Future of two hit BBC comedies confirmed as boss calls for TV world to ‘save our sitcoms’
However, the corporation's director of comedy has hinted that the industry is not "ambitious" enough
THE future of two hit BBC comedies has been confirmed as the boss calls for the TV world to ‘save our sitcoms’.
The publicly funded corporation has committed to more instalments of fan favourite shows.
Jon Petrie, The Director of Comedy at the BBC spoke today at the corporation’s comedy festival in Glasgow.
He revealed that both The Power of Parker and Mammoth have both been given the green light for respective second series.
Gushing about the future of comedy, he said: “Mainstream comedy is what viewers love best.
“It’s written right through our comedy heritage and is so close to our hearts. It can tell our stories and bring us together like nothing else.
“That’s why audiences and critics feel so passionately about it and have such a strong sense of ownership.”
The Power of Parker is set in the 1990’s and it follows the complicated life of Stockport native Martin Parker (Conleth Hill).
Although he initially was seen living the high life, his wife Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) and mistress Kath (Sian Gibson) come together to bring him down.
The show also stars the likes of former Benidorm actress Sheila Reid, 86, who plays the role of Gladys.
Meanwhile, Mammoth follows Mike Bubbins’ character Tony who was presumably killed in an Alpine avalanche in 1979.
Although he was discovered and brought back to life in the present day, he is determined to continue living life as a man from the 70’s with hilarious consequences.
However, the industry professional also urged the TV world need to be more “ambitious” with their formats in order to “save our sitcom.”
“We want producers to take risks and create the next generation of classic sitcoms and immortal characters that audiences will keep returning to for decades to come.
“But the truth is we’re still not getting pitched enough of the comedy we need to keep people happy…If our comedy eco-system is shrinking, then it’s on all us to fight for the right of UK mainstream comedy to exist,” he said.
“The sitcom isn’t dead but it needs a couple of Berocca. And a black americano with two sugars.”
Jon added: “We’re asking you to do something really ambitious and help save our sitcom. It’s what audiences want to see.”
One comedy to also make a huge return is the hit sitcom Outnumbered, which was last seen on screens at Christmas 2016.
The programme focussed on the Brockman family, with Hugh Dennis as the father, Claire Skinner as the mother and their three children played by Tyger Drew-Honey, Daniel Roche and Ramona Marquez.
Eight years after they were last seen on the airwaves together, all of the cast will reunite for a Christmas Special.
The new special will follow the chaos in the downsized home of Pete and Sue, as they grapple with the challenges of parenting adult kids, combined with having their own lives to lead.
The TV executive overall surprised onlookers and gathered fans as he announced a six new and returning shows.
Fresh of his success hosting the 1% Club, Lee Mack will return with Not Going Out, the longest running British sitcom on air.
The two new series to be commissioned include Teesside based Smoggie Queens, which will star former Waterloo Road star Mark Benton.
Another comedy named Funboys has also been given the green light and is due to be filmed and set in Northern Ireland.
