Avenue 5

Forty years from now, the luxury space liner Avenue 5 suffers a catastrophic navigation failure that strands its wealthy passengers and crew on an extended, increasingly absurd voyage. Captain Ryan Clark tries to keep order while corporate interests, entitled travelers, and a hapless staff collide under confined, malfunctioning conditions. The show mixes satire and slapstick, following the scramble to keep the ship running, manage dwindling supplies and contain public relations disasters. Tension comes from clashing personalities as the crew improvises solutions, with a steady undercurrent of social commentary on leadership, privilege and accountability.

Avenue 5 premiered on HBO in 2020, created by Armando Iannucci and starring Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad, among others. The series leans into high production values, combining practical set pieces with visual effects to sell the stranded-cruise-ship environment, while retaining Iannucci's signature satirical voice.

Critical response has been mixed to positive, with a vote average near 6.5 out of 10 reflecting divided opinions. Many reviewers praised the cast, especially Laurie's deadpan captain and Gad's eccentric guest, and noted the show's willingness to skew corporate arrogance and bureaucratic denial. Some critics found the pacing uneven and the comedic tone inconsistent across episodes.

Culturally, Avenue 5 tapped into conversations about crisis management, inequality and optics, so a few scenes and character beats circulated online as memes and talking points. Its blend of workplace comedy and science fiction made it part of a small group of shows that use futuristic settings to satirize present-day institutions, and fans often cite its premise when debating how leadership reacts under pressure.

The series did not become a major awards magnet, but it kept a steady audience on HBO and streaming platforms, and reviewers regularly highlighted the performances and sharp writing. That ongoing attention helped the show maintain visibility beyond its initial run, even if it didn't translate into high-profile trophy wins.