New BBC Wales series alert! The Golden Cobra

Key info –

• Commissioned by BBC One Wales
• Written by Llewellyn, James Prygodzicz and Thomas Rees
• Piloted as part of the regional broadcaster’s Festival Of Funny in late 2021
• Eight 10-minute episodes about a terrible Indian takeaway
• Commissioned by BBC Wales also airing on BBC Three
• Day 1 drop on iPlayer
• This eight-part series features short, punchy 10-minute episodes that are sure to leave audiences in stitches
• Hugely positive audience response to the original pilot episode especially on iPlayer

First piloted in November 2021, the animated comedy follows delivery driver Nick and the Abassi family, proprietors of the worst catering establishment in Ebbw Vale, The Golden Cobra Indian takeaway.  The 8-minute episode charted Nick’s first shift with the Cobra, and owner Basil’s attempts to outdo far more successful and competent competitors. It was created specifically for the BBC as a spin-off from independently-produced sitcom The Vale.  You can see in the comments what a following it has!

This is not your typical animated series. With its gritty and surreal humour, it promises a wild ride that isn’t for the faint-hearted. The show offers a unique, affectionate tribute to the Welsh Valleys and its people, bringing to life the quirks and charm of the region.  The series showcases a part of life in Wales that your audiences can really relate to.

Commissioning Editor for Comedy at BBC Wales, Paul Forde quote: “We were blown away by the positive audience response to the original pilot so I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to offer Adam and the team a full series to get their teeth into. Commissioning a series like The Golden Cobra, with a relatively new writing team, reinforces BBC Wales’s ongoing commitment to developing brand new Welsh comedy talent.”

Adam Llewellyn said: “I started making The Vale in 2019 along with James Prygodzicz, Thomas Rees, Lizzie Luke and Steve Ballinger, purely as a passion project and to express my love for Ebbw Vale, where I grew up, and our collective love for the valleys. The fact that we’ve got this far is crazy. I cannot believe we have reached BBC Wales. Most of all we’re chuffed that we can give Ebbw Vale and the South Wales Valleys the spotlight they deserve.”

I really hope this is of interest as I really think it appeals to your readership – being Welsh!  It’s a comedy gem about Wales and it’s people written from a place of love.

Here’s the programme information for episode 1:

Written by Valleys-born team Adam Llewellyn (also director/lead animator), James Prygodzicz and Thomas Rees, The Golden Cobra is a brand new, surreal animated comedy series, following the family and employees of an Indian takeaway in Ebbw Vale.

In episode one, Basil Abassi, owner of The Golden Cobra restaurant, is thrown into disarray when faced with an unexpected visitor – the health inspector. His best efforts to protect his business and prove how delicious his food is has dire consequences, but will Basil get away with it?  

Nick, one of The Golden Cobra’s employees, bumps into his old rival, Bennett, whilst out on a delivery with his son Rhys. After Bennett intimidates Nick, threatening him over their past, Nick makes a quick escape in the car – but without Rhys.

From the makers of the underground/cult YouTube hit ‘The Vale’, and featuring actor Jeff Mirza (True Detective) as the voice of Basil and David Firth (Salad Fingers) as the voice of the health inspector.