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Exclusive: Tony Jordan, the celebrated British TV drama writer, has stepped down as executive chairman of Red Planet Pictures, the production company he founded nearly 20 years ago.

Jordan has not been involved in the day-to-day running of Red Planet for years, but has now formally resigned his role as a director of the Death in Paradise outfit.

Jordan will focus on writing “passion projects,” which he will develop exclusively with Red Planet, run by co-CEOs Alex Jones and Belinda Campbell.

In a statement, the duo said: “Having stepped back from the day-to-day operations of Red Planet Pictures several years ago, Tony is now focusing on writing and pursuing his passion projects, which we’re delighted will be developed exclusively with Red Planet.

“Tony has played a pivotal role in establishing Red Planet Pictures as a longstanding success story within the British television industry. As we approach the company’s 20th anniversary,...

Beyond Paradise, the easy-to-watch spin-off of the long-running Death in Paradise, will be back on your screens next year with its yet-to-be-announced Season 4. While the BBC has still not confirmed the season, an exciting new update has circulated regarding its production, which comes less than three months after its last broadcast: the Season 3 finale. Starring Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton as lovebirds Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd, Season 3 of Beyond Paradise premiered earlier this year on March 28 and concluded on May 2 after six episodes of hilarious detective work.

As reported by The Express, filming for Beyond Paradise Season 4 has begun, based on newly released behind-the-scenes images from a fan account on Facebook. One picture showed a sign reading "Bp Unit", with a caption announcing: "Back filming in Cornwall." Providing more context, a commenter penned, "The sign is at St Mellion Golf Club; it's where they store their filming trailers and lorries.

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Leverage: Redemption is an action crime drama series co-created by John Rogers and Chris Downey. The Freevee and later on Prime Video series is set a year after the death of Nathan Ford, and it follows his widow Sophie as she gathers his former crew to continue the work they were doing before. Leverage: Redemption stars Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf, Aleyse Shannon, and Noah Wyle. So, if you loved the thrilling capers, intense drama, and entertaining characters in Leverage: Redemption, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Leverage Credit – TNT

Leverage is an action crime thriller series co-created by John Rogers and Chris Downey. The TNT series follows Nathan Ford, a former insurance investigator, leading a team consisting of a thief, a grifter, a hacker, and a hitter to pull off impossible heists...

On Friday 2 May 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 6 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises to bring more charm and intrigue to the Devon coast. Following the adventures of Di Humphrey Goodman and his fiancée, Martha, this series continues to explore their new life after leaving the bustle of London behind.

In this episode, viewers can expect the familiar blend of light-hearted moments and engaging mysteries that the show is known for. Set against the stunning backdrop of Devon, the couple faces new challenges in their personal lives and in their work. As they settle into their new surroundings, they encounter quirky locals and unique cases that keep them on their toes.

Humphrey’s detective skills will be put to the test once again, as he navigates the complexities of his new role while trying to balance his relationship with Martha. The episode is likely to showcase their dynamic,...

The excitement builds as “Beyond Paradise” returns for Season 3, Episode 6, airing on BBC One at 8:00 Pm on Friday, May 2, 2025. This charming spin-off from “Death in Paradise” continues to follow Di Humphrey Goodman and his fiancée, Martha, as they navigate their new life on the picturesque Devon coast. The series has won hearts with its blend of mystery, humor, and the beautiful backdrop of coastal living.

In this upcoming episode, viewers can expect another intriguing case that will test Humphrey’s detective skills. Known for his clever deductions and quirky approach, Humphrey faces challenges that arise not just from the mysteries he solves but also from his new life with Martha. The couple’s relationship continues to develop, adding a personal touch to the engaging storylines.

As the plot unfolds, the stunning scenery of Devon serves as a perfect setting for the twists and turns that come with each investigation.

On Friday 25 April 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 5 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises to blend tradition with unexpected twists. In this installment, titled “Harvest’s End,” viewers will see Stella and George Ellis engaging in their cherished custom of hanging a corn doll to celebrate the conclusion of the harvest season. This ritual, which has always been a source of joy and connection for the couple, takes an unsettling turn, hinting at deeper themes that will unfold throughout the episode.

Meanwhile, Martha and Humphrey step into a new chapter of their lives as they take on the role of foster parents. This new journey is sure to bring its own set of challenges and emotional moments. The couple will navigate the complexities of welcoming a child into their home, exploring the joys and difficulties that come with fostering.

