If you’re a fan ofTerry Pratchett’s long-running, multi-stranded, and wholly sillyDiscworldseries of novels, you’re either about to get incredibly excited orincrediblydisappointed. BBC America just released its first trailer forThe Watch, the upcoming fantasy-comedy TV series based on Pratchett’s work. And it all looks like it’s taking some big ol' swings.
Here’s the official synopsis for the series, provided by BBC America:
The Watchfollows an unlikely group of misfits, The City Watch, who are forced to find the guts to save the world, surprising even themselves in the process. The comedic yet thrilling series pits trolls, werewolves, wizards and other improbable heroes against an evil plot to resurrect a great dragon which would lead to the destruction of life as they know it. From lead writer and executive producer Simon Allen, the modern and inclusive series is inspired by the characters created by Sir Terry Pratchett’s famous “Discworld” novels, including the captain of The City Watch Sam Vimes, the last scion of nobility Lady Sybil Ramkin, the naïve but heroic Carrot, the mysterious Angua and the ingenious forensics expert Cheery, together withThe Watch’s own idiosyncratic depiction of Death.
For someone unfamiliar with Pratchett’s novels (like me!), this may look like a funny, wild, unique enough take on genre-based comedy.Richard Dormerseems to be having a ton of fun as lead character Sam Vimes, a sort of Jack Sparrow on meth who literally meets Death (Wendell Pierce) in the first clip.Lara Rossiplays Lady Sybill in the second clip, demonstrating the show’s knack for absurd gags that plow through logic (i.e. raise your hands even though your hands are tied to a block). And the third clip shows off both the show’s surreal flights of fancy and its fun-looking ensemble cast, including standout performerJo Eaton-Kent.
If you’re adie-hardPratchett-head… well, either “You’re welcome” or “I’m sorry,” depending on how you feel.
Check out the first trailer, clips, and official synopsis forThe Watchbelow. The series comes to BBC America on August 19, 2025. And for more from iconic British authors, here’sAlan Moore’s bonkers-looking trailer for the filmThe Show.
