BBC Two orders a full series of Motherland
- BBC Two has ordered six more episodes of Motherland following the success of the pilot
- Co-writer Graham Linehan says: "This is a world that seems to be brimming with comic possibilities"
- Sharon Horgan adds: "Apologies in advance to the brave women and men of the school run"
BBC Two has ordered a full series of Motherland.
The sitcom was piloted as part of the BBC's recent Landmark Sitcom Season, focusing on a mother "navigating the trials and traumas of motherhood" and looks "at the competitive and unromantic sides of parenting - not the cute and acceptable public face of motherhood".
The BBC has now ordered six more episodes from writers Graham Linehan, Sharon Horgan, Helen Linehan and Holly Walsh.
The commission follows strong audience figures for the pilot, with over 2 million having viewed the show either on BBC Two or via iPlayer. The sitcom also picked up very positive reviews from both the public and press. The Observer labelled it "Undoubted comedy of the week" whilst The Telegraph said it was an "acerbic comic gem".
The core cast - Anna Maxwell-Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready - are all to return for the new episodes.
Graham Linehan says: "I'm delighted to be working with such a gifted team. This is a world that seems to be brimming with comic possibilities and yet somehow under-explored, and I can't think of better people, behind the cameras and in front of them, to be doing it with."
Sharon Horgan comments: "I am thrilled and relieved to have finally found a good use for my 13 years of mothering. Apologies in advance to the brave women and men of the school run."
Patrick Holland from BBC Two adds: "How wonderful that Motherland is coming to BBC Two as a series. The pilot found a unique, confident voice that made for truly memorable comedy. It is savagely accurate writing, brilliantly brought to life by Anna Maxwell-Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready. I can't wait!"
Motherland will be filmed and broadcast in 2017.