As the storylines intertwine, the episode...

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise,” titled “Harvest’s End,” promises to bring both tradition and tension to the screen. Set to air on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 8:00 Pm on BBC One, this episode delves into the customs surrounding the end of the harvest season. Stella and George Ellis are set to honor their long-held tradition of hanging a corn doll, a ritual that symbolizes gratitude and closure. However, what begins as a simple celebration soon takes a darker turn, hinting at unexpected twists and deeper themes.

Meanwhile, Martha and Humphrey are stepping into a new chapter of their lives as they embrace the role of foster parents. This development brings its own set of challenges and joys, as they navigate the complexities of welcoming a child into their home. The episode will explore their journey, highlighting the emotional ups and downs that come with fostering.

As the stories of Stella,...

On Friday 18 April 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises to be an exciting one, as it dives into the world of sailing and rivalry. This episode is set against the backdrop of a lively regatta, where the competitive spirit runs high. The excitement takes a sudden turn when a sailor collapses during the race, leaving everyone in shock.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that foul play may be involved. A tampered smoothie is discovered to be the cause of the sailor’s collapse, raising serious questions about what happened. All eyes turn to Martha, who finds herself at the center of the suspicion. The community is abuzz with gossip, and the tension grows as the truth begins to unravel.

Viewers can expect a mix of drama and intrigue as the characters navigate their relationships and confront their pasts.

In the upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise,” titled “A Smoothie Betrayal,” the excitement of the regatta takes a dark turn. This episode, set to air on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 8:00 Pm on BBC One, will keep fans on the edge of their seats. An old sailing rivalry comes back to life as tensions rise on the water. During the race, a sailor suddenly collapses, shocking everyone involved and raising questions about what really happened.

As the investigation unfolds, a tampered smoothie is discovered to be the cause of the sailor’s collapse. This revelation casts suspicion on Martha, putting her in a difficult position. Viewers will see how Martha navigates the mounting pressure and the impact of the allegations on her relationships within the sailing community.

The episode promises to blend thrilling moments with the show’s signature charm. With the backdrop of the picturesque regatta, the mystery deepens, and the stakes get higher.

On Friday 11 April 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 3 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises to be an intriguing mix of mystery and suspense. Titled “Sweet Suspicion,” this episode will air on BBC One and is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In this episode, a local chocolatier finds herself in a difficult situation when three customers fall ill after enjoying her chocolates. The sudden illness raises alarms in the community, and suspicion quickly turns towards the chocolatier. As panic begins to spread among the townspeople, the team must act fast to get to the bottom of the situation.

The detectives will dive deep into the investigation, sifting through clues and interviewing witnesses to find out what really happened. With the chocolatier’s reputation on the line, the pressure is on to uncover the true culprit behind the poisonings. As the story unfolds,...

On Friday 4 April 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises to be filled with suspense and intrigue. Titled “Behind the Screen,” this episode centers around an old friend of Kelby, who finds themselves in a troubling situation. As the story unfolds, this friend begins to receive malicious messages from an unknown source, raising alarms and questions about who might be targeting them.

The team is quickly brought into the mix, determined to uncover the identity of the person behind these threatening messages. With time running out and danger looming, the stakes are high. Viewers can expect a blend of mystery and teamwork as the characters work together to solve the case before it escalates further.

As the episode progresses, the tension builds, revealing the challenges the team faces in their quest for answers. The narrative explores themes of friendship, trust, and...

Season 3, Episode 3 of “Beyond Paradise” promises to be a thrilling ride as the plot thickens in the quaint village. Titled “A Bitter Taste,” this episode centers around a local chocolatier who finds herself in a sticky situation. Three customers fall ill after indulging in her sweet creations, leading to a wave of suspicion that threatens her reputation and business.

The team is on high alert as they scramble to uncover the truth behind the poisoning. With the community’s trust hanging by a thread, the pressure mounts to find the real culprit before panic spreads. The episode dives into the intricacies of small-town life, revealing how quickly rumors can fly and how they can impact even the most beloved local businesses.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers can expect a mix of suspense and clever detective work. The characters will navigate through a web of potential motives and hidden secrets, showcasing...

On Friday 28 March 2025, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Season 3 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” promises an intriguing twist as the storyline takes a dramatic turn. Titled “When a body is found in the river on the county border,” this episode will see familiar characters Humphrey and Esther stepping into a new challenge. The discovery of a body raises urgent questions and sets the stage for a gripping investigation.

