Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Sons

Press release time!

Maggie and Arthur return to the ABC for a second season of Mother and Son

Fans of the reimagined Australian comedy Mother and Son are in for a treat as the ABC, Screen Australia and Screen NSW confirm a second six-part season will commence filming in Sydney later this year.

The incomparable and hilarious Denise Scott (Maggie) returns to our screensalongside co-star Matt Okine (Arthur), who shines both in front of the camera and behind the scenes as re-creator and writer.  The dynamic duo promises to deliver another season filled with laughter and unforgettable moments.

Produced by Wooden Horse (The Clearing, Mother and Son season 1), the much-loved series has not only captivated audiences but also garnered three 2024 Logie nominations, solidifying its popularity on Australian television.  Catch Denise and Matt on the red carpet at the 2024 Logie Awards this Sunday 18 August. 

Adding to the excitement, this season welcomes director Shaun Wilson, who has kept audiences laughing through other landmark ABC comedies Rosehaven and Frayed.  With Shaun’s fresh perspective fans can expect the show to reach new heights of comedic brilliance.

Wooden Horse joint CEO and Producer, Jude Troy said: “The return of the reimagined Mother and Son for a second season is testament to an enduring and beloved brand that continues to resonate with contemporary, multi-cultural Australia. We are delighted to welcome comedy director Shaun Wilson to the hilariously dysfunctional Boye family.”

ABC Head of Screen, Jennifer Collins said “Over a million Australians came to the ABC each week on average to watch Mother and Son and we are thrilled that comedy legend Denise Scott and whip smart Matt Okine will return for a second season. Mother and Son is an iconic ABC comedy that reflects our diverse contemporary family life with equal parts warmth and humour.”

Grainne Brunsdon Chief Operating Officer of Screen Australia said, “Screen Australia is thrilled to support the second season of Mother and Son, bringing back the beloved cast whose comedic genius continues to shine. With Shaun Wilson’s direction, we’re excited to see where the next series goes, showcasing the talent behind this beloved show.”

Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth said “After the success of season one, including three Logie nominations, Screen NSW is excited to support Wooden Horse and the entire creative team including Matt Okine, Sarah L. Walker, Tristram Baumber and Tim Spencer, in bringing this fresh take on the iconic Mother and Son series back to our screens for a second season.”

Mother and Son season 2will premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.

Whoooo boy, where to start with this one? Press releases aren’t usually known for their subtlety but this one reads a little more sweaty than most. “Fans of the reimagined Australian comedy Mother and Son are in for a treat”? Because they’ve just got a great deal on a phone box where they can hold their next meeting?

Usually series hoping to lure back disenchanted viewers tout some big casting changes. Here? Brand new director baby! “With Shaun’s fresh perspective fans can expect the show to reach new heights of comedic brilliance”. Shaun Micallef? No, the Shaun who directed… Rosehaven? Bring a pillow and a blankie, you’ll be needing them.

Unnecessarily cruel snark aside (seriously? – ed), nobody liked the first season of this. Okine wrote it as a quasi-drama about his loser character somehow not really being a loser, with a mum who was sidelined most of the time. Some of the problems with this reboot weren’t his fault – the time for a wacky comedy about Alzheimer’s has passed – but a lot of them were.

The delay in greenlighting a second season were most likely a result of Scott’s recent health issues. So it’s great news that she’s able to get back to work. We just wish she was working on a show that gave her more to do, and Okine a fair bit less.