The uproarious comedy thriller “Black Ops” has received the green light for its second six-part series on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, as announced today by Jon Petrie, the Director of BBC Comedy, at the Edinburgh TV Festival.
Crafted by the collaboration between BBC Studios Comedy Productions and Mondo Deluxe, and masterminded by the BAFTA-winning actor and writer Gbemisola Ikumelo (known for “Famalam” and “Brain in Gear”), along with the BAFTA-winning actor and producer Akemnji Ndifornyen (“Famalam” and “The Queen’s Gambit”), alongside the writing duo Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf (“Click and Collect” and “Witless”), the show made its debut in May of this year, captivating both audiences and critics.
In the inaugural series, Dom and Kay embarked on their journey with the Met Police as Police Community Support Officers, driven by the aspiration of purifying their community. However, they unexpectedly found themselves enmeshed in the obscure realm of undercover infiltration and a formidable criminal enterprise.
The initial episode drew in an audience of 2.3 million viewers, and throughout the entire series, it maintained a viewership of 1.6 million (according to BARB 28 Day 4 Screen data). The amalgamation of an enthralling thriller narrative and side-splitting comedy held the viewers in rapt attention.
In the upcoming second series, Gbemisola Ikumelo will be revisiting her role as Dom, accompanied by Hammed Animashaun (known for “The Wheel of Time”), who will reprise his portrayal of Kay. Together, the dynamic duo is poised to plunge into a fresh adventure. Akemnji Ndifornyen is also set to reprise his role as the leader of the gang, Tevin.
Gbemisola Ikumelo, says: “It’s been such a joy to see how audiences have got behind this show. So, it feels like a no-brainer to get the band back together and create more danger, adventure and laughs for everyone. This next season promises to have Dom and Kay really surprising us. Can’t wait!”
Akemnji Ndifornyen, says: “And we’re back! We had so much fun doing the first one we just had to go again. Much love to our audience for watching and to the BBC for their support. I can’t wait to show you what’s next for Dom, Kay – and of course – Tevin. Let’s go!”
Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf, say: “We’re delighted to get the chance to send Dom and Kay on a brand-new caper.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “The first series of Black Ops had BBC viewers hooked with a perfect balance of big laughs and gripping plot. Gbemisola, Akemnji, Joe and Lloyd have created something special, and we look forward to seeing what Dom and Kay get up to next.”
Josh Cole, Head of Comedy at BBC Studios Productions, says: “We’re thrilled to be returning for more Black Ops. The show is a passion project for all involved, and with Gbemisola, Akemnji, Joe and Lloyd we have a glorious surfeit of talent at the helm. We can’t wait to join Dom and Kay on another misadventure.”
Black Ops (6×30) is a BBC Studios Comedy Production, co-produced with Mondo Deluxe for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. It is created by Gbemisola Ikumelo, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Joe Tucker and Lloyd Woolf and was commissioned by Jon Petrie for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Executive Producer is Josh Cole and the Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Seb Barwell. BBC Studios is the international distributor for the series.
Production is set to get underway in 2024 and further casting will be announced in due course.
