I hadn’t truly laughed out loud at a television series in what feels like an age. While excellent comedies have appeared on our screens, genuine, belly-aching laughter has been surprisingly rare. It’s not that I avoid emotionally resonant shows – I’ve recently devoured series like A Man on the Inside and Man vs Baby. But finding something consistently hilarious, from beginning to end, felt like a distant memory.
That changed with Dawn French’s new series, arriving 25 years after her last sitcom role. Written by Simon Mayhew-Archer, the son of a renowned comedy writer,Can You Keep a Secret?is the perfect antidote to the January blues, despite a premise that initially sounds rather dark.
The story begins with a shocking twist. Retiree Debbie Fendon, played by Dawn French, experiences a devastating moment when her husband, William, unexpectedly collapses and appears to die while they’re watching television. Despite frantic attempts to get help, a series of mishaps leads to William being officially declared deceased.
But there’s a catch. William isn’t actually dead. He simply overdosed on his Parkinson’s medication – a dose strong enough, as one character puts it, to “tranquilise a hippo.” Debbie, desperate to correct the mistake, stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity: a £250,000 life insurance payout. Suddenly, keeping the secret becomes… appealing.
This sets off a chain of increasingly hysterical and improbable events. Their anxious son, Harry, is horrified by his parents’ deception, while his wife, Neha, a local police officer, represents a constant threat of exposure. The Fendons’ attempts to maintain the charade inevitably create even bigger problems than the original lie.
The humor is immediate and sharp. Within minutes, the series introduces a local criminal with a bizarre habit, a surprisingly lucrative payout for a “deceased” husband, and a flashback featuring a desperate attempt to revive William. Despite the outlandishness, the core of the story is a relatable couple trying to secure their family’s future, making the unbelievable feel strangely plausible.
The deception could easily have felt malicious, but the Fendons’ motivations are understandable, even sympathetic. Their questionable actions are softened by the incompetence of the medical professionals and authorities involved, adding another layer of comedic absurdity. The chemistry between Dawn French and Mark Heap is electric, a natural sparring that leaves you wondering if they’ve shared a screen before (they had, in a previous collaboration).
Dawn French’s comedic timing is, as always, impeccable. She embodies Debbie with a charismatic charm that makes you root for her, even when she’s making questionable decisions. Mark Heap perfectly portrays William’s bewildered acceptance of the situation, a charmingly eccentric hermit who goes along with the scheme despite not fully grasping its implications.
The writing, by Simon Mayhew-Archer, is a revelation. His comedic wit and ability to create flawed, yet utterly likeable characters are remarkable, especially considering this is his first full television series. The casting of Craig Roberts as the anxious Harry and Mandip Gill as the pragmatic Neha is also spot-on, adding depth and nuance to the ensemble.
The six 30-minute episodes are perfectly paced, allowing the story to unfold naturally while maintaining a relentless comedic momentum. In a world of increasingly bloated television seasons, this concise format feels refreshing and respectful of the viewer’s time.Can You Keep a Secret?is a genuinely hilarious comedy that will capture your attention and leave you wanting more.
After finishing the series, I found myself wholeheartedly rooting for Debbie and William’s second chance at life. This isn’t a show to be kept secret; it’s a comedic gem that deserves to be discovered. Don’t miss it.
