Created by and featuring Golden Globe winner Idris Elba, In The Long Run takes a nostalgic look back at life in East London in the 1980s
The comedy features an ensemble cast with Elba at the helm as family man Walter Easmon, alongside wife Agnes (Madeline Appiah), son Kobna (Sammy Kamara), Walter's younger brother Valentine (Jimmy Akingbola) and Walter’s best mate Bagpipes played by comedy favourite Bill Bailey.
The series, loosely based on Idris Elba’s own childhood, follows the story of Walter and Agnes Easmon whose life is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and work hard to pay the bills, raise son Kobna as well as support their family back home.
But when Walter’s wild brother Valentine arrives in the UK their quiet lives are thrown into disarray. Although he frustrates Agnes and tests Walter’s patience, Kobna adores his “funcle” Valentine and after all, he is family.
The series is among a several commissions in 2017 as part of Sky’s effort to corner the market on daring, late night, grown up comedy programmes to air in the 10pm slot on Sky 1.
These include Sick Of It, from Karl Pilkinton, and The Reluctant Landlord from Romesh Ranganathan.
Jon Montague, Head of Comedy at Sky, praised the “authentic, perceptive and deeply funny show”, adding “Idris completes a fantastic line up on Sky One that has made my comedy dreams come true.”
In The Long Run will air Thursday 29th March at 10pm on Sky 1 and NOW TV.
