I did enjoy "call my agent" for its quirkiness, its humor, scenes of Paris , wit etc. But After watching 2 series I found trying to read the subtitles as fast as the actors said the lines more and more difficult and .distracting. But it was entertaining and fun. I find this version has much of the same spirit but being able to concentrate on watching the acting nuances , instead of desperately reading the sub titles very rewarding. I have watched 3 episodes so far and and enjoying getting in to it, its An English version of the original, not simply a translation of the original....and as such I find it an enjoyable watch.
93 Reviews
Slow burner but very clever
clarecarratt4 May 2022
I really hope this gets a second series. You do need to stick with it and after 3 episodes I was hooked. The characters, the star cameos (Kelly Macdonald was a great one) and the quick wit make it something different and fun.
I haven't seen the original series this is based on so can't compare but you can tell that it has French influence.
I haven't seen the original series this is based on so can't compare but you can tell that it has French influence.
It's missing something....
mgumsley12 March 2023
The French series was always going to be a difficult act to follow, and the British version somehow doesn't have the same warmth and finesse as the original.
A few points.
1. The introductory music is dreadful. It made us want to hit the stop button straight away.
2. In the French series, the real-life Actors and Agents were indistinguishable from each other, it was that good. This series has been patchy and I don't think the casting is quite as good, although I love Tim McInerney.
3. Everyone is over-polite to with each other. My French isn't good enough to compare to the original
4. The production values are great and the choice of stars is wonderful. With Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West particularly good.
5. I don't think the writing is as engaging as it was in the original. It's a pity as the series on its own is perfectly watchable.
A few points.
1. The introductory music is dreadful. It made us want to hit the stop button straight away.
2. In the French series, the real-life Actors and Agents were indistinguishable from each other, it was that good. This series has been patchy and I don't think the casting is quite as good, although I love Tim McInerney.
3. Everyone is over-polite to with each other. My French isn't good enough to compare to the original
4. The production values are great and the choice of stars is wonderful. With Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West particularly good.
5. I don't think the writing is as engaging as it was in the original. It's a pity as the series on its own is perfectly watchable.
Addictive
mweratcliffe30 April 2022
There are lots of reviews here comparing this British version of France's original series Dix pour cent (Call my agent) and perhaps that series is far better than this version. I however did not see the original and cannot judge whether it truly is better or just the original which, if previously seen, could lead to a feeling of "I've seen it all before" and "It's not original" in some viewers of the earlier offering. For myself I found this British version completely addictive - I watched all 8 episodes in one day and was left wanting more - sir please? The situations the characters find themselves in are at times annoying and I did become frustrated with their incessant "Yes" but it is in the main extremely entertaining and superbly acted all round. I will survive but I am a but annoyed at now having to wait for a second season. I want the producers to say "Yes. We hear you. Great idea. So exciting. Well of course yes and here you go. Off you go now and enjoy season 2. Yes.'
Not a remake; its own self.
ashlaur10 May 2022
Quite amusing; reminds me of BBC's W1A
joan-lockwood1 May 2022
There's lots of people criticising this series because it's "not as good as the French" version. I haven't seen the French version and thought Ten Percent is very funny in parts. It takes a few episodes to get into it, but really enjoyed the cast and special appearances, especially Dominic West as a frightened actor.
Pale imitation
carrythe22 May 2022
Anyone who hasn't watched the French original, I sincerely advise you do that. This is merely a pale imitation. It's hard to put a finger on all the reasons why, but suffice to say that everything that's vital has been lost in translation.
The funny thing is, it's disconcertingly faithful to the original. The characters are each precise replicas of the French ones - even down to facial features - as are the settings, and the plot lines are often similar. But somehow the wit and flair of the original writing has all been sucked out. What you're left with is a rather empty shell.
The funny thing is, it's disconcertingly faithful to the original. The characters are each precise replicas of the French ones - even down to facial features - as are the settings, and the plot lines are often similar. But somehow the wit and flair of the original writing has all been sucked out. What you're left with is a rather empty shell.
A hoot and also very touching
philpotts-6123510 May 2022
Inevitably there are comparisons with the original French series, which I loved. However, this holds up very well and I became quickly hooked.
It is beautifully cast - Lydia Leonard, Maggie Steed and Tim McInnerney are always worth watching in Anything. Most of the rest are very good - though Mr Davenport does seem rather weary of it all.
I really hope a 2nd series is produced. If it is, then Please build Miss Steeds character, and Mr McInnerney's. He reminded me of Richard Harris - and even sounded like him, several times.
