Catholic leaders in Germany are trying to get MTV to take satirical show Popetown off the air.

Bishops in Bavaria say the series, which satirises religious communities, is insulting to Catholicism. MTV producers told BBC News Online they were not prepared for the extent of the backlash to the series, which features the vocal talents of Ruby Wax, Bob Mortimer, Matt Lucas and Mackenzie Crook.

The archdiocese of Munich and Freising explained: "In this way the Catholic faith and the Catholic church are exposed to ridicule, which is justified neither by the freedom of opinion, of art, of the press nor of broadcasting."

However, a spokesman for MTV said: "We will initially broadcast this first episode and then will make a decision based on the feedback of the viewers."