News

Cromwell’s gambit — the marriage of Henry VIII to Anne of Cleves — takes centre stage in this week’s Wolf Hall. Will this calculated union solidify Cromwell’s position, or will it be the misstep that topples him? Given Henry’s track record, the smart money’s probably on the latter. Let’s face it, the man goes through […]

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light Episode 5...

Rachel Shenton, Emily Atack and Joanne Whalley have been cast as the leads in upcoming U.K. psychological drama “The Rumour,” which depicts how small-town gossip can spiral out of control.

Based on Lesley Kara’s novel, the new five-part series sees Shenton play Joanna, a mother who moves to a quiet town with her young son looking for a fresh start. But she soon finds herself in an unsettling dynamic when she becomes entangled with a group of local mothers.

“When Joanna stumbles upon an online rumour about a child killer living in the town, she uses it to win over the mums at the school gate,” reads the logline. “As gossip spreads, suspicions build, and Joanna finds herself drawn into a web of secrets and paranoia. Balancing her efforts to protect her son with the growing unease in town, Joanna struggles to distinguish between truth and hearsay. With...

Exclusive: “For the first time in my career, I’m genuinely excited and enthusiastic about a work of mine…one that I own, and believe could work marvelously in a different medium…being adapted for the screen,” Watchmen author Alan Moore says in a rare quote about his new fantasy novel, The Great When, getting a TV adaptation. In a competitive bidding situation, Colin Callender’s production company Playground has landed the rights to the book by the famous graphic novelist, which was published Oct. 1 by Bloomsbury. The Great When is the first in Moore’s planned five-volume Long London series of epic fantasy novels that Playground plans to adapt into a tentpole, multi-season event series.

It is part of the company’s pivot from its early focus on TV movies and miniseries based on big IP like Wolf Hall and King Lear, designed to attract big stars like Anthony Hopkins and Mark Rylance,...

On Sunday 1 December 2024, BBC One broadcasts Wolf Hall!

The Mirror and the Light Season 2 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wolf Hall,” titled “The Mirror and the Light,” promises to be a pivotal moment in the series. Set against the backdrop of King Henry’s court, the episode explores a time of both hope and tragedy in England. With the king and Jane Seymour expecting a child, the atmosphere is filled with anticipation. For Henry, this child represents a chance for a legitimate heir, a dream he has long held.

The war in the north has come to an end, bringing a sense of calm to the kingdom. The return of Lady Mary to court adds another layer to the story, as she becomes a figure of interest amidst the shifting dynamics. England seems to be on the brink of a new era, with a cautious optimism in the...

The upcoming episode of “Wolf Hall,” titled “The Mirror and the Light,” promises to deliver a gripping blend of political intrigue and personal drama. Set to air on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 10:00 Pm on BBC One, this episode will delve into Thomas Cromwell’s latest strategic move. His efforts to secure an alliance through the marriage of Princess Anne of Cleves to King Henry VIII could reshape the balance of power in northern Europe.

As Cromwell navigates the complexities of court life, viewers will witness the tension that arises from political ambitions and personal desires. The stakes are high; if the alliance succeeds, it could lead to the formation of a Protestant superpower. However, there are whispers of doubt surrounding Cromwell’s luck. Is he truly the master of his fate, or is he on the brink of failure?

This episode is expected to explore the intricate relationships between characters,...

“Wolf Hall” continues its gripping storytelling with Season 2, Episode 4, titled “The Mirror and the Light.” Airing at 10:00 Pm on Sunday, 1 December 2024, on BBC One, this episode captures a pivotal moment in the reign of King Henry VIII as both hope and heartbreak shape the court of England.

As Henry and his third wife, Jane Seymour, eagerly await the birth of their child, the kingdom holds its breath for the arrival of a legitimate heir. For the first time, the king allows himself to dream of a stable future, bolstered by peace in the north and the return of Lady Mary to court. The joy reaches its peak in the autumn of 1538 when the long-awaited prince, Edward, is born. However, the celebrations are tragically cut short when Jane dies just twelve days after childbirth, plunging the court into mourning.

This episode beautifully balances the fragile hope of a new era...

On Sunday 24 November 2024, BBC One broadcasts Wolf Hall!

The Mirror and the Light Season 2 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wolf Hall,” titled “The Mirror and the Light,” promises to delve deep into the emotional turmoil of Thomas Cromwell. As he visits Shaftesbury Abbey, Cromwell’s confidence takes a serious hit. This visit leaves him questioning his past decisions and his sense of self. The memory of Cardinal Wolsey, who was once a guiding light for him, now feels distant and unhelpful.

