BBC Two comedy didn't enchant enough viewers

BBC Two has dropped Tim Key and Daisy May Cooper’s period comedy The Witchfinder.

The Corporation today confirmed that the show  – set during the English Civil War and created by Alan Partridge writers Neil Gibbons and Rob Gibbon – will not be back for a second series.

Jessica Hynes, Daniel Rigby and Tuwaine Barrett also had in regular roles, with Reece Shearsmith, Rosie Cavaliero, Dan Skinner and Ricky Tomlinson also appearing.

The BBC said: ‘Sometimes we have to make difficult choices and sadly The Witchfinder won't be returning. We thank everyone involved in the show.’

Over the six episodes, This Country star  Cooper played suspected witch Thomasine Gooch being escorted across East Anglia  by Key’s chauvinistic, pompous witchfinder  Gideon Bannister.

The Witchfinder – made by Steve Coogan’s production house Baby Cow – launched with an impressive 2.3million viewers last March, but according to an unnamed source quoted in The Sun the ratings ‘quickly plunged to a level where execs just couldn't justify giving it a second season’.

Critical reception was also muted. The Guardian said: ‘It doesn’t make sense that The Witchfinder is as underwhelming as it is, because as mentioned above: all the ingredients were there’ and The Independent observed: ‘There’s good banter along the way – Cooper is adept at putting a hex on her enemies, and there’s some nice sight gags with severed fingers and other silly witchy stuff – but nothing wondrous.’

And Chortle's review said: ‘Laughs tend to be stifled by the constant wry understatement. The Witchfinder hasn’t quite found the magic it seeks.’

Published: 14 Mar 2023