News

Hulu announced today that the drama Rivals, based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, will return for a second season. Following a dramatic, cliff-hanger ending, Emea Disney+ with Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios) has officially renewed the hit UK Original series for a second run.

Rivals Season 2 will debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in the UK and internationally.

Rivals is part of Cooper’s bestselling “Rutshire Chronicles,” and is packed full of wit, romantic entanglements, sex and unforgettable characters. The story is set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England in the ruthless world of independent television.

The series is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (The Riot Club), Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+ Emea Scripted Content, Jonny Richards.

Phew — a second season of British drama Rivals is on the way. Walt Disney streamer Disney+ said on Wednesday that its critically acclaimed series, based on the novel of the same name by Jilly Cooper, will return for a second season after the first ended on a dramatic cliffhanger.

With a star-studded cast of Aidan Turner, David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack, Victoria Smurfit, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Nafessa Williams and Luke Pasqualino, the series has proved overwhelmingly popular with Disney+ viewers.

The story follows Cooper’s novel on the infamous scoundrel Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and his rivalry with Tony Baddingham (Tennant) that seeps into the world of Baddingham’s Corinium independent commercial television station, located in the fictional county of Rutshire, the Cotswolds in southwest England.

Rivals is part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles series of novels. The author said: “Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published,...

Emily Packer’s documentary Holding Back the Tide delves into the hidden histories of New York through an unexpected lens—the humble oyster. These hard-shelled bivalves were once ubiquitous along the city’s shores and crucial to its growth.

They also served as anchors for ecosystems, improving water quality and shielding coasts from storms. Through interviews with conservationists working to restore oyster populations, as well as scenes observing the daily routines of shuckers and farmers, the film outlines why these filter feeders matter so much.

But Packer finds symbolism in the oyster that extends beyond ecology. As creatures that change gender depending on environmental conditions, they represent fluidity at a time when rigid labels are falling away.

Holding Back the Tide also connects their story to struggles facing both the natural world and groups facing oppression. By portraying oysters as survivors that helped shape the city, the documentary highlights universal...

Hulu has revealed the new trailer for the eight-part Rivals series, which is based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by ITV Studios’ Happy Prince. The series will debut on Hulu in the U.S. on October 18, 2024.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

The series stars Alex Hassell as the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black, David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, and Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara.

Nafessa Williams plays Cameron Cook, Katherine Parkinson portrays Lizzie Vereker, and Bella Maclean plays Taggie O’Hara.

The Rivals series also stars Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit.

Rivals is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb,...

Robert Downey Jr. has become one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood. From playing Iron Man in the MCU to playing Lewis Strauss in the Oscar-winning movie Oppenheimer, the actor has had quite a few fruitful years in the last decade. Other than his acting ventures, Downey Jr. has been keeping himself busy with other things as well. From his coffee table book to his car restoration business to his production company, Rdj has his fingers in quite a few avenues.

Robert Downey Jr. recently won an Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer | Universal Pictures

For his role as Iron Man, the actor went through major transformation. Even at the age of 54, when his last outing as the superhero came with Avengers: Endgame in 2019, he managed to get into prime shape with his healthy habits – including healthy eating. In his coffee table book Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time,...

House of the Dragon‘s world gets even bigger in season 2. With the Dance of the Dragons Targaryen civil war now in motion, the “Blacks” (Queen Rhaenyra I’s supporters) and the “Greens” (King Aegon II’s supporters) must enlist the other Great Houses of Westeros to their cause.

This means that many of the characters we’ve gotten to know thus far, Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett), Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), Ser Criston (Fabian Frankel), and more, will hit the road to recruit nobles like college football coaches in need of a star quarterback.

“People have to curry favor with the other lords and figure out who’s on what team,” House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal told Den of Geek. “It’s nice because instead of just introducing 18 new characters, we follow characters who we already know going to these new places and meeting new people.”

Condal is exaggerating a bit.

