ITV axe beloved hit drama after just one series – as creator hits out at bosses
ITV have axed one of their most beloved dramas after just one series on the airwaves.
Three Little Birds was a six-part limited series, created by Sir Lenny Henry as he took inspiration from his family history.
The programme, which first made its way onto screens in October 2023, was a loose recreation of his mother’s journey to the UK in the 1950s.
Unfortunately, despite plenty of ideas for new instalments, the commercial broadcaster has decided not to commission a follow-up.
This has left the Comic Relief co-founder fuming as he hit out at the broadcaster in the wake of the cancellation.
The TV legend told The Guardian: “These days, it seems that many black dramas only get one series.
“There are numerous examples of this – and sadly, Three Little Birds is just one more in that same category.”
He also claimed that he had more to give and he was already planning future storylines for the hit show.
Sir Lenny added: “We were only just getting to know Rochelle Neil, Saffron Coomber, Yazmin Belo and Javone Prince and their stellar performances as Leah, Chantrelle, Hosanna and Aston.
“The audience reaction was amazing and I had some really good storylines planned for their characters.”
He also blasted what he sees as the TV industry’s attachment to “big names” over developing talent.
The comic said: “A show will often get just one shot and if it doesn’t meet broadcaster expectations – that’s it – it’s likely cancelled after one series.
“We sadly don’t give shows the opportunity to grow with the audience, like we did 10/15 years ago, which probably is down to how we consume things.”
He added: “I would really like to see some longer-term investment in lesser-known and diverse talent, in order to make them the stars of tomorrow. These things take time.
“I plan to take the characters from Three Little Birds and create their further adventures in a book.
“Meanwhile, moving forward, I’ll just have to pitch TV projects starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Judi Dench. Wish me luck!”
In response, an ITV spokesperson told the outlet: “It was a very difficult decision as we really wanted to commission another series of Three Little Birds, but unfortunately the audience didn’t come to the drama in the numbers that we’d hoped for.
“Everyone who watched the series really loved it, and for that reason we’re really disappointed we can’t make another series happen.”
