TV tonight: Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston’s great new sitcom

By Hollie Richardson, Alexi Duggins, Ali Catterall, Phil Harrison and Simon Wardell · The Guardian Culture

An elderly widow gets an awkward android companion in Morgan’s charming series. Plus: Sally Phillips’ camp comedy drama. Here’s what to watch this evening 9.30pm, BBC One She has given us Philomena Cunk and Mandy, and now Diane Morgan has created another great comedy character in humanoid robot Linda. When widow Sue (Sue Johnston) has a fall, her son buys an outdated care robot, Ann Droid, to keep her company and help out around the house. But Sue is sceptical and, after spitefully renaming her Linda (the name of her sister, whom she hates), swears to return her after a 48-hour trial. Can Linda change her mind? She may be socially awkward and a hindrance more than a help, but there’s no denying she has a certain charm. It’s a sitcom with a lot of heart, tapping into themes of loneliness and grief, and Morgan’s brand of deadpan humour ensures big laughs. Hollie Richardson Continue reading...