The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is a British historical comedy television series starring Noel Fielding as the title character. Developed by Big Talk Studios, the series premiered on 1 March 2024 on Apple TV+. In July 2024, the series was renewed for a second season.[1]
Premise
A fictional take on the life of Dick Turpin, leader of the Essex Gang, who commits numerous petty crimes with the hope of becoming England's greatest highwayman while being pursued by the thief-takerJonathan Wilde and the secretive criminal organisation, The Syndicate.
Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane with Noel Fielding
1 March 2024 (2024-03-01)
Dick Turpin rejects the idea of becoming an apprentice butcher under his father and sets out to become a famous highwayman. He soon finds himself the new leader of the Essex Gang and runs afoul of the thief-taker Jonathan Wilde.
2
"The Unrobbable Coach"
Ben Palmer
Richard Naylor with Noel Fielding
1 March 2024 (2024-03-01)
When the Essex Gang attempts to rob the fabled Unrobbable Coach, Honesty gets cursed to become its new driver. Meanwhile, Nell leaves the gang to try and join a more notorious one.
3
"Run Wilde"
Ben Palmer
Richard Naylor and Jon Brittain
8 March 2024 (2024-03-08)
After a successful heist of gold bars in London, Dick finds himself on the run from the Syndicate, England's most notorious criminal organisation, with the help of an unexpected ally: Jonathan Wilde, who is chained to him.
The Essex Gang accidentally frees a powerful witch and enlists Craig's help in an attempt to capture her before she can kill the whole village.
5
"Tommy Silversides"
George Kane
Jon Brittain and Richard Naylor
22 March 2024 (2024-03-22)
A dashing new highwayman arrives and ignites a rivalry with Dick, challenging him to a duel for control over the Essex Gang. Meanwhile, Nell has an unexpected reunion with Lady Gwinear, her mother and leader of the Syndicate.
6
"Turpin Time"
George Kane
Richard Naylor and Jon Brittain
29 March 2024 (2024-03-29)
Imprisoned and sentenced to death, Dick attempts to escape from the Syndicate and reunite with his gang, who are now under the control of Tommy Silversides.
Production
It was announced in April 2022 that Apple TV+ had greenlit a series starring Noel Fielding as the highwayman Dick Turpin.[4] In August 2023, additional casting including Hugh Bonneville, Asim Chaudhry and Tamsin Greig was announced.[5] Episodes one to three are directed by Ben Palmer and episodes four to six are directed by George Kane. Episode one is written by show creators Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis and Stuart Lane with Noel Fielding and episodes two to six are written by Jon Brittain and Richard Naylor with Fielding.[2]
Production had commenced at the time of the series announced in April 2022.[4]
The series was partly filmed at Ludlow Castle in Shropshire.
Release
The series premiered on Apple TV+ on 1 March 2024.[6]
Reception
The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 87% approval rating, based on 23 critic reviews.[7] On Metacritic, the series holds a weighted average score of 71 out of 100, based on 6 critics.[8]
