“Come Fly with Me” is a British mockumentary television series that originally aired from December 2010 to January 2011. Created by and starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the show provides a humorous and satirical portrayal of airport life, offering a comedic look at the travel industry.
Blending observational humor with social commentary, the series takes aim at the absurdities and challenges of air travel, exploring everything from customer service to the often comical scenarios faced by airline staff and passengers.
Concept and Format
The series is structured as a documentary-style comedy, closely mimicking the format of real-life airport documentaries. Much like its predecessors, the show aims to capture the behind-the-scenes action of a fictional airport, exaggerating the daily operations and the characters involved in the travel process.
The format offers a humorous take on the life of airport employees and travelers alike, with the show’s mockumentary style often breaking the fourth wall, creating a sense of intimacy with the audience.
At its core, “Come Fly with Me” is an ensemble piece, with Lucas and Walliams portraying a wide array of characters, from check-in staff to cabin crew, pilots, and passengers.
The duo’s ability to fully embody such a diverse set of personalities is a standout feature of the series. As the show parodies the routine operations of an airport, it also highlights the absurdity of certain social dynamics and processes in the travel industry.
Main Characters
The series features a variety of characters, each with unique traits and idiosyncrasies:
Simon and Jackie: A married couple working as pilots for the fictional airline “Great British Air.” Their personal relationship and the professional challenges they face in the air are explored throughout the show, providing a humorous look at their dynamic.
Penny: A first-class cabin crew member who deals with the demands of serving wealthy passengers and managing the high expectations that come with luxury service.
Ian Foot: An immigration officer renowned for his rigid and often absurd enforcement of travel rules, creating comedic situations with passengers trying to navigate the bureaucracy.
Moses Beacon: A customer service representative tasked with managing frustrated passengers and handling tricky situations, often caught between maintaining professionalism and dealing with public relations nightmares.
Reception and Impact
Upon its release, “Come Fly with Me” garnered mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. While many praised the performances of Matt Lucas and David Walliams, particularly their versatility in portraying such a wide array of characters, others expressed concern over the series’ reliance on stereotypes.
The show’s humor, which often hinged on exaggerated character traits, was criticized by some for leaning heavily on racial and cultural stereotypes.
Despite the criticism, the series was also appreciated for its ability to make light of the travel experience, capturing the frustrations, absurdities, and quirks of air travel. The mockumentary format allowed for a playful examination of the travel industry, offering comedic commentary on everything from customer service to the often bizarre scenarios that unfold at airports.
However, some of the show’s more controversial moments overshadowed its comedic achievements. “Come Fly with Me” faced significant backlash for its use of blackface and racial stereotypes, which many viewers found offensive.
The portrayal of certain nationalities and cultures through exaggerated caricatures sparked discussions about cultural sensitivity in comedy. The series, like many shows of its time, relied on humor that often pushed boundaries, and while it received laughs, it also faced considerable scrutiny.
Controversies and Censorship
In the years following its release, “Come Fly with Me” became part of a broader conversation about the portrayal of race and culture in comedy. Alongside other works like Little Britain, the show faced increased criticism for its use of blackface, as well as for some of its racial and cultural portrayals.
In June 2020, amid growing discussions about the need for greater cultural sensitivity in media, the series was removed from streaming platforms such as Netflix and BritBox. This move was part of a larger reckoning with the portrayal of race and ethnicity in entertainment, as many shows from earlier decades were reevaluated in light of contemporary social standards.
Both Matt Lucas and David Walliams publicly apologized for the offensive content, acknowledging that some aspects of their work were hurtful and inappropriate by today’s standards. The creators expressed regret over their earlier use of blackface and racial stereotypes, noting that the cultural climate had changed, and there was a greater awareness of the need for sensitivity in comedy.
Legacy and Availability
Despite the controversies surrounding its content, “Come Fly with Me” remains a notable example of British comedy from the early 2010s. The series is remembered for its witty observations of airport life and its satirical commentary on the travel industry.
The performances of Lucas and Walliams, who expertly navigated the challenges of playing multiple characters, are still appreciated by many as a highlight of the show.
For those interested in revisiting the series, “Come Fly with Me” is available for purchase on various digital platforms, though potential viewers are advised to approach the show with an awareness of the cultural sensitivities associated with some of its content.
While the series is still regarded as a significant part of the British comedy landscape, it also serves as a reminder of the shifting standards in media representation and the importance of viewing older works through a contemporary lens.
Final Thought
“Come Fly with Me” offers a satirical and humorous exploration of the world of air travel, using the format of a mockumentary to highlight the absurdities and challenges faced by airport staff and travelers.
While the show showcases the comedic talents of Matt Lucas and David Walliams, it also sparks important conversations about cultural representation and sensitivity.
As with many works from the past, the series invites viewers to consider both its contributions to comedy and the cultural shifts that have since redefined how humor should engage with race, identity, and representation.
FAQs
Q: What is the premise of “Come Fly with Me”?
A: “Come Fly with Me” is a mockumentary-style comedy series that satirizes the operations of a major airport and three fictional airlines: FlyLo, Our Lady Air, and Great British Air. The show follows the daily lives of airport staff, including check-in personnel, cabin crew, pilots, and passengers, all portrayed by Matt Lucas and David Walliams. The series humorously highlights the challenges and absurdities of air travel through its diverse characters.
Q: How many seasons and episodes does “Come Fly with Me” have?
A: “Come Fly with Me” consists of one season comprising six episodes. The episodes aired between December 25, 2010, and January 20, 2011. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 29 minutes.
Q: Where can I watch “Come Fly with Me”?
A: “Come Fly with Me” is available for streaming on various platforms, including BBC iPlayer and BritBox. Availability may vary by region, so it’s advisable to check the specific streaming services in your area.
Q: Why was “Come Fly with Me” removed from streaming platforms?
A: In June 2020, “Come Fly with Me,” along with “Little Britain,” was removed from Netflix due to the use of blackface, brownface, and yellowface in the series. The decision was part of a broader reassessment of content to address concerns about racial sensitivity.
Q: What controversies surrounded “Come Fly with Me”?
A: “Come Fly with Me” faced criticism for its use of blackface and racial stereotypes, particularly in sketches involving characters of different ethnicities. The portrayal of Japanese characters, for example, was deemed offensive by some viewers. These controversies led to the removal of the series from several streaming platforms.
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