30 minSeason 1 • Episode 10
LatestIt's Derby Day at Popetown, the day when all the major religions come together for a day at the horse races, with $100 million at stake for the winners. <p>Naturally the Cardinals want all of that prize for themselves, and they've arranged for a genetically modified and drugged up horse to win for them.</p> <p>And as always, keeping everything running to plan has fallen to Father Nicholas, but unknown to everyone else, a traumatic experience at age 3 has left him deathly afraid of horses, and without his control, the day risks being a shambles.</p>
Popetown is a controversial animated sitcom, billed by its producers as "Father Ted meets South Park", following the doodles and scribblings of a student at school during a lesson. His drawings depict the life of Father Nicholas, who lives in a Vatican City parody referred to as "Popetown". He is charged with being the handler for the Pope who is a complete nincompoop with the emotional and mental maturity of a four-year-old. Father Nicholas must keep the Pope out of trouble, and make sure the general public does not find out that the Holy Father is a drooling idiot. Other characters include a priest who is a sexual deviant, and a trio of corrupt cardinals who secretly run Popetown and attempt to get rich behind the Pope's back. These and other elements caused the show to be extremely controversial.
Production
Actually banned in multiple countries before airing. Legendary.
Writing
Gleefully offensive premise executed with zero restraint.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The BBC commissioned then immediately un-commissioned this after Catholic pressure groups mobilized—it only aired in New Zealand.
Jerry Hall, Mick Jagger's ex, voiced Sister Penelope because apparently 2005 British animation casting had no rules.
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