Hullraisers comes to an end

No third series for Hull-based female-led comedy

Channel 4 comedy Hullraisers will not be returning for a third series.

The show – starring Leah Brotherhead, Taj Atwal and Sinead Matthews – was launched in 2002, with its second series airing in November.

But today the broadcaster confirmed it was not returning, saying: 'We have to think really carefully about which shows to return, rest, or conclude.'

A spokesperson said: We’re incredibly proud of Hullraisers and all it’s achieved, in particular, the show championed regional voices both on and off-screen and was widely praised for its celebration of Hull and its authentic representation of Northern working-class women.'

'We’d like to thank [programme-makers] Fable Pictures, the wonderful cast and all those involved in the show’s success over the years and we look forward to working with them again on future projects.'

It was based on an Israeli show Little Mom, adapted by writers Lucy Beaumont, Anne Marie O'Connor and Caroline Moran.

Before the show launched, Beaumont - who stepped aside for the second series – said: ‘I'm trying to make comedy out of an area that's massively underrepresented. What Hull needs is role models that are successful and entrepreneurial. It's not a hard northern town. It's actually really creative, really European and there's a young energy there.’

Series one launched with 1.15million viewers, but ended with 390,000. And series two launched with just 370,000

The show has been sold to IFC in the States and was popular in the region it was set, with double the average audience for its slot in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

Before the second series launched, executive producer Hannah Farrell, said: ‘Hullraisers still feels, to me anyway, very unique and a space that we don’t really explore in terms of comedy that often, which feels really exciting. It can be a bit edgy, a bit salty, but it also has bags of heart, so it sits somewhere in that place between.

‘Hopefully that ensures it has its own place in the comedy world – one that is a female-led working class British experience. Its big heart, its relatability and some big, old belly laughs, for me, is what feels distinct about the show and where it sits in the comedy landscape.’

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Published: 29 Apr 2024