Lucia Keskin, the creator and lead actress of the BBC sitcom Things You Should Have Done, has openly admitted that she sometimes pushes dark storylines too far, requiring intervention from producers to maintain balance. The show, which first aired in 2024 and recently returned for a second season, blends tragedy and humour in a unique way that has resonated with audiences.
Navigating Tragedy and Comedy
The sitcom follows Lucia as a "stay-at-home daughter" who must fend for herself after her parents die in a car crash in the first episode. She navigates their list of "Things You Should Have Done" while dealing with modern life and a dysfunctional family, including her aunty Karen's attempts to take over the inheritance of the house. This premise sets the stage for a mix of dark themes and comedic moments.
Pushing the Boundaries
In a recent interview with RadioTimes.com, Keskin revealed that she often needs others to tell her when to stop with dark humour. She shared, "That's where I have to have people tell me because I will just go as dark as possible and I see no issue, and they're like, 'no, not that, you can’t do that.'" She explained that she believes laughing and making light of awful situations is the best way to cope, but acknowledges that not all topics are suitable for jokes.
Keskin continued, "I’ll just say 'Yeah, let’s joke about that' and they’re like 'No, actually, we can’t.' I did get away with quite a lot, but I was trying to push it." This candid admission highlights the creative tension in developing the show's edgy content.
Fan Reception and Praise
Viewers have widely praised the series for its quirky and humorous approach. One fan wrote, "AMAZING show!! I binged all 6 episodes in one night and was so disappointed once it had finished! I don't think I've laughed at a sitcom like that in ages!!" Another added, "I love this show. It's weird, quirky and super funny if this is your kind of humour. It's a show that isn't meant to be taken too seriously and that's what I like best about it."
Additional comments from fans include praise for the characters and one-liners, with many expressing a desire for more episodes. The positive reception underscores the show's success in balancing dark themes with entertainment.
Behind the Scenes Insights
When the second season was announced, Keskin humorously remarked, "The BBC gave us the devastating news that we have to go again for series two which means I might actually have to work again. Gutted." Producer Steve Monger added, "We go again! Another trip to sunny Ramsgate by way of Chi's brilliant imagination. Very much look forward to bringing the dysfunctional family back to your screens."
Things You Should Have Done is available to watch on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to enjoy the latest season at their convenience.
