Generation Z: Channel 4 announces new comedy drama

Ben Wheatley will write and direct a new comedy drama for Channel 4, it’s been announced.

Produced by The Forge, six-part series Generation Z is described as “a timely, startling and thrillingly outrageous ride through a green and pleasant land rent by division, disappointment and…death.”

A synopsis teases how the show will see baby boomers and disaffected teenagers at each other’s throats, quite literally.

Channel 4 reveal: “In a small British town, tensions come to a head when a mysterious military convoy crashes outside the Sunnywise Retirement Home. The vehicles were carrying a toxic substance, which, as a result of the crash, leaks into the local environment and infects the residents of the retirement community.

“The symptoms of this infection quickly manifest – an overwhelming appetite for raw flesh. They’re old, they’re angry and they’re on the rampage. As the military scrambles to control the outbreak and keep everything out of the media spotlight, a group of regular teenagers find themselves in the thick of the battle against these flesh-eating baby boomers.

“Generation Z follows a group of wide-eyed teenagers caught up in a future far more grotesque and terrifying than anything they could have expected. They wanted to make a difference, this is their chance! But it’s going to take more than a pithy meme on social media…this is a bloody and messy battle royale!”

Ben Wheatley, whose writing and directing credits include Modern Toss, The Wrong Door and Doctor Who, said: “I’m excited to be working with Channel 4 and The Forge. Generation Z is my first original created tv project and I couldn’t think of better partners.”

Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, added: “Ben is a unique creative force, and I’m delighted that he’s bringing this hilarious, frightening and political horror series to Channel 4. I can’t wait to see him transform the zombie genre into something both outrageous and cannily perceptive.”

George Faber, Executive Producer, commented: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the hugely talented Ben Wheatley on his epic comic horror series and very much look forward to discovering how Generation Z will fight the plague of Baby Boomer zombies who are after their young flesh.”

And air date and casting for the series will be confirmed in due course.