ITV Studios is making a significant impact at the 2025 London TV Screenings with one of its largest collections of shows in recent years, particularly in terms of formats, and one of the most substantial lineups among all companies showcasing in London this week.
On February 26, the exclusive event at Odeon Leicester Square is set to unveil a dozen fresh dramas, as well as the return of 26 seasons for existing shows, 27 non-scripted titles, and 10 new formats. This impressive lineup showcases highly anticipated series from some of the U.K.’s leading production companies such as Sister Pictures (“Chernobyl,” “Eric”), Quay Street Productions (“Fool Me Once,” “Nolly”), Mammoth Screen (“Poldark,” “Murder is Easy”), Lifted Entertainment (“Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway”) and Plimsoll Productions (“A Year on Planet Earth,” “A Real Bug’s Life”).
Sister Pictures isn’t part of the ITV Studios group, but other companies within the family are. This speaks volumes about our recent efforts to collaborate with top-tier talent,” expressed Ruth Berry, head of global distribution at ITV Studios.
At the London Screenings, one of the leading titles is “Cold Water,” featuring the return of Andrew Lincoln from “The Walking Dead” on British TV after a 15-year absence. This series is produced by Sister Pictures, a multi-award winning studio, and written by playwright David Ireland who describes it as a “darkly humorous and twisted thriller.
A standout performance: “The Hack, penned by esteemed British screenwriter Jack Thorne.” This gripping tale is based on true events, featuring David Tennant as journalist Nick Davies and Robert Carlyle as Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Cook. Over the years 2002-12, they investigate the hacking scandal at News of the World and the unresolved murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan. The two investigations eventually intertwine.
ITV Studios is set to debut two new productions: “The Guest,” a series from Nicola Schindler’s Quay Street Productions, and the crime drama “Code of Silence,” produced by Mammoth Screen.
As a cinephile, I’m genuinely thrilled about the upcoming six-part series, “Extreme Planet Earth,” airing on ITV. Billed as heartfelt, dramatic, and inspiring, this global event docu-series promises to be ITV’s grandest non-fiction production yet. Filmed over three years, it showcases the resilience of nature, focusing on heroic animals that are battling and adapting to new extreme weather conditions. The series is produced by Plimsoll Productions in collaboration with Germany’s ARD, making it a truly global production worth watching.
In formats, the lead offering from ITV Studios is a hidden camera reality game show titled “Celebrity Sabotage,” produced by Lifted Ent. The show features contestants who think they’re participating in a regular game show, only to find themselves being secretly sabotaged by famous personalities for added entertainment.
Among market trends for Berry:
Scale and Breadth of Offer Matters
Indeed, this represents merely a fragment of ITV’s extensive portfolio. As Berry emphasized in his discussions with EbMaster prior to their macro showcase, magnitude plays a crucial role.
In other words, it’s essential to have a sense of perspective because market preferences are changing. For instance, five years ago, there was primarily an emphasis on dramas for females aged 55 and older. However, recently, there has been a growing interest in discussions about content that appeals to people under 55, particularly material with a multigenerational focus and a younger audience, both male and female. This represents a significant shift, according to Berry.
‘The Voice’ remains the most popular global format due to its universal appeal, catering to all audiences. On the other hand, ‘Love Island’ has a significant draw among the youth and manages to attract a sizeable number of older viewers as well.
Berry mentioned that while “Cold Water” and “The Hack” will primarily attract an older demographic, their scope has been expanded to cater to a larger, more diverse audience, making them appealing to a broader range of people.
Market Realism
ITV Studios’ lineup demonstrates a keen awareness and practicality, mirroring the trends observed at this year’s London TV Showcase.
In the year 2024, it’s predicted that crime thrillers will make up a quarter (25%) of all global scripted orders and almost four-tenths (40%) of streaming commission orders from the top six global streamers during the second half of 2024, as suggested by Ampere Analysis.
Several of its prominent dramas, such as “Cold Water,” “The Hack,” “The Guest,” and “Code of Silence,” can be categorized as crime thrillers. However, “The Hack” is a true-crime thriller, while “Cold Water” and “The Guest” are psychological thrillers that delve into character development, and “Code of Silence” stands out due to its protagonist’s unique abilities.
Berry pointed out that the terms ‘crime drama’ and ‘thriller’ are quite broad labels, encompassing various dramas that resonate differently with diverse audiences.
And Stars Matter Too
A common thread in numerous ITV Studios productions is their strong cast members. This is particularly evident in their dramatic series, where over half of their most popular formats incorporate famous personalities.
Berry stated, “Our clients consistently request high-profile recognition for our talent. It’s crucial that they possess outstanding abilities, as this significantly enhances our factual programming formats. We require elements that can make a show stand out and rise above others in the schedule. This applies to all genres of programming, with a particular emphasis on drama.
