Why stay historically accurate if you can just go crazy? That's the gist of the upcoming Apple TV+ show The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin. We've got everything you need to know at just a glance, including the release date, cast, plot and even the real story of Richard Turpin.
As Apple TV+ goes on to hit viewers with more and more high quality shows to give HBO a run for its money, The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is nearing its release. The absurd comedy is the fictional take on the real Richard "Dick" Turpin, an English highway robber back in the 18th century.
Before we get into the real life story of Mr. Turpin, let's take a look at Apple TV's take on it, shall we? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming show.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin | Release Date
Dick Turpin is looking at a spring release, coming on March 1, 2024 to Apple TV+.
We're still waiting on a trailer to share, but from the looks of it, we're in for an absolutely absurd retelling of the robber's life. It almost seems to be... completely made-up... and not historically accurate at all, can you believe that?
Anyway – the show premieres with two episodes on March 1. The show's gonna be on the shorter side for the time being with only six episodes. Those will come out every Friday, so the finale airs on March 29.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin | Cast
Welcome to: Dungeons And Dragons, Dick Turpin edition. I can see where the "completely made-up" part comes from, alright.
Starring Noel Fielding as Dick Turpin, it's clear where the show's headed. Get ready for shenanigans and probably not a single serious moment to be found! Michael Fielding joins his brother Noel in the show as Benny Turpin – brothers playing brothers, I like it.
The cast also includes Hugh Bonneville, Asim Chaudhry, Tamsin Greig, Mark Heap, Ellie White, Joe Wilkinson and Marc Wootton as Dick's friends and foes.
Dick Turpin's Apple TV Plot & The Real Story Of Richard
Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavours, including a brush with celebrity, all whilst trying to escape the clutches of the thief-taker.
On TV, Dick Turpin "sets out on a journey of wildly absurd escapades when he’s made the reluctant leader of a band of outlaws – and tasked with outwitting corrupt lawman and self-appointed thief-taker Jonathan Wilde." Turpin's actual story is a bit different, though.
While there are different accounts of his story, he's still a legendary figure in English folklore. Following his death, he was often romanticized, painting a picture of a dashing figure despite rather violent crimes.
The real Richard Turpin was born in the early 1700's in Essex, England and came from a rather humble background, working as a butcher before turning to a life of crime. He became a highwayman – a robber targeting unsuspecting travellers in the countryside. Those robberies where a serious problem in England at the time and Turpin was one of many highwaymen terrorizing the roads.
Those robberies by Turpin and his gang often turned out pretty violent, some even including murder which lead to his arrest which he actually escaped. After that, he lived his life on the run, still as a criminal and committing robberies.
At the end of the day, he couldn't outrun the law, though. He was captured and tried – only for horse theft, weirdly – and hanged for his crimes.
So remember, kids: crimes are not worthwhile! It might be a good idea to give Turpin a rather goofy story instead, so make sure to check out the new show on March 1 on Apple TV+.