Diane Morgan stars as a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health, in new BBC sitcom Ann Droid (w/t). Written by Diane (Mandy, Cunk) and Sarah Kendall (Dreamland, The Other One), the six-part series will be made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
It’s 2029. Sue’s husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael, is moving out – again - to try and fix his marriage - again. But the good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference. The latest D500 social humanoid eldercare robot. Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.
It’s Sue’s worst nightmare. An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. But she soon works out she can use the droid to her benefit in settling scores and doing the things her son never gets round to. What develops is a buddy comedy between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.
Diane Morgan says: “I’m thrilled that the BBC has finally commissioned a programme about AI and how it will affect your mum.”
Shane Allen, executive producer for Boffola Pictures adds: “In a world where AI is creeping in to the creative industry, we’re fighting back in the best way we can: taking the piss out of it. The ball’s in your court Chat GPT.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, adds: “Diane Morgan’s sharp comedic genius shines in Ann Droid (w/t), co-written with Sarah Kendall, as she brings to life an unlikely friendship between a feisty pensioner and her over-attentive robot. Equal parts clever and chaotic, this six-part sitcom marries heart and high-jinks in equal measure.”
Ann Droid (w/t) (6 x 30) is a Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The show was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, the executive producers are Shane Allen, Diane Morgan and Pippa Brown, who is also series producing. The commissioning editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Navi Lamba. BBC Studios, which has a minority investment stake in Boffola Pictures, will handle global sales.
Pictured Diane Morgan. Credit/Ruth Crafer.
