The adult comedy puppet series Mongrels has been cancelled by the BBC due to low viewing figures.

The series, described as “Avenue Q meets Family Guy” looks at the lives of five animals that hang around the back of a pub called The Lord Nelson in Millwall, on the Isle of Dogs in the East End of London. The animals being Nelson, a metrosexual fox; Destiny, a self-absorbed Afghan hound; Marion, a dim-witted cat; Kali, a sadistic pigeon; and Vince, a foul-mouthed fox.

There is no over-riding story arc between episodes, but each episode does contain recurring elements. During each episode there are cutaways from the main plot to create extra gags. Most episodes also feature at least one celebrity appearance and every episode features a comic song.

Adam Miller, the creator of Mongrels wrote the following:

“Mongrels friends, it is my unbearably sad duty to announce that we will not be returning for a third series on BBC Three, a decision that has been made based on the fact that apparently you need more than two people watching a programme to make it successful. Crazy talk. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at BBC Comedy, BBC Three and BBC Worldwide who have supported us so strongly over the years, and helped us put our silly puppet show on the digital screens of the nation. I’d also like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the writers, cast, crew and support team who have made a horribly challenging show such an utter joy to make. This news could not be less of a reflection on your brilliant work. Most of all I’d like to thank those of you that loved watching Mongrels as much as we loved making it. It’s wonderfully reassuring to think that we weren’t mad after all, and that what we find funny, other people do too. I’d like to believe that there’s room on television for a little show like ours; one that’s not just another sitcom, one that tries to do things a bit differently and that tries to push a few boundaries here and there. Who knows, maybe we’ll find a that room in the future. I hope it has a minibar. Thank you for watching. Both of you.”

Fans have been petitioning for the show to be saved by the BBC. Mongrels has run on BBC Three for two series is available to buy on DVD and Blu-Ray. In 2011, series writer Jon Brown won the BAFTA Craft Award for “Break-through Talent”, while in 2010 series production designer Simon Rogers and his team won the RTS Design and Craft Award. It was also nominated for the 2010 Ursa Major Award for “Best Anthrompomorphic Dramatic Short Work or Series”.

About the author

Michael Garnett wrote 9 articles on this blog.

Mike is an aspiring filmmaker and photographer from Southern England. Has distinctions in BTEC National Diploma in Media and studied three years in a Film & Television Production Degree at University. Been a member of the Furry Fandom since 2007, with the fursona as a European Wolf. Often enjoys using his media skills covering furmeets and conventions.

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