Hulu has revealed a new teaser trailer and more photos for the eight-part series Rivals, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios. The series is set to debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other countries later this year.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

This second wave of images (view the first wave of images here) introduces nine more iconic characters from the drama: Sarah Stratton, Caitlin O’Hara, James Vereker, and Freddie Jones.

There’s also Paul Stratton, Valerie Jones, Bas Baddingham, Lady Monica Baddingham, and Maud O’Hara.

The first looks are accompanied by a teaser trailer showcasing the ’80s set saga, which also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean,...

Hulu today gave a first glimpse of the avidly awaited eight-part series Rivals, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios. The series is set to debut on Disney+ in other countries later this year.

Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.

This first wave of images unveiled six iconic characters from the drama. Alex Hassell plays the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black.

David Tennant features as Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television and Rupert’s single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical adversary. Aidan Turner is journalist and TV presenter Declan O’Hara, who becomes caught in the crossfire of the long-simmering feud between Rupert and Tony.

Nafessa Williams is pictured as Cameron Cook,...

The following contains spoilers from the Christmas special Doctor Who: The Church on Ruby Road, now streaming on Disney+.

If you find yourself suddenly craving baby butter spread on baby scones, you have the latest Doctor Who Christmas special to thank.

More from TVLineDoctor Who Christmas Special Recap: Fifteen's Team-Up With Ruby Sunday Is a Most Entertaining GiftNight Court Sneak Peek: Dan Reunites With Roz in the Holding Cell (Exclusive)Doctor Who: Ncuti Gatwa Satisfies Your Bi-Generation Curiosity - And Might Be the Song-and-Danciest Doctor Yet!

The Church on Ruby Road, now streaming on Disney+, saw the new, bi-generated...

Kaley Cuoco’s baby daughter, Matilda, is already showing early signs of impeccable music taste!

The “Flight Attendant” actress, 37, shared an extra giddy photo of her 4-month-old on Instagram, emitting a bright smile as she holds tightly onto a portrait pic of the Jonas Brothers.

The photo shows the trio posing with hearts behind them, which appears to be a gift from one of Cuoco’s close friends.

Read More: Kaley Cuoco Says She’s Suffering From Carpal Tunnel Syndrome From Holding Her Baby So Much

@kaleycuoco — Photo: Instagram/@kaleycuoco

The adorable upload comes after the new mom, who welcomed Matilda back in March with her partner Tom Pelphrey, shared a vid in May of her daughter calming down mid-meltdown as she played some tracks by the Jonas Brothers.

“Not kidding. Was screaming,” Cuoco captioned the vid. “Turned on @jonasbrothers. Stopped crying lol we have a fan here folks.”

@kaleycuoco...

It looks like Britney Spears may be open to reconnecting with her mother.

Lynne Spears was spotted arriving for a visit with the pop star on Wednesday, first touching down at Los Angeles International Airport before she was driven to the home of Britney’s manager, Cade Hudson. From there, Lynne took an Uber to Britney’s home. Afterward, Britney and her husband, Sam Asghari, were seen leaving the house and driving around for another 30 minutes before returning home.

A source tells Et, “Lynne flew to L.A. to see Britney and they caught up at her home. Sam was also there.”

The relationship between Britney and Lynne has appeared strained in recent years, brought to light amid Britney’s highly publicized conservatorship battle in 2021.

Last October, Lynne issued a public plea to her daughter to have a conversation about their history.

“I’m sooo sorry for your pain! I have been sorry for years!

Paul Mescal and Sharon Horgan were among the winners at the Irish Film and Television Awards.

Despite Colin Farrell losing out the best actor award to Mescal, “The Banshees of Inisherin” beat out competitors to win best film. In the international category “All Quiet on the Western Front” took home the top award on Sunday night.

Read on for the full list of winners.

