The BBC has recommissioned four comedy series, Outnumbered is back for a Christmas special and there are new series orders for Lee Mack’s long runner Not Going Out, Mike Bubbins’ Mammoth and The Power of Parker.
Outnumbered returns to BBC One this Christmas.
Written and directed by the show’s creators, Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton, it will follow the chaos in the downsized home of Pete and Sue Brockman, as they grapple with the challenges of parenting kids who are now adults, with their own lives to lead.
The stars of the original series are returning for the special including Hugh Dennis as dad Pete, Claire Skinner as mum Sue, Tyger Drew-Honey as eldest son Jake, Daniel Roche as the middle child Ben, and Ramona Marquez as the daughter, Karen.
Hugh Dennis says: “I can’t wait for the Brockmans to be back together again. Pete and Sue have downsized, the children are no longer children, but I’m sure family life will prove to be just as chaotic as ever.”
Claire Skinner says: “I’m really looking forward to being reunited with my TV family. Working on this wonderful BBC comedy doesn’t feel like work and is one of the greatest joys for us all.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “Outnumbered is one of the crown jewels of British sitcoms. We’re so grateful to Guy, Andy, Hattrick, and the cast for dusting it off and putting it back on display.”
Jimmy Mulville, executive producer, Hat Trick Productions, says: “Who doesn’t want to know what happened to the Brockmans, our favourite television family, since we last saw them? Well we can find out when Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkins’ ground-breaking comedy returns in a one-off special this Christmas. It’s unmissable!”
Co-creator, writer and director Andy Hamilton says: “It’s a very exciting prospect to be revisiting the Brockman family – older, but not necessarily wiser – as they steer a path through the perils of Xmas and the rapids of modern-day family life.”
Co-creator, writer and director, Guy Jenkin adds: “I really wanted to find out what the Brockmans were up to these days, so Andy and I had to write this special.”
Outnumbered ran for five series between 2007 to 2014. The most recent episode was a Christmas special in 2016. While the show was scripted, scenes featuring the children were semi-improvised.
Outnumbered (1 x 40) is a Hat Trick Production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The show was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The co-creators, writers and directors are Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the executive producer is Jimmy Mulville and the BBC commissioning editor is Emma Lawson.
Lee Mack’s studio sitcom will return for a new series on the BBC in 2025. Not Going Out is the UK’s longest running UK sitcom currently on air and recently joined an elite group of sitcom centenarians when the 100th episode aired during the BBC’s 2023 Christmas schedule.
Lee Mack says: “Once again I’m very grateful that the BBC have trusted in us to keep alive the studio sitcom. I grew up watching this genre of sitcom on the BBC, and to be part of it myself is still a dream come true, even after 18 years of doing it. Here we go again….!!”
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: “Not Going Out remains one of the UK’s most cherished sitcoms, a true testament to the exceptional comedic talents of Lee and his team. The show’s consistent success and popularity speak volumes, and we are beyond chuffed about its return.
Jon Thoday, Executive Producer at Avalon, added: “We are delighted to see the BBC keep the fire of the studio sitcom alive and it is a privilege to work with Lee Mack, who is a true master of his craft, as well as the excellent team on the show.”
Not Going Out is produced by Avalon for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The 6 x 30-minute series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The producer is Jamie Rix, the director is Nick Wood and the writers are Lee Mack and Daniel Peak. The executive producers for Avalon are Richard Allen-Turner, Rob Aslett, Lee Mack and Jon Thoday. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Gregor Sharp.
The Power of Parker, from writers Paul Coleman and Sian Gibson, is set to return to BBC One and iPlayer for a second series following a critically acclaimed first run.
The Power of Parker, made by Boffola Pictures, averaged 2.2M for the first series across 28 days making it the biggest new scripted comedy of the year across the market in 2023.
It’s 1992, the Queen is in the midst of her annus horribilis, John Major is the new PM, and Whitney’s I Will Always Love You is stuck at number one. Up in Stockport, Kath (Sian Gibson), Martin (Conleth Hill) and Diane (Rosie Cavaliero) are just trying their best to get along.
