A POPULAR BBC comedy-drama has been cancelled after three series.
A fourth series was in the works, but all production has now been halted, according to the broadcaster.
BBC mockumentary The Scotts is a spoof reality series which shadows the lives of “a typical Scottish family” in Glasgow.
It ran for 18 episodes from 2020 to 2023 and was created by stars Robert Florence and Iain Connell, who play squabbling brothers Vincent and Henry Scott.
In the series, the duo are joined by Stevens & McCarthy star Louise McCarthy, who plays their sister Colette.
Sharon Young, Shauna MacDonald, Taylor Stewart, Lee Greig, Amy Leith, Barbara Rafferty and stand-up Jamie MacDonald round out the main cast.
After the news broke that the show would be ending after three series, Robert directed fans to catch up on the Scott family drama in iPlayer.
“I loved doing this. It’s nice that you can catch it all from start to finish whenever you like,” he wrote on social media.
“Pilot is a bit patchy, still finding our feet. Gets better as it goes. Amazing cast made all the difference. It was fun!” Robert added.
Devastated fans of the show quickly responded to Robert’s post begging for a fourth series.
In the comments, one said: “Sad it’s finished, was really looking forward to Collette’s wedding. That would have been hilarious.”
“The pilot episode is one of my favourites, was delighted when it got added to the iPlayer,” another fan replied.
Meanwhile, a third called it the “best Scottish sitcom since Still Game.”
Sadly, fans won’t be getting their wish anytime soon as a BBC Scotland spokesperson confirmed to British Comedy Guide that production of a fourth series has officially been halted.
However, they also noted that the door is still open for the dysfunctional Glaswegian dynasty to return for further episodes in the future.
The Scotts Cancelled: A Loss For Fans
The news of The Scotts cancellation came as a shock to fans, many of whom expressed their disappointment on social media. The show had garnered a loyal following, with viewers praising its humor, characters, and unique blend of mockumentary and sitcom elements. The show was hailed by many fans as the “best Scottish sitcom since Still Game.”
Fans expressed their disappointment about the cancellation, with one stating they were “really looking forward to Collette’s wedding,” which would have been a hilarious plotline. Another fan commented that the pilot episode was one of their favorites and were “delighted when it got added to the iPlayer.”
The Scotts: A New Comedy Series
The Scotts was a unique blend of mockumentary and sitcom, following the lives of a fictional family in Glasgow. The show was praised for its humor, characters, and relatable storylines. The show was created by stars Robert Florence and Iain Connell, who also played the squabbling brothers Vincent and Henry Scott. The series featured a strong cast, including Louise McCarthy, Sharon Young, Shauna MacDonald, Taylor Stewart, Lee Greig, Amy Leith, Barbara Rafferty and stand-up Jamie MacDonald.
The Future of The Scotts
A BBC Scotland spokesperson confirmed that production of a fourth series has been halted, but the door is open for the show to return in the future. The spokesperson noted that “there are lots of new comedy series to look forward to in the coming months with Stevens & McCarthy, Only Child and The Chief on the horizon.”
However, the cancellation of The Scotts is a loss for fans of the show, who are now left to wonder what the future holds for the dysfunctional Glaswegian family. One can only hope that the show will return at some point, but for now, fans will have to make do with the three seasons currently available on BBC iPlayer.
The Legacy of British Sitcoms: A Look Back
While fans are disappointed to see The Scotts go, they can take comfort in the fact that the BBC has a long and rich history of producing brilliant sitcoms. From the classic Fawlty Towers to the modern-day Gavin and Stacey, the BBC has consistently delivered some of the best comedic programming in the world. Here are some of the most notable British sitcoms of all time:
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)
Fawlty Towers is a beloved institution, known for its sharp wit, memorable characters, and hilarious situations. The show was created by John Cleese and Connie Booth, who also starred in the series. Fawlty Towers follows the misadventures of Basil Fawlty, a rude and intolerant hotelier, as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)
Only Fools and Horses is often considered to be the best British sitcom of all time. The show, which ran for seven series and numerous Christmas specials, follows the lives of the Trotter family, a group of working-class Londoners, as they attempt to get rich through a series of schemes and adventures. Sir David Jason starred as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, an ambitious market trader, and Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney.
Blackadder (1983 - 1989)
Blackadder is a beloved classic, known for its sharp satire and witty dialogue. The show, which ran for four series, follows the misadventures of Edmund Blackadder, a cynical and scheming anti-hero, as he attempts to navigate through various historical periods. Created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, the series features a memorable cast, including Tony Robinson who plays Blackadder’s bumbling sidekick Baldrick.
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012)
Absolutely Fabulous is a hilarious look at the lives of two middle-aged women, Edina Monsoon, a failing PR guru, and Patsy Stone, an alcoholic fashionista. The show follows the two as they embark on a series of misadventures, fueled by alcohol, drugs, and their desperate attempts to stay “hip.” Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as Edina and Patsy, respectively, and their comedic chemistry is one of the show’s main strengths.
Little Britain (2003 - 2006)
Little Britain is a sketch comedy show that features a wide range of characters, all played by Matt Lucas and David Walliams. The show, which ran for three series, is known for its outrageous humor and memorable characters, including Vicky Pollard, Bubbles Devere, Marjorie Dawes, Carol Beer, Sir Norman Fry, and of course, Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015)
The Catherine Tate Show is a sketch comedy series that features a variety of characters, all played by Catherine Tate. The show, which ran for four series and numerous specials, is known for its witty dialogue, relatable characters, and over-the-top humor. Some of Tate’s most memorable characters include Lauren Cooper, the rowdy schoolgirl, Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, and, of course, her infamous “Nan,” Joannie Taylor.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present)
Gavin and Stacey is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that follows the relationship of Gavin, a young man from Essex, and Stacey, a young woman from Barry Island, Wales. The show, which has been running for over a decade, is known for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and warm humor. Created by Ruth Jones and James Corden, the show is a beloved favorite of British audiences.
The Scotts: A Missed Opportunity
The cancellation of The Scotts is a missed opportunity for the BBC. The show was a fresh and original take on the sitcom genre, and it had the potential to become a long-running success. While the show may be gone, its legacy will live on, reminding viewers of the power of Scottish humor and the importance of supporting original comedy.
The BBC has a long and rich history of producing brilliant sitcoms, and The Scotts was poised to become a part of that legacy. It is a shame that the show was canceled, but hopefully, it will return one day, so fans can continue to enjoy the dysfunctional antics of the Scott family.
