ITV Studios, a powerhouse in global television production and distribution, is poised to captivate international audiences with an ambitious and diverse programming slate, meticulously curated for its highly anticipated London TV Screenings. Dubbed "ITV Studios Festivals," this prestigious event on February 25 at the iconic Odeon Leicester Square will showcase an impressive array of new and returning series, signaling the company’s commitment to delivering compelling, high-quality entertainment across genres. With 750 international buyers expected to attend, the event serves as a critical platform for shaping the global television landscape, highlighting content designed to resonate with diverse demographics and distribution channels.
Tom Clark, Executive VP Global Sales and Commercial Strategy at ITV Studios, articulated the strategic vision behind the extensive offering, emphasizing the company’s dedication to maintaining an "eclectic international offering for a global market." He underscored the sheer "scale and breadth of the slate," which includes everything from "contemporary relationship drama to cat-and-mouse crime to action thriller," alongside innovative "new survival formats, glossy reality and cooking, and plenty in the natural history and non-scripted space." This broad appeal is intentionally crafted to cater to a universal appetite for engaging storytelling, ensuring that the content is "travelable" and attractive to both traditional broadcasters and modern streaming platforms. Clark proudly stated, "We are, to all intents and purposes, agnostic. Our job is to find the best homes for the best content."
The unveiled slate is a testament to the collaborative strength of ITV Studios’ in-house production companies, such as the critically acclaimed World Productions, Mammoth Screen, Plimsoll Productions, Ben Stephenson’s burgeoning Poison Pen Studios, and Russell T. Davies’ Quay Street Productions. Bolstering this internal talent, the company has also embraced collaborations with third-party producers like Various Artists and Helium Pictures, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of creative excellence. Clark highlighted the overarching theme of the new collection: "We have a slate which is rich with escapism and rich with entertainment. It’s all about being thrilling but also fun," aiming for a broad, cross-generational appeal. The star power attached to these productions is equally impressive, with a roster including Dominic Cooper, Romola Garai, Mia Wasikowska, Alan Cumming, Abbie Cornish, Dougray Scott, and Luke Evans, promising performances that will elevate each narrative.
Innovative Formats Set to Redefine Reality Television
Among the six new formats introduced, three stand out for their fresh take on reality television, blending competition with compelling human dynamics.
Leading the charge is The Neighbourhood, a highly anticipated reality show hosted by the BAFTA award-winning Graham Norton. Produced by Lifted Entertainment and The Garden – the creative forces behind global hits like I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Love Island, and Squid Game: The Challenge – this format is already generating significant buzz. Clark described it as a "super fun reality format" where six households move into a charming, purpose-built community. Here, they engage in a relentless, 24/7 competition for a life-changing cash prize. Success hinges not only on winning challenges but also on maintaining popularity, as unpopular households face the immediate disadvantage of a removal van whisking them away. This concept promises "big entertainment right on the doorstep," offering instantly relatable scenarios of community, competition, and survival, all amplified by Norton’s signature wit and charm in the U.K. version.
Next up is The Heat, a vibrant reality format produced by Twofour, which launched on ITV2 on February 24. Set in a real, bustling restaurant in sun-drenched Barcelona, the show brings together a group of young, ambitious chefs. Under the watchful eye of a world-class Michelin chef, they battle it out in the kitchen during the day, striving for culinary excellence. However, the unique twist lies in their communal living arrangements at night, where "they’re working hard and they’re partying hard." This creates a fertile ground for "romances, rivalries, flirtations, and fallouts" that inevitably spill over into the high-pressure kitchen environment. Hosted by Olivia Attwood, with culinary legend Jean-Christophe Novelli as the resident boss in the U.K. version, The Heat is positioned as a "high-end cooking and dating show" that is both aspirational and escapist, garnering early interest from Europe and the Americas.
For those drawn to the extremes of human endurance, Apocalypse offers a bold social experiment produced by The Garden for Channel 4 and ITV Studios Australia for Foxtel Binge. This survival show challenges conventional notions by asking: what if the end of the world isn’t in a remote jungle, but in our own cities? Clark highlights the collective fascination with such a scenario: "It’s really all about our collective curiosity about the end of the world." Sixteen ordinary people are tasked with surviving for 28 days in an urban landscape devoid of running water, heating, or electricity. The premise underscores that survival in such circumstances depends as much on scarce resources as it does on the interpersonal relationships formed under immense pressure. This "little different," "funny, hopeful" format showcases "ordinary people trying to survive an extraordinary circumstance and doing extraordinary things to achieve that," demonstrating a spectacular collaboration between the two production labels.
A Rich Tapestry of Scripted Dramas
The scripted slate is exceptionally strong, featuring a diverse range of dramas from psychological thrillers to crime franchises and socially resonant narratives, often with powerful female voices and complex characters at their core.
