UKTV has greenlit a fresh documentary series titled “Katherine Ryan: Parental Guidance” (working title), featuring renowned comedian Katherine Ryan. The series will air on the free-to-air channel W and UKTV Play’s catch-up service. Produced by Expectation, this original UKTV series is scheduled to debut next year and promises to delve into various unconventional parenting methods to explore their potential impact on family life.
Katherine Ryan said; “Since filming Backstage with Katherine Ryan, I’ve been hoping to work with Expectation on another unique ‘all access’ project. Parental Guidance gives plenty of food for thought while putting comedy front and centre. We are thrilled to bring this provocative new show to UKTV.”
From early potty training to co-sleeping, Katherine’s own parenting approach may already be considered unconventional, but the series will introduce her to even more extreme parents. With an inside look at her own family life, viewers will witness how she manages the demands of parenthood alongside her high-profile career as a top comedian.
Embracing her signature style of unfiltered humour and honesty, Katherine will tackle universal issues affecting children today, while also shedding light on the distinct parenting styles she and her husband Bobby employ.
“Katherine Ryan: Parental Guidance” (working title) has received its commission from Kirsty Hanson, the commissioning editor, with Helen Nightingale, the head of factual and factual entertainment. The series has been ordered by Adam Collings, the channel director for W, and Hilary Rosen, the director of commissioning. Expectation will produce the show, with executive producers Lucy Palmer, Ben Wicks, and Amy Dallmeyer at the helm.
Kirsty Hanson said; “This feels like the real Motherland, but with privileged access and genuine revelation seen through the searingly honest comedic lens of Katherine Ryan. I am thrilled to be working with Expectation on a series, unlike anything Katherine has done before.”
Adam Collings said; “It feels like a real coup to have Katherine come to W, and I cannot wait to share the show with our viewers who already love her and her unique outlook on life. This series is a perfect accompaniment to our slate of original programming and will kick off our 2024 in a brilliantly unfiltered style.”
Ben Wicks, creative director of Entertainment, Expectation said; “We are elated to be making this exciting and brilliantly unique new series with Katherine, it will be proof, if ever it were needed, that she has the sharpest and most enquiring comedic mind around today. It will be part investigation, part peek behind the scenes, yet wholly hilarious.”
