Acorn TV’s sitcom The Other One is about what happens when you discover your dead Dad had a secret family and you now have a brand-new sister. The witty ensemble comedy follows two half-sisters both named Catherine Walcott, who do not know the other existed until after the untimely death of their father – and it’s also about their mothers, who were his wife and longtime mistress. Originally premiered on BBC One in June 2020, this engaging comedy is a love story to siblings, mothers, and bad dads, as the four leading women adjust to living with their new-found sisters and sort-of step-mums. The Other One premieres exclusively as an Acorn TV Original series in the U.S. and Canada on Acorn TV as a binge on Monday, August 10, and stars Siobhan Finneran, Rebecca Front, Lauren Socha, Ellie White, and Amit Shah. The series also features multi-episode guest stars Caroline Quentin, Stephen Tompkinson, Neil Pearson, and Simon Greenal.
For 28-year-old Cathy Walcott (White), her life is turned upside down when she learns that her recently-deceased father, Colin had a secret love child living 13 miles away in a neighboring town and is only five days younger – her half-sister, Cat (Socha) who has the same birth name, Catherine Walcott (a smart move from the dad when you’ve got a secret daughter.) Incidentally, both Catherines have always wanted a sister, but they have very little in common: Cathy has a fiancé and a pension and is a successful, yet somewhat uptight, insurance agent, while Cat is single, a food delivery truck driver, has a pay-as-you-go phone and is more outgoing. Yet they forge a strong friendship and bond during this difficult time – Cathy is forced to take compassionate leave at her job and Cat cheers her up with a party. They reminisce fondly over special moments with their father, either his favorite songs (both sing along to Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger” in the car in the series premiere), as well as childhood toys and even nicknames he had given them.
Meanwhile, their mothers have an equally rough time adjusting to a new normal without Colin in their lives. Wife Tess Walcott (Front) spews fury over her husband’s philandering during her funeral eulogy and is eager to burn all of his possessions in the backyard, and once she’s cooled off a bit, strives to start anew by using dating apps and enrolling in a Nordic Walking class. Colin’s longtime mistress of 30 years, Marylin (Finneran) is a chain smoker who seeks comfort in finding his presence in his wife’s house–she sneakily tries on Cathy’s wedding dress and parades around when no one’s looking to imagine what it’s like to get married. The two matriarchs hardly get along, as they feud over whom Colin loved more.
Created and written by Holly Walsh and Pippa Brown, this warmhearted series captures these four women from different walks of life as they deal with Colin’s death, either debating over where to scatter his ashes, searching for his will or collaborating to raise money for a memorial bench. With a vibrant, eclectic pop music soundtrack featuring modern and classic tunes, The Other One brims with contagious energy, Cat’s brightly-hued wardrobe, and the delightful, charismatic humor of four women who all share a common purpose: finding happiness, comfort, and love in the company of newly-discovered family.
