Channel 4 viewers distracted by acting blunders moments into new Steve Coogan drama Brian and Maggie
Viewers of Channel 4’s Brian and Maggie have been left confused as they picked up on two key errors in the first episode of Steve Coogan’s new political drama.
The two-part series stars Coogan as journalist Brian Walden and Harriet Walter as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Ahead of the show’s debut, Coogan courted controversy with his comments on Thatcher legacy while speaking on BBC Breakfast.
Brian and Maggie follows Walden, a former Labour MP turned TV interviewer, and his blossoming friendship with the Iron Lady.
The show, directed by Stephen Frears and written by James Graham, centres around Walden’s infamous 1989 interview with Thatcher – which would prove to be her last while in office.
At the time, Thatcher was dealing with a revolt from her own ministers that eventually ousted her from No10.
In Wednesday’s episode, viewers saw him make the transition from politics after being disillusioned by the leftward direction of his party.
Hired by London Weekend Television, the show recreated his first interview with Thatcher when she was leader of the opposition.
The programme shows how quickly Walden because fascinated by Thatcher, leading to questions of him being too soft on her in interviews.
Wednesday’s episode also showed a particularly controversial moment where Walden was summoned by the Prime Minister in the middle of the night to help write a speech.
Despite compliments for various elements of the production, fans were quick to point a key authenticity error in the episode with both Coogan and Walter’s accents criticised on social media.
“Sounds like Steve Coogan has ate a wasp #brianandmaggie,” one wrote on X.
Another added: “He didn’t sound like any other Brummies I know that’s for sure #brianandmaggie,”
“Coogan sounds more like Roy Hodgson. #brianandmaggie,” a third joked.
Walter faced the most criticism, with viewers claiming she didn’t sound “remotely like Maggie”.
Another observed: “I don’t think she’s got the voice right…. #BrianAndMaggie.”
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Compared to Walter’s efforts, a third said Gillian Anderson’s rendition in Netflix’s The Crown was “hands down best Thatcher by a mile #BrianAndMaggie”.
Despite the complaints, other complimented the two leads on their portrayals.
“Oh my god #stevecoogan sounds just like him. Very clever! #channelfour #channel4 #brianandmaggie,” one praised.
Another glowed: “Harriet Walter is incredible. #BrianAndMaggie”
“Brilliant Mrs T voice from Walter. On a par with Streep,” a third enthused.
A fourth wrote: “Absolutely brilliant acting from Steve & Harriet #BrianandMaggie.”