British Comedy Guide
State Of The Union. Image shows from L to R: Scott (Brendan Gleeson), Ellen (Patricia Clarkson)
State Of The Union

State Of The Union (2019)

  • TV comedy drama
  • BBC Two
  • 2019 - 2022
  • 20 episodes (2 series)

Comedy series about the woes of a couple embarking on marital therapy. Stars Rosamund Pike, Chris O'Dowd, Brendan Gleeson, Patricia Clarkson and Esco Jouléy

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Press clippings

State Of The Union review

At first, this marriage drama about a couple in therapy feels so contrived it's hard to get through. But outstanding performances turn it into something far more endearing.

Rebecca Nicholson, The Guardian, 24th May 2022

State Of The Union, Series 2, review

Nick Hornby plunges into the culture wars.

Marianka Swain, The Telegraph, 24th May 2022

State Of The Union to return for Series 2

State Of The Union is set to return for a second series, but featuring a different couple, creator Nick Hornby has revealed.

British Comedy Guide, 30th October 2020

Euan Ferguson's best TV of 2019

Fleabag, of course, but also GameFace, Aisling Bea's This Way Up, Motherland - and that lovely, short sweet run, State Of The Union. Black Mirror as well, although too few episodes. There was sadcom too - don't forget Don't Forget The Driver, Defending The Guilty. And with Stath Lets Flats and Flack, we were laughing all the way until we suddenly stopped.

Euan Ferguson, The Guardian, 30th December 2019

How a crossword setter appeared on State of the Union

Having used a puzzle by Arachne as part of a plot in his recently televised novel, Nick Hornby discusses the temptation to set one himself.

Alan Connor, The Guardian, 14th October 2019

It has been eight weeks of nervy drinks and relationship therapy for our couple in crisis and now it's time to look to the future as Nick Hornby's endlessly entertaining series concludes. The typically dry dialogue continues, considering the prospect of yet more counselling. If that means another season, count us in.

Ammar Kalia, The Guardian, 6th October 2019

Emmy awards for BBC Two's State Of The Union

State Of The Union, the BBC Two comedy series starring Chris O'Dowd and Rosamund Pike, has won three awards at the Creative Arts Emmys.

British Comedy Guide, 16th September 2019

Nick Hornby delivers a caustic take on a marriage in crisis in this short-form series following a couple trying to salvage their relationship through counselling. The first 10-minute episode sees Chris O'Dowd and Rosamund Pike skittishly working their way up to attending their first session from the pub opposite. Hornby's dialogue is on top form as they drily compare the relative merits of cancer to Ebola and dissect their nonexistent sex life. It's an engaging single-setting watch delivered in micro-form.

Ammar Kalia, The Guardian, 8th September 2019

State of the Union, review

A sharp but overly slick portrait of a failing marriage.

Jeff Robson, i Newspaper, 8th September 2019

Chris O'Dowd interview

Chris O'Dowd on playing Rosamund Pike's husband: 'She could clearly do better!'

Stuart Jeffries, The Guardian, 4th September 2019

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