Ann Droid

 

*Ann Droid* is a six-part British sitcom that premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on July 17, 2026. Co-written by and starring **Diane Morgan** alongside **Sue Johnston**, the series balances deadpan comedy with poignant themes of aging, loneliness, and grief.

### The Premise

The show follows Sue (Sue Johnston), a recently widowed woman whose son, Michael (Paul Ready), buys her a second-hand "Ann Droid" care robot to assist her while he is away. Sue is initially skeptical and annoyed by the outdated, socially inept robot—whom she spitefully renames "Linda"—but the two eventually form an unlikely and inseparable bond.

### Critical and Audience Reception

Public and critical reception appears divided, largely split between those who enjoy the specific comedic voice of the creators and those who find the premise and execution formulaic:

 * **The Positive Perspective:** Supporters of the show, including several reviews, highlight the "exquisite pathos" and the genuine chemistry between Morgan and Johnston. Fans of Diane Morgan’s previous work (such as *Mandy* and *Cunk on Earth*) often praise her ability to find humor in deadpan, character-driven scenarios. Many critics have noted that while the show is a comedy, it is also "rich with humour and love," with Sue Johnston receiving particular acclaim for providing the "beating heart" of the series.

 * **The Critical Perspective:** Conversely, early reactions from online forums and social media have been quite harsh. Critics of the show’s premise argue that:

   * **The "Robot" Trope Feels Dated:** Some viewers feel the concept of a "socially awkward, literal-minded robot" has been overdone in television and feels behind the times.

   * **Performance Concerns:** Some found Diane Morgan’s robotic performance and voice work to be "grating" or "overplayed" rather than funny.

   * **Predictability:** Critics have described the humor as "broad," "cliched," and lacking in depth, with some reviewers comparing it unfavorably to existing shows like *Humans* or *Robot & Frank*.

### Summary

Whether you will enjoy *Ann Droid* largely depends on your affinity for Diane Morgan’s signature style of dry, cynical comedy. If you are looking for a show that blends light-hearted, occasionally "slapstick" robot antics with a more serious, emotional exploration of loneliness in old age, it may be worth your time. If you prefer high-concept sci-fi or are tired of "odd-couple" sitcom tropes, you might find the series less engaging.I

I enjoyed the mixture of comedy and drama and could relate to some of the subject matter 

4.5/5