Twenty Twenty Six viewers deliver reviews on new series as Hugh Bonneville’s Ian Fletcher returns

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Fans of the BBC comedy Twenty Twenty Six have shared their reactions to the first episode of the new series. The show returns after twelve years since W1A and fourteen years after Twenty Twelve, with Hugh Bonneville back as Ian Fletcher – now in charge of ethics for a major international football tournament – and Hugh Skinner reprising his role as Fletcher’s assistant, Will Humphries.

You can now watch the complete series on BBC iPlayer. New episodes will also continue to be shown each week on BBC Two. Plus, people online are really enjoying it, with most early reactions being very positive.

I just finished the first episode of #twentytwentysix, and seriously, it’s amazing! I was completely blown away.

Someone shared their enthusiasm for the first episode of #TwentyTwentySix, calling it ‘wonderful.’ Another viewer simply declared it ‘absolutely perfect!’

Jokes referencing FIFA were a big hit, and one popular post simply said, “I’m already laughing whenever they say ‘F-bleep-A!'”

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Reviews have been generally positive, with The Times giving the film four stars and calling it “another very funny comedy.”

Both The Telegraph and The Independent offered positive reviews. The Telegraph gave it the same high rating, appreciating its continued humor and silliness. The Independent, while having some reservations, awarded three stars and described the two lead actors, Hugh Bonneville and Hugh Grant, as charming.

Speaking to the BBC about highlights in the next few episodes, Bonneville described a storyline involving a debate about a micro-chip in a football – inspired by a real-life event, but taken to the extreme. He also mentioned a colleague of Ian accidentally saying something revealing on live radio, which quickly becomes a viral sensation.

Skinner reflected on Will’s personality, noting that he remains consistent between W1A and Twenty Twenty Six, and throughout the new series as well. He believes this unchanging quality is a strength of John Morton’s writing – his characters don’t undergo significant transformations.

One of the best parts of the new series was when Ian pulled Will aside and encouraged him to be confident and accept himself as he is, without feeling the need to apologize. I thought it was a really powerful and touching scene.

All episodes of Twenty Twenty Six are now streaming on BBC iPlayer.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! This special 100-page, full-color magazine celebrates the life and work of Sir David Attenborough. You can find it at newsstands or order it online.

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2026-04-09 01:49