A brand-new British comedy is coming to international audiences. Can You Keep a Secret?, a six-part sitcom starring comedy icon Dawn French, will soon be available to stream globally on Paramount+. The show first premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK on January 7, 2026, and tells the story of a family that decides to commit fraud for surprisingly relatable reasons. For viewers around the world, the series is scheduled to arrive on Paramount+ starting February 12, 2026.
The series was created by Simon Mayhew-Archer, a producer known for This Country, and is inspired by his own family’s real-life experiences. It brings together a celebrated cast led by Dawn French and Mark Heap, promising a mix of sharp humor and heartfelt moments.
Full Cast and Character Guide for the New Comedy Series
The show’s comedy comes from its central, chaotic family. The Fendons are an ordinary family that makes an extraordinary decision, and the cast brings their dynamic to life.
Dawn French leads as Debbie Fendon, a determined grandmother who sees a financial opportunity when her husband is mistakenly declared dead. French describes her character as someone who firmly believes she is always right, a trait that drives much of the plot’s action.
Mark Heap plays William Fendon, Debbie’s husband who agrees to hide in their loft. William lives with Parkinson’s disease, a detail drawn from writer Simon Mayhew-Archer’s personal life. Heap is known for his roles in beloved British comedies like Friday Night Dinner and Green Wing.
Craig Roberts plays the couple’s anxious son, Harry Fendon. Harry is shocked to learn his father is alive and struggles with the moral weight of the secret.
“His mum Debbie doesn’t give him a chance to breathe, really,” Roberts said about his character. “She’s constantly on his back about stuff, and I think that’s where a lot of the comedy comes from.”
Mandip Gill, known for Doctor Who, plays Harry’s wife, Neha Fendon. Neha is a community police officer, which makes the family’s secret especially risky. Gill says her character “sees a lot of good in people,” which influences how she interacts with her unusual in-laws.
The supporting cast includes several notable British actors. Paul Chahidi (The Night Manager) plays Clive, the manager of the local bowls club. Other characters include neighbors and members of Debbie’s “widow club,” played by Heather Seymour, Geraldine McNulty, and Shola Adewusi. The show also features a local troublemaker nicknamed Pigfish, played by Gregory Gudgeon.
Global Streaming Release Schedule and How to Watch
For viewers eager to watch Can You Keep a Secret?, availability depends on your location. The show is part of a partnership between the BBC and Paramount+, which determines where it can be streamed.
In the United Kingdom, the show is already available. All six episodes were released as a box set on BBC iPlayer on January 7, 2026, the same day the first episode aired on BBC One. New episodes continue to air weekly on the BBC.
For international audiences, Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home. The service has announced that the series will begin streaming on February 12, 2026. This release will make the show available in many countries, including the United States.
Specific release dates for other major regions like Canada, Australia, and India have not been officially confirmed as of late January 2026. However, given Paramount Global’s distribution role, it is expected the series will arrive on Paramount+ in these countries later in the year. Fans outside the UK can use a VPN service to access BBC iPlayer, though this requires a valid UK TV license.
Story and Episode Details for Season 1
The series premise finds humor in a high-stakes situation. After William Fendon is wrongly declared dead, his wife Debbie convinces him to stay hidden so they can claim his life insurance payout. Their motivation is not greed but necessity, stemming from being denied financial support after William’s Parkinson’s diagnosis.
The plot thickens when their son Harry discovers the truth and must choose whether to join the scheme or tell his police officer wife, Neha. Further complications arise when a blackmailer discovers William is alive and demands money to keep the secret.
The season consists of six episodes. In the first episode, Debbie reveals the secret to Harry, forcing him into a moral dilemma. Subsequent episodes see the family navigating threats from the blackmailer, clashes between Debbie and Neha over returning the money, and the daily challenges of hiding a living person from the world.
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Behind the Scenes and Critical Reception of the BBC Series
The show has a strong creative team behind it. It is written and created by Simon Mayhew-Archer and directed by Simon Hynd. The series is produced by Big Talk Studios, Mayhay Studios, and CBS Studios. Executive producers include Mayhew-Archer, Kenton Allen, Dawn French, and Toby Welch.
A unique aspect of the show is its personal inspiration. Writer Simon Mayhew-Archer based the character of William, who has Parkinson’s, on his own father, Paul Mayhew-Archer. Paul is a comedian and writer who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and co-wrote The Vicar of Dibley with Richard Curtis. This connection adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
Early reviews from UK critics have been positive. The Guardian described the show as having “charm, wit and warmth,” calling it a “soothing balm” of a comedy. The Daily Telegraph called it French’s best comedy work since The Vicar of Dibley, while The Irish Times praised the performances of French and Mark Heap.
“Debbie Fendon is a force to be reckoned with,” wrote a critic for The Guardian. “Played by Dawn French with a mixture of the vicar of Dibley’s indefatigable energy, edged with a hint of the shimmering wildness.”
The series was filmed in the West Country of England, which serves as the setting for the story.
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Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more guides on the latest shows arriving on streaming platforms this season.
