ABC is working on a U.S. adaptation of BBC’s hit parenting comedy “Motherland.”
According to Deadline, ABC is in negotiations with Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) to headline the series while Karan Soni (Deadpool franchise) has been tapped for a lead in the project.
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The outlet also reports Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) has come on board to direct. Julieanne Smolinski serves as writer.
“Motherland” centers on Julia (the role Kemper has been in talks for over the past several weeks), a working mom for whom nothing is working so she goes looking for her village. With the help of new friends Calvin (Soni) and Liz, Julia discovers she just might succeed at balancing work and parenting from time to time. This is a comedy for anybody who’s dropped their kids at school, breathed a sigh of relief…then realized it’s Sunday.
The show first premiered on BBC Two in 2016 and has grown into one of the U.K.’s most successful contemporary comedies. Season 3 aired in 2021, and a Christmas special went out in December. The show also won the BAFTA for best scripted comedy in 2022.
Showalter and Smolinski executive produce alongside Horgan, Mountford, Stacy Greenberg and Kira Carstensen for Merman Television, Paul Feig and Dan Magnante for Feigco Entertainment as well as Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz.
Source: Deadline