BBC Scotland has commissioned two new comedy series – sketch show Stevens & McCarthy and sitcom The Chief, the latter a spin-off from the award-winning comedy Scot Squad. Made by The Comedy Unit, both series will film this year, airing on BBC One Scotland and BBC iPlayer in 2024.

Reflecting an ongoing commitment to comedy in Scotland, the details of the new BBC Scotland commissions are:

Stevens & McCarthy

Following their popular BBC iPlayer shorts which launched in 2021, comedy duo Stevens & McCarthy are back for a new 4×30 sketch show series on TV and online. Spotlighting the comedic talents of Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy – two of Scotland’s most-popular performers – the new series will feature a rich variety of sketches, spoofs, skits and songs.

Written by and starring Louise McCarthy (The Scotts, Scot Squad) and Gayle Telfer Stevens (River City, Scot Squad), the four-part fast-paced comedy sketch show will feature a supporting cast with filming beginning at the end of January.

The Chief

A spin-off from the award-winning Scot Squad series, The Chief is a scripted sitcom (4×30). A deep dive into the daily duties of Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson (played by Jack Docherty) from the Scottish Police Force. This four-part sitcom sees The Chief at work and at home dealing with colleagues, bams and family alike. As Miekelson wrestles with contemporary dilemmas and navigates workplace politics, he must do his best to remain relevant in an ever-changing world.

The Chief features a cast of regular co-workers and confidantes as well as his daughter, Ellen. Filming begins later this year with further casting to be announced soon.

Stevens & McCarthy is produced by Marie McDonald, directed by Meg Campbell and Script Edited by Louise Stewart while The Chief is produced by Rab Christie and directed by Iain Davidson. Both comedy series are Executive Produced by BBC Scotland’s Commissioning Executive, Gavin Smith.

Gavin says: “We hope audiences will enjoy this exciting double bill of very different comedies from BBC Scotland. In one West coast corner we have two of Scotland’s most exciting live comedy performers bringing an array of eclectic sketches and brand new female characters to the screen. And in the East coast corner we have one of Scotland’s most established male comedy talents spinning off a fan favourite character from Scotland’s Scot Squad comedy stable.”

Louise and Gayle are looking forward to joining comedic forces again.

Louise says: “We are really excited to be back with some Steven’s & McCarthy. It’s pretty much an all-girl team here and we are so thrilled to bring this girl power energy to your screens. We’ve got new sketches and some nods to the favourites from other series. Expect the usual madness from us two – bonkers characters and a good auld sing-a-long thrown in for good measure. There is something for everyone in this show!”

Gayle adds: “Brace yourself for the biggest female led comedy sketch show since the 90’s. Big, bold and better than ever Stevens & McCarthy are back! We’ve got great comedy characters, laughs a plenty and will showcase some of the best talent Scotland has to offer. Give it a swatch I think you’ll love it!”

Jack Docherty is looking forward to reprising his role as the inimitable Chief Miekelson: “I’m delighted that The People’s Chief is back in a brand new sitcom. We find him still clinging to his job as the top dog, the big man, the numero uno in a modern, progressive Scottish Police Force. He’s desperate to prove that he’s still relevant in the world of office politics, culture wars, family and fatherhood. I love playing this character and can’t wait to unleash him once again on the great Scottish public.”