Dramatic actor Ian McKellen may be best known for his movie and stage roles, but many are unaware of his hilarious and underrated sitcom,Vicious.Ian McKellen’s best moviesallowed the actor to make a name for himself in mainstream media, but television is a medium he doesn’t tend to work in too often. While McKellen isn’t renowned for starring in any ofthe best British sitcoms of all time, likeOnly Fools and HorsesorFawlty Towers, he absolutely nails his performance inVicious.
Viciousis aUK sitcom that US viewers absolutely need to watch. After being added to Netflix in the UK years after its end,Viciousis now making the rounds on social media platforms like TikTok, and audiences are astounded that they’ve never heard of this brilliant sitcom, which sees performances from multiple iconic British actors.Viciousis a stellar and unappreciated British sitcom, and finally, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime Video in the United States.
Ian McKellen & Derek Jacobi Play Long-Suffering Couple Freddie & Stewart In Vicious
These Two Theater Legends Are Fantastic In This British Sitcom
Viciousis anunderrated British sitcomfor a lot of reasons, but especially because of Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi’s performances. The two titans of the industry star opposite one another as Stuart and Freddie, a forever-bickering couple living in Covent Garden, who have been together since what feels like the dawn of time.McKellen’s Freddie is an arrogant, failing actor who holds on to whatever little audience attention he can get his hands on,with a rather vocal dislike of his mother-in-law, Mildred (Hazel Douglas).
Derek Jacobi, who in recent years is best known for his Professor Yanaincarnation of the Master inDoctor Who, does a great job as Stuart, a shrill and emotional man who still hasn’t told his mother he’s gay.Stuart loves to argue with Freddie and mocks himfor clinging to what he believes is fame.
Hilariously, Freddie often references his brief stint as a background character inDoctor Who, something Stuart is tired of hearing about. While the pair clash regularly,the one thing they always come together for is their seemingly immortal, decrepit dog, Balthazar,whom they’re constantly trying to keep alive.
Vicious' Cast Features Many Massive British Names
McKellen & Jacobi Aren’t The Only Big Stars In Vicious
While Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi are the names that audiences notice in regard toVicious, there are several other brilliant British actors in the sitcom, too. For example,MisfitsandGame of Thronesstar Iwan Rheonportrays Stuart and Freddie’s much younger neighbor, Ash.The couple is obsessed with Ash, and they fawn over his conventional good looks,but they ultimately serve as fatherly figures to the young man, too.
Misfits, Game of Thrones, American Gods, The Dirt
Frances de la Tour
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The History Boys, Rising Damp
The Iron Lady, Killing Eve, Black Mirror
Hazel Douglas (Season 1)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1,The IT Crowd, Run Fatboy Run
Richard Gadd (Season 2)
Baby Reindeer
Frances de la Tour, another legendary British theater performer and best known as Olympe Maxime inHarry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, plays Stuart and Freddie’s eccentric long-time friend, Violet. Marcia Warren, who is known for her performance asthe Queen Mother inThe Crownin seasons 5 and 6, portraysPenelope, another old friend of Freddie and Stuart, and a woman who is a deep philosophical thinker,yet also forgets things at the drop of a hat. Titan TV and radio star Philip Voss plays the last of their group, Mason, who is later revealed as Freddie’s brother.
There are plenty of other notable British actors inViciouswho play guest or recurring characters. For example, Richard Gadd as a delivery man, Alexandra Roach as Ash’s on-off girlfriend, Chloe, and Frances Barber as Violet’s girlfriend in the final episode, Carlotta.
Vicious Probably Won’t Come Back, But Never Say Never
From 2013 to 2015,Viciousaired two seasons on ITV before it was canceled.However, in lieu of a season 3,Viciouswrapped up with a one-off special in 2016. In the last episode, Stuart and Freddie try to hide the inheritance they receive in Mildred’s will, Ash and Violet are financially struggling, Ash later reveals his intentions to attend university in America, and Penelope worries about losing her memory. Despite the darker tone, there is a happy ending, with the couple gifting their money to their friends and Freddie finally being cast in a new radio play.
The finale ofViciousis heartwarming, bleak, and hilarious, all at the same time.
The finale ofViciousis heartwarming, bleak, and hilarious, all at the same time, and it proveswhy LGBTQ+ representation is so important in the media.The last episode reflects on Stuart and Freddie’s lengthy relationship and the trials and tribulations they have faced,as well as the strange and brilliant chosen family they’ve formed with Ash, Violet, Mason, and Penelope.
While there is a chanceViciouscould return to screens in the future, it’s very unlikely. Even if the show did come back,there would be one notable absence, as Philip Voss passed away in 2020.However, it isn’t impossible, especially as Freddie and Stuart’s money can allow Ash to return to the UK with ease or for Violet to pop up whenever she feels like it (which she already does).
Vicious
Cast
Vicious is a television series centered on Freddie and Stuart, an elderly couple in a longstanding relationship marked by constant bickering. The arrival of their new upstairs neighbor, Ash, disrupts their routine and introduces unexpected challenges to their otherwise mundane existence.
