Ann Droid Series Review
Ann Droid is a British comedy series created and written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall. The six-episode sitcom premiered on BBC One on 17 July 2026.
The series follows Sue, a widow who is given an Ann-Droid ElderCare Robot by her son for assistance and companionship.
The Good
Diane Morgan. If you’re familiar with Philomena Cunk, you’ll know how Morgan can be absurdly hilarious with just a look. In Ann Droid, she delivers her trademark deadpan humour as Linda, the pre-loved and outdated care robot, an AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Care Model.
Morgan is completely committed to the role with the rigid movements, vacant expression and inappropriate observations delivered in a monotone at peak comedy gold. Linda’s attempts to understand human behaviour through machine logic provide some of the show’s funniest interactions.
Balancing out the machine logic is Sue Johnston as Sue Bevan, who gives the show its soul through her vulnerability, warmth and stubborn dignity. She is an elderly woman navigating the grief of losing her husband, while fiercely determined not to become somebody else’s responsibility. Alongside Morgan, the two’s odd-couple relationship becomes considerably more touching than it has any right to be.
The supporting cast is equally brilliant, frequently stealing scenes with brilliant moments that catch you completely unaware; a delivery driver with a PhD in Chaucer, a best friend armed with blunt honesty, and a son with a weak spine and controlling spouse.
Ann Droid is a quirky sitcom whose sci-fi premise sometimes unfolds like an episode of Black Mirror, ultimately delivering a story about ageing, bereavement, social isolation and the economics of eldercare without becoming preachy about technology.
The show also introduces a timely discourse around technology in a world where people are becoming increasingly reliant on AI and machines. It asks some crucial questions on whether its better to have machine companionship over isolation and loneliness, but fundamentally appreciating this fragile thing called life and the memories we make along the way.
The Bad
The show shifts dramatically between comedy and poignant, melancholic reflections on life and death, sometimes while you’re still laughing, making a jarring change.
There is also a somewhat formulaic and repetitive structure that unfolds as “robot misunderstands a basic human concept and causes a public scene”. While it is funny, it can start to feel repetitive.
The subplot involving Sue’s son, his midlife crisis and complicated marital situation also feels like narrative filler, belonging to another sitcom altogether.
The Ugly
Ann Droid misses an opportunity to really push the implications of robot caregivers being cheaper than human labour or of people becoming overly dependent on AI and machines.
Unlike Black Mirror, Ann Droid isn’t really trying to delve into the dark side of technology. Instead, it uses technology as a mirror for human behaviour, presenting us with a flawed and imperfect artificial intelligence and allowing its mistakes to expose the flaws of the humans that interact with it.
Watching this show lands differently for me, because culturally our society is communal and we look after our elderly in extended family units… So its hard to reconcile how one would grow old all alone… if anything, the challenge one would have is wanting people to stop fussing over them…
Final Thoughts
Ann Droid is a heartfelt, funny and surprisingly poignant reflection on solitude and artificial companionship. Watch it for Diane Morgan’s absurdity and Sue Johnston’s humanity.
Have you watched this sitcom or any comedy by Diane Morgan?
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