BBC orders The Young Offenders Series 2
- BBC Three has already ordered a second series of new sitcom The Young Offenders
- Six more episodes of the show starring Alex Murphy and Chris Walley will now be filmed
- Creator Peter Foott says "The response already to the show has been phenomenal"
The BBC has swiftly recommissioned new sitcom The Young Offenders.
Originally developed as a feature film in 2016 before becoming a BBC Three sitcom, The Young Offenders follows the coming-of-age adventures of lovable rogues Conor and Jock.
Series 1 of the show started last week on BBC Three, and now BBC Comedy has announced that it has commissioned a further six episodes from producers Vico Films.
Written and directed by Peter Foott, the show observes as Conor and Jock navigate their awkward teenage years, hatching plans and adventures to help distract from their tough home lives and their inability to stay out of trouble at school. Conor's long suffering mother Mairead tries to keep both her son and his best friend on the straight and narrow, with varying degrees of success.
Alex Murphy and Chris Walley will be reprising their roles for Series 2.
Peter Foott comments: "The response already to the show has been phenomenal, myself and the whole team have been blown away by it. To have BBC Three commission a second series so quickly is a dream come true, their support for the project has been unwavering from the start. This level of commitment is incredibly reassuring, and we're keen to continue telling stories involving these characters. We're very grateful to the BBC for allowing us to do so."
BBC commissioner Shane Allen says: "It's vital we back emerging talent to the hilt and believe in this show so much that a second series is an absolute must. The rare confluence of dazzling performances across this show and in Peter's writing the strong sense of place and character makes it the quintessential BBC Three comedy. By turns raucous by turns heart-breaking and consistently hilarious."
BBC Three's Damian Kavanagh adds: "Commissioning Series 1 was a huge coup for BBC Three so I'm delighted The Young Offenders will be returning to us for a second series. It is exactly the type of daring, original comedy we live for on BBC Three and we're looking forward to continuing our relationship with them."
Series 1 of The Young Offenders can be found on BBC iPlayer, with new episodes published at 10am on Thursdays. The series will also be shown on BBC One on Fridays at 11:25pm from this week (9th February).
Series 2 will begin filming at a later yet-to-be-announced date.