The BBC has released the official trailer for Cunk on Cinema, with Diane Morgan returning as the hilariously oblivious Philomena Cunk for a new three-part comedy series exploring the history of film. Created by Charlie Brooker, the latest instalment of the popular mockumentary franchise will arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two on Thursday 12 November 2026, with Hollywood stars including Benedict Cumberbatch and Michael Bay among those facing Cunk’s rather unconventional interviewing techniques.
Having previously investigated everything from British history to the meaning of life, Philomena is now turning her attention to cinema, attempting to understand how films came to exist and why we continue watching them. Her investigation will cover the invention of the camera, the New Wave filmmakers of the 1960s, the arrival of CGI and what artificial intelligence might mean for the future of filmmaking. Of course, all of this will be delivered through Cunk’s wonderfully misguided observations and an impressive ability to ask questions that leave even the most knowledgeable experts completely baffled.
The new trailer offers a glimpse at some of those encounters, with Morgan once again delivering her questions with a perfectly straight face as her interviewees attempt to provide serious answers. Among the contributors are Transformers director Michael Bay, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, film composer Daniel Pemberton and critic Mark Kermode. They’ll be joined by screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, cinematographer Seamus McGarvey and Sight and Sound magazine’s Isabel Stevens, among other figures from the film industry.
You can watch the official Cunk on Cinema trailer below.
The series follows previous instalments including Cunk on Britain, Cunk on Earth and Cunk on Life, continuing the mockumentary format that has made Morgan’s character such a favourite among comedy audiences. Brooker leads the writing team alongside Morgan and several returning collaborators, with Al Campbell directing all three half-hour episodes.
For CultureCues, Philomena Cunk taking on the world of cinema feels like an absolutely brilliant idea, and we already feel slightly sorry for the experts who have agreed to sit opposite her. Diane Morgan’s deadpan delivery is fantastic, and there’s something endlessly entertaining about watching respected academics and industry professionals attempt to answer even her most absurd questions with a straight face. The thought of Michael Bay trying to explain the history of filmmaking to Philomena Cunk is already making us laugh, and we’re looking forward to seeing what she makes of Hollywood.
All three episodes of Cunk on Cinema arrive on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Thursday 12 November 2026, with BBC Two airing the series weekly at 10pm.
More From CultureCues
The Other Bennet Sister Christmas Specials: BBC Shares New Look at Ruth Jones and Returning Cast
Netflix Pride and Prejudice Official Trailer: Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden Lead New Adaptation
This City Is Ours Series 2 Is Out Now on BBC iPlayer
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.