As the plot unfolds, Humphrey and Esther will find themselves working alongside their Cornish counterparts. This collaboration is expected to bring both tension and excitement as the two teams navigate the complexities of the case. The border between the counties adds an extra layer of difficulty, highlighting the differences in procedure and style between the two regions.

Viewers can look forward to a blend of suspense and character development as the investigation deepens. The episode will explore not...

“Beyond Paradise” returns with its thrilling Season 3 Episode 2, airing on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 8:00 Pm on BBC One. This episode promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the team faces a new and unsettling challenge. An old friend of Kelby’s finds themselves in a precarious situation when they start receiving malicious messages from an unknown source. The tension builds as the team races against time to uncover the identity of the person behind the screen.

As the plot unfolds, the episode delves into themes of friendship, trust, and the dangers of modern communication. The stakes are high, and the team must navigate a web of digital deception to protect Kelby’s friend from potential harm. With each twist and turn, the mystery deepens, and the characters must rely on their instincts and skills to unravel the truth.

Fans of “Beyond Paradise” can expect a mix...

The excitement is building as “Beyond Paradise” returns for its third season, kicking off with an intriguing episode titled “The Body in the River.” Set to air on BBC One at 9:00 Pm on Friday, March 28, 2025, this season opener promises to deliver the captivating blend of mystery and drama that fans have come to love.

In this episode, the tranquil setting of the countryside is shaken when a body is discovered in the river, right on the county border. This unsettling find draws the attention of Humphrey and Esther, who are tasked with uncovering the truth behind the case. Their investigation takes a twist when they find themselves collaborating with their counterparts from Cornwall, leading to a clash of styles and approaches. The dynamic between the two teams is sure to add depth and tension to the storyline.

As the plot unfolds, viewers can expect to see the familiar charm of the characters,...

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The Resort is a mystery dark comedy-drama series created by Andy Siara. The Peacock series follows Noah and Emma, a young couple on a vacation for their 10th anniversary in the Mayan Riviera. They feel their marriage is in a rut, but they soon come across an exciting mystery involving a disappearance fifteen years ago. The Resort stars William Jackson Harper, Cristin Milioti, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Skyler Gisondo, Nina Bloomgarden, Gabriela Cartol, and Nick Offerman. So, if you loved the thrilling mysteries, biting drama, and compelling characters in The Resort, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Signal Credit – Netflix

Signal is a South Korean supernatural crime drama series created by Choi Jin-hee and Park Ji-young. The tvN series is set in two different time periods, and it follows Park Hae-young, a criminal profiler who comes across a mysterious walkie-talkie,...

On Friday 27 December 2024, BBC One broadcasts Beyond Paradise!

Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Beyond Paradise” brings a chilling twist to the story. While at home watching family videos, Bob experiences an unexpected and eerie visit from the ghost of his late wife, Linda. Her appearance is unsettling, and she comes with a haunting demand that raises more questions than answers. As if that wasn’t enough, a second strange encounter occurs, this time involving mysterious writing on a mirror.

The unsettling events prompt Bob to call in Humphrey and his team to investigate. As the team looks into these eerie happenings, they must uncover the truth behind Linda’s ghostly visits and the cryptic message left behind. This episode promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as the team works to unravel a mystery that mixes the supernatural with the unknown. Tune in to BBC One...

With 2025 only a few weeks away, BritBox has unveiled its slate for the new year, featuring new and returning series. Among the lineup is the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise, which will return for a third season in April 2025. Created by Robert Thorogood and Tony Jordan, Beyond Paradise last aired on April 26, 2024, with the sixth episode of Season 2. In the episode, Humphrey and Martha's wedding day finally arrived, and they faced a grand ceremony organized by Martha's mother, Anne, which was far from what either of them wanted. However, Anne eventually canceled all the wedding arrangements.

Exclusive: Colin Teague is signed on to direct Esaaf (working title), a debut Saudi Arabian comedy feature from local star Ibrahim Al Hajjaj and former Mbc Studios boss Peter Smith.

The film, which is currently shooting on location, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot. It marks the debut film of Al Hajjaj’s House of Comedy and Talal Anazi’s Black Light operations. The two companies will jointly own the rights, with Smith onboard as an executive producer.