Good stuff!
It is beautifully cast - Lydia Leonard, Maggie Steed and Tim McInnerney are always worth watching in Anything. Most of the rest are very good - though Mr Davenport does seem rather weary of it all.
I really hope a 2nd series is produced. If it is, then Please build Miss Steeds character, and Mr McInnerney's. He reminded me of Richard Harris - and even sounded like him, several times.
Good stuff!
Dull UK version
bef19917 May 2022
Doesn't match the original or add anything new...
JRB-NorthernSoul28 April 2022
Sadly not a rewarding watch if you've seen the French original "Call My Agent!/Dix Per Cent" - as they've just rehashed the original plots with English actors and the odd tweek. As a result its impossible to watch without a huge sense of 'deja vu.'
Would have been much more interesting if they'd kept the premise and played with the characters and invented new plots reflecting the UK industry.
It was decently enough made and the cast were fine, though I expected a big, big star in the opener. Overall I'd agree with other reviewers - why remake a classic if you're not bringing anything new to the party?
Vive le France! For me.
Would have been much more interesting if they'd kept the premise and played with the characters and invented new plots reflecting the UK industry.
It was decently enough made and the cast were fine, though I expected a big, big star in the opener. Overall I'd agree with other reviewers - why remake a classic if you're not bringing anything new to the party?
Vive le France! For me.
Watch this it's brilliant !!!
hibbittsian1 May 2022
Mildly amusing
RedMars201718 May 2022
I haven't seen the French original so can't compare the two. But this is a very poor effort. The dialogue is ripped straight from W1A and Twenty Twelve. Yeah, no, totally, no, yeah. There are few jokes, the series instead relies on the odd bit of farce and inconvenience to keep you amused. It's all well-made, but mildly amusing at its best. A waste of talent.
Just Fun
northernpaladin5 May 2022
This is just great fun, I'm 3 episodes in and completely hooked. I've not seen the original French series and nor do I intend to and snobs on here doing the "Oh it's not as good as the original" just need to shut up. The basic premise of a talent agency within which the agents bicker and back stab and lie whilst being oh so urbane could be a cynical black comedy but the cast of quirky characters and guest actors playing a version of themselves gives the whole thing a lightness of touch which is thoroughly engaging. The obvious 'French farce' nature of some of the plotlines is a delight and an opportunity to poke fun at the pampered elites who make up this world is always welcome. This is fine comedy, give it a go.
Quirky and fun
footsiefran5 May 2022
A lot of potential...
graham-939-97163530 April 2022
At least as good as the original
kevcong5 May 2022
Almost finished the series and have grown to love it perhaps more than the original. Great characters, some but not total adherence to the original, good story lines, much to love. Hoping to hear that we'll get a second series.
Babbling
vintagegeek24 July 2022
It's kind of addictive but so frustrating as no one seems to have their head on straight. Lots of bumbling and mumbling by most players. Everyone seems extremely unhappy creating a rather depressing tone throughout. But somehow you keep watching hoping beyond hope two players honestly connect. It just never happens. If not for the familiarity of the players and the super star guests we probably would have given up.
Hitting their stride.
vryum8 May 2022
Initially it seemed awkward and contrived, but looking at it without considering Call My Agent, I think it is working quite well. One of the characters looks like she is trying to be an actress in Twenty-Twelve, and it is almost embarrassing, but I do not think they are replicas of the French production, and I am enjoying it. Especially if they continue to relax.
More like 70 / 30
southdavid16 August 2023
I posted a review against the final episode of the series just after we had finished watching it. As it now appears that there's unlikely to be any more, more due to personnel changes at Amazon, rather than because the show wasn't well received, I thought I'd rework that review a little and put it here.
Though I have meant to get around to it, I haven't yet started the Netflix series "Call My Agent" of which "Ten Percent" is a British remake. This might be the way to go, as I understand that the general opinion is that this is a rather unnecessary remake, but I enjoyed this run.
Misha (Hiftu Quasem) quickly (and accidentally) lands a job as an assistant at Nightingale Steed, a London talent agency. With five agents and four assistants, the team try to manage their clients through a number of professional and personal crises, all whilst having their own professional and personal crises. Misha though has a secret, one that will make life much more difficult for Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport).
