The BBC has confirmed a second series of The Outlaws, the comedy thriller set and filmed in Bristol, made by multi-award-winning writer and director Stephen Merchant and originally created by Merchant and Elgin James (co-creator of US series Mayans M.C.)
Followoing seven strangers from different walks of life forced together to complete a Community Payback sentence in Bristol, series one of The Outlaws was the BBC’s biggest comedy launch of 2021 and has been streamed 11m times on BBC iPlayer so far.
Following on directly from the first series, The Outlaws still have time to serve on their sentences – but now they must face the fallout from their actions. If they thought the criminal underworld or the local police were done with them, they are sorely mistaken. The Outlaws must depend on one another while working with unlikely allies to atone for their sins – but can they save themselves without sacrificing their souls?
The second series will see the return of Academy Award-winning actor Christopher Walken, alongside writer and star Stephen Merchant (The Office, Jojo Rabbit), with Rhianne Barreto (Honour, Hanna), Gamba Cole (Soon Gone: A Windrush Chronicle, Hanna), Darren Boyd (Killing Eve), Clare Perkins (EastEnders), Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark), Jessica Gunning (Back), Charles Babalola (Bancroft), Nina Wadia (Goodness Gracious Me, Bend It like Beckham), Tom Hanson (Brassic), and Aiyana Goodfellow (Small Axe) as Esme.
Guest stars include Julia Davis (Sally4Ever), Dolly Wells (Dracula), Ian McElhinney (Game Of Thrones, Derry Girls), and Claes Bang (Dracula).
Stephen Merchant says: “I am overwhelmed by the wonderful response to The Outlaws. Audiences have fallen in love with the characters as much as I have and my Twitter feed is inundated with people asking for updates on series two, so I’m delighted to confirm the entire gang will return for more adventures. If we made The Outlaws sweat in Series One, we’re really turning the heat up second time round.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “The Outlaws has entertained BBC viewers across the nation this autumn and we are thrilled to say the series is the BBC’s biggest comedy launch this year. We can’t wait for fans to see what Stephen has in store for this second series as our Outlaws come face to face with the consequences of their actions.”
Chris Mansolillo, director and head of content licensing in the U.S. for Prime Video, says: “Stephen and Elgin’s unlikely band of Outlaws have clearly connected with audiences in the UK, through their compelling storylines, and hilarious and heartfelt performances. We can’t wait to introduce The Outlaws to our Prime Video members next year.”
The series is a co-production between BBC One and Amazon Studios. The second series was commissioned by BBC Comedy and BBC One, produced by Big Talk (Mum, Friday Night Dinner, Back) with Stephen Merchant’s Four Eyes. Big Talk is part of ITV Studios.
The Amazon deal was brokered by BBC Studios, who are also handling global distribution. Jonathan Blyth, Director of Comedy at BBC Studios, adds: ‘‘The return of The Outlaws is such brilliant news. Stephen, Big Talk, and the talented ensemble cast have produced a really special series full of dramatic moments, humour and warmth which has made it one of the most talked about shows of the year. We are thrilled to be working with the BBC, Amazon, and key partners to bring the series to audiences around the world and to establish it as a major global comedy brand.’’
The 6×60’ series will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Amazon Prime Video in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Nordics.
The series is created by Stephen Merchant and Elgin James. Executive Producers are Stephen Merchant for Four Eyes, Luke Alkin, Kenton Allen and Matthew Justice for Big Talk, and Tanya Qureshi is the Commissioning Editor for the BBC.
Directors are John Butler (Papi Chulo) and Alicia MacDonald (Flack). Producer is Frances du Pille (The Watch) with Series Producer Nickie Sault (The Virtues, World On Fire).
Filming on the second season has been completed at The Bottle Yard Studios and on location in Bristol. The new series will air next year.