Cunk's Quest for Meaning will see the fictional "pioneering documentary-maker", played by Morgan, attempt to answer the ultimate question: "What's the point of it all?"

Humans have been searching for the meaning of life since the dawn of consciousness, but amid the growing dangers of the climate crisis and AI, the search has become increasingly desperate.

The dopey Cunk will be futilely grappling with some of the most complex scientific and philosophical concepts ever discovered: Quantum Physics to Existentialism, Nihilism, Hedonism "and at least four other isms," as well as subjects ranging from the Big Bang to biology, morals to meditation and art to artificial intelligence.

Along the way, she'll visit significant sites across Europe and, for the first time, America, while touching on the lives of some of history's most influential thinkers and creatives, including Epicurus, Dostoyevsky, Sartre, Van Gogh, Nietzsche and "whoever came up with those signs in kitchens that say, ‘Live Laugh Love’."

As in previous series, Cunk will be in desperate need of qualified academics to weigh in on the big questions—and put up with the pointless ones. She says: “To be honest I thought we could cover the meaning of life in a 30-minute episode, but the producers said we might need a bit longer and that I could probably go to America if we did a special. I’m very excited to be going to America for free.”

Brooker adds: “What sort of quote do you want for your press release? I haven’t got time to think about this, I’m late for a Zoom. Oh for God’s sake. Okay, just print something bland like "I’m thrilled Philomena is returning to our screens to help us uncover the meaning of life” - that’ll do.

“Now go away and leave me alone. I said go away. Go! Leave! Why are you still standing there? You’re freaking me out now. Get out. GO.”

Cunk’s Quest for Meaning will debut on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer later in 2024 and on Netflix outside of the UK and Ireland.