Geoff Whiting

The comedic trio of Aunty Donna has been known for their brilliant social media content that tickles the funny bone with their absurdist, surreal humor. With a dedicated fan base and a knack for the bizarre, their followers had high hopes when they announced the release of their series "Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe." However, the end result is a lukewarm cup of comedy that leaves you yearning for the punchy humor of their lower-budget social media sketches. The premise of the series - a quirky coffee shop where the absurd is the norm - had potential, but the execution falls flat. The jokes feel forced and over-the-top, lacking the spontaneity and wit that Aunty Donna is known for. It's as if they're trying too hard to create the next big viral sensation, resulting in a product that feels contrived and, at times, desperate. The cast, usually quick-witted and hilarious, seems stifled by the format of the series. Their timing is off, their chemistry isn't as strong as it used to be, and their performances are uneven. The guest stars are hit-or-miss, with some providing a welcome boost to the comedy while others seem to be there solely for the sake of a cameo. While there are a few standout moments that hint at the group's potential for absurdist comedy, these moments are too few and far between to make up for the series' overall lackluster vibe. It's disappointing, especially given that Aunty Donna's social media content has proven that they have the talent and creativity to produce genuinely funny, innovative sketches on a shoestring budget. In conclusion, "Aunty Donna's Coffee Cafe" fails to serve up the hearty helping of absurdist comedy that fans have come to expect from the group. It's a shame that their venture into the world of series television didn't yield a more satisfying product, but perhaps it's a sign that they should stick to their roots - the low-budget, high-impact social media content that made them stand out in the first place.