Testing out child-rearing tips on Parental Guidance

Katherine Ryan is to invite TV cameras into her family life as she tries a series of ‘extreme parenting techniques’ for a documentary series.

Provisionally titled Parental Guidance the four hour-long documentaries will air on the W channel and  UKTV Play next year.

Producers Expectation say: ‘From potty training at eight months to co-sleeping, some might consider Katherine’s own parenting methods to be extreme – but that’s nothing compared to the extreme parents she’ll be meeting in this series. 

‘With special access to Katherine’s family life, viewers will see how she juggles parenthood with the glamorous and often intense lifestyle of being a comedian at the top of her game.’

Ryan, 40, is mother to Fred, three, and Fenna, eight months, with husband Bobby Kootstra, plus teenager Violet from a former relationship – and has said she wants more children. She is also a huge fan of the Kardashians, who have put every aspect of their family life on screen.

Of the new show, Ryan said - at least according to the press release: ‘Since filming Backstage with Katherine Ryan, I’ve been hoping to work with Expectation on another unique "all access" project. Parental Guidance gives plenty of food for thought while putting comedy front and centre. We are thrilled to bring this provocative new show to UKTV.’

Kirsty Hanson, who commissioned the show for UKTV, said it was ‘a series unlike anything Katherine has done before’

She added: ‘This feels like the real Motherland, but with privileged access and genuine revelation seen through the searingly honest comedic lens of Katherine Ryan.’

Channel director Adam Collings added: ‘It feels like a real coup to have Katherine come to W, and I cannot wait to share the show with our viewers who already love her and her unique outlook on life.’

Published: 2 Aug 2023