Graham Linehan: why Count Arthur Strong isn't Marmite

Ahead of series two's launch, Digital Spy spoke to the sitcom's co-writer - BAFTA winner Graham Linehan - about the new episodes, the demise of TV criticism and why the studio sitcom is due a comeback.

Count Arthur Strong series 2 preview

If you were a fan of the first series, you'll be pleased to hear that you're in for more of the same madcap comedy.

Count Arthur Strong's favourite TV

The semi-retired music hall entertainer on why you should bring back Juliet Bravo and how he finds Duck Dynasty a turn-off.

TV preview: Count Arthur Strong, BBC1

If you haven't joined the Count's fan club yet, this episode should win you over.

Radio Times review

Thank goodness BBC bosses had already paid heed to the quality of the material, commissioning a second series of Count Arthur Strong before the disappointing ratings came in. Steve Delaney's comic creation made the tricky transition from Radio 4 to BBC Two by relocating to a café full of odd-bod friends, led by Rory Kinnear as fussy author Michael Baker - the perfect foil for the former music hall star's eccentricity. As for Arthur himself, his spirited stagger and unique ability to spit words out like cherry pips made for a character you could love like a meddling grandfather - one who had us laughing heartily one minute and reaching for the tissues the next.

Count Arthur Strong: Condiments of the Seasoning

Steve Delaney's comic creation Count Arthur Strong drops a Christmas bombshell about Santa.

10 questions for Count Arthur Strong

Old-school variety act shamelessly plugs half-baked memoir.

The challenge for much-loved radio institutions transferring to TV is introducing themselves to a new audience while keeping the loyal fanbase onside. On the basis of this series opener, Steve Delaney's doddery, malapropistic and memory-challenged 'showbiz legend' manages some funny moments, but this still feels almost aggressively old school in its format and furthermore, very much like a show that might as well still be on the wireless.

The story arc involves Rory Kinnear's author Michael Barker attempting to write his father's biography. His father Max, was Count Arthur's comedy partner. And so it begins. Oddly, this show may be redeemed by its promising minor characters: Kinnear is amusingly prissy and pedantic, and we like the look of Chris Ryman as café owner Bulent, too. We weren't alone in feeling equivocal about the series, but that hasn't stopped the BBC from a quickfire repeat and early recommission.

BBC2 boss: Why I'm sticking with Count Arthur Strong

Channel controller says the Count is Marmite, but that "strong flavours" are what BBC Two looks for.