'Masterpiece' comedy that's on BBC iPlayer is 'once-in-a-lifetime good'

A new dark comedy has dropped on BBC iPlayer, and GQ has pinned it as "a flawless oddity, a once-in-a-lifetime piece of art".

Search Party is an American dark comedy television series created by Sarah-Violet Bliss, Charles Rogers, and Michael Showalter. Primarily set in New York City, the series follows a group of friends who become involved in the search for a missing young woman and the events that result from their involvement. The series premiered on TBS on November 21, 2016. Following the first two seasons, Search Party moved to HBO Max for the remainder of its run, which concluded on January 7, 2022, after five seasons.

The series synopsis reads: "Search Party is a dark comedy that follows Dory, a frustrated and disconnected young woman who becomes obsessed with finding a missing college acquaintance, Chantal Witherbottom. She recruits her clueless boyfriend Drew and self-absorbed friends Elliott and Portia to join her amateur investigation, which quickly spirals into a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous situations that explore themes of narcissism, identity, and the search for meaning."

The popular series, which averages out at an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has been hailed by critics and fans alike. The critics of the movie reviewing platform conclude: "In its final season, Search Party throws out the rules and reinvents itself in bizarre -- and wildly entertaining -- fashion."

GQ said the programme was "a flawless oddity, a once-in-a-lifetime piece of art. It's not the weekend's best show, it's the year's best." Meanwhile, Miami New Times called the first season "a masterpiece of television".

Another critic said: "Search Party manages to become an addiction. It's a fascinating and often ferocious take on contemporary love, friendship, fame and delusion. And yet it has heart, as Dory remains an intensely compelling character."

One fan praised the series ending, stating: "I thought it was great and a terrific end to a brilliant show. I have truly loved every second of it, and I've seen almost every episode twice."

"An amazing ending to one of the best series ever made. An astounding genre shift that end the series brilliantly," another fan echoed.

Search Party is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.