Channel 4 orders two more series of Peep Show
British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal that Channel 4 has ordered two more series of Peep Show, the critically acclaimed sitcom written by Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain.
Peep Show, which is produced by Objective Productions, stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb as two socially dysfunctional men who remain flatmates despite having nothing in common.
The comedy, which is now in its seventh series, has been running on the network since 2003. The programme is already Channel 4's longest-running sitcom in terms of the number of series commissioned, and Series 8 will see it overtake Drop The Dead Donkey to become the network's longest running sitcom in terms of time-span. However, the series still has some way to go to become Channel 4's longest running sitcom in terms of episodes. The barber's shop-set Desmond's comprises of 71 episodes across its 6 series, whilst Peep Show will only be up to 54 episodes once the 9th series has been broadcast.
Shane Allen, Channel 4's Head of Comedy, is continuing to back the programme long-term despite the fact it appears unable to attract large audiences. Last Friday's episode was seen by less than 1 million viewers. However, the comedy does have a strong cult following and shows little sign of outstaying its welcome. Many users on BCG's message board have commented that Series 7 is the strongest for a number of years, and it continues to attract near universally positive press reviews too.
However, fans may have a long wait until the next series. We understand it is unlikely Peep Show 8 be produced until the spring of 2012, as the writers and stars are particularly busy on other projects in 2011.
Meanwhile Series 7 of Peep Show continues on Friday. The next episode features the christening of Sophie's baby; and it is followed a week later by a Christmas special in which viewers will finally meet Mark's parents. This festive special will be part of 'Peep Show Night', an evening of programming dedicated to the sitcom. The Christmas Eve line-up includes a new behind-the-scenes documentary and the broadcast of favourite episodes, as picked by the viewers.