BBC Studios Comedy for BBC
Series three of the BBC1 sitcom Here We Go follows various generations of the Jessop family through the banalities of everyday life. From smart speakers to anniversaries to dealing with new neighbours, writer Tom Basden elevates the mundane into the farcical.
The series is shot so that the audience views the family only through teenage son Sam’s video camera, drawing them into the Jessops’ world and creating an intimacy that is a technical challenge and triumph behind the scenes. Director Will Sinclair, DOP Jeremy Hewson and editor Andy Kinnear all work together to maintain the format without sacrificing story or comedy – no mean feat.
Judges praised the series’ distinctive characters, with rave reviews of Katherine Parkinson, Jim Howick and Alison Steadman’s performances. They also rated the series for its plot, structure and pace. “Funny, sharp, as well as being well plotted and performed,” said one. “I loved it - it’s a joyful watch.”
With average viewing figures of 2.26m for the third season, the BBC Studios comedy is already up 20% on its series two audience, proving there’s a growing following for this loveable family sitcom.
SHORTLISTED
Juice
Various Artists Limited for BBC
The second series of Juice, written by and starring Mawaan Rizwan, follows Jamma and Guy as they rediscover their romantic relationship in an entry judges said was “distinctive” and “leapt off the screen”. The new series opener scored a 50% increase in viewership compared to the first series debut.
Mr Bigstuff
Water & Power Productions & Sky Studios for Sky Max
The BAFTA winning Danny Dyer returns for a second helping of this Essex comedy and its unequivocally working-class voice. With special guest stars, a search for an absent father, a carvery visit and some kinky sex, Mr Bigstuff was a firm judges’ favourite.
Pushers
Merman Television & 2LE Media for Channel 4
Rosie Jones’ debut series offers an ideal platform for her flawless comedic stylings. When her character Emily’s disability benefits are cut, she turns to selling drugs – humorously and incisively making a point about the way society often overlooks disabled people, which resonated strongly with judges and viewers alike.
Smoggie Queens
Hat Trick Productions for BBC
Smoggie Queens follows the chosen family of LGBTQ+ friends as they navigate their lives and identities against the backdrop of Middlesbrough, a town which is itself still wrestling with its post-industrial identity. Inclusive, funny and smart, the series was praised for being a “great example of a modern ensemble comedy”.
Such Brave Girls
Various Artists Limited for BBC
Judges loved Such Brave Girls’ fresh approach to comedy. Multi-hyphenate talent Kat Sadler proved her chops as writer, actor and executive producer with ambition to not only match the first season’s quality, but also expand the world of the titular characters.
AWARD SPONSORED BY Riverside TV Studios
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