Armagh actor Colin Morgan’s hit drama ‘Humans’ has been commissioned for a second series – after proving to be Channel 4’s biggest ratings winner in two decades!
The eight-part series will come to an end tomorrow night (Sunday), but already plans are in place for a second run.
The first episode of Humans – which aired in June – drew in massive 6.1 million viewsers.
And that makes it Channel 4’s highest rated original drama in 20 years and an obvious choice for a new run.
Channel 4 and AMC confirmed it was being recommissioned after an average 4.8 million viewers over each of the eight episodes – giving an 18 per cent prime time Sunday evening audience share between 9pm and 10pm.
On AMC, the series stands as a top five cable drama launch among young adults in the United States.
The futuristic sci-fi thriller will conclude on Channel 4 tomorrow night (Sunday), at 9pm, with a cliff-hanger.
And without giving too much away, there’s danger ahead for Colin’s character Leo and the episode will be a real adrenalin rush!
The 28-year-old Armagh star, who attended the Integrated College in Dungannon, is a young man on the run in the show, which revolves around ‘synths’ – as they are ‘integrated’ into the family home and society.
The show has been winning a huge army of fans and the reviews have been nothing short of fantastic.
It has been described as “a terrific mix of panache and creepiness” by Sunday Times Culture and “truly a drama for our times” by The Independent, while The Guardian dubs it “smart and dark….one of 2015’s dramatic hits”.
Set in a parallel present, the series explores what happens when the lines between humans and machines are blurred.
As it ends this weekend, fans need not lose heart.
The series will return for eight brand new episodes, with production starting next year.
The first series tapped into society’s preoccupation with and mistrust of advancing technology and artificial intelligence. What does it mean to be human? Can the very traits through which we define humanity – love, trust, loyalty, friendship, sacrifice – be taught? What really is family?
Exploring humans’ inherent fear of the unknown and the possible implications of granting machines consciousness, the final episode tomorrow will leave viewers on a thrilling cliffhanger – will the synth family come together and find a way to create sentience in others like them?
Piers Wenger, Head of Drama at Channel 4, said: “Humans has proved a huge hit with both audiences and critics alike this summer and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley and to the team at Kudos for bringing a truly unmissable show to life.
“It also marks a key moment for Channel 4 as we expand our remit for bold and original drama into the international, co-production space. We look forward to working with our partners AMC on series 2 of Humans and to more synth-related adventures to come.”
Derek Wax, Executive Producer, Kudos added: “We’re delighted that viewers have connected with the series so wholeheartedly and look forward to continuing the wonderfully collaborative relationship with Channel 4 and AMC. And of course, going back to Synth School to learn some new moves for series two!”
Joel Stillerman, President of Original Programming and Development for AMC and Sundance TV, said: “We’re so pleased to announce a second season of Humans and extend our terrific partnership with Channel 4, Kudos and the stellar cast, crew and writers Sam and Jonathan. As one of the year’s top new cable series, Humans has been embraced by fans and critics across the US and UK.
“We’re looking forward to continuing this very captivating story and further exploring the show’s parallel, Synth-filled world that hits so disturbingly close to home.”
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