ITV Sells ‘Ludwig,’ Brings Back ‘Malpractice’ and Finds a New Unscripted Partner in China – London TV Screenings/MIP London Briefs

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ITV’s Big London TV Screenings

Big Talk Studios’ detective comedy “Ludwig,” a massive hit that drew over 9.5 million viewers to BBC in 2024, is set to air in 85 countries worldwide. Produced in partnership with That Mitchell and Webb Company, this show was the BBC’s top new scripted program of the year. Major broadcasters like ZDF (Germany), SVT (Sweden) and BBC First (Africa) have acquired the rights to air it. In the Asia Pacific region, the premiere is scheduled for Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other territories. The U.S. and Canada will see its debut on BritBox on March 20 with season one.

ITV Studios and Zhejiang Media Group are joining forces to create and produce unscripted content for both local and international audiences. Leveraging Zhejiang’s strengths in producing high-end non-scripted shows and ITV’s global success with series like “The Voice” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” they aim to generate innovative formats. Their first project, titled “Go! Fishing!,” will be unveiled soon. Both companies are eager to cater to the growing demand for fresh, culturally diverse content worldwide. The partnership was orchestrated by Augustus Dulgaro and Zoe Tsui from ITV, with a planned launch of their co-developed ideas set for 2025.

ITV’s hit drama “Malpractice” returns for its highly anticipated second series in Spring 2025. The thriller, created by former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah, sees the return of Helen Behan and Jordan Kouamé as Dr. Norma Callahan and Dr. George Adjei, who investigate a doctor accused of malpractice. Joining the cast are Tom Hughes, Selin Hizli and Zoë Telford. The show follows Dr. James Ford (Hughes), whose tragic mistake sparks an investigation by the Medical Investigation Unit. Produced by World Productions, “Malpractice” has sold to over 70 countries.

ITV1’s “TikTok: Murder Under the Spotlight” resumes for its second season in 2025, after a successful run in 2024. This documentary revisits heartbreaking teenage murders that made headlines worldwide, such as those of British footballer Charlie Cosser and American cheerleader Tristyn Bailey. The show investigates the emotional reactions from the families of the victims and social media users, emphasizing TikTok’s role in these incidents. Additionally, the series features victim families who have transformed their grief into activism to prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.

“The Traitors” Goes Global

International media company, All3Media, has shared that the show “The Traitors” has been given the green light in 30 different regions. New agreements have been struck in Ukraine and Mongolia. This psychological reality competition, initially created by IDTV, has sparked over 35 local adaptations worldwide, boasting successful debuts across Europe, North America, and Asia. In Ukraine, Sweet TV will be responsible for creating the Ukrainian adaptation, while in Mongolia, Hulegu Distribution will broadcast the format on EduTV, Univision, and LookTv.

Ever since its premiere in 2021, the show ‘The Traitors’ has been aired in more than 50 countries. This includes adaptations for the U.K., U.S., Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Furthermore, this popular series has garnered numerous accolades such as Emmy and BAFTA awards, and is growing its licensing ventures by developing games, books, and live events.

BBC’s New Partnership

BBC Studios is collaborating with China’s Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd to jointly produce and distribute a 3D giant screen version of the highly-regarded “Asia” nature documentary series, titled “Wildlife at the Extremes” (working title).

The initial “Asia” series showcased awe-inspiring wildlife footage from Asia’s most challenging terrains, ranging from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. The upcoming remake promises an immersive 3D journey, featuring Asia’s breathtaking landscapes and rare species like red pandas and sea otters. The movie will be accessible in various formats including a 40-minute IMAX, CINITY, and giant screen version, as well as a 20-minute Dome version. BBC Studios will handle global distribution of the film through SK Films.

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2025-02-26 17:19