Sally Phillips, star of the BBC sitcom Austin, has voiced her displeasure over the show's scheduling, describing the Friday night timeslot as a "graveyard shift". The comedy drama, which follows a writer whose life is upended by the sudden appearance of his adult son, has been a hit with viewers but is now airing at 10:40pm on Fridays, a slot Phillips believes is unsuitable for the programme.
Phillips Speaks Out on Timeslot
In an interview with Radio Times, Phillips said: "We've done one series and got a really good response from the public, but series two has been shoved in the graveyard shift, like 10.40pm on a Friday. It's really a pre-watershed show." The actress, who plays Ingrid, the wife of protagonist Julian Hartswood (Ben Miller), expressed frustration that the show's second series has been relegated to a late-night slot despite its family-friendly nature.
About the Show
Austin centres on Julian Hartswood, a beloved children's author whose career and marriage are thrown into chaos after he inadvertently sparks a social media storm and is "cancelled". His life takes an unexpected turn when Austin (Michael Theo), the neurodivergent son he never knew existed, arrives on his doorstep. The synopsis teases: "Could embracing this modern nuclear family be Julian's route back from cancellation? Will Ingrid ever forgive him? One thing is for certain: if Julian thinks Austin is going to be a pushover, he is in for a rude awakening."
The series, filmed in Canberra, Australia, and the UK, launched in 2024. Sue Deeks, head of BBC programme acquisition, praised it at the time: "Irresistibly charming, humorous and heart-warming, BBC viewers are sure to find Austin a sheer delight from start to finish." The first series earned critical acclaim, with The Guardian calling it a "very funny and sharply executed comedy series" with "a big heart", and The West Australian hailing it a "laugh out loud must-see".
Second Series and Future
The second series aired in Australia in 2025, with additional episodes currently in development. Phillips, who also stars in the new daytime series Hairdresser Mysteries, noted that the cast includes Michael Theo, an autistic actor who gained fame on Love on the Spectrum. Despite the scheduling issues, Austin continues to air on BBC One, with fans hoping for a more favourable timeslot in future series.
