Plebs

Plebs is a modern comedy played out in the ancient realm. The show was created by Sam Leifer and produced by Teddy Leifer, and it aired on ITV2 from 2013 to 2019. The series is set in Ancient Rome during the reign of the Emperor Augustus. The primary setting of the series is a Roman version of inner-city life, with the familiarities and nuances of urban living humorously contextualized within a historical time frame.

Tom Rosenthal stars as Marcus Gallo, an ambitious, albeit naïve junior bureaucrat who dreams of career progress and social elevation. His best friend Stylax Eurisces, played by Joel Fry, works alongside him at a company called the "Office of Water Supply" and leads a more hedonistic existence, always in pursuit of wine, women, and a good time. Ryan Sampson portrays Grumio, their bumbling and unsophisticated slave, who’s characterized by his lazy demeanor and lack of ambition, yet ironically provides most of the comic relief with his sharp wit and hilarious one-liners. Tom Basden also makes appearances throughout the series as Aurelius, an eccentric water seller and friendly neighbourhood drunk.

The series also boasts a strong and dynamic female cast. Lydia Rose Bewley plays the romantic interest of Marcus, a feisty barmaid named Metella. Ellie Taylor depicts the manipulative and attention-seeking Gloria, whose various relationships form a crucial plot point of the series. Sophie Colquhoun assumes the role of Cynthia, an attractive and independent aspiring actress that Stylax immediately takes a liking to.

Other noteworthy cast members include Karl Theobald, who plays the role of Landlord, the sleazy yet comical character who owns the local bar, and Doon Mackichan, who adds a refreshing flair of feminine leadership to the ancient world as Flavia, the manipulative and shrewd boss. Adrian Scarborough, Tom Davis, Neil Stuke, Bella Dayne, Maureen Lipman, and Kim Wall all appear in various supporting roles, contributing to the amusing dynamic and bold humor that Plebs is known for.

The series is not a historical drama or documentary, but rather a comedic interpretation of life in Ancient Rome. It has been praised for its unique blend of historical setting with contemporary themes and language, which effectively brings the story to life in a relatable and engaging way. This interplay of modern and ancient elements gives the show a distinctive comedic edge, making it an innovative addition to the world of sitcoms. It's like a fun history lesson paired with the humor of modern-day sitcoms.

The day-to-day issues encountered by these characters in Rome are reminiscent of the trials and tribulations faced in our own modern society, making it a relatable and satirical commentary of life in general. The writing is sharp and wit-infused, and the characters are slated in such a way as to bring out all the laughs in every episode. Whether it's dealing with disappointing Roman pizza delivery, troublesome flatmates, awkward social situations, or workplace dynamics, Plebs always manages to find cultural commonalities that audiences can relate to, regardless of the centuries that separate us from the characters.

Thus, Plebs cleverly takes the mundanity of modern life and puts an ancient twist on it, giving the viewers a fresh perspective on their own situations. What we get as a result is rare, niche comedy that transcends time periods. The series skillfully uses its characters and their responses to their societal norms and trials as reflective tools that entire audiences can connect with and find humor in.

In its course of 5 seasons, Plebs has established itself as a truly unique show offering a charming blend of historical setting, comedic storyline, and relatable themes. Its humor, while raunchy at times, is always good-natured, and it proves to be a fresh take on the popular “mates hanging out” sitcom model. Plebs’ remarkable mixture of history and comedy sets it apart from other shows in the genre and offers an entertaining escape from the norms of day-to-day life.