review
Mitchell and Webb's return is well worth the wait.
Ellen E. Jones, The Guardian, 21st January 2021Back review
This gaslighting comedy is a joy to watch.
Sean O'Grady, The Independent, 21st January 2021Back - series 2 review
Maybe in their next project they could try changing their accents or dyeing their hair or doing something to banish Mark and Jez from our minds for half an hour.
Anita Singh, The Telegraph, 21st January 2021Life according to... Mitchell & Webb
The double act on health scares, being reunited on screen, and their complex characters.
Georgia Humphreys, The Sunday Post, 20th January 2021Mitchell & Webb on the return of Back
After four years, the duo reunite in their rural sitcom. What took them so long?
Sarah Hughes, i Newspaper, 20th January 2021