Right when the cinematic world is dealing with a plethora of reboots, sequels, and live-action versions, HBO Max has dropped a series that feels like a breath of fresh air. Written by comedian/actor Sam Campbell and screenwriter Paddy Young, ‘Make That Movie‘ hit the platform on May 28, 2026, and has earned praise for its strong original premise. Along with Campbell, the unconventional comedy series also features Tim Robinson and Nathan Fielder.
As for the plot, it offers viewers a simple yet funny and interesting concept. Campbell plays a fictional version of himself, a once-acclaimed film director seeking ordinary people in the UK to offer suggestions for a feature film. In each episode, viewers get to know an ordinary person with a cool movie idea, and Campbell, along with his team of producers, tries to make a movie from it. Despite its unique plotline, the show hasn’t gained the popularity it deserves, and here’s why.
‘Make That Movie’ Has Found Its Comedic Golden Niche
As mentioned above, each episode follows Sam and his team’s attempt to turn pitch makers’ utterly absurd ideas into reality in just three days. Sam’s crew includes showrunner Lara Ricote, sound engineer Helen Bauer, cinematographer David Hargreaves, and an awkwardly rich intimacy director, played by Aaron Chen, whose family finances the whole absurdity.
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In an exceptionally great mockumentary manner, the show is full of gags and jokes. We see a wonderful combination of ignorant pitch makers, who know nothing about films, and an incompetent production crew. In the first episode, the group attempts to create an outlandish thriller.
It follows a couple who get the weird power to transform into snakes, but only one at a time. To achieve their goal, the team uses horrible CGI, local print shop workers as extras, and live snakes that start attacking people during filming.
While these situations make for comedic genius, there is one serious issue that hinders the show’s wide recognition. Firstly, the show has aired only in the UK on Channel 4, while the international release is limited to HBO Max and Australia.
The limited broadcast is disappointing, as many shows with similar absurd ideas have received decent reception globally. These include ‘I Think You Should Leave’ on Netflix and ‘The Rehearsal’ on HBO. Nevertheless, ‘Make That Movie’ has gained tremendous popularity among Australians, according to FlixPatrol’s ratings chart, where it ranks number five.
Positive Reception Reflects The Show’s Potential
The show’s early reviews demonstrate its enormous creative potential, so it definitely deserves widespread attention. Unfortunately, it has yet to receive any ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. So far, The Guardian praised it as “the funniest TV show of the entire year.”
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“This show is a celebration, not just of bad films in all their various forms, but of comedy as an art form,” Stuart Heritage stated in his five-star review. “It might be wrong to want it to run and run, because nothing will kill this thing faster than lapsing into formula, but hopefully it’s a sign that Campbell and his uncomprehending face will become a fixture on television for many years to come.”
Because of the show’s unusual nature, it may not please everyone. The sentiment was reflected in one reviewer on Rotten Tomatoes. “The ever-escalating irreverence isn’t for everyone, naturally. It’s unlikely to win you over if Campbell’s comedy hasn’t already,” a user wrote.
Nonetheless, if you enjoy daring, unique comedy, you will undoubtedly fall in love with ‘Make That Movie.’ The positive reception implies that being broadcast just regionally is a tough pill to swallow. Fortunately, the precedent set by other cult comedies gives one hope that the show will soon gain worldwide popularity.
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