From his breakout role as Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Rupert Grint has effortlessly embodied the everyman persona—relatable, charming, and often hilariously flawed. Yet, one of his most underappreciated strengths is his ability to play deeply layered, morally complex characters while maintaining an undeniable likability. Enter Sick Note, a dark comedy that takes Grint’s usual affable image and turns it completely on its head.
A Role Crafted for Rupert Grint
Created by Nat Saunders and James Serafinowicz and directed by Matt Lipsey, Sick Note stars Grint as Daniel Glass, an aimless underachiever who stumbles into an extraordinary situation: faking cancer for personal gain. What starts as a tragic misdiagnosis quickly spirals into an outrageous deception, all because Daniel realizes that people treat him far better when they believe he’s terminally ill. The series boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Nick Frost, Pippa Bennet-Warner, Don Johnson, Marama Corlett, Lolly Adefope, Belinda Stewart-Wilson, Karl Theobald, Matilda Thorpe, Camilla Beeput, Miles Richardson, Daniel Rigby, and even Lindsay Lohan.
The Slacker Antihero We Can’t Help But Root For
From the very first episode, Sick Note establishes its irreverent tone. Daniel is introduced as a lazy, self-centered slacker who prioritizes video games and bizarre philosophical debates over fulfilling simple obligations—like helping his girlfriend find her missing cat (which he accidentally killed). Despite his morally dubious choices, Grint’s portrayal makes him oddly endearing. He’s not an outright villain; he’s just a guy making bad decisions in a desperate bid to hold his life together.
Daniel’s streak of bad luck culminates in a day from hell: his girlfriend Becca (Bennet-Warner) dumps him, his boss fires him, and then, just when he thinks things can’t get worse, he’s diagnosed with cancer. It’s a moment that should be purely tragic, yet Sick Note uses it as the launching pad for a brilliantly twisted story. Watching Grint navigate Daniel’s misfortunes, you can’t help but feel a strange sympathy for him, even as his choices grow more outlandish.
Nick Frost Steals Scenes as the Hapless Dr. Glennis
As Daniel’s story takes its first major twist, we’re introduced to Dr. Iain Glennis (Nick Frost), a well-meaning but utterly incompetent doctor who misdiagnoses Daniel with cancer. When Glennis realizes his mistake, he panics—not because of Daniel’s well-being, but because he’s terrified of losing his medical license.
This is where the show truly shines. Instead of immediately correcting the error, Daniel and Dr. Glennis form a hilariously dysfunctional partnership, agreeing to keep up the charade. Daniel enjoys the perks of his fake illness—sympathy, attention, a second chance at life—while Glennis clings to his job, hoping no one finds out about his blunder. It’s a darkly comedic setup that only gets more absurd as the lies pile up.
A Supporting Cast That Elevates the Madness
Beyond Grint and Frost’s electric dynamic, Sick Note boasts a stellar ensemble. Daniel’s boss, Michael (Karl Theobald), is a constant source of workplace misery. His best friend Ash (Tolu Ogunmefun) has no clue about the deception and is emotionally devastated by Daniel’s “diagnosis.” Kenny West (Don Johnson) delivers his lines with an effortless arrogance, peppering his dialogue with expletives. Meanwhile, Daniel’s office crush, Linda (Marama Corlett), suddenly starts giving him attention—something that would’ve never happened pre-“cancer.”
Each character adds to the escalating chaos, making Sick Note a rollercoaster of poor decisions and unpredictable consequences. It’s the kind of show where every new revelation makes you simultaneously cringe and laugh, wondering just how much worse things can get.
The Secret to Sick Note’s Success: Grint’s Believability
On paper, Sick Note’s premise sounds completely absurd. But what makes it work is the fact that Rupert Grint sells it so convincingly. His portrayal of Daniel Glass is so natural that you almost believe this situation could actually happen. He isn’t a mustache-twirling con artist—he’s just an everyday guy who stumbles into a web of deception and then keeps digging himself in deeper.
More than just a comedy, Sick Note subtly comments on society’s perception of illness, sympathy, and self-interest. It explores how people change their behavior when faced with tragedy, and how easily morality can be bent when personal benefits are involved. Yet, despite its darker undertones, the show never loses its comedic edge.
Why Sick Note Deserves a Second Look
Sick Note is the kind of series that flew under the radar upon its release, but it deserves far more recognition. With its razor-sharp writing, impeccable comedic timing, and a standout performance from Rupert Grint, it’s a hidden gem in the world of dark comedies. If you’re looking for a show that blends the absurd with the hilarious, Sick Note is well worth your time.
Catch Sick Note now on Amazon Prime in the U.S., and prepare for a comedic experience unlike any other.