Martin Parker has hit rock bottom and is desperate to get his reputation back, Diane is adjusting to single life and running a business, while Kath is getting her happily ever after with her man by her side and is working on rekindling a relationship with her sister. She’s on a mission to sort things out for her sister and her man, but her interfering does the opposite and jeopardises everything. They will need to depend on each other now more than ever, but who do they trust?
Sian Gibson says: “We have been overwhelmed by the lovely response to the first series, and so excited to be back with the dysfunctional Parker family and turn their lives upside down again, with bigger problems and bigger hair.”
Paul Coleman says: “Thrilled to be back in early 90s Stockport, when it still had a Woolies and I received a full student grant.”
Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC, says: “The Power of Parker hit the ground running with its irresistible combination of sharp scripts brimming with jokes, nostalgia and outstanding comic performances. We’re excited about the fun ideas Sian, Paul, and the Boffola Pictures team have faxed over for series two.”
Kate Daughton, executive producer at Boffola Pictures, says: “We’re delighted the BBC have given us the opportunity to make more episodes of The Power of Parker. Paul and Sian are phenomenally talented writers, bursting with hilarious new ways to put Cath, Diane & Martin through their paces. We can’t wait to see you back in 90s Manchester.”
The Power of Parker (6×30’) has been commissioned for BBC One and BBC iPlayer by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. It is co-created and written by Paul Coleman and Sian Gibson, produced by Gill Isles, executive produced by Kate Daughton for Boffola Pictures and Tanya Qureshi, Head of Comedy at the BBC. BBC Studios, who have a minority investment stake in Boffola Pictures, are handling international distribution.
Mammoth, about a PE teacher from the 70s getting a second chance at life, will return for a second series on BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer.
In the first series, Tony Mammoth (Mike Bubbins), a PE teacher believed to have perished in an avalanche during a school trip in 1979, attempted to rebuild his life after miraculously returning from the dead when his body is discovered frozen in time.
In the seventies he was a carefree Cardiff bachelor, teaching PE and generally living la vida loca. In 2024, he thought the world would still be his oyster, but Mammoth never really liked oysters, he was more of a pint and a packet of crisps sort of bloke. All he wanted was his old life back; the same job, the same clothes, the same car and the same soundtrack.
Writer and performer, Mike Bubbins, says: “It’s been amazing to see how audiences have got behind this show. They’ve clearly got great taste! So, it’s a no-brainer to get Mammoth, the big character with the even bigger moustache back to create more laughs. I’ve got some massive moments up my sleeve for series two.”
Sian Gibson, says: “I had so much fun working with Mike and the team and I’m so excited that we get to go again. Much love to our audience for watching and to the BBC for their support.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “It’s been thrilling to see audiences tune in in impressive numbers and quickly embrace Tony Mammoth’s timeless charm. Mike Bubbins, Paul Doolan and the BBC Studios team delivered a fantastic sitcom packed with laughs, and we can’t wait to see more of Mammoth’s retro antics.”
Paul Forde, Commissioning Editor for Comedy, BBC Wales, says: “We’re thrilled that another series of Mammoth is coming to our screens. The audience have been asking if there will be another series and we’re hugely excited to be able to say ‘yes there will!’”
Steven Canny, Executive Producer for BBC Studios Comedy Productions, says: “From the very start, making Mammoth has been a total pleasure and privilege. We’re delighted to be returning for another series and we’re also delighted to have the chance to see how much of Mike’s wardrobe and belongings we can cram in next time.”
Mammoth is a BBC Studios Comedy production for BBC Two, BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer, created by and starring Mike Bubbins and co-written with Paul Doolan. It was commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy and Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning, BBC Wales. The Executive Producers are Josh Cole and Steven Canny, the Producer is Luke Mason. The BBC Commissioning Editors are Seb Barwell and Paul Forde. BBC Studios will distribute the series internationally.
Production is set to get underway in 2025 and further casting will be announced in due course.
Jon Creamer
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