“In a world where AI is creeping in to the creative industry, we’re fighting back in the best way we can: taking the piss out of it. The ball’s in your court Chat GPT.” Shane Allen, Executive Producer for Boffola Pictures.
Diane Morgan will star as a social humanoid robot designed to keep elderly people company and monitor their health in a new BBC sitcom.
Ann Droid is written by the Bolton actor and comedian alongside Sarah Kendall (Dreamland, The Other One).
Set in 2029, Sue’s husband passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael, is moving out – again – to try and fix his marriage – again.
The good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference. The latest D500 social humanoid eldercare robot. Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.
READ MORE – BBC Studios partners with Diane Morgan and Nick Mohammed
“It’s Sue’s worst nightmare. An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. But she soon works out she can use the droid to her benefit in settling scores and doing the things her son never gets round to.”
The 6-part series develops into a “buddy comedy” between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.
“I’m thrilled that the BBC has finally commissioned a programme about AI and how it will affect your mum,” said Diane Morgan.
The six-part series will be made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
“Diane Morgan’s sharp comedic genius shines in Ann Droid (w/t), co-written with Sarah Kendall, as she brings to life an unlikely friendship between a feisty pensioner and her over-attentive robot. Equal parts clever and chaotic, this six-part sitcom marries heart and high-jinks in equal measure,” added Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy.
BBC Studios, which has a minority investment stake in Boffola Pictures, will handle global sales.
