BBC Confirms Mrs Brown’s Boys Will Replace Ann Droid After Fans Call for Second Series

BBC One has confirmed what will take over the Friday-night slot vacated by Ann Droid, after Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall’s new comedy completed its six-episode run.

The sitcom aired its finale on Friday, August 21, bringing its first series to an end after six weeks in the 9.30pm slot. Although every episode remains available on BBC iPlayer, its departure leaves room for another familiar comedy on BBC One.

According to the Radio Times schedule, repeats of Mrs Brown’s Boys will take over, beginning with the first episode of series three on Friday, August 28 at 9.30pm.

Mrs Brown’s Boys Returns to the Friday Schedule

The scheduling announcement comes after it was revealed that planned Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas specials had been cancelled because creator and star Brendan O’Carroll requires surgery for a broken jaw.

Instead, BBC One will revisit series three of the long-running sitcom.

The opening episode sees a hypnotist hired to entertain guests at the triplets’ baptism, only for Agnes Brown to fall under his spell. At the same time, problems with her deteriorating kitchen are overshadowed when her son Mark arrives with upsetting news.

The comedy, however, will be following a programme that quickly developed an enthusiastic audience during its short run.

Ann Droid Viewers Already Want More

Within minutes of the Ann Droid finale ending, viewers were taking to social media to call for a second series.

One fan described it as “one of the best comedies the BBC has done in years,” praising Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston before adding: “Can’t wait for series two. So funny and heartwarming.”

Others had been expressing similar enthusiasm since the programme first arrived.

“Funny, sad, incisive,” one viewer wrote after its debut, praising Morgan and Johnston’s performances and declaring “SueSueSue is a winner.”

Another simply called Ann Droid their “new favourite telly show”.

A third praised the writing and acting by Sarah Kendall and Morgan, saying the comedy deserved to become a hit with audiences.

Sue Johnston and Diane Morgan Lead the Comedy

At the centre of Ann Droid is Sue Johnston, known for Brookside and The Royle Family, playing Sue, a lonely widow whose son Michael, portrayed by Paul Ready, becomes concerned about her health and welfare.

His solution is an AI eldercare robot.

Sue is considerably less enthusiastic about the idea and eventually names the robot Linda, played by Diane Morgan.

The uneasy arrangement provides much of the comedy, with the first episode immediately demonstrating how difficult their new relationship could become. Linda walks in on Sue while she is in the bath and also manages to ruin her dressing gown.

The unusual pairing allowed the series to mix comedy with more emotional material, something repeatedly highlighted by viewers.

One fan called the programme “sharp, witty and gorgeously funny,” praising Johnston while describing Morgan’s presence as “a real treat”.

No Second Series Confirmed Yet

Despite the enthusiastic response from viewers, the article does not confirm that Ann Droid has been renewed for a second series.

For now, audiences can revisit all six episodes on BBC iPlayer, while Mrs Brown’s Boys will occupy its former BBC One slot from August 28.

The complete first series of Ann Droid is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.