Advanced Television

Drama

ITV, World Productions unveil The Party

ITV’s Director of Drama Polly Hill has commissioned The Party, a five-part drama based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Day, starring Luke Evans (Nine Perfect Strangers, Fast and Furious) as Martin Gilmour, a journalist shaped by his lifelong friendship with the wealthy and charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen (The Gold, House […]

November 6, 2025

Research: Mini dramas attracting big audiences

More than one in 10 internet users have watched drama episodes lasting 10 minutes or less on social media, according to research from Ampere Analysis. The firm’s annual global survey of over 100,000 consumers shows ‘micro-dramas’ and ‘mini-dramas’ gaining traction on social media, with YouTube and TikTok the leading destinations. As younger audiences spend more […]

October 27, 2025

NHK wins top Prix Italia Award

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK’s music documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: Last Days was awarded the most prestigious Special Prize in Honour of the President of the Italian Republic at the Prix Italia Award Ceremony held on October 24 in Naples. The documentary was also awarded a Prix Italia for the best in the TV Performing Arts category. […]

October 26, 2025By Chris Forrester

BBC, UKTV commission Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators Season 6

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators is returning for its sixth season, with filming having already commenced in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The new season of the popular cosy-crime drama, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions in Birmingham, is a co-commission by BBC Content and UKTV, and will premiere exclusively on UKTV’s specialist crime drama channel, U&alibi in 2026, […]

October 16, 2025

Survey: 75% of creative industries jobs go to friends and connections

Three quarters of jobs secured by creative industry workers in the last 18 months came through a friend or contact, according to figures released as part of Bectu’s Big Survey. The survey of over 5,500 creative industry workers in non-performing roles – from theatre to film and TV to fashion – gives a unique insight […]

October 14, 2025

Forecast: Microdramas to generate $11bn in revenues in 2025

Microdramas, the short-form scripted video format, are on track to generate $11 billion (€9.5bn) in global revenues by 2025, according to data presented at MIPCOM by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of M&E, Media and Entertainment at Omdia. The findings highlight the explosive growth of microdramas; compact, emotionally charged series designed for mobile viewing, typically running […]

October 13, 2025

ITV commissions Season 26 of Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders has been commissioned for a 26th season by UK broadcaster ITV and leading distributor All3Media International, meaning no one is safe in the villages of Midsomer County… The celebratyed prime time detective series is a ratings hit around the world and this 4-episode commission will bring the number of episodes available to 148. […]

October 13, 2025

yes Studios to launch new comedy series at MIPCOM

Following the recent launches of several premium drama series, including action thriller Embassy Down and Sci-Fi YA title Wonder, yes Studios will arrive at MIPCOM this year with three additions to its growing catalogue of comedy series. Little F-cker and Canteen Commando are brand new titles for the market, while romantic comedy Bloody Murray returns […]

September 30, 2025

Viaplay acquires 20 titles from SkyShowTime

Viaplay Content Distribution, the international content sales division of Viaplay Group, has signed a deal with SkyShowtime granting Viaplay international distribution rights for a slate of titles from across Europe. The deal includes 20 dramas, thrillers, comedies, and documentaries. “We’re proud to be working with SkyShowtime to bring some of Europe’s most creative talent and […]

September 25, 2025

Finnish prodcos merge to form Whatever Pictures

Whatever Pictures has announced its launch following the merger of Finnish scripted independent production companies – Whatevergroup and Mutant Koala Pictures. The two Finnish scripted indies form a new scripted studio headquartered in Oulu. Whatever Pictures’ slate spans thrillers, mysteries, dramas, comedies and high-end documentaries, and it will aspire to collaborate with top-tier writers, directors, and creative […]

September 24, 2025