BAFTA nominee Teague is no stranger to Saudi production, having directed the Tony Jordan-penned Mbc Studios series Rashash and another big-budget Jordan drama, The Devil’s Promise two years ago. He’s known as the first person to direct episodes of Doctor Who and spin-off Torchwood and has credits for The White Queen, Being Human and Da Vinci’s Demons.

Smith, meanwhile,...

The cameras are rolling on the eagerly anticipated third season of BritBox’s hit crime drama Beyond Paradise. Co-commissioned with the BBC, the new season will deliver more intriguing puzzles for the beloved Shipton Abbott team to solve.

Fans will also be thrilled to reunite with Humphrey and Martha, who nearly tied the knot last series, as they continue their heartfelt fostering journey.

Beyond Paradise Season 3 will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harrison as Cs Charlie Woods, and Melina Sinadinou as Zoe Williams.

Jamie Bamber will also reprise his role as the charming Archie Hughes who is back following his departure from Shipton Abbott at the end of series one.

Set against the idyllic backdrops of Devon and Cornwall,...

Those lucky enough to attend May’s Disney’s upfronts at the North Javits Center were treated to clips, teases and appearances from some of the world’s biggest stars.

In the spotlight from the Bob Iger-led Mouse House were hits from the Disney stable including The Acolyte, Welcome to Wrexham, Abbott Elementary and a wealth of ESPN sports shows. The combined budget must have been astronomical.

But almost completely absent from the upfront festivities was Doctor Who, the iconic British sci-fi series that Disney+ now co-produces with the BBC following what was undoubtedly one of the biggest global TV show deals of the past decade. Doctor Who was handed a minor bit of real estate at the North Javits, but its lack of front-and-center placement may spin a yarn about the series’ position in the Disney priority log nearly three years on from the deal being struck.

Following...

On Wednesday 12 June 2024, BBC Four broadcasts Don Warrington and Tony Jordan Remember… Death in Paradise!

Episode Summary

In this episode of “Don Warrington and Tony Jordan Remember… Death in Paradise” airing on BBC Four, viewers are treated to an insightful journey into the origins and success of the beloved series “Death in Paradise.” Actor Don Warrington and producer Tony Jordan delve into the show’s history, sharing anecdotes from behind the scenes and reflecting on what sets the series apart beyond its stunning beach landscapes and azure skies.

As the episode unfolds, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the creative process behind “Death in Paradise” and the elements that have contributed to its enduring popularity. From the development of the show’s premise to the casting of its iconic characters, Warrington and Jordan provide fascinating insights into the making of this beloved television phenomenon.

Join BBC Four for an episode...

BBC Four presents a special television event on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 10:00 Pm, titled “Don Warrington and Tony Jordan Remember… Death in Paradise.” In this insightful program, actor Don Warrington and producer Tony Jordan take viewers on a journey behind the scenes of the beloved series “Death in Paradise.”

As fans of the show know, “Death in Paradise” has captivated audiences with its picturesque setting, compelling mysteries, and memorable characters. Now, Warrington and Jordan offer a unique perspective as they reflect on the origins of the show, share intriguing anecdotes from their time on set, and delve into what sets “Death in Paradise” apart from other television dramas.

Beyond the stunning beaches and blue skies of Saint Marie, Warrington and Jordan explore the elements that have contributed to the series’ enduring success. From the chemistry between the cast members to the intricacies of the plotlines, they provide valuable insights into...

Kris Marshall will continue to fight crime in a Christmas special and third series of Beyond Paradise. More details here.

When Robert Thorogood pitched his idea about police drama set in the Caribbean, he could scarcely have imagined the gargantuan hit it would become. Death In Paradise recently broadcast its 13th series, with Ralf Little departing. His replacement has not yet been revealed.

The huge success of the series led to a spin-off, Beyond Paradise. Developed by Thorogood and Hustle creator Tony Jordan, Kris Marshall reprises the role of Humphrey Goodman, who solves crimes in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, near Devon, as he attempts to juggle his job with his relationship with Martha, played by Not Going Out star Sally Bretton

It is rare for a spin-off to equal the success of its parent show, but since it launched in 2023, Beyond Paradise has grown into one of the UK’s most popular dramas,...

The BBC, BritBox International, and Red Planet Pictures today announced that the popular series Beyond Paradise has been recommissioned for a 2024 Christmas special episode and third season, which will air on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer.

Since its debut last year, Beyond Paradise has become one of the UK’s most popular dramas, with episode one of the second season watched by 7.5 million viewers so far.

