A new comedy has unexpectedly surged to the top of Netflix’s charts in the UK, sparking a fierce debate among viewers. The six-episode series centers on Theo, a man embroiled in chaotic schemes to rescue his impounded car, all while his father desperately searches for a life-saving kidney.
The show, titled *Son of a Donkey*, comes from brothers Nathan and Theodore Saidden, who first gained attention with their viral sketches. Their journey began with a simple childhood impulse: to playfully mock their parents with a video camera gifted by their mother.
What started as a way to capture family memories quickly morphed into something else entirely. Instead of idyllic vacation footage, the brothers filled the camera with irreverent, often outrageous, sketches poking fun at their unique heritage.
The sketches featured a character known as Superw, and his family navigating the complexities of life in white Australian suburbia. They boldly reclaimed a previously offensive term, transforming it into a source of humor and connection.
Uploaded to YouTube in their late teens, these sketches resonated with audiences, quickly gaining a dedicated following. The brothers emphasized their intentions were never malicious, aiming only to provoke laughter and push boundaries.
However, *Son of a Donkey* has proven to be deeply divisive. While it currently ranks as the fourth most-watched series in the UK, many viewers have expressed disappointment, calling it “utter nonsense” and an “absolute waste of time.”
One viewer described the show as a “pathetic” and “tragic” portrayal of family life, lacking the humor that made the original sketches so appealing. Another bluntly stated it resembled “something else deposited by a donkey,” a sentiment echoed by numerous others online.
Critics have also been split. Some praised the Saidden brothers for attempting to expand beyond the episodic nature of their earlier work, while others found the series devoid of laughs and emotionally draining.
Despite the harsh criticism, the series’ popularity speaks to the enduring appeal of the Saidden brothers and their willingness to tackle unconventional themes. Their story is a testament to how a childhood joke can unexpectedly blossom into a full-fledged career.
The origins of their comedy lie in a desire to connect with others through shared experiences and a playful exploration of identity. It’s a journey that began with a simple video camera and a mischievous spirit, and continues to captivate – and sometimes confound – audiences today.