Two Weeks in August, a highly anticipated drama from the award-winning producers of I May Destroy You (Various Artists Limited for BBC, in association with ITV Studios), is written and created by Catherine Shepherd. This gripping story centers on a group of friends whose idyllic two-week holiday to a Greek villa turns into a nightmare following an impulsive kiss on the first night. Clark delves deeper into the narrative, revealing it as a profound exploration of self-discovery, particularly through the central character, Zoe, portrayed by Jessica Raine. Zoe, a devoted wife, mother, and carer, traditionally puts everyone else first. The drama unfolds as she acts on her deepest desires, leading to an "angry self-awakening with explosive consequences." It’s a smart, darkly funny, and addictive journey into marriage, friendships, secrets, betrayals, and the unraveling of moral certainties, set against a backdrop of parties, boat trips, wildfires, and ultimately, a full-scale survival scenario.
The Rapture, a psychological thriller produced by Mammoth Screen for BBC, is an adaptation of Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel. The story introduces Bethany (India Amarteifio), a teenager convicted of murdering her mother and placed in a psychiatric ward. Simultaneously, forensic psychologist Gabs (Ruth Madeley), a wheelchair user following a life-changing car accident, is assigned to Bethany’s case. The narrative quickly raises crucial questions: Did Bethany truly commit the crime, and if not, who did? The drama evolves into an enthralling cat-and-mouse game between these two compelling female leads. Set against the ominous backdrop of a climate emergency, the plot deepens with a wider conspiracy involving Bethany’s father and an oil company. Bethany also claims to see the future, adding layers of doubt about manipulation versus genuine foresight. With cliffhangers at every turn, The Rapture promises to be bingeable, contemporary, and deep, exploring human stories of resilience, science, faith, and triumph over adversity. The esteemed cast also includes Sam Hazeldine, Jack Farthing, Iwan Rheon, and Ruth Jones.
From Ben Stephenson’s Poison Pen Studios for ITV comes The Dark, a new crime thriller based on G.R. Halliday’s hit Detective Inspector Monica Kennedy novels. Positioned as "a new crime franchise in the making," this iconic cat-and-mouse thriller opens with the ritualistic murder of a young man in the remote Scottish Highlands, promising "utterly stunning" scenery. As killings are revealed nightly, DI Monica Kennedy (Laura Donnelly) and her partner (Mark Rowley) race against time to catch a killer, with each crime scene adding to the intense urgency. Clark believes this series has "the legs to become a very long-standing franchise," thanks to its compelling narrative and striking visual setting.
Also from Poison Pen Studios and penned by acclaimed screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst for ITV, is Adultery. This provocative drama stars Dominic Cooper (Mamma Mia!) and Romola Garai (currently seen in Betrayal), alongside Shelley Conn and Matthew McNulty. The series explores the messy consequences when undeniable passion ignites between two individuals whose children are already dating. Clark describes it as a story about "when undeniable attraction catches you off guard," and the "enormous consequences of following that urge and that feeling" for the surrounding families, regardless of innocent intent. With its beautifully acted performances and multi-generational storyline, Adultery is designed to attract a wider demographic and offers "a real appointment to view" with its compelling pace.
The Killings at Parrish Station, from Helium Pictures for STAN in Australia, merges cold case crime with a high-end thriller, featuring an all-star cast including Mia Wasikowska, Heather Mitchell, Xavier Samuel, Robert Taylor, and Alan Dale. This event thriller weaves crime, conspiracy, and horror, beginning with the gruesome massacre of four scientists at a remote research station in 1987, leaving a complex riddle and shattered lives. The narrative cleverly unfolds across two time zones, revisiting the initial murders and a similar event 37 years later, as the original survivors attempt to uncover the truth. Clark notes its novelty: "It’s unlike anything we’ve seen before. It’s dark, sometimes a little bit crazy, and there’s a shocking twist," all set against "very cinematic desert scenery."
From the multi-award-winning screenwriter and producer Russell T. Davies, and the team behind the critically acclaimed hit series It’s a Sin, comes Tip Toe from Quay Street Productions for Channel 4. This new original drama stars Alan Cumming as Leo, a bar owner on Canal Street, and David Morrissey as Clive, an electrician with two teenage sons, who live next door to each other in Manchester. As the world around them grows increasingly tense, "words become weapons, opinions become radicalized," gradually transforming two neighbors into deadly enemies. Clark describes it as an "urban thriller that is essentially a sequel to It’s a Sin," engaging with "some of the bigger issues in society, but done on a very specific and human level." Davies’ characteristic levity and wit infuse this credible plot about relationships, privilege, and loyalty, exploring how these complex issues coexist in real people’s lives.
