BBC Two renews Alma’s Not Normal for Season 2
David Farnor | On 23, Apr 2022
BBC Two has renewed Alma’s Not Normal for a second season.
Following a pilot that became a smash hit back in 2020, BBC Two ordered a full series from writer Sophie Willan. Following Boltonian wild-child, Alma Nuthall and her family of eccentric, unruly women, the comedy chronicles Alma’s attempts to get her life back on track following a recent break-up. But with no job, no qualifications and a rebellious streak a mile wide, it isn’t easy. Meanwhile her mum, who is battling a heroin addiction, has been sectioned for arson and her vampish Grandma Joan wants nothing to do with it.
“An unusually dark comedy that balances class, mental health and substance abuse with a sharply observed script and some genuine performances from not only Willan but also an unrecognisable Siobhan Finneran,” we wrote in our review.
The pilot won BAFTA Best Comedy Writer in 2021 and, since then, it has been nominated for three categories in the forthcoming 2022 BAFTAs. Now, BBC Two has greenlit a second run of six episodes.
Willan says: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the response to the show – people seem to really love and relate to the Nuthalls which means a lot and to get the chance to continue that story is beyond what I could have hoped for.”
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, adds: “We couldn’t be prouder to commission the Award-winning Alma’s Not Normal for a second series. It’s a privilege to work with Sophie and her brilliantly bold and original comedy brain. Sophie embodies everything that you can achieve with the unique opportunities BBC Comedy can offer exciting new voices.”
Alma’s Not Normal is an Expectation production for the BBC, written and Executive Produced by Sophie Willan. It is commissioned by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy Commissioning. The Executive Producer for Expectation is Nerys Evans and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Tanya Qureshi.
Alma’s Not Normal: BBC Two orders full series
25th April 2020
Following a pilot that became a smash hit, Alma’s Not Normal has been given a full series order.
Created, written by, starring and executive produced by Sophie Willan, inaugural winner of the BBC’s Caroline Aherne Bursary Award in 2018, the BBC Two comedy centres on Boltonian wild-child, Alma Nuthall and her family of eccentric, unruly women.
It follows Alma as she tries to get her life back on track following a recent break-up. But with no job, no qualifications and a rebellious streak a mile wide, it’s not going to be easy. Meanwhile her mum, who is battling a heroin addiction, has been sectioned for arson and her vampish Grandma Joan wants nothing to do with it.
“An unusually dark comedy that balances class, mental health and substance abuse with a sharply observed script and some genuine performances from not only Willan but also an unrecognisable Siobhan Finneran,” we wrote in our review. “Expect a full series commission in the near future – and expect to look forward to it.”
Now, after the pilot was watched by an audience of over a million viewers – and began trending on Twitter – BBC Two has given a green light to another five episodes.
Willan says: “I’ve been overwhelmed by the fabulous response to the pilot and I’m so excited to be developing the series! I’ve already been using the lockdown as a chance to get cracking so I’m just pleased to have the official go ahead! I can’t wait to get it made and share the world of Alma with everyone!”
Nerys Evans, Expectation’s Creative Director, Comedy and Executive Producer, adds: “It’s been such a pleasure working with Sophie on Alma’s Not Normal, she’s innately funny and has such a unique outlook on life. Her writing is so authentic and intelligent; in just one episode she has created such a fully formed world. Her characters are beautifully observed and often flawed and sometimes challenging, but Sophie’s humour allows her to explore some really difficult subjects. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds across a series as she’s bursting with brilliant ideas.”
Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning at the BBC, says: “Alma’s Not Normal landed so wonderfully formed with its distinctiveness, heart on sleeve charm, sparky humour and knockout cast. Sophie’s raw honesty, eye for characterisation and comedic insouciance have resulted in a cracking show bursting with potential. We just couldn’t resist a series and hope it does the memory and spirit of Caroline Aherne very proud.”
The pilot is available on BBC iPlayer until 7th May 2020.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000h3mf/almas-not-normal