May 22 – The Power of Parker, from the creative minds of BAFTA award-winning 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.

Critical acclaim:

The Independent: “An intriguing romp with echoes of Steve Coogan and Victoria Wood.”

The Daily Telegraph: “A saucy, super-charged nostalgia trip.”

The Radio Times: “There are a number of laugh out loud moments scattered throughout and a string of committed performances from a cast who are clearly having a ball.”