BBC Comedy has ordered ‘Push’, a brand-new sitcom created and written by Jessica Knappett (Drifters, Avoidance, Hitmen), taking viewers inside the messy, high-stakes world of a small NHS maternity ward in rural West Yorkshire.
‘Push’ follows an eccentric but dedicated team of midwives working in a scruffy, underfunded hospital, juggling the daily chaos of childbirth with their own personal dramas. They’re devoted, disorganised, and just a little bit unhinged — fiercely proud of their ward, yet partial to a bit of corridor flirting, staff-room gossip, and the occasional disco nap. The series promises to be a “laugh out loud celebration of the chaotic, high-stakes reality of pulling off a miracle several times a day.”
Knappett, who also serves as showrunner, said:
“It is an absolute joy and an immense privilege to be given the extraordinarily rare opportunity to make a sitcom and – not that I like to put pressure on myself – I do see it as almost a matter of public service to make this the best it can be. The NHS is a marvel to me and ever since I gave birth to my own children, I knew I wanted to birth a show about midwives. Thankfully this process has been a lot less painful and I didn’t need stitches.”
Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, added:
“We’ve been looking for a high joke rate workplace comedy for a while now, and with Push it feels like Jess and the team have really delivered. Months in the making, full of warmth, friendship and sharp writing. We can’t wait to bring it into the world.”
Produced by Various Artists Ltd (Catastrophe, Such Brave Girls), the show also marks the first commission from the BBC Comedy Sitcom Project — a development scheme designed to nurture the next wave of sitcom creators.
Jack Bayles, Executive Producer, commented:
“It’s been a total joy to see this very special project come to life. Jess has maintained an incredibly clear vision, and with the team around her she has pulled together a brilliantly funny show with effortless charm, bags of heart, and a cast of characters as richly diverse as the NHS itself. The support from the writers’ room initiative has really helped to develop something fully formed and ready to drop. Pun intended!”
‘Push’ (6 x 30) is produced by Helen Williams (Henpocalypse, Lazy Susan, Flack), with executive producers Jessica Knappett, Jack Bayles, and Phil Clarke (I May Destroy You, Sally Forever) for Various Artists Limited. The BBC commissioning editors are Gregor Sharp and Roya Eslami.
Full casting and transmission details will be announced later, but expect this one to arrive with a newborn’s cry and a belly laugh or two.
‘Push’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
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