ITV Renews Comedy Revival Birds of a Feather

LONDON: The U.K.’s ITV has given the go-ahead to a second season of its hit comedy revival Birds of a Feather, scheduled to start filming later this year.

Elaine Bedell, the network’s director of comedy and entertainment, and Myfanwy Moore, the comedy commissioning editor, ordered the series from QuirkyMedia Stuff and Retort. Jon Rolph and Steve Sheen will exec produce.

The series, a revival of a classic British comedy that aired from 1989 to 1998, has attracted audiences of up to 9.5 million since its early January premiere. It’s averaged 8 million viewers based on consolidated overnights.

Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, the show’s original writers, will return to write the new season along with Gary Lawson and John Phelps. Original cast members Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are also scheduled to return.

“We’re very pleased that the brilliant chemistry between these three great actresses once again attracted the large and loyal audience that Birds of a Feather deserves,” Bedell said. “The writers and producers have done a fantastic job in making the show feel funny, fresh and relevant.”