“Captivating” drama named ‘one of TV’s most distinctive’ and blends genres lands UK streaming home

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The unique mystery series Dispatches from Elsewhere, created by and starring Jason Segel (known for How I Met Your Mother and Shrinking), is now available to watch at home in the UK. It first aired in 2020 and is inspired by the 2012 documentary The Institute, which followed an alternate reality game called The Jejune Institute set in San Francisco.

This TV series moves the action from California to Pennsylvania, centering on four regular people in Philadelphia who stumble upon a mysterious advertisement. The ad leads them into a secret game happening right alongside their normal lives.

The ten-part series Dispatches from Elsewhere will start streaming on ITVX on February 12th.

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Christian Segel plays Peter, a data analyst, while Sally Field is Janice, a woman rediscovering herself after her children have left home. André Benjamin, known as André 3000 from Outkast, plays Fredwynn, a quiet and thoughtful philosopher, and Eve Lindley joins the cast as Simone, a young woman hoping to find purpose and connection in her life.

Richard E Grant also stars as Octavio Coleman, Esq., the mysterious head of the Jejune Institute.

I’m already hooked! The story sounds like it’s about four people whose lives get totally tangled up in a mystery. It’s going to make you question everything – what’s real, who you are, and how we’re all connected. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

I have to say, I absolutely loved Dispatches from Elsewhere! It’s been getting amazing reviews, and it totally deserves them. It’s one of those shows that really sticks with you – super unique and emotionally powerful. Plus, Rotten Tomatoes gives it a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating with an 84% score from critics, based on 38 reviews, so it’s not just me who thinks it’s special!

Reviewers called the show a strange mix of reality and fiction, but not in a way that turned viewers away (according to the Boston Globe). However, RogerEbert.com noted that its unusual qualities sometimes overshadowed the show’s strengths.

I read a review in The Guardian back in 2020 that really hit the nail on the head. They said playing this game sometimes feels like you’re actually the one pedaling, which is awesome! But beyond that, it’s just full of heart and personality. It’s clear this whole thing came from one person’s unique creative vision, and it’s really endearing.

Viewers were drawn in by Dispatches from Elsewhere, with many calling it captivating and full of unexpected twists on IMDb.

Dispatches from Elsewhere starts streaming on ITVX from 12 February.

The latest issue of Living Legends magazine is now available, and it’s a special tribute to Dolly Parton! You can find ‘Dolly at 80’ in shops or order it online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-13 19:49