“This can't be happening, this can't be real.” If you love your comedies unhinged, outrageous, and packed with absurd twists, then Stags is about to jump to the top of your must-watch list. Originally premiering on Paramount+ in the UK last year, the six-episode series, created by Daniel Cullen, is now making its way to U.S. audiences, streaming exclusively on PlayStation Plus via Sony Pictures Core until March 24th.
A Zany Comedy Thriller with The Hangover Vibes
The premise? What starts as a typical drunken, drug-fueled bachelor trip to South America turns into a full-blown nightmare when one of the groomsmen, Greg, collapses at customs and is discovered to be smuggling cocaine. Instead of a week of partying, Stu, the groom-to-be, and his friends find themselves locked in a notorious island prison, run by feuding drug-smuggling siblings Selma and Branco. In this lawless hellhole, the group faces a grim reality: to survive, they must pick a side, betray friendships, and fight their way out—or risk never making it home.
If that setup doesn't sound like an absolute riot, maybe the show's tongue-in-cheek tagline will: “The exhilarating, gorgeous tale of eight idiots.”
A Cast That Brings the Chaos to Life
Led by Nico Mirallegro (Rillington Place), Charlie Cooper (This Country), and Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), the cast of Stags perfectly embodies the lovable (yet deeply flawed) group of friends navigating their worst nightmare. With performances from Corin Silva, Sophie Lenglinger, Paul Forman, Jojo Macari, Cavan Clerkin, Paulina Gálvez, and Oscar Foronda, the show boasts a mix of familiar British faces and fresh talent.
Adding to the madness, the series is directed by David Kerr (Johnny English Strikes Again) and Giancarlo Sanchez, with writing credits from Melissa Bubnic, D.C. Jackson, and Rob Hayes. The production was handled by Eleven Film, a division of Sony Pictures Television.
Location, Location, Deception?
Despite being set in South America, the series was mostly filmed in the Canary Islands. But hey, creative liberties, right? The sun-drenched locations lend themselves well to the show's chaotic prison backdrop, making for a visually rich setting that enhances the wild misadventures of its protagonists.
Early Buzz and What to Expect
While Stags might not be groundbreaking television, early reviews praise its high-energy pacing, darkly comedic edge, and outlandish set pieces. Fans of The Hangover, Inbetweeners, or even Prison Break (if it were written by a drunk British comedian) will likely find plenty to enjoy.
The humor is crude, the stakes are high, and the bromance-fueled stupidity is relentless. But beneath the absurdity, Stags cleverly dissects themes of friendship, loyalty, and survival, proving that sometimes, the worst experiences make for the best stories.
Personal Impressions
This series is the kind of guilty pleasure comedy that thrives on sheer chaos. The prison-island setting, the escalating misfortunes, and the group's sheer incompetence make for a hilarious ride. Stags embraces the absurd, blending British humor with the high-stakes energy of an action thriller. While it might not be for everyone—especially those who prefer their comedies on the refined side—if you're in the mood for a show that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is a no-brainer. Just don't expect deep character development or nuanced storytelling—this one's all about the laughs, and sometimes, that's exactly what we need.
Would you survive a stag party turned prison break? Or would you be the one caught smuggling cocaine at the airport? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!
