Martin Freeman looks set to return to TV comedy.

The Office and Hobbit star has filmed a pilot episode of Breeders, a new sitcom series for the BBC and American network FX.

Deadline reports that the single camera pilot "mines the comedy of parenting".

The show, which was first revealed by Chortle, is being scripted by Simon Blackwell, the comedy writer who also created shows such as Channel 4's Mitchell & Webb sitcom Back.

Freeman's last scripted TV comedy role was as a guest actor in Brian Pern. The actor, who plays Doctor Watson in Sherlock (pictured) and is now starring in Hollywood movie Black Panther, also appeared in Simon Amstell's online film Carnage last year.

Avalon, the production company behind shows including Catastrophe and Not Going Out, is reportedly developing this new vehicle for him, with The Inbetweeners director Ben Palmer overseeing filming.

Michael Gambon and Daisy Haggard are also said to have roles in the pilot.

Deadline reporter Peter White says: "A pilot for the show was recently filmed in London and I gather that both broadcasters are deciding whether to proceed to a full order. If commissioned, it would be the latest co-production between the two networks, which last teamed for Tom Hardy drama Taboo."

Further details about Breeders will be revealed if the show is commissioned.