| Hard Cell | |
|---|---|
| Genre | |
| Created by | Catherine Tate |
| Written by | |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
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| Music by | Adem Ilhan |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Jennie Fava |
| Cinematography | Greg Duffield |
| Editor |
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| Running time | 24–27 minutes |
| Production company | |
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) |
Hard Cell is a Britishmockumentarysitcom television series created, co-written and co-directed byCatherine Tate, who also plays six of the main characters. The series premiered on 12 April 2022 onNetflix, and consists of six episodes.[1] In June 2023, Tate confirmed that Netflix had officially cancelled the series after one season, which Tate found out about through someone else'sagent.[2]
The series follows UKprison governor Laura Willis (Catherine Tate) who firmly believes that creativity leads to rehabilitation and plans to put on a musical, starringinmates and directed by ex-EastEnders starCheryl Fergison.[3] During the six-week rehearsals, the inmates find their voices, build self-confidence and strengthen their friendships.
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate &Niky Wardley &Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
Governor Laura Willis announces an inmate-led production ofWest Side Story as newcomer Ange arrives at the prison. | |||||
| 2 | "Episode 2" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate & Niky Wardley & Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
A plumbing accident causes absolute anarchy inHMP Woldsley and threatens to disrupt the production of the musical. | |||||
| 3 | "Episode 3" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate & Niky Wardley & Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
While Ros is scamming herpenpal boyfriend, the other inmates are reunited with their loved ones on visiting day. | |||||
| 4 | "Episode 4" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate & Niky Wardley & Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
Rehearsals continue with all-new material as Ros receives an unexpected visitor. Meanwhile, Laura recruits help to better communicate with an inmate. | |||||
| 5 | "Episode 5" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate & Niky Wardley & Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
After a whirlwind romance, two inmates find it hard to go their separate ways when one is being released from prison. | |||||
| 6 | "Episode 6" | Catherine Tate & James Kayler | Catherine Tate & Niky Wardley & Alex Carter | 12 April 2022 (2022-04-12) | |
When the long-awaited premiere of the musical is right around the corner, Laura is being sued and has to handle a medical emergency. Ange says goodbye to the inmates after all charges against her are dropped. | |||||
On 30 June 2021, it was announced thatCatherine Tate would write, direct and star in a six-partNetflixcomedy set in a fictional women's prison with Argonon's drama unitLeopard Pictures producing.[4][5] Executive producer Kristian Smith described the series as "funny and touching all at once, revealing what life might be like in a British women's correctional facility".[6]Donna Preston announced her involvement in the series the next day. On 30 July,Deadline shared the news that Tate's co-stars will includeChristian Brassington as Dean,Niky Wardley as Anastasia,Lorna Brown as Cal,Caroline Harding as Sal, Jola Olajide as Charlee andDuncan Wisbey as Martin.[7] Wardley andAlex Carter (who previously starred inThe Catherine Tate Show Australian and New Zealand live tour) were also confirmed to be parts of the creative team behind the series.[7]
On thereview aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes, 18% of 11 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.8/10.[8]Metacritic, which uses aweighted average, assigned a score of 38 out of 100, based on four critics, indicating "generally unfavorable reviews".[9]
Gabriel Tate ofThe Telegraph criticised the series for being dated.[10] Rachel Aroesti ofThe Guardian criticised the series for a lack of plot and "an abundance of one-dimensional characters".[11] James Hibbs ofRadio Times criticised the series for immature jokes, but noted it gets better over time.[12]
Nicole Vassell ofThe Independent noted that the series has fared better with general audiences,[13] as the audienceRotten Tomatoes score is 88% positive.[8] Many have especially praised the dramatic and shocking ending of the series.[14] Speaking about the open ending and the possibility of a second series,Catherine Tate said: "I'm quite a big fan of things ending with loose ends. I think that's sort of life, isn't it? Life doesn't tie itself up in a neat bow. And so I'd be delighted if it got another series, and I'm happy for it to stand alone".[15]
