Chris O’Dowd on Moving Back to London and the City’s Gloomy Atmosphere

Actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd, best known for his role in The IT Crowd, has recently opened up about his experiences moving back to London from Los Angeles. Alongside his wife, Dawn O’Porter, and their two children, O’Dowd made the move a year ago, and he’s noticed a stark change in the city’s mood. In an interview with Sky News, he shared his observations about London’s atmosphere, which he described as “down” after a decade of austerity measures. “It’s just gone through 10 years of austerity, and you can feel it,” he remarked. O’Dowd believes the gloom could stem from either the divisive political culture or the financial strain caused by years of underfunded public services. He also expressed uncertainty about the future, stating, “Not yet,” when asked if he sensed any optimism for positive change.

The Decision to Leave Los Angeles and adapting to London’s Challenges

O’Dowd clarified that his decision to return to the UK wasn’t a direct response to political events like Donald Trump’s presidency, which he dismissively referred to as “that crap.” Instead, he wanted to leave before the U.S. political cycle intensified, as it often becomes heated. Despite his timing, he noted that things didn’t get as intense as expected, likely due to Trump’s easy win. Now back in London, O’Dowd is navigating the challenges of a city that feels weary and financially stretched. He emphasized that the lack of investment in public services has taken a noticeable toll on the population, leaving many feeling disheartened.

“Small Town, Big Story”: A Blend of Drama, Comedy, and UFOs

O’Dowd’s return to the UK coincides with the upcoming release of his new Sky Original series, Small Town, Big Story, set to premiere on February 27. The show is set in the fictional Irish border village of Drumban and follows Wendy Patterson, played by Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks. Patterson, a local girl turned successful TV producer in Los Angeles, returns to her hometown with a film crew, only to confront a long-buried secret involving visitors from outer space. The series blends drama and comedy, offering a unique take on small-town life, Hollywood ambition, and intergalactic mysteries.

Exploring the Possibility of Alien Life

When asked about his own beliefs in extraterrestrial life, O’Dowd admitted he finds it hard to believe humans are the only intelligent beings in the universe. “In the vastness of the universe, or the multiverse or whatever we’re existing within, it seems highly unlikely that you and me are the best we can do, no offence,” he said with a laugh. Hailing from Boyle, County Roscommon—a region in Ireland often dubbed a “UFO hotspot”—O’Dowd’s fascination with the unknown seems deeply rooted in his upbringing. His comments reflect a curiosity about the mysteries of the cosmos, leaving room for both skepticism and wonder.

Satirizing Hollywood’s Portrayal of Ireland

Small Town, Big Story also takes a humorous swipe at Hollywood’s often inaccurate portrayals of Ireland. Patterson’s show-within-a-show, titled I Am Celt but mockingly referred to as Lame of Thrones, pokes fun at the industry’s tendency to misrepresent Irish culture. O’Dowd, who co-created the series, acknowledges that these portrayals can be “heavy-handed” or “off-piste,” but he also admits that the Irish are guilty of similar stereotypes when depicting Americans. “Whenever I hear Americans being depicted by Irish people, very often they’re stuffing themselves with cheeseburgers and they’re morons. There’s got to be a bit of give and take with that,” he said. The show’s humor serves as a lighthearted critique of cultural exchanges and the flaws in how we portray each other.

Final Thoughts on the Show and Its Appeal

As Small Town, Big Story prepares to hit screens, O’Dowd’s reflections on London’s struggles, his new project, and the broader themes of the series offer a fascinating glimpse into his worldview. The show promises to entertain with its mix of humor, drama, and sci-fi elements, while also sparking conversations about identity, storytelling, and the complexities of cultural representation. For fans of O’Dowd’s wit and charm, this new series is sure to be a compelling addition to his body of work.