Category: HIT & MISS
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.
Daniels’ Star risks implosion
Star, Lee Daniels’ follow-up to Empire, has got off to a shaky start – with critics mostly giving the show the thumbs down. But there was good news this week for French drama Baron Noir.
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.
Missing accomplished
Season two of The Missing has proved a worthy successor to its acclaimed forerunner on BBC1, while Showtime is in need of a new hit of its own. Andy Fry reports.
Networks seek feel-good dramas
While crime dramas still dominate TV schedules around the world, there’s a groundswell of opinion that it’s time for leading networks to commission a few more upbeat, uplifting series, reports Andy Fry.
Classic sci-fi novels – TV’s new frontier
News that Robert Heinlein’s iconic book Stranger in a Strange Land is to be adapted for TV signals a growing interest in the potential for adapting classic science-fiction novels.
Warner’s DC Comics enjoys boom
Warner Bros’ iconic DC Comics division has proven a valuable source of scripted TV ideas. This week, we explore the extent of DC’s influence in the free-to-air and cable schedules.
Scripted series battle to get noticed
It’s increasingly tough for dramas to gain attention – even if they are great shows. Slow starts for Humans and The Young Pope mean word of mouth and catch-up viewing will be important. Also, finalists for the C21 Drama Awards have been revealed.
Netflix makes solid start with ‘world drama’
Netflix is best-known for its US-originated scripted series. But new funding will allow it to ramp up its investment in dramas from other parts of the world. Here we look at its efforts so far.
Buyers stick to the scripted in Mipcom
Titles like Victoria, Timeless and Midnight Sun did good business at Mipcom, but there were also interesting format deals involving Japan, Ukraine and Argentina.
Lethal Weapon, Westworld start strongly
As content buyers and sellers head for Mipcom, Fox will be pleased with the performance of its movie reboot Lethal Weapon, while HBO’s Westworld and FX’s American Horror Story also shine.
Women who walk the global stage
Gillian Anderson is back in business this week with BBC drama The Fall. To celebrate the return of DSI Stella Gibson, we take a look at TV actresses with international audience appeal.
Turkish TV drama shows resilience
Despite Turkey’s current difficulties, the country’s TV drama continues to be in demand. A deal between Eccho Rights and Ay Yapim is the highlight in the run-up to Mipcom 2016.
US network shows prepare for lift-off
The autumn season has just started in the US – which means TV executives around the world will be watching with interest to see which new dramas live up to their pre-launch hype. This week, we look at some of the network shows that are buzzing.
No losers as BBC’s rebel battles ITV’s royal
In the UK, ITV and the BBC can be well satisfied with the performance of their respective autumn dramas, Victoria and Poldark. Elsewhere, there are promising signs for Sky Atlantic, Canal+ and HBO copro The Young Pope and FX hip-hop comedy Atlanta.
Mipcom’s mega screening session
The TV biz is taking a leaf out of the film industry’s book by increasing the number of new-product screenings it hosts. Key beneficiaries of this trend include MipTV and Mipcom, which have bagged several big premieres.
Disney’s Marvel-lous investment
When Walt Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009, there were a few raised eyebrows over the US$4bn purchase price. But, six years on, most analysts agree the deal was a steal.
Scripted TV’s sporting chance?
The scripted TV business has never really enjoyed much success with sporting subject matter. But maybe shows like Ballers, Kingdom and Rivals Forever signal a new wave of opportunity.
Channel 4 cooks up first Hebrew drama
Israeli drama The Baker and the Beauty continues strong showing for Hebrew-language shows, but a new version of Conrad’s The Secret Agent proves too bleak for BBC1’s Sunday night audience.
NZ public funding supports Kiwi voices
New Zealand funding agency NZ On Air is investing around US$25m a year in local drama. Andy Fry examines some of the high-profile shows that have benefited.