The second season, which culminated tonight, saw Humphrey and Martha very nearly tie the knot, while their fostering journey came to a heartwarming conclusion as they welcomed Ryan into their home. Esther took on a case that saw the Shipton Abbott Museum robbed of its prized possession, and Kelby and Cs Charlie Wood’s professional relationship took an unexpected turn…

Across the series, the Shipton Abbott police team continued to crack a host of mind-boggling and mysterious puzzles—including a death during a...

Death In Paradise spin-off Return To Paradise is now filming on location in Australia. Here are the details.

The thirteenth series of Robert Thorogood’s long-running crime drama Death In Paradise recently concluded, with Ralf Little leaving the show. His replacement has not yet been announced, but what is being dubbed ‘The Paraverse’ is expanding once again.

The first spin-off, Beyond Paradise, is in the midst of its second series. Developed by Thorogood and Hustle creator Tony Jordan, Kris Marshall reprises the role of Humphrey Goodman, who solves crimes in the fictional town of Shipton Abbott, near Devon.

The second is Return To Paradise. It was announced last year, but now the BBC have revealed details of the plot and characters. The synopsis reads as follows:

Return to Paradise follows Di Mackenzie Clarke (Anna Samson), an Australian ex-pat who’s made a name for herself in London’s Metropolitan Police for cracking uncrackable murder cases.

Prolific British writer Sarah Phelps, whose television credits include A Very British Scandal, Dublin Murders and long-running BBC soap drama Eastenders, encouraged an audience of writers at Dublin’s Storyhouse festival not to get discouraged by trolls or hate mail for their work.

In a frank and impassioned session at the screenwriters festival, Phelps recalled a time when she received hate mail for a plot line she had written into Eastenders and imparted advice on how she dealt with someone aggressively putting down her work.

“One thing I would say to all of you, as creators and makers is that, if and when that happens to you, you want to put it away and not look at but you should look at it,” she said. “Do something to it that robs it of its power. Put it in a frame. Shine a light on it and stare at it until...

Death In Paradise spin-off Beyond Paradise is back for a second series, and here’s the trailer.

As Death In Paradise nears the end of its 13th series, the BBC is preparing to launch the second series of successful spin-off Beyond Paradise, the most watched new drama of last year

The new series will see the return of Kris Marshall as Di Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins, Jade Harison as Cs Charlie Woods, Melina Sinadinou as Zoe, Eva Feiler as Lucy, Isaac Vincent-Norgate as Ryan, Amelia Vitale as Hannah. Also returning is Selwyn the Duck.

The official synopsis reads as follows:

Shipton Abbott continues to keep Di Humphrey Goodman and his team busy, with a baffling new crime each episode. From a death on a steam train to a missing teacher,...

This Sunday on BBC One, prepare for an enthralling journey as “Beyond Paradise” unfolds its latest episode at 9:00 Pm. Humphrey, the once laid-back paradise seeker, takes a turn in his pursuit of a quieter life. Having left the tropical haven behind, he now finds himself in the heart of fiancée Martha’s hometown, embracing the role of a Detective Inspector. However, the tranquility he sought might prove elusive as he confronts the challenges of a town grappling with a high crime rate.

In this gripping episode, viewers will witness Humphrey navigating the complexities of law enforcement in an unexpected setting. The juxtaposition of paradise-seeking and crime-fighting adds a fascinating layer to the storyline. As the plot unfolds, audiences can anticipate a blend of mystery, drama, and perhaps a few surprises that come with Humphrey’s new professional venture. “Beyond Paradise” promises a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats,...

In a country where women’s freedoms have historically been marginalized (a nationwide ban on female drivers was only lifted five years ago), new Mbc Studios boss Christina Wayne is determined to seek out the strongest female creative voices Saudi Arabia has to offer.

In her first major interview since replacing Peter Smith in February, American producer Wayne, who shepherded Mad Men and Breaking Bad for AMC Networks, tells Deadline how the Riyadh-based media giant is encouraging work from “across all genders” but lasering in on new female talent.

“We have lots of amazing female writers and directors in the region who are bringing us fabulous stories,” she says. “There are book series here with fanbases that are young and female, and they are surprisingly interested in fantasy and sci-fi.”

Despite being criticized for a litany of human rights abuses and ‘sportswashing’ claims, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has spearheaded...