Set against the backdrop of a dangerous autumn in 1536, the stakes are high in Henry’s court. A rebellion in the north, stirred by Reginald Pole, adds to the tension. Pole’s actions aim to pull England back under the influence of Rome, creating a volatile atmosphere that threatens Cromwell’s position and the stability of the realm.

As Cromwell grapples with his shaken beliefs and the growing unrest around him,...

This bundle will let you watch titles like ‘Outlander,’ ‘The Serpent Queen,’ ‘Downton Abbey,’ and more for only $25 per month.

Trying to find historical romances on cable can be a bit of an exhausting affair. These shows can be few and far between, and signing up for a pay-tv package that costs $80 per month or more to try and find them is an inefficient process, at best. On-demand streaming services are much better for fans who love historical romances and want to watch on their own schedule, and I’ve assembled a bundle of three services below that will bring you a great lineup of such titles for just $26 per month.

Best streaming bundle for watching historical romance

Prime Video

PBS Masterpiece

Starz

Prime Video

Amazon’s streaming service Prime Video is the first stop in this bundle. Its library has some really well-known historical series with a romantic bent,...

The Australian drama series The Artful Dodger will return for a second season on Hulu, it was announced today. The second season will be filmed in 2025 at the historic Callan Park in Sydney, Australia.

The eight-episode Season 2 stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Jack Dawkins, aka The Artful Dodger, David Thewlis as Fagin, and Maia Mitchell as Lady Belle Fox. They team up with a full ensemble of Australian and New Zealand cast members and several new faces in cameo roles.

Series co-creator James McNamara (The Outrageous True Story of Milky Moor) is leading the writing team, with Kate Mulvany, Dan Knight (Irreverent), and Miranda Tapsell also on board.

Ben Young and Gracie Otto serve as directors with Jeffrey Walker consulting.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 will pick up where the heart’s desires of Dodger, Fagin, and Lady Belle left off, promising more cunning thievery, snappy humor, life-and-death surgeries, and romance with a twist.

Wolf Hall‘s first season aired all the way back in 2015, and season 2, titled Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, has now officially returned to BBC One in 2024.

Due to the years between seasons, many actors unfortunately could not return for the new season 2 episodes, and we’re breaking down the biggest cast exits and recasts, plus, who was able to return.

Wolf Hall season 2 is airing each Sunday on BBC One and Wolf Hall season 1 is currently re-airing in the USA on PBS Masterpiece each Sunday as well.

Keep reading to see who is returning and who has been recast…...

On Sunday 17 November 2024, BBC One broadcasts Wolf Hall!

Season 2 Episode 2 Episode Summary

In the upcoming episode of “Wolf Hall” airing on BBC One, viewers will follow Thomas Cromwell as he navigates the dangerous and ever-shifting world of King Henry VIII’s court. Following the fall of Cardinal Wolsey, Cromwell, who once served as his secretary, finds himself thrust into a world of treachery and political intrigue. As Cromwell rises through the ranks, he becomes a trusted advisor to the King, a role that brings both power and peril.

This episode promises to delve deeper into the complex world of Tudor politics, where alliances can quickly shift and betrayal is always just around the corner. With Cromwell’s increasing influence at court, the stakes are higher than ever, and the risks of being in favor—or out of favor—are immense. “Wolf Hall” continues to offer a gripping portrayal of the...

In the shadowy world of Tudor politics, where fortunes rise and fall with the king’s whim, Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) continues his ascent in “Obedience,” the second episode of Wolf Hall’s second season. This installment finds Cromwell’s position as Henry VIII’s (Damian Lewis) advisor not just solidified but practically cemented, placing him squarely at the […]

Wolf Hall “Obedience”...

Which actor will play Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV series? (Photo Credit – Instagram)

Ever since HBO announced the Harry Potter television series, fans have been excited to know which actors will carry the films’ legacy forward. While Warner Bros. Television is looking for debutants to play the three young leads, the studio will likely hire established actors to play the adult characters.

As per reports, the studio has found the perfect actor to play Dumbledore in the show. The makers want to cast Mark Rylance as the fan-favorite headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Warner Bros. Television Eyeing Mark Rylance to Play Dumbledore in Harry Potter TV Series

Variety has reported that Mark Rylance, known for his role in the British show Wolf Hall, is the front-runner to play Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. While the actorhass yet to enter into negotiations with Warner Bros. Television, the...

Warner Bros. Discovery is hard at work prepping a new show about Harry Potter, a young boy who's whisked off to wizard school for seven straight books of drama and adventure. The new series would adapt the whole of J.K. Rowling's novels over the course of several seasons. Even now, Wbd is looking for kids aged 9-11 to play the three main characters: Harry, Ron and Hermione. For those of us who were around for the Harry Potter movies released between 2001 and 2011, it's a bit surreal. We're going again.

Those movies were famous for casting approximately every prominent British actor on the island to fill out the vast supporting cast, and it looks like the TV show will follow suit. According to Variety, Wbd is eying actor Mark Rylance to play the key role of Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and one of the...

Spoiler alert: We’re about to break down Season 4, Episode 7 of Superman & Lois. Haven’t watched? You’ve been warned.

Yes, Superman & Lois really just did that.

More from TVLineSuperman & Lois: Clark's Secret Struggle Takes Center Stage in Final Episodes (Exclusive Sneak Peek)Monday Ratings: Superman & Lois Hits Season HighsTVLine Items: CW Moves Wranglers Online, Wolf Hall Final Season Trailer and More

Monday’s episode, the seventh of 10 in The CW drama’s final season, ended with the Man of Steel doing something we’ve never seen him do on screen. During a live news broadcast, with the entire world watching,...

Mark Rylance is at the top of the casting wishlist for the new HBO “Harry Potter” adaptation, Variety has learned from sources familiar with the project.

Rylance, who is starring as Thomas Cromwell in the highly-anticipated BBC period drama “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light” (based on Hilary Mantel’s novel), is in the mix for Dumbledore, according to inside buzz.

Variety understands that Warner Bros. Television hasn’t yet entered into negotiations with the actor, but the studio has reached out to gauge interest and availability.

Reps for Rylance did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A rep for HBO told Variety: “We appreciate that such a high profile series will draw a lot of rumor and speculation. As we make our way through pre-production, we will only confirm details as we finalize deals.”

While the leads for the show – Harry, Hermione and Ron – will likely be newcomers,...

If it’s true that you’re only as sick as your secrets, Superman & Lois‘ titular crimefighter must be feeling pretty lousy right about now.

Fittingly titled “Regular Guy,” tonight’s episode (The CW, 8/7c) explores the weight of Clark’s hidden identity and the unintended consequences of leading a double life. It’s a complicated issue, one which Jonathan and Jordan fail to grasp in TVLine’s exclusive sneak peek.

More from TVLineMonday Ratings: Superman & Lois Hits Season HighsTVLine Items: CW Moves Wranglers Online, Wolf Hall Final Season Trailer and MoreSuperman & Lois: Michael Cudlitz Says Lex Is 'Completely...

TV fans have been waiting for almost ten years for Hilary Mantel’s amazing Tudor story to end, and “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light” is coming with great excitement. This last book picks up where the last one left off, delving deeply into the last four rough years of Thomas Cromwell’s life with stunning accuracy and dramatic energy.

The amazing creative team of screenwriter Peter Straughan and director Peter Kosminsky are back together for this series, which builds on the highly acclaimed 2015 adaptation that covered the first two books in Mantel’s trilogy. With Mark Rylance’s return as Thomas Cromwell, whose performance has been praised for its nuanced, almost telepathic understanding of the complicated historical figure, they continue to turn historical stories into television art.

The new show looks like it will be a masterpiece of historical drama, condensing Mantel’s last 900-page book into six carefully made hours.

On Sunday 10 November 2024, BBC One broadcasts Wolf Hall!

The Mirror and the Light Season 2 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Wolf Hall,” titled “The Mirror and the Light,” promises to be a gripping continuation of the historical drama. Set right after the tragic death of Anne Boleyn, the episode will explore the aftermath of this pivotal moment in English history. The scene opens with the grim image of the young queen’s blood washing away from the scaffold, a stark reminder of the dangers that come with power and ambition.

Thomas Cromwell, a central figure in the series, steps into the chaos left behind. He navigates through the wreckage of Anne’s downfall, ready to take on his role as principal councillor to King Henry VIII. Cromwell’s rise from humble beginnings in a blacksmith’s forge to becoming one of the most powerful politicians in England is a remarkable journey.

The producer of Disney+ hit Rivals previously told Deadline he encountered snobbery when he pitched the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel about sexual and professional antics among the posh country set.

Now, the producer of a lavish BBC period drama has said Rivals “is not a show I would make.”

Sir Colin Callender produced Wolf Hall, a big budget historical drama about King Henry VIII and his competing courtiers which returns this weekend for a second series after a ten-year break. He was speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild event in London when he questioned why something like Rivals would be made. The Times newspaper reports that Callender said of the show which has been a big hit for Disney and which features a game of naked tennis and many other frolics:

“The fact that something is successful is not necessarily the sole criteria by which I would...

After a considerable hiatus, Wolf Hall returns, picking up precisely where it left off: with the still-settling dust of Anne Boleyn’s execution. “Wreckage,” the second season premiere, finds Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance) at the zenith of his influence, but the foundation upon which his power rests is anything but stable. Having engineered the queen’s downfall, […]

Wolf Hall Season 2, Episode 1 “Wreckage” – Cromwell’s Reckoning...

The much-loved BBC program Wolf Hall is coming back with a new casting method that challenges the way history is usually shown. For the new season, the show’s producers have chosen to use colour-blind casting, a big change in how TV stories are told.

Director Peter Kosminsky stressed that the casting process was based on talent. “We selected the best actors who auditioned for the roles,” he said. As a result of this approach, some big casting changes have happened. For example, Egyptian-born actor Amir El-Masry replaced Jack Lowden as Thomas Wyatt. Sarah Priddy, of mixed British and African descent, played Lady Margery Seymour.

The choice has sparked both support and debate. Critics, such as writer Petronella Wyatt, have called the method “cultural appropriation.” “The world has changed since the first series,” said Colin Callender, the show’s executive producer, to justify the choice. We thought that hiring people...

Wolf Hall returns to British television after nearly a decade this weekend — and director Peter Kosminsky has revealed why the Tudor series has switched to a color-blind casting policy.

The critically lauded Hilary Mantel adaptation has cast Egyptian-born Amir El-Masry as Thomas Wyatt after he was played by Jack Lowden in Season 1, while Lady Margery Seymour is played by Sarah Priddy, who is from a mixed-heritage British-African family.

At a Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light screening, Kosminsky said: “There are a number of parts played by people of color and this is not something we did in the first series. I’m delighted we’ve been able to do it.”

He added: “We wanted the very best actors who are available for the show and we looked at everybody, and we chose the best actors who auditioned for the roles. And obviously, we aren’t playing lookalikes in the series.

“Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light” producer Colin Callender has blamed the influx of U.S. streamers for driving up the cost of drama production in the U.K., saying it has “caused us a real problem.”

“In the 10 years since we made the first show [“Wolf Hall”], the cost of producing drama in the U.K. has gone through the roof,” Callender said after a preview screening of the Hilary Mantel adaptation this week. “It’s increased exponentially. And ironically, in spite of all the talk about the inward investment from America being great for the industry, it’s caused us a real problem, because it’s meant that the streamers in particular are paying significantly more money for talent, locations and so on.”

“And so when you take the combination of inflation, cost of living, the extraordinary increase in rates that talent are being paid, in part because of the streamers,...

Max’s forthcoming medical drama The Pitt “is a completely different show from ER,” Warner Bros. Television said in a recent legal filing that contradicts claims made by the estate of ER creator Michael Crichton.

In August, Sherri Crichton, widow of Michael Crichton, filed a lawsuit against Noah Wyle, John Wells, R. Scott Gemmill and Warner Bros. Television for walking away from long-drawn-out negotiations to make a new version of ER — a concept that later morphed into Max medical drama The Pitt and does not credit Crichton as a creator.

More from TVLineNoah Wyle Reveals That an <em>ER</em> Revival Was...

This week's episode of the Pilot TV Podcast is a real diamond — or, to be more accurate, a real Crystal. That's right folks, legendary funnyman Billy Crystal is on the show chatting to our resident comedy expert James Dyer about Apple TV+ supernatural mystery series Before, which is... well, not a comedy. But they do chat about Friends, the evolution of sitcoms, and much more in an expansive chat [1:02:20 — approx]. And as if that weren't treat enough, we also have another couple of gems with us on the pod this week in the shape of Eddie Redmayne and Lashana Lynch, the stars of Sky's new adaptation of the Frederick Forsyth's 1971 'analogue spycraft' classic novel The Day Of The Jackal. They sat down with our very own international man of mystery Boyd Hilton to discuss the show, assassins' work-life balance, six packs, and, er, Strictly Come Dancing [21:00 — 35:12 approx].

Elsewhere, back in the podbooth James,...

The second and final season of Wolf Hall finally has a premiere date. Season one of the PBS series aired in 2015, and viewers will see season two, titled Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, air on the network in March.

Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis return as Thomas Cromwell and King Henry VIII for the new season, with Harriet Walter, Timothy Spall, and Harry Melling among those joining the cast.

Read More…...

“This Cultural Life” is set to air on BBC Four at 11:00 Pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024. This episode features Peter Kosminsky, a prominent figure in television drama known for his powerful storytelling. Kosminsky’s background as a current affairs journalist shines through in his work, as he tackles contemporary social and political issues.

Viewers will get a chance to explore Kosminsky’s notable projects, including “Warriors,” which delves into the experiences of British soldiers in Bosnia. The program also highlights “The Government Inspector,” which focuses on the tragic events surrounding the death of Dr. David Kelly. Another significant work, “The State,” examines the radicalization of British Islamists, showcasing Kosminsky’s ability to address complex themes with sensitivity and depth.

Additionally, Kosminsky’s acclaimed adaptations of Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” trilogy will be discussed, revealing his talent for bringing historical narratives to life. This episode promises to offer insights into...

The highly anticipated Season 2 of “Wolf Hall” kicks off with the gripping episode titled “The Mirror and the Light.” This new chapter begins in the immediate aftermath of Anne Boleyn’s tragic execution. The scene is set with the chilling image of her blood washing away from the scaffold, symbolizing the end of an era and the beginning of a new power struggle in the Tudor court.

Thomas Cromwell, played by a talented actor, steps into the spotlight as he navigates the chaos left in Anne’s wake. He is determined to solidify his role as the principal councillor to the unpredictable King Henry VIII. Cromwell’s journey from a humble blacksmith’s son to one of England’s most influential politicians is remarkable. The episode promises to delve into his cunning strategies and political maneuvers as he seeks to maintain stability in a tumultuous environment.

As Cromwell grapples with...

The CW has pulled The Wranglers from its Monday-night lineup and put the entire eight-episode season on The CW app and Cwtv.com.

The reality series about the lives of young staff members working at the Circle Bar Dude ranch in Montana debuted to 130,000 total viewers on Sept. 23, and averaged 160K over three airings —representing just 35% retention of Superman & Lois‘ audience.

More from TVLineThe Sex Lives of College Girls Releases Full Season 3 Trailer Ahead of November Premiere on MaxPresumed Innocent Season 2 to Feature Female Lead, Non-Scott Turow Book InspirationSuperman & Lois: Michael Cudlitz Says Lex Is 'Completely Broken' After Episode 5, Teases...

The Sex Lives of College Girls are wilder — and, frankly, furrier — than ever in the official trailer for the Max comedy’s third season.

The streamer announced on Wednesday that Season 3 will premiere Thursday, Nov. 21, with a new episode dropping weekly through Jan. 23. One change for the upcoming season? Episodes will roll out at 9/8c each week, rather than 3 am (as was the strategy for the first two seasons).

More from TVLineTVLine Items: CW Moves Wranglers Online, Wolf Hall Final Season Trailer and MoreParis & Nicole: The Encore Lands Peacock Release Date - Plus, Watch 'Hot' New TeaserBlack Doves Trailer: Keira Knightley...

The 2025 Oscars race for Best Adapted Screenplay has a new front-runner.

“Conclave,” the Edward Berger-directed film that’s written by Peter Straughan and based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris, now holds the #1 position to win the adapted screenplay contest at Gold Derby. The movie just opened in U.S. theaters on Friday, October 25. Note that our Oscar odds will continue to change as our Experts, Editors and Users keep making or updating their predictions.

The Focus Features drama stars Ralph Fiennes as Thomas Lawrence, a Cardinal who is tasked with overseeing the election of the late Pope’s successor. But he soon realizes that many of the candidates have personal scandals that could upend the church. Other cast members include Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini, John Lithgow as Cardinal Tremblay, Sergio Castellitto as Cardinal Tedesco, and Isabella Rossellini as Sister Agnes.

Straughan received an...

The Pope is dead. For years, his Holiness had helped to move the Catholic church toward modernity and serving its constituents in a manner befitting the 21st century. Now, however, “the throne of the Holy See is vacant,” and a group of high-ranking cardinals — some of whom called the figurehead a friend, others who bitterly fought him on every issue — must assemble in Rome and elect one of their own to fill that void. They will be sequestered and meet every day until a worthy soul (or at the very least,...

When “All Quiet on the Western Front” director Edward Berger first read Peter Straughan’s script for “Conclave,” his adaptation of the 2016 Robert Harris papal bestseller, it wasn’t the nasty cardinal intrigues and the luxurious Vatican settings that most appealed to him. It was the conflict inside the character of Cardinal Lawrence, the man in charge of running the elaborate process of picking a new pope. That’s also what lured in Ralph Fiennes, who could finally score his third Oscar nomination after his stellar early career performances in “Schindler’s List” and “The English Patient.”

“Conclave” marks a contrast from Berger’s intense German war movie “All Quiet on the Western Front” (Netflix), which nabbed three craft Oscar wins along with Best International Feature Film. You could call the English-language “Conclave” a crowdpleaser, having played well at Telluride and Toronto with an 80 Metascore, followed by audience awards at both Middleburg and Mill Valley.

Over the past 20 years, screenwriter Peter Straughan has become British cinema’s go-to guy for adaptations. That might sound like a back-handed compliment, but his protean talent makes it hard to pinpoint what exactly constitutes a typical project for the UK-based writer: is it Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), his masterly adaptation of John Le Carré’s classic Cold War spy thriller; is it Frank (2014), which stars Michael Fassbender as a struggling indie musician sporting a papier mâché head; or is it Our Brand Is Crisis, a satirical Sandra Bullock comedy based on a deadly serious political documentary?

Straughan is currently sailing into awards season with his take on Robert Harris’ 2016 bestseller Conclave, a darkly witty conspiracy drama starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini. Directed by Edward Berger, following hard on the heels of his award-winning drama All Quiet on the Western Front two years ago, it...

Today, BritBox shared a first-look image from the new adaptation of Elizabeth George’s New York Times best-selling Inspector Lynley crime novels, announcing the start of production on the four-part series, Lynley, from Colin Callender’s award-winning production company, Playground.

Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla) as Di Tommy Lynley and Sofia Barclay (Ted Lasso) as DS Barbara Havers star as the unconventional detective duo in the thrilling, sophisticated crime drama currently shooting in Ireland. The series will explore timely themes of gender, class, and ethics, all while under the pressure of seeking justice.

Photo courtesy of BritBox / Jonathan Hession – Playground TV

Tommy Lynley is a brilliant police detective but an outsider in the force – simply by virtue of his aristocratic upbringing. He is paired with Barbara Havers, a sergeant with a maverick attitude and a working-class background.

With seemingly nothing in common and against all odds, the mismatched duo of Lynley...

The BBC is to tell the story of The Other Bennet Sister, adapting a novel penned by former BBC Two Controller Janice Hadlow and produced by Bad Wolf.

The book tells the story of Mary Bennet – the seemingly unremarkable and overlooked middle sister in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Unlike her sisters, Mary isn’t your typical period drama heroine. She is awkward, anxious, preachy, full of facts, and overlooked by her mother. She is seemingly destined to an empty dance card for the rest of her life, until Mary takes matters into her own hands.

Hadlow’s book was published in 2020. She is a former BBC Two controller who commissioned the likes of Great British Bake Off, Line of Duty and Wolf Hall during her tenure.

The Other Bennet Sister will be penned by The Power co-creator Sarah Quintrell. Bad Wolf, which is currently seeing BBC-HBO hit...

Banijay Entertainment is offering an exclusive early look at its jam-packed Mipcom lineup, featuring plenty of crime dramas, historical epics, popular formats and non-fiction projects from Eva Longoria and Sarah Jessica Parker.

“Our dynamic line-up for this year’s Mipcom truly highlights the continued growth and global appeal of our catalog,” said Banijay Rights CEO Cathy Payne. “From riveting dramas such as ‘Bergerac’ and ‘Wolf Hall’ to high-end factual series like ‘Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain,’ we are eager to present a diverse and competitive slate that celebrates the power of storymaking and the outstanding talent behind our IP.”

Banijay Chief Content Officer, Development James Townley and Chief Content Officer, Operations Lucas Green added: “Our offering of distinctive and fresh formats coming from the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, U.K. and the U.S., underscores our commitment to creating popular IP like ‘Three Are The Champions,’ and evolving classic favorites like ‘By Land,...

Which PBS TV shows have been cancelled? How many episodes are there this season? Has a series already been renewed for next season? Below, you'll find a list of PBS' recent/current/upcoming scripted TV shows and their current status.

TV shows like All Creatures Great and Small, Call the Midwife, Endeavour, D.I. Ray, The Forsyte Saga, Grantchester, Marie Antoinette, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Moonflower Murders, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, Ridley, Tom Jones, Unforgotten, Vienna Blood, Wolf Hall, World on Fire, ...

A new iteration of one of the most beloved detectives in fiction is coming to PBS.

The public broadcaster has ordered Maigret, a series based on Georges Simenon’s novels about Jules Maigret, a chief inspector for the Paris police. Production on the series, which stars Benjamin Wainwright as the title character, has begun in Budapest; it will air under PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery! banner.

Simenon published more than 100 novels and short stories about Maigret, selling more books than any other detective series aside from Sherlock Holmes. The new Maigret series, produced by Playground (Wolf Hall, All Creatures Great and Small), is set in the present and will position the character as an unconventional young detective with something to prove, a rising star in the Police Judiciaire who is relentless in his investigations and has both an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he is chasing and...

The long-gestating TV adaptation of Georges Simenon’s Maigret has landed at PBS Masterpiece, with Belgravia: The Next Chapter’s Benjamin Wainwright and Stefanie Martini (Prime Suspect 1973) playing the eponymous leads.

From Colin Callender’s Wolf Hall producer Playground, the series follows the detective and his wife in Paris. Maigret is a rising star in the Police Judiciaire, relentless in his investigations, with an uncanny ability to get under the skin of the criminals he is chasing and a matchless knowledge of Paris and its inhabitants. Lead Wainwright played Lord Frederick Trenchard in MGM+ sequel series Belgravia: The Next Chapter, which followed on from Julian Fellowes’ original.

Patrick Harbinson is writing Maigret and the cast includes Blake Harrison, Reda Elazouar, Kerrie Hayes, Shaniqua Okwok and Rob Kazinsky, with Nathalie Armin set to play Prosecutor Mathilde Kernavel.

The Maigret books are the second best-selling detective series of all time behind Sherlock. Playground licensed them from Georges Simenon Limited and unveiled the development three years ago, at which point Red Arrow Studios International – which is no longer attached – was co-producing. Banijay Rights has since boarded and will sell globally.

The previous Maigret TV adaptation aired on ITV for two seasons from 2016, starring Rowan Atkinson.

Playground Joint MD David Stern said: “George Simenon’s creation of Jules Maigret holds a firm place in the pantheon of great literary detectives and we are incredibly grateful to our partners and John Simenon for their trust and support as we endeavor to bring a contemporary Maigret to a new, worldwide audience.”

Harbinson will direct the first two episodes of the Maigret series with Faye Gilbert directing 3 and 4, and David Evans taking 5 and 6. Susanne Simpson serves as the executive producer on behalf of Masterpiece the lead commissioning broadcaster, with John Simenon executive producing on behalf of Georges Simenon Limited. International distribution will be handled by Banijay Rights, the global sales arm of Banijay Entertainment.

Playground has been busy of late. The indie has completed the second in the Wolf Hall franchise, also for Masterpiece and the BBC, and is working on an Inspector Lynley Mysteries adaptation for BritBox International.

Casting director Robert Sterne has been with Netflix’s hit drama “The Crown” for all six seasons — and even though the show has concluded, he continues to be asked about acting opportunities. “I still get letters saying, ‘Please, can I be Meghan Markle?’” he says. “And I think, ‘Well, the moment’s gone.’”

While the acclaimed program just concluded, the journey began nine years ago for Sterne. “It started with us sitting around a table talking about it, and now here we are,” says the U.K.-based CD who worked closely with series creator Peter Morgan throughout. “We were discussing how it was going to work, the idea of casting it again every two years. I think it was better than using ever-increasing layers of makeup. It was, in many ways, an experiment.”

And it’s one that’s paid off; in its six seasons, “The Crown” has won...

‘Tinder Swindler’ Indie Builds Features Team

All3Media’s Raw, the company behind The Tinder Swindler, Three Identical Strangers and upcoming Amazon MGM Studios doc Crime 101, has hired Sam Gordon as producer/executive producer for its features team. Gordon is an experienced film and TV producer, with spells at Baby Cow, Calamity Films and BBC Films on his CV. Most recently, he was a development producer for Brouhaha Entertainment, where he worked on Firebrand and co-produced Karim Ainouz’s Motel Destino, which launched in Official Competition at Cannes this year. He also worked on Philomena and Stan & Ollie while at Baby Cow. At Raw, he’ll report into Cco Dimitri Doganis and CEO Joely Father, working with filmmakers Bart Layton and Tim Wardle, as well as Head of Scripted TV Sara Murray and other senior creative execs. Raw’s features to date have included American Animals, Three Identical Strangers, The Imposter,...

Banijay Rights, the global distribution arm of Banijay Entertainment, has closed a significant scripted package deal with Spain’s Movistar Plus+, the country’s leading pay TV and SVOD service.

The agreement, encompassing over 60 hours of drama content, includes several of Banijay Rights banner titles at the London TV Screenings this year. Among them are the BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning “Wolf Hall,” Steven Knight’s “This Town,” the upcoming “The Hardacres,” historical drama “Marie Antoinette,” BAFTA award-winning “The Sixth Commandment” and the coming-of-age series “My Mad Fat Diary.”

Upscale mass audience entertainment, the dramas carefully observed social context makes them a good fit for Movistar Plus+, whose auteur-driven original series enrolling often some of the best movie directors in Spain, aim to be part of Spain’s cultural conversation.

Marion Vergnaud, senior VP Iberia, Italy and Malta, Banijay Rights, who brokered the deal, said: “From the inner workings of the...

(L to R) Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Lawrence and Stanley Tucci as Cardinal Bellini in director Edward Berger’s Conclave, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features. © 2024 All Rights Reserved.

“The throne is vacant.”

Focus Features has debuted the first trailer for the upcoming drama Conclave.

From director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church. Written for the screen by Peter Straughan, Conclave is based on the 2016 book by Robert Harris.

“My Lady Jane” may be chock full of corsets but this is not your average bodice ripper. A feminist retelling of the life of Lady Jane Grey – famous for being on the throne for a mere nine days before she got the chop (literally) – the series stars Emily Bader as a kickass Jane who dreams of running away from her overbearing mother and forced marriage to write a compendium about medicinal herbs.

The show, which drops today on Prime Video and is based on the books of the same name, also contains plenty of cursing (not the magical kind), anachronisms and a sprinkle of romantasy (a sub-plot involves persecution of people who can turn into animals at will). So it’s not surprising that showrunners Gemma Burgess and Meredith Glynn took delight in peppering the show with both Tudor and pop culture references including, in no particular order, Mark Smeaton...

James Cameron has seldom been more vocal about his appreciation for an artist than when he was completely bowled over by Bernard Hill’s role in Titanic. For a director as esteemed as Cameron, there must be very few things that can still hold that effect on him, however, Titanic still manages to churn out such rare and treasured moments at a steady pace.

Bernard Hill as Captain Smith in Titanic [Credit: Paramount Pictures/20th Century Studios]

Despite playing only a minor role in the film, the subtlety of Bernard Hill’s powerhouse performance in the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio film held the capacity to move the director of the $2.26 billion romantic tragedy. As such, it was only right that Cameron expressed his gratitude and privilege after witnessing the understated actor’s process at work.

James Cameron Showers Bernard Hill With Timely Praise

With an undeniable screen presence and a commanding authority over his lines,...

Théoden, King of Rohan, is dead. British film and television actor, Bernard Hill, best known for portraying the ruler of Rohan in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the age of 79. No details have been provided, but it has been confirmed that he was in the company of his fiancée Alison and his son Gabriel. No official cause of death has been provided.

Bernard Hill had several memorable roles both on film and television, but younger audiences will probably best remember him for his role in The Lord of the Rings, but also for portraying Captain Edward J. Smith in James Cameron’s Titanic, which also earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.

Bernard Hill was born in Manchester in 1944. He attended the Xaverian College, and then Manchester Polytechnic School of Drama at the same time as Richard Griffiths, another...

Bernard Hill, the actor whose memorable tones and rugged visage brought to life a variety of fantastic performances, has died. He was 79.

Born in Manchester in 1944, Hill quickly gravitated towards stage work before taking the chance to make the jump to film and TV. Yet his early career was marked by few standout roles, mostly relegated to brief appearances on the likes of I, Claudius and the BBC's Tom Stoppard adaptation Professional Foul.

Still, he found one of the first parts that would define his career in Alan Bleasdale's The Black Stuff, a one-off TV play in 1980 that the writer would expand into classic comedy drama Boys From The Blackstuff. Hill scored a BAFTA nomination for his performance as the tragic, yet dimly self-aware Yosser.

Other TV work included Dennis Potter adaptation Lipstick On Your Collar, a huge swathe of Shakespeare adaptations including Wolf Hall, disability drama Skallagrigg,...

A sad day for all Lord of the Rings fans – actor Bernard Hill has passed away at the age of 79 as confirmed by his agent Lou Coulson. The veteran actor died in the early morning of May 5th, as relayed to BBC.

Bernard Hill in Lord of the Rings

Hill is best known for his works on Titanic and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, where he played Captain Edward Smith and King Théoden, respectively. He rose to stardom when he starred in the BBC TV drama Boys from the Blackstuff.

Bernard Hill Loved Working On Lord Of The Rings And Shared Advice For Future Directors

Bernard Hill’s family is yet to release a statement regarding the actor’s death. He was scheduled to attend Liverpool Comic-Con this week, but the event confirmed he won’t be making an appearance anymore after they issued a message on Twitter:...