Beloved remake of one of the best movies ever is on TV tonight

Also coming to streaming, the new version of the classic is from the creator of the hit comedy The Thick of It.

Having premiered in 2024, the new version of the classic tale was written by Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It) and Sean Foley (Mindhorn). It stars Steve Coogan (Saipan) playing four different characters, one-upping Peter Sellers, who only played three in the original.

The stage adaptation retains the Kubrick comedy's 1960s setting, depicting how bureaucracy, the Red Scare and man’s inclination to war create a nuclear crisis.

JOE reviewed the new version of Dr Strangelove last February when it played at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. We described it at the time as "an absolute triumph".

Remaking Kubrick’s movie - widely considered one of the best comedies, if not best films, ever - may make readers sceptical. Yet, Foley and Iannucci’s version works as well as one could have possibly hoped.

The pair transform the piece into a farce that perfectly fits the stage. They add in more jokes to double the absurdity of the central situation, as its lead characters essentially bicker their way into possible annihilation.

That said, Foley and Iannucci subtly infuse some more topical references into the script. This is so that even when the story reaches its most outlandish, there remains a lingering fear that this could actually happen someday.

The show is also a real spectacle. While it occasionally struggles to replicate some of the more cinematic moments from Kubrick’s movie, the big stylish sets and the way they transform from scene to scene is remarkable.

Plus, it’s honestly astounding how Coogan can embody four very different types of people, each with multiple long wordy scenes, and make them feel distinct and unique. You genuinely forget that you are watching just one actor in all these parts.

Dare I say, his portrayal of the title character is actually funnier than Sellers.

It’s worth noting, however, that Coogan is aided by a great supporting cast, with Giles Terera and John Hopkins as other hilarious standouts.

When speaking to JOE just after his version of Dr Strangelove was announced, Iannucci said he wanted to send home audiences “laughing and afraid”. He and Foley succeeded with flying colours.

National Theatre Live: Dr Strangelove is airing on Sky Arts tonight at 9pm.

It should also be available to stream on the service NOW after it is shown on TV.

For JOE's list of the movies on TV tonight, click here and here.