Following on from the hugely popular BBC series Death in Paradise, comes the new spin-off, Beyond Paradise, where we swap the golden beaches of the Caribbean for…. Devon. The returning character is fan favourite, the detective Humphrey Goodman, and we had the pleasure in taking part in a junket where we got to speak to Kris Marshall, who plays the role, alongside his on-screen partner Sally Bretton, and mother-in-law Barbara Flynn.

But it wouldn’t be a spin-off without a host of new characters, and we also spoke to Dylan Llewellyn and Felicity Montagu. We not only discussed their new roles, but two of their more memorable from other shows, as Llewellyn firstly tells us what it meant to him to hear that Martin Scorsese is a Derry Girls fan, while Montagu talks about the iconic role of Lynn Benfield from I’m Alan Partridge, as she tells us whether...

US producer previously helped develop ‘Mad Men’ and ‘Breaking Bad’.

Former Amazon Studios executive Christina Wayne has been appointed managing director of Mbc Studios, the production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.

The US producer replaces Peter Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal International, who is stepping down after four years but will remain with the group in an advisory role.

During his tenure, Smith spearheaded major growth in Mbc’s production activity with titles such as Rashash, Rise of the Witches, and Devil’s Promise. The latter is a series created by Tony Jordan, the UK creator of Life Of Mars,...

Prominent U.S. producer Christina Wayne, who shepherded “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad,” has been appointed managing director of Mbc Studios, the expanding production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.

Wayne will replace Peter Smith, the former president of NBCUniversal, who over the past four years has overseen a surge in the Saudi-owned broadcaster’s production activity while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Mbc Studios is now pumping hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. To this end, Mbc significantly moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.

In her new role, Wayne will continue Mbc Studios’ “ongoing work in expanding the reach of its content to audiences around the world, leveraging the continuous trend for non-English-language television content to reach more global markets,...

Veteran TV exec Peter Smith is stepping down as managing director of Mbc Studios, the production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.

Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal, had joined Saudi-owned Mbc in 2018 as it ramped up production while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Over the following four years he oversaw a burst in production activity as Mbc Studios pumped hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. Mbc moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.

Smith has lead the production of many flagship Mbc Studios shows, including “Rashash, Rise of the Witches”; “The Devil’s Promise,” which is a series created by Tony Jordan (“Life on Mars”) helmed by British director Colin Teague; “Slave Market”; and big-budget Saudi actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star...

Exclusive: Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures has struck a deal with ITV’s Our House author Louise Candlish and is seeking more work outside the UK, helped by new owner Asacha Media Group.

The company founded by lauded British screenwriter Tony Jordan, which also makes PBS Masterpiece/BritBox’s Sanditon, is working on a number of projects targeted at non-uk buyers.

Candlish will work with Red Planet’s Our House exec Tom Mullens on TV drama ideas while Red Planet has optioned two further Candlish novels, 2016’s The Swimming Pool and upcoming thriller The Only Suspect, the latter of which will be adapted by Simon Ashdown. The Swimming Pool is being produced by Ejk Productions’ Elizabeth Kesses- Delport.

Louise Candlish. Image: Johnny Ring

The Candlish deal comes fresh off the back of the success of ITV’s adaptation of the Martin Compston-starring Our House, which was watched...

In what is being hailed as a milestone, Egyptian director Mohamed Diab recently became the first Arab helmer to direct a Marvel project when he took the reins of the limited series “Moon Knight,” while Netflix launched its latest Arab original show, “Finding Ola,” toplining Cairo-based Tunisian star Hend Sabry. Sabry plays a happy divorcee who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reflecting changing female roles in the region and the streamer’s thematically groundbreaking Middle East strategy.

Meanwhile, Egyptian producer Mohammed Hefzy, whose production company Film Clinic was behind Netflix’s first Egyptian original skein, “Paranormal,” became a member of the 2022 Intl. Emmy Awards jury.

Hefzy points out that “Moon Knight” “opens doors for other Arab directors in the international TV arena” and notes that Marvel has also hired other behind-the-camera Egyptian talents such as editor Ahmed Hafez and composer Hesham Nazih. But still, it’s a Hollywood show.

Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.

Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.

The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.

These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.

Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.

Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.

The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.

These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.

Lauded British screenwriter Tony Jordan and BAFTA nominee Colin Teague have combined on The Devil’s Promise, the latest big-budget TV series to come from Saudi Arabia’s Mbc Studios.

