IT Crowd’s Chris O’Dowd on aliens, returning to a ‘broke’ and ‘down’ London, and his new show Small Town, Big Story

A Star Returns: Chris O’Dowd’s Reflections on London, Life, and His Latest Project

Actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd, best known for his roles in The IT Crowd and Bridesmaids, has recently shared his thoughts on moving back to London after a decade in the United States. The Irish star, who returned to the UK with his wife, Dawn O’Porter, and their two children a year ago, has noticed a palpable sense of gloom in the city. “It’s just gone through 10 years of austerity, and you can feel it,” he told Sky News. O’Dowd attributes this somber mood to a decade of budget cutbacks and a lack of investment in public services, which he believes has left people feeling financially strained and disheartened. He also hinted at the divisive political climate as a potential contributor to the city’s downturn, though he admitted he’s unsure which factor weighs more heavily. When asked if he sensed any optimism about the future, O’Dowd simply replied, “Not yet.”

The decision to leave Los Angeles wasn’t driven by political upheaval, as one might assume. “It wasn’t because Trump got in or any of that crap,” he clarified. Instead, he wanted to step away before the political cycle intensified, though he noted that this time around, things remained relatively calm because of Trump’s easy win. The return to the UK coincided with the upcoming premiere of O’Dowd’s new Sky Original series, Small Town, Big Story, which debuts on Sky and NOW on February 27. The show, set in the fictional Irish border village of Drumban, blends drama and comedy, following the story of Wendy Patterson, a local girl turned LA TV producer who returns home with a film crew only to confront a decades-old secret involving visitors from outer space.

Aliens, Ireland, and the Universe’s Imperfections

When asked if he believes in the existence of aliens, O’Dowd admitted he finds it hard to accept that humans are the only life form in the vastness of the universe. Hailing from Boyle, County Roscommon, an area known as a “UFO hotspot” in Ireland, O’Dowd’s fascination with the idea of extraterrestrial life is personal. “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 offense,” he said with a chuckle. His reasoning, though humorous, carries a deeper philosophical weight. Given the imperfections and shortcomings of humanity, it’s almost arrogant to assume we’re alone, he suggested.

This sense of humility and curiosity about the unknown is woven into the fabric of Small Town, Big Story, which uses the premise of an extraterrestrial encounter to explore themes of community, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The show’s mix of humor and drama allows it to tackle serious issues with a light-hearted touch, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Satire, Stereotypes, and Hollywood’s Missteps

One of the most intriguing aspects of Small Town, Big Story is its satirical take on Hollywood’s portrayal of Ireland. Wendy Patterson’s show-within-a-show, titled I Am Celt but affectionately referred to as Lame of Thrones, pokes fun at the industry’s tendency to romanticize or misrepresent Irish culture. O’Dowd, who co-created the series, laughed about the heavy-handed or “off-piste” depictions of Ireland in some Hollywood productions. “I think the thing to remember is we’re guilty of it too,” he said, acknowledging that stereotypes are a two-way street.

O’Dowd pointed out that just as Americans are often reduced to caricatures in Irish media—think cheeseburgers and morons—Irish people are frequently portrayed as overly quaint or eccentric in Hollywood films. While these stereotypes can be harmless fun, they also highlight a lack of nuance and understanding. Small Town, Big Story aims to balance humor with authenticity, offering a more grounded and relatable portrayal of Irish life. By doing so, it challenges viewers to think critically about how cultures are represented in media.

A New Chapter and Hopes for the Future

As Chris O’Dowd settles back into life in London and prepares for the release of Small Town, Big Story, he remains both a witty observer of the world around him and a thoughtful commentator on its challenges. His return to the UK has given him a fresh perspective on the state of the nation, and while he acknowledges the current gloom, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor or his optimism about the future.

With Small Town, Big Story, O’Dowd hopes to not only entertain audiences but also spark conversations about identity, community, and the interconnectedness of