Reboot of hit ’80s sitcom ‘Mother and Son’ coming to television in 2023

Beloved Aussie sitcom Mother and Son is officially returning to its regular broadcasting schedule in 2023 with two of the country’s most-loved comedians, Denise Scott and Matt Okine set to star.

After nearly three decades since the classic ’80s show wrapped up its 10-year run on ABC, the network announced on Thursday, November 24, that a reboot of the show was making its way back on screen.

Per The Guardian, Okine had reached out to the show’s original writer, Geoffrey Atherden, to bring iconic characters, Maggie and Arthur Beare, back to life and create a new show “which explores ageing and changing family dynamic, the added twist of the migrant experience.”

It’s true. Matt OKine and I are in reboot of Mother and Son. To be clear I’m the Mother. Matt is the Son. I’m excited.Terrified. Honoured. Humbled. Will I get to go to the Logies? @abctv #MotherandSonTV #ABCIn23 pic.twitter.com/SDx3TWf3Sa

— Denise Scott (@_denisescott) November 24, 2022

“The idea to re-create Mother and Son first came to me back in 2013 when I was touring Hong Kong alongside Denise,” Okine said.

“It was a staple of the Okine family TV when I was growing up; a beautiful snapshot of 1980s Australian suburbia, made hilariously unforgettable by its co-stars Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald.

“Ten years in the making, it feels like a dream come true to have this idea brought back to life,” he continued.

“Denise and I have huge shoes to fill but with my hairline going the way it is, I feel like I was born to play a 2023 version of Arthur!”

ABC‘s entertainment specialist Jennifer Collins says the “warmth” and humour from the upcoming reboot is the “perfect antidote” for the gloominess of the past two years.

Because the series was a huge success during its original run, Collins is confident that the new series will be just as loved by current fans and even attract newer audiences.

“Younger audiences will come because they really love Matt – he’s got a huge following – but actually the older audience will find these characters relatable and have that nostalgia for the original series,” she said.

Since the announcement of the show’s return, there have been mixed reactions regarding the upcoming reboot. While some are excited to have the show back, others are questioning the ABC‘s decision.

Not sure what to think about the ABC doing a reboot of classic Aussie comedy Mother and Son. ????

— Colin Vickery (@Colvick) November 24, 2022

Australian film and TV industry: “we want to be a home that develops new and interesting Australian visual storytellers!”

Also the Australian film and TV industry: “let’s make our biggest local commissions the reboot of ‘Heartbreak High’ and ‘Mother and Son’.”

— Pete Ireland (@PeteIrelandFilm) November 24, 2022

Why not call it Another mother and son? Silly to reboot an old series with new actors in the same roles when you could simply have made a new series.

— Kristyana Finch (@KristyanaF) November 24, 2022

Alright you know how much I hate reboots, but I’m not gonna lie the Mother And Son reboot has got me intrigued. #ABCin23

— tanaya qoifoog ???? (@qoifoog) November 24, 2022

This sounds like a lot of fun. I used to love watching reruns of Mother and Son with my Grandma when I was a kid, and I’m intrigued to know more about this reboot.

— Kathryn White (@KathrynsInbox) November 24, 2022

Looking forward to the reboot of Mother and Son. You are perfect for the role Denise.

— Dawn (@dawnfardell) November 24, 2022

The charming eight-part series will follow the recently single Arthur Gbeme (Okine) who makes the decision to move back to his family home after his widowed mum, Maggie (Scott) accidentally sets fire to the kitchen.

Mother and Son is coming in 2023 on ABC.