Sally Phillips has criticized the BBC for scheduling the second series of her sitcom Austin in what she describes as a 'graveyard shift' timeslot, airing at 10:40pm on Friday nights on BBC One.
Phillips Voices Disappointment Over Timeslot
The actress and comedian, known for her roles in Smack the Pony and Bridget Jones's Diary, told Radio Times that the show's placement is inappropriate given its content. 'It's series two, and it's a sitcom starring, obviously, me and Ben Miller, but also Michael Theo, an autistic actor who captured the hearts of Australians in Love on the Spectrum. 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,' Phillips said.
Cast and Plot Details
Austin, which also features former Death in Paradise actor Ben Miller, follows Julian Hartswood (Miller), a beloved children's author whose career, along with that of his wife and illustrator Ingrid (Phillips), is jeopardized after he inadvertently causes a social media storm. The series synopsis explains that their lives are upended when Austin (Michael Theo), Julian's neurodivergent son from a previous relationship, arrives unexpectedly. The show explores themes of family, cancellation, and redemption.
Critical Acclaim and Production
The first series, which premiered in 2024, received widespread praise. The Guardian called it a 'very funny and sharply executed comedy series' with 'a big heart,' while The West Australian described it as a 'laugh out loud must-see.' Mediaweek hailed it as 'a fantastic new Aussie comedy that nails it from the first episode,' and the Irish Independent noted it is 'funny, spiky and packed with laugh-out-loud moments, but also warm and big-hearted.' Filmed in Canberra, Australia, and the UK, Austin returned for a second series in Australia in 2025, with more episodes in development.
Phillips Praises Co-Star Michael Theo
Phillips also praised her co-star Michael Theo, an autistic actor who gained fame from the Australian reality series Love on the Spectrum. 'Michael's a great performer,' she added, highlighting his contribution to the show's success.
Austin airs on BBC One on Friday nights at 10:40pm.
