AMC, Channel 4 and Kudos today announced that the critically-acclaimed drama series “Humans” has been renewed for a second season. The series will return for eight new episodes, with production starting next year.
Penned by British writing partners Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley (“Spooks,” Spooks: The Greater Good) and based on the award-winning Swedish sci-fi drama “Real Humans” from Matador Films, the series stands as a top five cable drama launch among adults 25-54 in the U.S. this season and has averaged 2.0 million viewers and 1.0 million adults 25-54 through its first four episodes in live+3 ratings. The first episode was Channel 4’s highest-rated originated drama in 20 years; season one has attracted an 18.0% share of the UK viewing audience on Sundays between 9:00-10:00pm.
Co-produced by AMC and Channel 4 with Kudos, the makers of “Utopia” and “Broadchurch,” the first season tapped into society’s preoccupation with and mistrust of advancing technology and artificial intelligence. What does it mean to be human? Can the very traits through which we define humanity (love, trust, loyalty, friendship, sacrifice) be taught? What really is family? Exploring humans’ inherent fear of the unknown and the possible implications of granting machines consciousness, the final episodes will leave viewers on a thrilling cliff-hanger.
“We’re so pleased to announce a second season of ‘Humans’ and extend our terrific partnership with Channel 4, Kudos and the stellar cast, crew and writers Sam and Jonathan,” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and Sundance TV. “As one of the year’s top new cable series, ‘Humans’ has been embraced by fans and critics across the U.S. and UK. We’re looking forward to continuing this very captivating story and further exploring the show’s parallel, Synth-filled world that hits so disturbingly close to home.”
Piers Wenger, Head of Drama at Channel 4, said: “‘Humans’ has proved a huge hit with both audiences and critics alike this summer, and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to writers Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley and to the team at Kudos for bringing a truly unmissable show to life. It also marks a key moment for Channel 4 as we expand our remit for bold and original drama into the international, co-production space. We look forward to working with our partners AMC on season two of ‘Humans’ and to more Synth-related adventures to come.”
Derek Wax, executive producer, Kudos, added: “As producers, we’re so thrilled to have been able to work with Sam and Jon on such provocative and challenging ideas and stories. We’re delighted that viewers have connected with the series so wholeheartedly and look forward to continuing the wonderfully collaborative relationship with Channel 4 and AMC. And of course, going back to Synth School to learn some new moves for series two.”
“Humans” is written by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, and produced by Kudos in association with Matador Films. Executive producers are Derek Wax (“The Hour,” “Occupation,” “Lip Service”) and Chris Fry (“The Smoke,” “Spooks”) for Kudos, Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, and Henrik Widman and Lars Lundström for Matador Films. Season two was commissioned for Channel 4 by Simon Maxwell and Beth Willis, and Joel Stillerman and Kristin Jones for AMC.