The action-packed drama series Invisible, from Scene 23 for M-Net, is adapted by Amy Jephta from Deon Meyer’s novel Blood Safari. Set in South Africa’s breathtaking Kruger National Park, the series stars Abbie Cornish, Dougray Scott, and Tim Theron. The story ignites with a mysterious killer executing local poachers, drawing Inspector Jack Phatudi into a dangerous manhunt. Concurrently, Dekker, a former bodyguard with a haunted past, is hired to protect Emma, a South African expat returning home to search for her brother, who vanished 30 years prior. As Phatudi’s investigation intersects with Emma and Dekker’s quest, they uncover a deeply buried conspiracy reaching back to the political assassination of a pivotal African leader. With powerful forces closing in, the trio must confront an explosive truth that could rewrite history and that others are willing to kill to keep hidden.
Finally, The Party, from World Productions for ITV, is a smart, suspenseful thriller based on Elizabeth Day’s bestselling novel. Luke Evans stars as Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life is shaped by his lifelong friendship with the charismatic politician Ben Fitzmaurice, played by Tom Cullen. Raised by his working-class mother, Sylvia (BAFTA award-winning Joanna Scanlan), Martin finds a sense of belonging with Ben and his family after winning a scholarship to an elite boarding school. Three decades later, Martin attends Ben’s lavish birthday party as news breaks of his political leader’s resignation, potentially accelerating Ben’s bid for Prime Minister. However, Martin fears that Ben’s ambition will unearth past secrets with tragic consequences. Written and co-starring Sarah Solemani, with an ensemble cast including Lydia Leonard, Douglas Hodge, and Lindsay Duncan, the drama expertly moves between the shocking events of the party, the subsequent police investigation, and flashbacks to Martin and Ben’s formative years, offering a gripping exploration of identity, privilege, and devotion.
Enriching Non-Scripted Offerings
The non-scripted slate offers a broad spectrum of programming, from landmark natural history series to insightful documentaries and engaging chat shows.
Two landmark natural history series stand out for their timely exploration of our planet. Force of Nature (formerly Extreme Earth), from Plimsoll Productions for ITV and ARD in Germany, is a groundbreaking series filmed over three years. It vividly reveals how nature is adapting to today’s extreme weather events – from hurricanes and flash floods to droughts and bushfires. Through the eyes of heroic animal characters, the series showcases nature’s ingenious ways of enduring, adapting, and prevailing against these new extremes. Complementing this is Ages of Ice, produced by Northern Pictures for PBS and ABC Australia. This series follows scientists pushing the boundaries of exploration in Earth’s coldest corners, seeking to understand the profound changes in ice formations and what these mean for our planet’s future. These modern-day explorers embark on perilous journeys to grasp how the fate of every place and creature is inextricably linked to these frozen extremes.
In the realm of current affairs and social impact, AI Confidential, from Curious Films for BBC, promises an insightful look into the untold stories of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the modern world. Presented by broadcaster and mathematician Prof. Hannah Fry, the series delves into the lives of individuals dramatically impacted by AI – from falling in love with an AI chatbot to grappling with life-and-death decisions made by robots, and the profound disruption caused by Silicon Valley corporations. Taking a deep dive into extraordinary human stories, Fry grapples with some of the most important questions of our time, exploring everything from "grief tech" to driverless cars.
For fans of criminal history, Murder Map, produced by Two Rivers and Soho Studios, offers a compelling new series. Line of Duty and Trigger Point star Vicky McClure, alongside her filmmaker and historian husband Jonny Owen, travels the U.K. to explore historic, culturally significant crimes that have reshaped modern Britain. Each episode features McClure and Owen conducting a deep dive into cases, from unsolved mysteries and miscarriages of justice to milestone cases that have altered legal precedent. They speak to victims’ families, experts, historians, and police officers to investigate the lasting impact each murder has left on its community.
A powerful and inspiring story of resilience comes in the form of Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, from Roadshow Productions for Nine Network. This documentary transcends a mere tennis narrative to tell the extraordinary tale of Jelena Dokic’s survival against overwhelming odds. It chronicles her triumphs over poverty, bullying, and extreme brutality, her journey as a refugee twice over, and her ascent to world No. 4 in tennis. Most significantly, it bravely confronts her survival of the abuse inflicted by her violent father and coach, Damir Dokic. The film is a poignant narrative of growing up – "never being alone, but always lonely" – and critically examines how the tennis world and a nation of fans largely "chose to look away when Jelena needed them most," offering a vital and overdue perspective.
Rounding out the non-scripted slate is The Claudia Winkleman Show, a new chat show from So Television for BBC, hosted by the BAFTA award-winning television presenter Claudia Winkleman. From the production company behind the hugely successful and multi-award-winning The Graham Norton Show, this series will see Winkleman, celebrated for co-presenting Strictly Come Dancing and hosting The Traitors in the U.K., welcome prominent figures from the worlds of film, television, music, and beyond to her sofa for lively conversation, engaging with a studio audience. Her distinctive style and quick wit are set to bring a fresh energy to the chat show format.
The London TV Screenings underscore ITV Studios’ position as a global leader in entertainment, delivering a slate that is not only rich in variety and talent but also deeply reflective of contemporary themes and diverse human experiences.
