Motherland Stars Reunite for New BBC Sitcom 'Ann Droid'

Key facts

• Diane Morgan and Paul Ready, stars of the BBC sitcom Motherland, are reuniting for a new BBC comedy titled Ann Droid.
• The new series is set in 2029 and follows the friendship between an elderly widow, Sue, and her humanoid robot helper, Linda.
• Ann Droid is a six-part series written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall.
• Sue Johnston will play the elderly widow Sue, with Diane Morgan as the robot Linda, and Paul Ready as Sue's son, Michael.
• Motherland aired for three series and a Christmas special before concluding in December 2022.
• A spin-off series focusing on Lucy Punch's character Amanda, titled Amandaland, was released in February 2023.
• Fans were misled by Netflix into believing a fourth season of Motherland was released, when it was actually the 2022 Christmas special.

New Comedy Pair Up Motherland Alums

Diane Morgan and Paul Ready, familiar faces from the recently concluded BBC sitcom Motherland, are set to star together once more in a new BBC comedy. Titled Ann Droid, the series is set in 2029 and explores the unlikely friendship that blossoms between an elderly widow named Sue and her sophisticated humanoid robot helper, Linda. The premise centres on Sue, who finds herself with a new companion after her son Michael decides to gift her a secondhand AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Eldercare Robot. Designed to alleviate pressure on the NHS by providing company and health monitoring for the elderly, the robot is initially met with reluctance by Sue. However, the synopsis suggests Sue soon discovers Linda's surprising utility, using the robot to settle scores and accomplish tasks her son neglects. The series promises a buddy comedy dynamic between an older woman and her technically advanced, yet socially unrefined, robot companion.

Behind the Scenes of 'Ann Droid'

The six-part series, Ann Droid, is being brought to life by a creative team including Diane Morgan herself, who also serves as a writer alongside Sarah Kendall. Filming has already commenced for the show, which is slated to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Diane Morgan will take on the role of the robot Linda, while Paul Ready reprises his role as Michael, Sue's son. The seasoned actress Sue Johnston, known for her work on The Royle Family, will portray the elderly widow Sue. Sue Johnston expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I'm thrilled to be back in the heart of BBC comedy, Diane and Sarah have created a comedy that will resonate with lots of different audiences, for different reasons and I cannot wait to get started." Paul Ready added, "I don't know much, but I do know that if you get a chance to work with Diane Morgan, you take it. Can't wait to be reunited and bring Michael to life in her brilliant comic series."

Motherland's Legacy and Spin-Offs

Motherland, which ran for three series and a Christmas special, concluded in December 2022. The critically acclaimed comedy, created by Sharon Horgan, delved into the often chaotic realities of middle-class parenting. Following the show's end, the BBC commissioned a spin-off titled Amandaland, focusing on Lucy Punch's character, the pretentious and newly-divorced Amanda. This new series, released in February 2023, shifted the setting to South Harlesden and explored Amanda's challenges raising teenagers. Diane Morgan, who played the sarcastic single mother Liz in the original Motherland, admitted it was "a bit awkward" not to be asked to join Amandaland. She clarified that it was intended as a different show, and she has not watched it, finding it difficult to switch off her critical eye when watching comedies.

Fan Frustration Over Netflix Misinformation

Confusion and disappointment arose among fans when Netflix promoted a "new season" of Motherland. Many viewers were led to believe that a fourth season of the popular sitcom had been released on the streaming platform. However, upon investigation, it became apparent that what Netflix had added was merely the 30-minute Christmas 2022 special, which served as the series finale. This led to accusations of misleading advertising, with fans expressing their frustration on social media platforms like X and TikTok. Posts from users such as ll3nn0n, lilyevansluvbot, and theghostoflvna highlighted the perceived deception. One user, peakay81, even speculated that Netflix's servers might have been strained by the influx of users attempting to verify the "new season" claim, only to find the Christmas special.

The Future of Motherland and its Characters

Despite the official conclusion of Motherland and the existence of the Amandaland spin-off, there remains a possibility for the original series to return. Writer Sharon Horgan has hinted at the potential for a "new season" of Motherland, suggesting that the fun experienced during its production could lead to future installments. Joanna Lumley, who plays Amanda's mother Felicity in the spin-off, is a key figure in the potential return. Horgan mentioned that if another season were to be made, Lumley's character would be integral, alongside Amanda and Anne. While Diane Morgan had previously stated there were no plans for a fourth series, the door appears to be ajar for further exploration of the middle-class parenting chaos that defined Motherland, especially with the continued engagement of its core creative team and cast.

The bottom line

• Motherland stars Diane Morgan and Paul Ready are reuniting for a new BBC comedy series titled Ann Droid.
• Ann Droid is a six-part series set in 2029, focusing on the relationship between an elderly woman and her robot companion.
• The original Motherland sitcom concluded in December 2022 after three series and a Christmas special.
• A spin-off, Amandaland, featuring Lucy Punch's character Amanda, was released in February 2023.
• Fans expressed anger towards Netflix for misleading them into believing a fourth season of Motherland had been released, when it was only the Christmas special.
• Writer Sharon Horgan has hinted at the possibility of a future "new season" of Motherland.