Late spring 2013, ITV1
Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in a studio sitcom for ITV? Playing bickering partners? With Frances de la Tour as their best friend? Well, Jacobi and De La Tour have experience in the form (in ‘Frasier’ and the peerless ‘Rising Damp’, respectively), while McKellen’s Old Vic performances as Widow Twankie showcased his gift for broad comedy. It could be brilliant or it could be awful. Either way, it’s a fascinating gamble for all concerned.
If you love traditional sitcoms, watch out for...
‘Up the Women’ - (BBC4, Autumn 2013)
‘The Job Lot’ - (ITV1)
Russell Tovey and Sarah Hadland find employment for others
‘Plebs’ - (ITV2, Spring 2013)
Orgies, togas and slavery with Tom Rosenthal in Ancient Rome
‘Malachy’s Millions’ - (C4, spring 2013)
The return of Peter Kay in ‘Secret Millionaire’ spoof
See all upcoming TV shows
What?
A four-part drama placing a quartet of apparently unconnected lives on a collision course on the margins of London.
Who?
Lennie James, Jaime Winstone and Olivia Colman
When?
2013, C4
What?
As the Time Lord turns 50, anything could happen. Matt Smith could be bumped off. Jenna Louise Coleman might survive an episode.
Who?
Matt Smith and Jenna Louise Coleman
When?
Easter 2013, BBC1
What?
It’s another semi-improvised mockumentary. But, as Ricky Gervais told us, if anyone has earnt the right to recycle the formula, it’s the man who turned it into an art form.
Who?
Christopher Guest, Chris O'Dowd and Nina Conti
When?
Late spring 2013, BBC2
What?
Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi in a studio sitcom for ITV, playing bickering partners, with Frances de la Tour as their best friend.
Who?
Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi
When?
Late spring 2013, ITV1
What?
A detective hunts for a missing, pregnant 12-year-old girl in what could be the classiest TV drama of the year.
Who?
Jane Campion, Elisabeth Moss and Holly Hunter
When?
Spring 2013, BBC2
What?
The bridesmaid becomes the bride: Kevin Eldon gets his own show in which he’ll be calling in a few favours from his comedy friends.
Who?
Kevin Eldon
When?
March 2013, BBC2
Discover Time Out original video