Urban Myths (2017)
A mischievous British anthology series reimagining legendary pop culture stories that have blurred the line between history and folklore.
Urban Myths - Series Information
- Original Title: Urban Myths
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Ben Palmer
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Documentary
- Content Rating (US): NR
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (23 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 25
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 19, 2017 (United States - NR), January 19, 2017 (Mexico - A), January 19, 2017 (Italy - T)
- Networks: Sky Arts
- Production Countries: United Kingdom, Mexico
- Alternative Titles: Urban Myths: A Brand New Collection of Comedies (UK)
Urban Myths - Plot
Our Urban Myths are stories that have been passed down over time and have now become part of urban folklore. But are they true? We take a slightly tongue in cheek, mischievous – and deliberately ambiguous – look at what might have happened...
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Urban Myths - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ben Palmer
Main Cast
- Dustin Demri-Burns
- Paul Kaye
- Iwan Rheon
- Rupert Grint
- Eddie Marsan
- Paul Ritter
- Katherine Parkinson
- David Threlfall
- Ben Chaplin
- Aidan Gillen
Writers
- Roger Drew
- Ed Dyson
- Neil Webster
- Neil Forsyth
- Mark Boutros
Executive Producers
- Morwenna Gordon
Urban Myths - FAQs
Are the stories in Urban Myths based on real events?
Each episode is rooted in a real piece of pop culture folklore — tales that have been passed down and embellished over time. The show takes a deliberately ambiguous approach, blending plausible detail with comic invention, so viewers are left wondering just how much of each story might actually be true.
Which famous figures are portrayed in Urban Myths?
The series features reimagined versions of iconic real-world figures, including Bob Dylan (Eddie Marsan), Cary Grant (Ben Chaplin), Samuel Beckett (David Threlfall), Muhammad Ali (Noel Clarke), and Timothy Leary (Aidan Gillen), among others. Each episode centres on a different legendary personality caught in an unlikely or absurd situation.
Why was one Urban Myths episode pulled before broadcast?
An episode depicting Michael Jackson was withdrawn from the original 2017 broadcast run after the Jackson estate and his son objected to the casting of a white actor, Joseph Fiennes, in the role. Sky Arts pulled the episode out of respect for the family's concerns, and it was never officially aired.
Where can I watch Urban Myths?
Streaming and viewing availability for Urban Myths varies by region. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date options in your area, including any streaming, rental, or purchase platforms currently carrying the series.
How many seasons and episodes does Urban Myths have?
Urban Myths ran for four main seasons plus a specials collection, totalling 25 episodes across its 2017–2020 run on Sky Arts. Season 1 had 5 episodes, Season 2 and Season 3 each delivered 8 episodes, and Season 4 wrapped the series with 4 final episodes.
Who created Urban Myths and who stars in it?
Urban Myths was created by Ben Palmer for Sky Arts. The ensemble cast rotates across episodes and includes Rupert Grint, Iwan Rheon, Eddie Marsan, Paul Kaye, Katherine Parkinson, David Threlfall, Ben Chaplin, and Aidan Gillen, with each actor typically inhabiting a different real or fictional character per story.
How was Urban Myths received by critics?
Critical reception was generally warm, with reviewers praising the show's playful concept and the quality of its rotating cast. The anthology format won particular admiration for its variety, though some episodes were considered stronger than others. The series earned a loyal following among fans of offbeat British comedy-drama.
What shows are similar to Urban Myths?
If Urban Myths appeals to you, Inside No. 9 offers a similarly inventive British anthology format with dark comic undertones. MythBusters scratches the myth-investigation itch from a factual angle, while Tales of the Unexpected and The Agatha Christie Hour share the same love of short, self-contained storytelling with a twist.
More About Urban Myths
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