The pair have written and directed respectively and Hitch star Paula Patton is starring as the nation continues to ramp up its TV offering.

Airing on streamer Shahid VIP later this month, the show follows Ibrahim, who secures a gigantic project to redevelop a Cairo slum on the day is his wife is diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. Refusing to accept the prognosis, Ibrahim tries everything in his power to save her, including promising his soul to Iblis, Aka the devil, after his death.

The show stars Patton along with Amr Youssef, Aïcha Ben Ahmed, Fathy Abdel Wahab, Yaqoub Alfarhan, Ahmed Magdy, Ahmed Al Refaei, Mohamed Yousry, Mohamed Marzban, Khaled Kamal, Moataz Hisham, Mourad Makram, Amr Gamal, Nelly Karim, and the late Maha Abou Ouf.

Ten-part adventure-fantasy series is made by Mbc Studios.

Mbc Studios, the production arm of leading Saudi media company Mbc Group, has begun filming Rise Of The Witches – the biggest ever TV series to be made in the country.

The 10-part adventure-fantasy series is being shot on purpose-built sets at Neom, a 500bn megacity that is under construction in the northwest province of Tabuk, and holds the largest ever budget for special effects for a Saudi production, according to Mbc.

The series will feature a predominantly Saudi cast, led by local stars Ida AlKusay and Sumaya Rida, and tells the story...

The universe of the globally popular “Death in Paradise” series is being expanded with new show “Beyond Paradise.”

The new series follows characters who have moved from sunny Saint Marie to rural Britain. Co-commissioned by BBC One and BritBox International, and reuniting Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton in the lead roles, the six-part “Beyond Paradise,” created by Tony Jordan and Robert Thorogood, will be produced by Red Planet Pictures.

Executive chair of Red Planet, Jordan, will act as showrunner and executive producer alongside Tim Key and Belinda Campbell, and Diederick Santer and Tommy Bulfin will executive produce for BritBox International and BBC respectively. BBC Studios will handle international distribution. The series is produced by Lindsay Hughes and directed by Sandy Johnson. Filming will start on location in the U.K. later this year.

The deal is part of a slate with U.K. broadcasters BBC and ITV unveiled by BritBox...

Dubai-based broadcaster and streamer Mbc is ramping up production with several new high-end shows.

These include “Rise of The Witches,” being touted as the biggest-budget Saudi Arabian TV series to date, “The Devil’s Promise,” created by U.K. writer Tony Jordan, and crime thriller “1001 Nights.”

Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett in an interview said Mbc Studios now has 65 projects in various stages and reiterated the the Saudi-owned company is committed to serve as a driver to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry.

“Rise of The Witches” is based on a Saudi novel described by Barnett as “a fantasy novel set 1,500 years ago in a time of witches” with a strong female empowerment theme.

The storyline of the show, written by British actor and writer Charlie Higson (the “Young Bond” novel series), who worked in tandem with two female Saudi writers on “Witches,” tracks the rise of two...

Dubai-based Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett is navigating what he calls the “difficult transition” of going from being the Mena region’s top satellite free-to-air player to also being its top premium streamer.

At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which is marathon TV time in the region after iftar (breaking fast), Barnett spoke to Variety about how the Saudi-owned broadcaster is managing this feat. Edited excerpts.

Mbc is now operating in both the linear TV and the streaming space. How’s the streaming side going?

We are celebrating this month because we just got data in that [Mbc’s streaming service] Shahid VIP has become the market leader in streaming in Mena. We’ve pulled ahead of Netflix and the others.

Terrific, what are your numbers?

If I compare ourselves to the competition, in terms of subs, we hit the two million figure last year. We got there towards Ramadan, and then it dipped.

Streaming platforms are increasingly gaining traction across the Middle East, prompting Arab TV production companies to start transitioning from churning out strictly local shows — many of which launched during Ramadan — to making bolder skeins, some with ambitions for international play.

After a slow start, the subscription video-on-demand market in the 13 leading Arabic territories is expected to rise from 8.61 million paying SVOD customers by the end of this year to 15 million by 2026, according to a recent study by London-based Digital TV Research.

Over the next five years, the study predicts that current market leader Netflix will increase subs from 3.4 million to 5.4 million, beating Amazon, which is still a small player in the region, and also beating fast-growing local platforms Shahid VIP, Starz Play Arabia and Osn, whose numbers are currently boosted by its content deal with Disney. Meanwhile, Disney Plus has announced that it will launch in the Middle East next summer,...

