Watch Garth Marenghi's Dark Place

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a surreal British comedy television series that premiered in 2004. It was created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade and aired on Channel 4 before being picked up by Seeso for distribution in the United States. The show takes the form of a mockumentary about a fictional 1980s TV series of the same name, which was supposedly created, produced, and directed by bestselling horror author Garth Marenghi. The mockumentary is presented as a commentary track by Marenghi himself (played by Holness), alongside his producer Dean Learner (played by Ayoade) and their co-star, actress Madeleine Wool (played by Alice Lowe).

The fictional Darkplace is a hospital located above the gates of hell, where Marenghi's character, Dr. Rick Dagless, fights supernatural forces and medical emergencies alike. The show within the show is presented as a flawed masterpiece of its time, with intentionally campy special effects, wooden acting, and stilted dialogue.

The series represents a loving parody of 1980s television horror and sci-fi, with an emphasis on exaggerated character archetypes and soap opera-like melodrama. It revels in its own absurdity and subverts audience expectations with constant fourth-wall breaking and self-referential humor.

The opening credits set the tone for the series, featuring a theme song performed by Marenghi himself that describes the titular Darkplace as "a place of fear, a place of danger, a place of psychic evil... that's why their rates are so reasonable." The show also includes intentionally cheesy commercials for products such as "SCRAM!" (a spray that repels evil spirits) and "Stressbusters" (a pill that promises to "take the edge off").

The series features a talented and hilarious cast, including Matt Berry as Todd Rivers, Dagless's arrogant and womanizing colleague; Richard Ayoade as Thornton Reed, the hospital's eccentric director; and Alice Lowe as Liz Asher, Dagless's love interest and colleague.

Throughout the six-episode run, the show skewers and parodies the tropes of 1980s horror and sci-fi with a blend of satire, absurdity, and an unmistakable sense of fondness for the source material. The show also comments on the role of criticism and fandom in popular culture, as Marenghi takes frequent breaks from his commentary track to defend his work and berate his detractors.

Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a cult classic that earned critical acclaim for its irreverent humor, nostalgic appeal, and clever satire. Its mockumentary format and self-referential humor have influenced numerous comedies in the years since its initial run. The show is a must-watch for fans of horror and sci-fi, as well as anyone with an appreciation for absurdity, satire, and meta-humor.