I mean, your enjoyment for the show may very much depend on your tolerance for a farce. There are eight episodes, each of which requires one, or more, of the characters to either say, or not say, something that leads to an awful misunderstanding, that would be cleared up if said character just explained themselves properly. I think if you understand "that's the show" then you'll be better off. Within that, I thought the performances were quite good from all of the central cast, each of which keep their characters likeable enough for you to care about them. There's quite a bit of typecasting in the roles though. Each episode also has at least one Star turn, a cameo from an actor, playing versions of themselves as clients of Nightingale Steed. These include Kelly Macdonald, Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West and David Oluwale.
It was a likeable, soapy, comedy drama and if you don't mind those farce elements, I think it's quite enjoyable. It did make me want to watch the original though and more of this, if it had been forthcoming.
Though I have meant to get around to it, I haven't yet started the Netflix series "Call My Agent" of which "Ten Percent" is a British remake. This might be the way to go, as I understand that the general opinion is that this is a rather unnecessary remake, but I enjoyed this run.
Misha (Hiftu Quasem) quickly (and accidentally) lands a job as an assistant at Nightingale Steed, a London talent agency. With five agents and four assistants, the team try to manage their clients through a number of professional and personal crises, all whilst having their own professional and personal crises. Misha though has a secret, one that will make life much more difficult for Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport).
I mean, your enjoyment for the show may very much depend on your tolerance for a farce. There are eight episodes, each of which requires one, or more, of the characters to either say, or not say, something that leads to an awful misunderstanding, that would be cleared up if said character just explained themselves properly. I think if you understand "that's the show" then you'll be better off. Within that, I thought the performances were quite good from all of the central cast, each of which keep their characters likeable enough for you to care about them. There's quite a bit of typecasting in the roles though. Each episode also has at least one Star turn, a cameo from an actor, playing versions of themselves as clients of Nightingale Steed. These include Kelly Macdonald, Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West and David Oluwale.
It was a likeable, soapy, comedy drama and if you don't mind those farce elements, I think it's quite enjoyable. It did make me want to watch the original though and more of this, if it had been forthcoming.
Needs to pull up its socks
bobetjo28 April 2022
The French original (Call my agent/Dix percent) had humour and strong characters. This British retread needs to pull itself together. Set near Tottenham Court Road, there is an attempt to recreated the lavishness of Paris. Which almost works given the lack of wide boulevards.
However the first episode of the French series also had to up their game. So I hope it gets better. One thing is that the French series seemed to have distinct actors. However the cast here seem to blend into each other. All a very bland ensemble.
However the first episode of the French series also had to up their game. So I hope it gets better. One thing is that the French series seemed to have distinct actors. However the cast here seem to blend into each other. All a very bland ensemble.
Just lovely!
misskbrown-574136 May 2022
Sometimes it's wonderful to watch a series where there are no catastrophic disasters, no over the top scenery or storylines. This has likeable characters, each played by a wonderful cast. It just really worked for me. Yes, easy to watch and to follow but not everything needs to be over complicated and over dramatised.
Absolutely can't wait for a second series. Excellent series.
Absolutely can't wait for a second series. Excellent series.
Great...great...Yeah that's great. Oh so great.
boguspomp2 May 2022
As one can see from the headline, one specific word is absolutely overused in this show. Do modern people really talk like this in the UK?
More often than not, whenever two or more people were talking about something in this show they ended up with: 'that's so great, yeah it's great. Isn't it great? Yeah so great. WTF?
Besides that, one of the better shows in recent times. Entertaining, uplifting at times, chaotic at other times but still presenting many likeable characters, which is rather rare in a modern TV show. Recently even the protagonists are mostly unlikable and the supporting characters are all bad people. Here everyone is trying to be good, even though it might fail once in a while.
If you want to spend a weekend being entertained by a well casted show and likeable characters, watch this.
More often than not, whenever two or more people were talking about something in this show they ended up with: 'that's so great, yeah it's great. Isn't it great? Yeah so great. WTF?
Besides that, one of the better shows in recent times. Entertaining, uplifting at times, chaotic at other times but still presenting many likeable characters, which is rather rare in a modern TV show. Recently even the protagonists are mostly unlikable and the supporting characters are all bad people. Here everyone is trying to be good, even though it might fail once in a while.
If you want to spend a weekend being entertained by a well casted show and likeable characters, watch this.
Disappointing remake of much better French TV show
msghall5 May 2022
The casting is not up to the standards required by the material and a shadow of the original show's wonderful cast. But most of all, the characters are pushed around, and push one another around, far more than the French version. By the third episode, I felt uncomfortable with such a bunch of weak people without the redemptive rewards the script offers. In other words, this version of the show lacks balls. It's whiny, stuttering and a little bit embarrassing.
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