A new TV sitcom, Damned, started on Tuesday night on Channel 4. The series created by Jo Brand, whose mother was a social worker, follows the lives of a team of social workers as they juggle case loads and messy personal lives. Brand’s aim was to portray social workers as real people as she believes that all too often, TV shows resort to stereotypes when featuring social work professionals.
The first episode, which also stars Alan Davies, sparked a big response on social media, with not all believing Brand achieved her aim. Here are some of our favourite comments so far.
Katharine Curtis via Facebook: “I personally welcome and even celebrate seeing something so light-hearted and warm on my TV where social work is concerned. Sick of the panoramas and dispatches we needed this. Well done Jo Brand!”
Loving #Damned @iamjobrand makes me chuckle rather then worry about the career I'm currently studying for 😂😂 #socialwork #children
— lucewebs (@LucyWebster17) September 27, 2016
Own desks no back to back tel calls while trying to type a court report? Being able to chat to colleagues. I want their office #damned
— Jay Cee (@JayCee_888) September 27, 2016
Wow! Clean office. Files in same building. No hotdesking. Managers on site. Got to be fiction. #Damned
— Therapeutic Thelma (@take2mums) September 27, 2016
@GdnSocialCare Thought ground down/burnt out Alan Davies, rule-bending Jo Brand, & cost-cutting mgr were fairly accurate. Amusing in parts.
— Citizen Kev Barretto (@CitizenKev61) September 28, 2016
Hmmm I don't recognise this at all. For a start I've not seen anyone do any work yet. My team never stop. #Disappointing #Damned
— angela stacey (@angie5950) September 27, 2016
The most unrealistic part of #Damned was that she was home in time for tea!
— Lauren (@makeaheartopen) September 27, 2016
So that's where all the male social workers are #damned
— richard servian (@serwianski2) September 27, 2016
I have to say that portrayed the social workers I knew in my time in care, human, funny and beyond all else, caring.. #damned
— Christopher Hoyle (@HoyleTime) September 27, 2016
@GdnSocialCare @Channel4 I thought it made SW's seem incompetent.I was hoping it would change people's perceptions of us. I'm Disappointed
— Nicola Fone (@FoneNicola) September 28, 2016
"I don't need a helpline. I need someone to go to Lidl." And her response is why social workers are so flippin great. #Damned
— Arlene (@BusyOaT) September 27, 2016
@GdnSocialCare @Channel4 "it's not my job to care" - this will resonate with SWs in authorities where numbers often matter more than people
— Scott Lee Grant (@scottleegrant) September 28, 2016
#Damned - mixed reviews among colleagues. For those expecting hilarity, accuracy & instantly improved public image - an underwhelming start.
— Reima Ana Maglajlic (@ramaglajlic) September 27, 2016
For anyone who watched it #Damned was not a true reflection of my job even in comedy format
— Michelle (@bikesandsails) September 28, 2016
@GdnSocialCare @guardian #dammed Very funny, excellent from all the cast, #theoffice without cringing
— B JONES (@newOne97) September 27, 2016
Where's the chocolate and cake in the office. Can't see any 😀 #damned #socialwork
— Manisha Patel (@ManishaMahen) September 27, 2016
@GdnSocialCare @Channel4 hilarious and some very recognisable themes from where I work 😂
— Sophie Olivia (@MissSophieOlivi) September 27, 2016
@GdnSocialCare @Channel4 taking personal calls during day??? I can't even find time to check in with poorly children left at home!!!
— Kerry Simpson (@dilbyh) September 27, 2016
Gosh. #Damned if I laughed once to be honest.
— Rob Mitchell (@RobMitch92) September 28, 2016
What did you think of the first episode of Damned? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Join the Social Care Network to read more pieces like this. Follow us on Twitter (@GdnSocialCare) and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest social care news and views.
