Here We Go creator reveals he considered major format change for season 3
Would the series be the same without it?
Here We Go creator Tom Basden has revealed that he almost scrapped the show's unique multi-timeline narrative structure.
The hit BBC sitcom follows the misadventures of the Jessop family, captured from the perspective of their son, Sam (Jude Collie), and his ever-present, ever-rolling video camera.
In a unique twist, the footage is spliced together out-of-order across multiple timeframes, allowing for comedic payoffs and other last-minute reveals as the full sequence of events gradually comes together.
It's a rather elaborate format for a primetime sitcom, with Basden telling RadioTimes.com and other press that he gave serious thought as to whether it should be retired prior to season 3.
"I thought for a while I might sort of abandon that format of going back and forward in time and just do it in a linear, more traditional, sitcom way," he explained.
"But I've come to really love it from a writing point of view, because you can do story things that are so satisfying, and I think the audience don't quite feel the setup in the same way."
Basden continued: "You're kind of giving them the payoff right at the top, and then there's the question about how they get there.
"I have found it, sometimes, difficult to work out how to get certain stories to fit to that format, but actually, there's usually a way around it and a way that can feel really satisfying and just allow us to take a break from the [Jessop] house."
Fans can rest assured that Here We Go will maintain its established format in season 3, which is scheduled to release on BBC One and iPlayer on Friday 25th July 2025, although Basden notes that some episodes tackle it "slightly differently".
The screenwriter, who also stars as hapless uncle Robin, teased an episode set in Malta as having a "really condensed" timeline split over a matter of mere hours, which posed challenges in the scripting stage – as well as new possibilities.
The Jessops will be jetting out to the picturesque European island to reunite Robin and his sister, Rachel (Katherine Parkinson), with their estranged father (played by Sherwood star Robert Glenister).
Here We Go season 3 premieres on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Friday 25th July 2025. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
