Monkey Dust

Monkey Dust is a British satirical cartoon, notorious for its dark humour and handling of taboo topics such as bestiality, murder, suicide and paedophilia. There were three series broadcast on BBC Three between 2003 and 2005. Following co-creator Harry Thompson's death, no further series were made.

Monkey Dust (2003-2005) is a British adult animated sketch series created by Shaun Pye and Harry Thompson for BBC Three. Across three series of six episodes each, it strings together short, self-contained cartoon vignettes rather than following one continuing story, so each segment introduces its own characters, situations and punchline. Shaun Pye, who co-created the show, also voices several of the performers, alongside Morwenna Banks, Rebecca Front, Sharon Horgan and Simon Greenall, who lend voices across many episodes. The engine of each sketch is a mundane British setup pushed toward something grim and unsettling, with deadpan delivery turning shocking subjects into sharp social observation. Its satire is ruthless and often uncomfortable, touching on murder, suicide and other taboos with a cold, absurd wit. Its tone is brisk, dark and irreverent, the kind of animated comedy that feels deliberately provocative. Fans of Brass Eye, South Park and Black Mirror will find the same appetite for transgressive satire, though the sketches here are more bluntly cartoonish than any of them. The show was never revived after Harry Thompson's death.

• Harry Enfield and Chumsshared adult animated satire, sketch-style absurd dark comedy
• Brass Eyeshared cutting British satire of social taboos and bleak absurdity
• Black Mirrorshared anthology-style sketch structure with uncomfortable dark humour
• South Parkshared adult animated satire with offensive, boundary-pushing comedy

Created by

Shaun Pye, Harry Thompson

Release Date

2003-02-09

Rating

8.5 / 10 (32)

What is Monkey Dust about?

A British adult cartoon anthology of dark, satirical sketches that tackle taboo subjects with deadpan absurdity.

What is Monkey Dust like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Monkey Dust as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as simple.

Is Monkey Dust violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Monkey Dust as moderate.

Which shows are like Monkey Dust?

Shows with a similar feel include Harry Enfield and Chums, Brass Eye, Black Mirror, and South Park.

How long is Monkey Dust?

Monkey Dust: 3 seasons, 18 episodes.

Is Monkey Dust still running?

No, Monkey Dust has ended.