Hapless to return for Series 2
- Tim Downie is to return as investigative journalist Paul Green for Series 2 of Hapless. 8 new episodes of the sitcom have been filmed for streaming platform Viaplay
- Josh Howie, Jeany Spark and Michael Fenton Stevens co-star, with Linda Robson, Ronni Ancona and Sally Phillips amongst the guest stars
- Creator Gary Sinyor says of the new episodes: "I've been bolder in addressing the 'you can't say that in a sitcom' debate"
Hapless, the sitcom starring Tim Downie as an investigative journalist working at a Jewish publication, is to return for a second series.
British Comedy Guide can reveal that principle photography has completed on eight new episodes, and the footage is now in post production.
The comedy started on Amazon Prime under the title The Jewish Enquirer, before being picked up by Channel 5's streaming platform My5, at which point it was re-titled. The first series was acquired by Netflix in 2021 and then Viaplay for Scandinavia and other territories. Viaplay has financed the new series.
Written, produced and directed by Gary Sinyor, Series 2 comprises eight new 25 minute episodes.
Downie will reprise his role as Paul Green, the character who takes his job - as well as his neurosis and pet peeves - very seriously.
Josh Howie also returns for the new episodes, to continue to play Paul's best friend, Simon.
Due to a scheduling conflict, Lucy Montgomery wasn't available to portray Paul's sister Naomi this time, so the role is now being taken on by Man Down star Jeany Spark. Meanwhile Michael Fenton Stevens (pictured above) has been cast as Paul and Naomi's dismissive father Ronnie, replacing Geoffrey McGivern. The core cast is completed by Daniel Sinyor, who returns as Joshie.
The new episodes will feature a number of cameo appearances, with Linda Robson (pictured below), Ronni Ancona and Sally Phillips amongst those set to guest star. Ed Stoppard, Nick Blood, David Berry, Stephen Wight, Louisa Clein, Asif Kahn, Ben Goffe and Joe Morrow have also taken part in filming.
Speaking to British Comedy Guide about the episodes currently in the edit, Gary Sinyor says: "It's getting really incredible feedback. It's obviously easier to write when you know the locations and characters from Series 1. But, also, I've been bolder in addressing the 'you can't say that in a sitcom' debate. British comedy fans love big laughs. Not wry smiles. A lot of our 'A' list comedy talent complains about what can't be done any more but Hapless shows you can go anywhere if the characters are truthful."
He adds: "All the characters in Series 1 & 2 are flawed but they talk to each other and argue with each other, insult each other in a way that challenges a lot of the crass assumptions made by those in power, on the left and right - and by the mainstream media."
Series 2 of Hapless will be released at the end of the year.
Below is a work-in-progress clip from the new series, in which Paul and Simon encounter a Liverpudlian gym fanatic played by Nick Blood: