Factual dramas are a staple of the scripted television landscape and can often be relied upon to bring in big ratings. DQ explores how these series are developed and brought to air, with contributions from the writers behind Waco and Kiri.
All posts by Andy Fry
Telling the truth
Wonder women
A host of female characters are rewriting the rules for women on television. DQ explores how they are being brought to the small screen to front series ranging from contemporary crime dramas and thrillers to period and historical series.
¡Viva España!
Without much noise or fanfare, Spain has been steadily building a reputation as one of the hottest producers of scripted drama, with homegrown series finding fans around the world. DQ takes an in-depth look at the wave of new series coming out of the country.
Down with the kids
While some say young people are no longer watching TV, the global success of series like Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars has turned that theory on its head. DQ explores how series are driving youth audiences back to the box.
Converging on Cannes
The great and good of the television industry are once again packing their bags for another week in the south of France. DQ previews some of the drama series set to break out at Mipcom 2017.
From Russia with love
The Cold War has proven to be a popular subject for TV drama in the past couple of years. Russian series Optimisty (The Optimists), created by Michael Idov, continues that trend.
Under the influence
As Twin Peaks returns to television after a 26-year absence, DQ explores the wide-reaching impact the series had on the shows and creatives that came after it.
There will be blood
Violence and sex have become common features of TV drama – but are these often graphic depictions key to the success of a show?
The Cannes selection
Andy Fry casts his eye over this year’s selection for the MipTV Drama Screenings and finds an eclectic mix vying for the awards on offer.
Novela titans at Natpe
From romance and comedy to politics and crime, the Latin drama line-up at Natpe 2017 looks as entertaining as ever. DQ examines some of the new titles being showcased at the Miami event.
Happy endings
Where once flagging TV series would have been quickly axed, now they are getting more time to establish themselves. Are TV bosses getting sentimental or are other forces at play?
Fan power
Events such as Comic-Con and social media have unleashed a new breed of super-fan – but how are TV shows utilising this new audience, and what influence do they have on the shows they love?
A global tour of 2016’s best new dramas
2016 was another superb year for the scripted TV business. So for our last column of the year, we look back at some of the best new shows that broke into the market during this calendar year.
Sister’s doing it for itself
UK indie producer Sister Pictures, which is adapting Naomi Alderman’s The Power for TV, is giving centre stage to distinctive female characters and writers. Meanwhile, Julia Roberts has signed up for an adaptation of a novel by Maria Semple.
Sky Deutschland bets big on original drama
Sky Deutschland’s latest scripted commission, Eight Days, is part of a heavyweight investment in original drama designed to combat competition from Netflix and Amazon.
Daniels’ Star risks implosion
Lee Daniels has made a strong impression with Empire, the music industry show that has been rating so well on Fox in the US. But it looks like he is going to have a tougher time with his follow-up drama Star, which debuted on the same network on Wednesday. The series follows three young women trying to break into the music scene. Star (played by Jude Demorest) has spent most of her life in foster care following her mother’s death from a drug overdose. She forms a girl group with Alexandra (Ryan Destiny), an aspiring singer who (unknown to Star) is the daughter of a wealthy rock musician; and her 16-year-old sister, Simone (Brittany O’Grady), who she has not seen in five years. At time of writing, the audience figures aren’t in but an IMDb score of 6.8 doesn’t augur well. Nor do the reviews, with critics quick to pan the series. The Chicago Tribune, for example, complained about the show’s “stilted dialogue” and “sloppy narrative,” while the New York Times said Star was “all over the place.” According to the NYT, “Empire’s first season set a standard for narrative drive and engaging storytelling that Star doesn’t approach in its initial three episodes. What Star doesn’t have is a Cookie – a Taraji P. Henson to light a fire that would draw your attention away from the tackiness of the show. It needs a star.” It’s early days, of course, but it looks like Daniels will need a rapid turnaround in … Continue reading Daniels’ Star risks implosion
Westworld and The Crown head Golden Globe noms
The nominations for the 2017 Golden Globes Awards were unveiled this week. As always, Game of Thrones will be the TV show to beat, but there are some strong contenders…
China opens up to outside influences
China seems more receptive than ever to foreign drama – both acquisitions and coproductions. Also, Sky1 and Cinemax announce plans for a new series of action-adventure drama Strike Back.
Reign ends but royalty remains
The CW has signalled the end of its Mary Queen of Scots drama Reign – however, the TV industry’s interest in royal subject shows no sign of easing off. This week we look at some of the big franchises to have emerged in recent years.
Discovery draws up its Manifesto
2017 looks set to be another exciting year for drama, with Discovery’s Manifesto and BBC/FX’s Taboo coming through, written by Andrew Sodroski and Steven Knight respectively.