Netflix has confirmed that Cunk on Cinema, the new mockumentary starring Diane Morgan as Philomena Cunk, will arrive on the platform on November 15, 2026. The series, consisting of three episodes, reviews the history of cinema from its origins to the emergence of artificial intelligence, and features a cast of interviewees that includes Benedict Cumberbatch and filmmaker Michael Bay.
Following the success of Cunk on Earth, Diane Morgan returns to the character created alongside Charlie Brooker, who is also responsible for Black Mirror. On this occasion, Philomena Cunk directs her characteristic style of absurd interviews toward the world of cinema, chatting with some of the most recognized names in the industry to offer, according to the production itself, her most glamorous installment to date.
The documentary arrives on both the BBC and Netflix, consolidating the collaboration between both platforms for this type of satirical content that has already proven to be a great success with audiences.
What is Cunk on Cinema about
The three-episode series covers over 100 years of film history, from the invention of the camera to the New Wave filmmakers of the 60s, through the arrival of computer-generated imagery (CGI), and ending with a reflection on the future that artificial intelligence holds for the audiovisual industry.
The official synopsis describes the series' approach as follows: Cunk will attempt to demystify everything while sitting in worn-out seats with stale popcorn, wondering where cinema comes from, why it exists, what it wants, and why it cannot tell us.
Creative team behind the series
Charlie Brooker, creator of Black Mirror, once again leads the writing team for Cunk on Cinema. He is joined by Diane Morgan herself, Ben Caudell, Erika Ehler, Eli Goldstone, Jason Hazeley, Dan Maier, Joel Morris, Michael Odewale, Kali Varghese, and Sam Ward.
The direction of the three episodes is handled by Al Campbell, who has also previously directed Cunk on Life and Inside No. 9.
Who are the guests interviewed by Philomena Cunk
To offer a complete vision of the film world, Philomena Cunk interviews a total of 23 people linked to different facets of the industry: directors, actors, cinematographers, composers, critics, and academics, among other profiles.
Among the most prominent names on the guest list are:
- Michael Bay, American filmmaker known for the Transformers franchise, as well as titles such as Bad Boys (1996), The Rock (1996), and Armageddon (1998).
- Benedict Cumberbatch, British actor recognized for playing Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock and Doctor Strange in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as his work in The Power of the Dog (2021) and The Imitation Game (2014).
- Daniel Pemberton, English Oscar-nominated composer, with recent work on Project Hail Mary (2026).
- Steven E. de Souza, co-writer of Die Hard alongside Jeb Stuart.
- Seamus McGarvey, Oscar-nominated cinematographer, known for his work on Marvel's The Avengers (2012).
- Mark Kermode, film critic and co-host of Screenshot on BBC Radio 4.
- Mark Cousins, filmmaker responsible for the documentary The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011).
The list of guests is completed by figures such as Isabel Stevens (editorial director of Sight and Sound), Helen O'Hara (editor of Empire Magazine), Catherine Bray (critic for Screen International), Bryony Dixon (silent film curator at the BFI), David Rubin (casting director for films such as The English Patient and Men in Black), Jim Dowdall (stuntman who has worked on Star Wars and Indiana Jones), and other academics and film critics.
Among the interviewees are two regular collaborators from previous installments: Jim Al-Khalili, theoretical physicist and broadcaster who appeared in Cunk on Life, and Ashley Jackson, who previously participated in Cunk on Earth.
Cunk on Cinema trailer
Netflix has already released an official trailer for Cunk on Cinema ahead of the November 15, 2026 premiere, offering a first look at the series' characteristic tone and some of the interviews with the guests.
Frequently asked questions about Cunk on Cinema
When does Cunk on Cinema premiere on Netflix?
Netflix has confirmed that Cunk on Cinema arrives on the platform on November 15, 2026.
How many episodes does Cunk on Cinema have?
The series consists of three episodes that review the history of cinema from the invention of the camera to the emergence of artificial intelligence in the industry.
Who plays Philomena Cunk?
Actress Diane Morgan returns to bring Philomena Cunk to life, the character who already starred in previous installments such as Cunk on Earth and Cunk on Life.
Which celebrities are interviewed in Cunk on Cinema?
Among the 23 guests interviewed, actor Benedict Cumberbatch and filmmaker Michael Bay stand out, along with other film professionals such as composer Daniel Pemberton and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey.
Who created Cunk on Cinema?
Charlie Brooker, creator of Black Mirror, leads the writing team alongside Diane Morgan and other collaborators, while Al Campbell directs the three episodes.
