Loaded

Network: AMC.
Episodes: Eight (hour).
Seasons: One.

TV show dates: July 17, 2017 — September 4, 2017.
Series status: Cancelled.

Performers include: Jim Howick, Samuel Anderson, Jonny Sweet, Nick Helm, Mary McCormack, Lolly Adefope, and Aimee-Ffion Edwards.

TV show description:
Based on the Israeli series, Mesudarim, the Loaded TV show is a dramedy centering on four friends, Josh (Howick), Leon (Anderson), Ewan (Sweet), and Watto (Helm). These tech entrepreneurs have just sold their video game startup for hundreds of millions of pounds.

Suddenly, these gamers have become major players, loaded with money as well as “millionaire’s guilt.” The series explores themes of ambition, excess, Britons’ attitudes toward wealth and success, and how money can affect longtime friendships.

After they sell their company Idyl Hands and its hit mobile game, Cat Factory, they’re struck by the realization of their newfound, staggering riches. Once they’re sued and their new boss, Casey (McCormack), tells Leon to fire Watto, the guys start to wonder what they’ve gotten themselves into.

As the Vice President for Acquisitions at Idyl Hand’s new parent company, Casey is a force with which to be reckoned. Since it was her idea to purchase the company, Casey will not hesitate in her attempt to make it succeed, no matter who has to suffer.

A manchild prone to addiction, “Watto,” i.e. Mark Watson (Nick Helm) designed the game’s artwork, while under the influence of mushrooms. He’s been living the sober life for a while now, though.

He’d give anything to have his errant mother back in his life. Since the sale, he has been splurging with gusto. Will Watto’s self-destructive nature reassert itself to the gang’s detriment?

Although most people are intimidated by Casey, her personal assistant Naomi (Lolly Adefope) isn’t rattled by her. She wants to make the most of her job, but she sometimes feels torn between her boss and the guys, particularly as her friendship with Watto grows.

Insecure and somewhat neurotic, Josh sees himself as the gang’s leader and moral compass. He’s prone to let his anxieties dictate his decisions. Of the four, he is the most tormented with guilt about their big payday.

Josh has a complicated relationship with his former girlfriend, Abi (Edwards), who runs another tech startup company. She tries hard to get Josh to relax and enjoy himself and his money.

As Idyl Hands’ director of business development, it was Leon who recruited investors and hammered out the terms of the sale. Charming and outwardly self-confident, he is in some ways the yin to Josh’s yang. Inside though, he has his own insecurities.

Abi and Leon don’t trust each other. They both question whether the other one is a bad influence on Josh. As Josh becomes more focused on Abi, his friendship with Leon suffers.

A programmer, Ewan (Sweet) has never been one to assert himself. When Leon needs him to work on a new game to bolster the company, Ewan decides it is his turn to shine, but will the guys be receptive to that idea?

Series Finale:
Episode #8 — The End of Cat Factory?
Leon brings about a reconciliation, which forces the gang to decide what’s the most important; the gang must choose between money, the company or staying together.
First aired: September 4, 2017.

What do you think? Do you like the Loaded TV series? Should it have been cancelled or renewed for a second season on AMC?