BBC Greenlights Second Series of Dawn French's Polarising Sitcom
The BBC has officially announced the renewal of Dawn French's new sitcom, Can You Keep A Secret?, for a second season. This decision comes after the show's debut in January sparked a wave of divisive reactions from audiences and critics alike.
Mixed Reception and Social Media Backlash
Upon its release, the first season faced harsh criticism on social media platforms. One viewer notably claimed that the series made the frequently criticised Mrs Brown's Boys appear as a pinnacle of comedic excellence. However, the show has garnered a more favourable response on IMDb, where it currently holds a rating of 6.8 out of ten.
Plot and Cast Details
The sitcom revolves around a retired couple, Debbie and William Fendon, who orchestrate a fake death scheme to commit life insurance fraud. Chaos ensues as William hides in the loft, leading to an unconventional living arrangement. The cast features Mark Heap as William and Dawn French as the 'domineering granny' Debbie, alongside Craig Roberts as their son Harold and Mandip Gill as his wife Neha, who is also a police officer.
Impressive Viewership Figures
In announcing the renewal, the BBC revealed that Can You Keep A Secret? was watched by an impressive 5.3 million viewers within the first 28 days of its release. This performance ranks it as the third-largest comedy launch for the broadcaster since 2024, underscoring its popularity despite the online controversy.
Cast and Creator Reactions
Dawn French, renowned for her role in The Vicar Of Dibley, expressed her delight, stating, 'As chuffed as an actual chuff to hear that we have a second series! More chance for Debbie to get her bossy boots on and create further havoc... hooray.' Creator and writer Simon Mayhew-Archer described the production as 'a joyous experience' and praised the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew.
Critical Perspectives
While social media reviews were largely negative, Daily Mail critic Christopher Stevens awarded the sitcom four out of five stars. He highlighted the show's darker themes, including William's Parkinson's disease, and commended French's performance as the complex character Debbie.
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, noted, 'The response to Can You Keep a Secret? has been fantastic. Dawn French and the whole creative team have crafted a warm, mischievous comedy that clearly struck a chord with audiences.'
The series remains available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, with fans eagerly anticipating the next instalment of the Fendon family's chaotic adventures.