Non-Scripted Must-Haves
As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that ITV Studios is set to reveal two captivating gems from the London Screenings’ rich trove of natural history productions. Both “Extreme Planet Earth” and “my personal favorite, ‘Secret Garden,’” are extraordinary in their grand production values, intriguing ideas, and resonance with viewers like us.
On “Extreme Planet Earth”, we witness the resilience of wildlife as they adapt to combat the effects of climate change. One fascinating example showcases a rapid evolution process within a single generation, according to Berry’s observations.
New evolutionary characteristics are being discovered in various animals, such as a Caribbean lizard which has adapted to develop longer fingers for grasping onto vegetation during strong winds within just one generation. This remarkable adaptation mirrors the theory of natural selection proposed by Charles Darwin, as vividly demonstrated on ‘Extreme Planet Earth’,” Berry explained.
As a movie reviewer, I am always thrilled to be part of the process that introduces fresh narratives to audiences worldwide. Our work not only offers captivating entertainment but also serves an educational purpose. However, it’s the moments when we delve into topics like natural history or pressing issues that truly underscore the significance of our role. Last year’s “Mr. Bates vs the Post Office” was a powerful illustration of this, and this year, “The Hack” continues to uphold that standard.
Below we drill down on on ITV Studios’ plans for the London TV Screenings.
TOP DRAMA PLAYS
“Cold Water”
In the newest production by Sister Pictures, Andrew Lincoln, known for his roles in “Love Actually” and Rock Grimes in “The Walking Dead,” portrays John, a man struggling with his repressed anger over his comfortable yet suffocating home life. In an attempt to escape this, he moves his family to the seemingly peaceful town of Coldwater. There, John forms a friendship with Tommy, who appears to be a respected member of the community. However, when John’s anger erupts, Tommy steps in to help, creating a bond between them that John is unaware leaves him indebted to Tommy. What John doesn’t know is that Tommy harbors dark and terrifying secrets. This could make for an intensely suspenseful psychological thriller centered around misunderstandings about masculinity and a friendship from hell.
“The Hack”
Jack Thorne, the mastermind behind the groundbreaking “Skins” series and collaborator with Shane Meadows on the critically acclaimed “This is England” series and “The Virtues,” presents “A Real Life Crime Investigation.” This gripping drama, featuring David Tennant, Robert Carlyle, and Toby Jones, is jointly produced by ITV Studios and Stan Australia. The production companies involved include Anonymous Content’s London-based AC Chapter One and One Shoe Films. “Jack Thorne has a unique writing style that shines through in this project,” commented Berry during the Screenings.
“The Guest”
In “The Guest,” actresses Eve Myles (“Keeping Faith”) and Gabrielle Crevy (“In My Skin”) take on leading roles. This series, created by Matthew Barry who is also known for his work on BBC’s “Men Up” produced by Russell Davies, hails from Quay Street. The show is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. In the story, a prosperous business owner named Fran takes her cleaner Ria under her wing, encouraging her to take charge of her own life. However, this well-intentioned advice sparks a shockingly revealing incident and sets off a game of cat and mouse that is full of manipulation. The series poses the question: Who is manipulating whom? Barry, the creator, described it as a crime thriller with numerous unexpected twists and turns, focusing on the complex relationship between these two women.
“Code of Silence”
In a unique turn of events, hearing-impaired catering employee Alison gets drawn into overhearing secretive talks among a band of potentially harmful felons. However, she unexpectedly finds herself developing feelings for one of the suspects in this gritty drama series titled “EastEnders”, starring Rose Ayling-Ellis in the lead role. Mammoth Screen is responsible for its production, airing on both ITV and BritBox North America.
NON-SCRIPTED
“Extreme Planet Earth,”
A Three-Year Journey from Plimsoll Productions: A Premium Natural History Survival Drama”
Description: This gripping series showcases the bravery, adaptability, and tenacity of wildlife as they confront harsh weather conditions. From wombats battling fires in Australia to Caribbean flamingos facing the earliest Category 5 hurricane ever recorded in Mexico, this series highlights their incredible stories of survival. ITV states that this is a timely and crucial natural history series, given our current climate challenges. The production has sparked keen interest from partners around the globe, eagerly awaiting its developments.
“Ages of Ice”
Modern-day researchers delve into the harsh polar landscapes worldwide to investigate how shifting ice impacts every corner of our planet and its wildlife. This three-part documentary series is brought to us by Northern Pictures, a five-time Primetime Emmy Award winner recognized for “Love on the Spectrum U.S.”, co-produced for broadcast on Australia’s ABC and U.S. PBS networks.