Paris-headquartered content creator Asacha Media Group (Amg) has acquired a majority stake in the U.K.’s Red Planet Pictures, producers of hit shows “Sanditon” and “Death in Paradise.”

Red Planet, led by joint MDs, Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, was founded in 2006 by showrunner Tony Jordan, who now serves as executive chair. The deal will see Red Planet Pictures tap into Amg’s pan-European network of leading producers to further pursue local adaptations and co-productions, and also grow their business in emerging markets like the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where Jordan has created long running dramas “Besa” for Serbian Television and “Al Mirath” for Mbc.

Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders in Amg alongside funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., founders and other managers of Amg’s production companies who also reinvested in the group.

With this investment, Amg is steadily increasing its U.

Red Planet Pictures, the UK drama producer behind BBC/PBS series Death In Paradise, has sold a majority stake to Asacha Media Group, the emerging Paris-based production group founded by three former Endemol Shine and Zodiak executives. Financial details were not disclosed.

Red Planet was founded in 2006 by Tony Jordan, who now serves as executive chairman. The Sandition and Dickensian producer’s day-to-day activities are overseen by joint managing directors Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones. As part of the deal, all three will become minority shareholders in Asacha.

Asacha is building a portfolio of production companies after being founded last April by Gaspard de Chavagnac, the former Zodiak Media France boss; ex-Endemol Shine Group international COO Marina Williams; and former Zodiak CEO Marc Antoine d’Halluin. In February, it took a stake in British production and distribution company Wag Entertainment.

Chavagnac and Williams said: “Under the leadership of Tony,...

Content creator and producer Asacha Media Group has acquired a majority stake in U.K. drama production company Red Planet Pictures, known for making crime drama series Death in Paradise, about a British detective joining the police force on the Caribbean island of Saint Marie.

Financial terms of the deal, unveiled on Monday, weren’t disclosed.

Red Planet, led by joint managing directors Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, was founded in 2006 by showrunner Tony Jordan, who now serves as executive chairman. The firm’s hit shows also include historical drama Sanditon.

Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders in Asacha ...

Content creator and producer Asacha Media Group has acquired a majority stake in U.K. drama production company Red Planet Pictures, known for making crime drama series Death in Paradise, about a British detective joining the police force on the Caribbean island of Saint Marie.

Financial terms of the deal, unveiled on Monday, weren’t disclosed.

Red Planet, led by joint managing directors Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, was founded in 2006 by showrunner Tony Jordan, who now serves as executive chairman. The firm’s hit shows also include historical drama Sanditon.

Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders in Asacha ...

Fremantle’s Naked Poaches Twofour Development Chief

Fremantle UK’s unscripted company Naked has hired Twofour’s development boss Natalie McArdle as its new director of development. Reporting to Naked creative director Tom O’Brien, she will take up the post in February. She has only been with Twofour for a year after joining the ITV Studios-owned company from Sony-backed Electric Ray, where O’Brien previously worked. McArdle’s credits include BBC/Netflix series My Million Pound Menu and Channel 4’s Alone at Home. Naked managing director Fatima Salaria said: “She exudes energy and passion and her experience in developing inspiring ideas and producing great content is what we at Naked get excited about.”

Mbc Group Orders Series From ‘Life On Mars’ Writer

Middle Eastern entertainment company Mbc Group is preparing to premiere what it claims is the biggest Saudi series to date on the fast-growing Arabic streamer Shahid.

As it ramps up original productions, Middle Eastern broadcaster Mbc is launching lavish 1980s-set Arabic crime drama ‘Rashash,’ created by Britain’s Tony Jordan (“EastEnders”) and touted as its most ambitious Saudi series to date.

Directed by another Brit, Collin Teague, whose credits include “Doctor Who,” “Rashash” is based on the true story of a Saudi Arabian drug trafficker convicted of murder and other crimes after being caught by the police in Saudi Arabia in the late 1980s, according to promotional materials.

The eight-part “Rashash” series will drop Jan. 21 on Mbc’s Shahid VIP — the rapidly growing revamped streaming service that was launched a year ago and has gone from 100,000 subscribers in January 2020 to more than 1 million paying customers, Mbc claims.

Another Arabic crime series created by Tony Jordan, “Blood Oath,” co-produced by Mbc with Lebanon-based Eagle Films, which is an Arabic adaptation of Jordan’s thriller series “Besa,” originally...