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.
This is such a jewel of show. They must, must, must continue it for another season. Amazing that something like this gets canceled, yet America’s Biggest Loser continues.
This series was AMAZING….so entertaining….such rich characters. I would love to see it return as a sries, but will gladly settle for the movies
This was an excellent series and I would also like to see it come back.
This was the very BEST series I have seen on TV in many years. I watch them over and over again on DVD! Clever dialog and situations, adorable and believable characters, interesting glimpses into another culture, and family friendly. Now I know why there is so little of value on TV–executives are out of touch with viewers (at least those over 30 and with IQs over 110).
I am so disappointed that there won’t be a 2nd season!! This was an awesome show. Intuitive, smart, heart-warming and funny. Bring back Ms. 97%!! Everyone I talk to loved this show and yet HBO is missing the boat. Get your act together HBO!!!
This is an extraordinary show! I can’t imagine why anyone would consider canceling it, when it is just hitting it’s stride! It’s perfectly cast, beautifully filmed, and does justice to the heart of the books that Alexander McCall Smith wrote. It brings a whole sensibility to TV series that we rarely see today. And… HBO… it takes a little while for a show like this to hit it’s stride.. remember they tried to cancel Designing Ladies??? And how big a mistake was that?? I am very disappointed that HBO can’t see this series through and witness this becoming a staple… Read more »
The series was such a gift! PLEASE reconsider. But, if it is not to be, please film the 2 movies for production soon!
Peace
In my top three shows! This is truly what TV should be. Actually on par with the BBC productions. Very beautifully crafted a real joy!
no movies. more series. yay !!
The #1 ladies detective agency is one of the best shows I’ve seen. I’ll watch it in TV or movie formats. The authenticity of the setting, supported by fabulous characters, are really doing justice to the books. I hope all of the books get transcribed in this way.
I love the books and never miss a new one in the continuing series from the ever talented pen of Alexandar McCall Smith, and I absolutely adored the HBO series. I can’t imagine why it was cancelled. Here is hoping it can be revived and we can have a second season.
I loved the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency and I am devastated to learn that the show
has been cancelled. I am hoping that the quality of the show and actors are realized
and that there is a change to continue the series.
I found No.1 Ladies Detective Agency entertaining and very refreshing. I would
love to see it continue as a series on one of the BBC channels. I was so impressed with
the show that I bought the DVD set for the first season and was looking forward to the
second season. The actors were superb!!!
Rather than two movies, I would like to see a second series. The first was EXCELLENT!
The series fit well with the books. Movies would change that symmetry.
Thank you,
Judith Richards
This was an AMAZING show. I can’t imagine why it was pulled. The main characters were honest, sincere, and endearing. I would argue that it was at LEAST as good as Sex In The City. I’m really disappointed.