New life for New Statesman at Corona TV

The writers behind 1980s UK sitcom The New Statesman are developing a new version of the show in response to events such as Brexit and the election of US president Donald Trump.

The New Statesman starred Rik Mayall as
a particularly unpleasant Tory MP

Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran’s prodco LocomoTV is working with Corona TV, founded by filmmaking duo Richard Johns and Rupert Jermyn, to develop The B’Stard Legacy.

The New Statesman followed fictional politician Alan B’Stard, played by the late Rik Mayall, and the new series will follow Alan’s long-lost son, Arron B’Stard.

The original series aired on ITV between 1987 and 1992, while the BBC also made two specials, in 1988 and 1994.

“With the political satire genre, much like our political landscape, in crisis and in need of help, Marks and Gran believe that The B’Stard Legacy is what the world needs in the time of the alt-right and fake news,” the producers said.

FremantleMedia has a first-look option to distribute any titles originated by LocomoTV and holds a 25% stake in Corona TV.