At the TCA press tour, Michael Lombardo, HBO’s president of programming, spoke about the future of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Though it won’t be continuing as a TV series, there are plans to continue the story in the form of two movies.
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency ran for seven episodes on HBO, from March until May in 2009. The comedy-drama was filmed on location in Botswana and follows Mma Ramotswe as she operates a detective agency. The cast includes Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, Lucian Msamati, and Desmond Dube.
This weekend, Lombardo said, “We’re talking to our friends at the Weinstein Company about the possibility of, and actually developing two scripts, possibly to do two movies. And if we can get the cast together and if everything can come together we’ve love to do it. So it’s alive.”
If they get the final go-ahead, the two HBO movies would likely be shot back-to-back. It seems they won’t be filmed completely in Botswana however.
It was reported last month that the show’s producers had relocated from Botswana to Cape Town. The Botswana government, hard hit by the recession, balked at the idea of subsidizing film production while South Africa doubled their rebate offer.
If the movies are actually made, they’ll be filmed mostly in Cape Town with occasional lensing in Botswana, the locale where the story is set.
What do you think? Are you a fan of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency? Would you like to see it return as a pair of movies?
Image courtesy HBO.
What a delightful series this was! As an anthropologist, I applaud the cultural sensitivity, language and music used in every episode. The series was well crafted with excellent casting and gorgeous photography. Watching it made me want to go to Botswana! But please, continue through all of the books! Why cease production on such an outstandingly enjoyable show? Was there a problem getting the cast together?
Must have more of this quality series. It’s upbeat, clever, entertaining, unusual, and just plain delightful!
I agree with so many of the comments above. This series was heart-warming and authentic. It was wholesome, yet of the high, film-like caliber that I expect from HBO. And what a different representation of Africa! Not all violence, poverty, disease, and starvation! While the gritty realities of day-t0-day existence are addressed with sensitivity, the series uniquely portrayed the joy of Southern African life with remarkable vibrancy. So heartbroken that it ended at episode 7. I would love to see many seasons of the show, but I agree with the above that two movies are better than nothing. P.S. I… Read more »
I would love to see the series continue–I don’t think two movies would do the books justice–I loved the series and was devastated to see it end. Perhaps put it on BBC America instead of HBO.
This was one of the best series I’ve ever seen. I stumbled across it by accident late one night and it wasn’t long befor me, my husband, mother, father, aunt and sister were all hooked on it. They still keep asking me when it’s coming back. I’d love to see the movies, but I’m heartbroken that it’s not returning to regular programming.
BOTH MY HUSBAND AND iI REALLY ENJOYED THE SHOW AND IS CAST OF COLORFUL PERSONALITIES. WE ARE SORRY THAT IT WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO REGULAR PROGRAMING,BUT HOPE SEE THE MOVIES SOON!
I was skeptical before watching the first episode of this series, but was quickly drawn in to the lives of these wonderful characters. It’s too bad the show hasn’t continued as a series. I really would like to see its return.
That show leaving the air left a big gap in our TV watching lives.
It was truly one of the most entertaining- pure joy- productions we have
been priviledged to watch. Great for the entire family!!!!
I think the show should have been given a chance and if HBO was going to give up on it they could have ended it a real ending.
I enjoyed this show. I never known of its existance till now 2011. I really liked this show I hope that it comes back on. It was good to see a female in that particular setting in that country atmosphere. It shows that a woman in that area can conquer just about anything
Yes I would love to see it return. I love Alexander Mc Call Smith’s books and the First Season was really so well done. It did not disappoint. But I am disappointed in HBO for not returning with a second season
I am really disappointed that this Wonderful, Inspirational, Heart-Warming show had to end. It really touched my spirit. Please bring it back!
I really enjoyed watching the series. It was so interesting and entertaining! There so very little quality programs on T.V. as it is, and when a good show comes along they take it away. It’s nice to see something that’s not filled with alot of garbage! Jill Scott was excellent as Precious. If we can’t have the series, I’ll settle for t.v. movies. Something is better than nothing.=o(
This is really sad. If they think that they can make 2 90 minute films….why not just do the series? They should just keep the series going.
I loved the series and I was devasted to see it end. And the way it ended without any explaination. I allmost felt as though I had lost a friend. Jill scott is excellent and I miss precious