“Secret Garden”
Following the phenomenal success of “Wild Isles,” another remarkable production by Plimsoll Productions is set to air in 2023, becoming the U.K.’s top-rated factual series. Entitled “Secret Garden,” this captivating series delves into the diverse wildlife that thrives in garden environments across the country, from Scotland’s wilderness to bustling cities. Moreover, it educates viewers on how they can contribute to aiding local wildlife. Broadcasted on BBC and Arte, a French-German public broadcasting network, reflecting its global reach.
“Ashley Cain: Into the Danger Zone”
As a former soccer player, I delve into perilous territories, from drug-ridden neighborhoods in Marseille to the treacherous landscapes of South Africa, where I study the intense male cultures that thrive there. The question is: having walked a mile in their shoes, can I truly grasp their choices and motivations? This thought-provoking series has been brought to you by ITV Studios and True North for BBC broadcast.
FORMATS
“Celebrity Sabotage”
As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate the masterful work of Lifted Ent, the brilliant minds behind hit shows like “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” and “The Voice U.K.” Their latest creation, “Celebrity Sabotage,” is a delightful twist on reality TV where celebrities play pranks on unsuspecting contestants, who believe they’re participating in a regular gameshow. The more successfully the celebrities sabotage the contestants’ missions, the larger the prize money becomes. It’s filled with laughter and excitement, exactly what we all need to inject some fun into our lives, as expressed by Berry.
“Twin Love”
A unique social experiment called “Twin Love Reality Show” pits 10 identical twin pairs against each other in a dating competition, with each set living separately without communication in houses that look alike. The aim is to discover if twins will be attracted to the same partner sets and if they prioritize romantic relationships over their sibling connections. This concept was developed by ITV Studios Netherlands, produced by ITV America’s ITV Entertainment, and premiered on Amazon Prime Video in November 2023.
In this exciting series by ITV Studios, famous individuals who fear the ocean are invited to encounter sharks in their natural habitat – the Bahamas, known as the world’s shark capital. The climax features encounters with massive six-meter long tiger sharks. This thrilling show is yet another production by Plimsoll.
“Bullseye”
A popular TV game show with a darts theme has seen a significant surge in viewership following its recent revival in the U.K., drawing an impressive 7 million viewers. The contestants are divided into three pairs, consisting of an enthusiastic dart player (the ‘thrower’) and their knowledgeable partner (the ‘knower’). They engage in various darts challenges on different boards while answering trivia questions. As Berry notes, “There’s a renewed interest in darts. It’s an excellent moment to capitalize on this trend, and there’s widespread international curiosity.
“Eve of Destruction”
I am part of the creative team behind an intriguing and unique talk show produced by ITV Studios Australia for our national ABC network. The show is based around a singular, thought-provoking question: If your house was about to be destroyed by a wrecking ball, a rogue UFO, or a meteor, what two items would you save? This question serves as the foundation for insightful and engaging conversations with well-known personalities.
“Date My Nan”
Stylists revamp an elderly woman’s appearance with new hairstyles and makeup, preparing her for a blind date. The intention behind this makeover is primarily aimed at alleviating loneliness, encouraging socialization among the older generation, and boosting their self-confidence in social situations, as explained by Berry.
“Dating Pool”
A brief, high-speed dating series – each episode lasting only 15 minutes – features single individuals sharing a taxi ride with three potential romantic partners, guided by a famous driver who facilitates conversation. This production is the work of Renaissance Studios and airs on Channel 4. Berry expressed appreciation for this innovative idea, stating it caters well to younger demographics, which many of our clients are seeking.
“Greenhouse,”
Eight young individuals who have harmed the environment are given a week to stay at an off-grid facility in an engaging show that combines reality, competition, and the future of our planet, as stated by ITS Studios. This innovative format is being created for Welsh broadcaster S4C by Little Bird Films based in Cardiff.
“Through the Keyhole”
In this setup, a television presenter gives a tour of a famous person’s residence, providing curious tidbits and possibly deceiving hints about the owner, while in a separate studio, three celebrities try to identify the mystery homeowner based on these clues.
Read More
- INJ PREDICTION. INJ cryptocurrency
- SPELL PREDICTION. SPELL cryptocurrency
- How To Travel Between Maps In Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- LDO PREDICTION. LDO cryptocurrency
- The Hilarious Truth Behind FIFA’s ‘Fake’ Pack Luck: Zwe’s Epic Journey
- How to Craft Reforged Radzig Kobyla’s Sword in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- How to find the Medicine Book and cure Thomas in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
- Destiny 2: Countdown to Episode Heresy’s End & Community Reactions
- Deep Rock Galactic: Painful Missions That Will Test Your Skills
- When will Sonic the Hedgehog 3 be on Paramount Plus?
2025-02-25 10:25