Romesh Ranganathan writes and stars in new Sky sitcom
- Romesh Ranganathan has written and will star in a new Sky 1 sitcom
- The Reluctant Landlord is about a man who inherits a pub he doesn't really want
- The sitcom is semi-autobiographical, as the comedy star once ran a pub in real life
Romesh Ranganathan has created a new sitcom for Sky 1.
The Reluctant Landlord is a semi-autobiographical comedy in which his character inherits a pub that he doesn't really want.
Talking about the plot, Sky explains: "Much to his annoyance, Romesh is left running the local pub after his mischievous father left it to him in his will. He has never wanted to be a landlord, but his mum feels it is the only way to keep his dad's legacy alive, and his wife and kids are having a ball there."
The new comedy will also star Sian Gibson (Car Share) as his wife, Natasha, and Seann Walsh as best mate Lemon.
Producers What Larks Productions say: "This semi-autobiographical sitcom follows Romesh's misadventures as he tries to offload the pub he doesn't want, while his family use any amount of emotional blackmail to keep him at the heart of the place."
Ranganathan comments: "After my father passed away and I was forced to run a pub a few years ago I remember thinking: 'The best way to turn this into a positive would be to write a sitcom based on the situation for Sky 1.' I am delighted to finally see this very specific long term plan to fruition.
"The production team and channel have both been incredibly supportive. I say this both because it's true and so that they can't distance themselves from the project if it's a failure."
The Reluctant Landlord will join a line-up of new comedy shows on Sky 1 due to be broadcast in the 10pm slot. The channel has also announced a new sitcom starring Karl Pilkington.
Sky explains: "As well as starring, Karl and Romesh will each write these often personal (but always funny) stories that will sit in a new 10pm half hour slot that's dedicated to edgier and more mischievous comedies.
"These new British comedies are joining a line-up of shows on Sky 1 from some of the biggest names including; comedy thriller Bounty Hunters starring Jack Whitehall and Oscar nominee Rosie Perez; and Sick Note - Rupert Grint and Nick Frost's tale of a terrible lie that spirals out of control - both of which have already been slated for the 10pm comedy spot later this year."
Sky's comedy commissioner Jon Mountague says: "Working with Karl Pilkington and Romesh Ranganathan is a dream; their shows are shot through with an authenticity that brings a unique, more grown-up comedy edge to Sky 1.
"Evenings are going to be all about laughs on Sky 1 - with our biggest line-up of new comedy coming up, including hour long comedy dramas at 9pm and something a bit more mischievous at 10pm. Coming soon are shows starring Jack Whitehall, Philip Glenister, Lesley Sharp, Rupert Grint and Nick Frost. As a comedy obsessive I'm thrilled to be walking amongst such giants - brilliant talent telling surprising and sometimes challenging comic stories."