Watch Plus One

Plus One, an engaging comedy-drama series produced by Channel 4 and starring Daniel Mays, aired in 2009 and provided viewers with a heaping dose of humor and dramatic tension. The show resonated with viewers through its clever storytelling, talented cast, and witty dialogues.

Set in present-day London, Plus One centers around the chaotic life of Rob Black (played brilliantly by Daniel Mays), the show's protagonist. Mays, known for his wide-ranging roles in British television and film, performs his part with immense relatability, making the audience feel empathy toward the affable if somewhat hapless Rob.

The plot is initiated when Rob, who is the manager of a chocolate company, is dumped by his girlfriend, Linsey (played by Miranda Raison) for a member of her favorite boy band, 'Duncan from Blue'. After the unexpected breakup, Linsey becomes a celebrity overnight, thanks to her groom's fame. This unforeseen dilemma unfolds a series of comedic events as Rob meticulously plans to take revenge on Linsey and regain his lost dignity.

Now, the big seventh-month countdown begins. Rob must find a date to attend Linsey's wedding so that he can save face and show that he has moved on. The challenge? His date has to be as glamorous and attention-grabbing as Linsey's celebrity fiancé.

Throughout the show, the audience hangs on to the misadventures of Rob and his entourage. His army consists of his clinically depressed agent/rife with quick-witted sarcasm, his outrageous surgeon brother Rich (played by Nigel Harman) who has no notion of helping him out, and a few other recurring characters, each contributing to the immersive comedic landscape of the series. Steve John Shepherd stands out in his portrayal of Paul, the chirpy and eccentric best friend who offers outrageous yet humorous solutions to Rob's predicaments.

Rob's odd encounters and his relentless quest to triumph over his ex-girlfriend by finding a plus one to outshine her popstar boyfriend make up the show's primary plot. Although on the surface, it may appear to be just another tale of revenge, beneath it, the series peers intimately into Rob's existential crisis, his growth, and his struggle to come to terms with his life's unexpected turns.

As the narrative unravels, the audience experiences a hearty laugh, a second-hand embarrassment, and at times, profound empathy, keeping them hooked from the beginning till the end. The script is sharp and fresh peppered with clever twists that often catch the viewer by surprise. The drama unfolding in each episode contains just the right mix of bittersweet moments to keep viewers on their toes.

Using humor as a coping mechanism in the face of embarrassment and despair is a central theme of the series. Rob's reactions to different situations reflect the classic British humor intrinsic to the show's core theme - self-deprecating, witty, cringe-inducing yet jolly good fun.

Creating a comedy-drama about a man trying to salvage his self-esteem against the backdrop of the fantastical world of celebrities, Plus One expertly pairs humor with pathos. The series not only relishes its punchy one-liners but also takes care to present multi-dimensional characters that are funny, flawed, and deeply human.

Overall, Plus One settles comfortably in its balance of comedy and drama, offering viewers a humorous, oft times awkward and cringe-worthy but always entertaining look at a life turned upside down by fame - but not the protagonist's own. The show succeeds in providing us an engaging look at one man’s mission to come to terms with and even conquer in his own way, his newfound secondhand fame and ridicule.
Desperate, chaotic, funny and downright likeable, Rob Black and his misadventures, his failures, and his doggedness, in Plus One, offers viewers a refreshing perspective of comedy-drama. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a playful TV series that doesn't shy away from mixing humor with real-life challenges.

Plus One is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (5 episodes). The series first aired on January 9, 2009.