David Mitchell stands up for TV

David Mitchell has expressed his dismay that the next series of Peep Show has started online before it airs on TV.

The sitcom returns to Channel 4 for its seventh series next Friday, but episode one is available for online viewing on 4oD from today.

Writing on Twitter, the show’s star said: ‘Apparently the 1st episode of Peep Show series 7 is already available on 4oD. I don't like that very much.

‘I'm tweeting about it so you know but it makes me sad for TV as a medium and so I advocate watching it next Friday on Channel 4 at 10pm. Either way, I hope you enjoy it.’

‘To clarify, I don't mind it subsequently being available on 4oD - that's all good - but think that, as a TV show, it should premiere on TV.

In response to fans who contacted him via Twitter, he added: ‘I'm not angry about it. It's just not how things would be organised if it were up to me."

‘I suppose I'm just old-fashioned... I just worry that, if TV dies, internet revenues will not sustain proper programme-making. It'll all be skateboarding kittens.’

Click here to watch the episode, or keep Mitchell happy by watching on Channel 4 at 10pm next Friday.

Published: 19 Nov 2010