Watch Newzoids

Newzoids is a British satirical comedy show which ran for two seasons on ITV between 2015 and 2016. The series features a mix of puppets and animation, impersonating well-known public figures from politics, entertainment and sport. Newzoids has been made available exclusively on BritBox, giving audiences the chance to revisit the show's unique blend of humor and visual effects.

The puppets on Newzoids are impressively detailed and realistic, with exaggerated features based on the individuals that they represent. Some of the most recognizable characters include politicians such as David Cameron, Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage, as well as celebrities like Simon Cowell and Kim Kardashian. The voice talent on the show is top-notch, with impressionists such as Jon Culshaw, Debra Stephenson and Lewis Macleod providing spot-on characterizations of their respective subjects.

The show's humor is primarily derived from parodying the public figures depicted on screen, with a focus on poking fun at their quirks, mannerisms and perceived flaws. The sketches are often short and snappy, with each episode cramming in a large number of segments covering a wide range of topics. While some sketches are one-offs, others are recurring features with their own catchphrases and running gags.

One of the most popular recurring sketches on Newzoids is "X Factor Rap Battle", which pits celebrity judges from the talent show against each other in a rap-off. Each judge is given a distinctive musical style, such as Simon Cowell's slow and understated delivery, while Louis Walsh's raps are packed with tongue-in-cheek Irish stereotypes. The rap battles always end with a surprise celebrity appearance, with everyone from Barack Obama to Darth Vader popping up to offer their take on the rap game.

Another memorable character on the show is Ed Miliband's puppet, which has an oversized head and exaggerated eyebrows to poke fun at the former Labour leader's appearance. In the sketch "Marriage Counseling", Ed and his brother David (also portrayed by a puppet) attend counseling after their disagreement over the party leadership. The sketch takes an absurd turn when it's revealed that the counselor is actually the puppet of their father, Marxist theorist Ralph Miliband.

In addition to the political and celebrity impersonations, Newzoids also features sketches that parody popular TV shows and movies. For example, "Jurassic Park Physics Test" imagines what would happen if the iconic dinosaur movie had been taught in schools, while "The Voice" sees the contestants taking part in a singing competition where the judges are only interested in promoting their own brand. These segments show that the show's writers are willing to take on a variety of targets and satirize them in clever and unexpected ways.

Overall, Newzoids is a fast-paced and irreverent comedy show that will appeal to those who enjoy political satire and parody. The puppets are expertly crafted, the impressions are spot-on and the writing is consistently sharp and witty. While some of the material may be too risqué for younger viewers, this show is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see their favorite public figures lampooned in unexpected ways. With both seasons now available on BritBox, it's the perfect time to discover or rediscover this unique and hilarious show.