Film Categories

Best Film

“Aisha”

“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Winner

“God’s Creatures”

“Lakelands”

“Róise & Frank”

“The Wonder”

Director – Film

“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner

“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh

“It Is In Us All” – Antonia Campbell Hughes

“Joyride” – Emer Reynolds

“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon

“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty & Peter Murphy

Script – Film

“Aisha” – Frank Berry – Winner

“The Banshees of Inisherin” – Martin McDonagh

“God’s Creatures” – Shane Crowley

“Joyride” – Ailbhe Keogan

“Let the Wrong One In” – Conor McMahon

“Róise & Frank” – Rachael Moriarty,...

David Tennant, Danny Dyer and Aiden Turner have joined the casting line-up for the eight-part series, ‘Rivals’, based on the celebrated novel by Jilly Cooper.

Completing the ensemble cast are Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino and Catriona Chandler.

The original eight-episode series is part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, the iconic literary series packed full of wit, romantic entanglements, sex and unforgettable characters. The story is set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England.

Diving headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. In the fictional county of Rutshire, a long-standing rivalry between two powerful men is about to boil over. Alex Hassell plays dashing ex-Olympian, Tory Member of Parliament and incorrigible rake, the dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black. David Tennant...

“The Banshees of Inisherin,” starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, led the nominations for the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) as the full list of nominees was unveiled on Monday night local time, picking up 11 nods in the film category.

“Bad Sisters” – Sharon Horgan’s Apple TV+ mystery series – led the pack in the drama category with 12 noms.

Coming off the back of a stellar year for Irish film and television, the nominations include a number of familiar names and titles, including Paul Mescal, who has been nominated for best lead actor in a film for “Aftersun” and best supporting actor in a film for “God’s Creatures” while Farrell is also competing in both categories, both for his star turn in “Banshees” and his supporting role as Penguin in “The Batman.”

“Conversations with Friends” has also scored noms in multiple categories while Aoife McArdle is up for best drama...

Apple’s comedy series Bad Sisters and Martin McDonagh’s latest feature, The Banshees of Inisherin, lead this year’s Irish Film And TV Academy Award nominations (IFTAs). Scroll down for the complete list.

Bad Sisters leads across film and TV with 12 nominations, including Best Drama, Lead Actress (Sharon Horgan), Director (Dearbhla Walsh), and four nods in Supporting Actress for Anne-Marie Duff, Eva Birthistle, Eve Hewson, and Sarah Greene.

The Banshees of Inisherin clocked 11 nominations, including Best Film as well as Best Director and Screenplay for Martin McDonagh. Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Brendan Gleeson, and Kerry Condon also pop up in the acting categories.

Irish filmmaker Frank Berry’s latest pic Aisha trails Bad Sisters and Banshees with ten nominations. The film follows a young Nigerian woman, played by Letitia Wright, who struggles to navigate the asylum system in Ireland.

Paul Mescal also picked up two nominations: The first in...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for week two of “The Masked Singer”

The name of the game was Abba on “The Masked Singer” this week, and unfortunately, only one could advance at the end of the night. That one was not Rock Lobster, and he admitted to TheWrap that he’s genuinely torn up about it.

Rock Lobster was the first to exit on Wednesday, and he was unmasked to reveal none other than comedian and television host — and now TikTok dancer — Howie Mandel. He performed “S.O.S.” for Abba night this week – and for the record, no, he didn’t watch Pierce Brosnan’s performance of the same song in “Mamma Mia!” to prepare. He wanted to make the song entirely his own.

“I wanted to make it me,” he told TheWrap. “I said to somebody, ‘I don’t follow a path, I blaze a trail.’ I did things to prepare the night before.

Exclusive: Allen Leech and India Mullen will lead the cast of an Irish drama series for AMC Networks’ Sundance Now and local broadcaster Virgin Media Television, we’ve learned.

The pair will topline six-part drama The Vanishing Triangle, which goes into production later this year with a U.S.-UK-Ireland production set-up, and Eccho Rights attached as international distributor. The show is inspired on true events that shook Ireland in the 1990s, when several women disappeared. While the characters and events in the series are fictional, the producers have spoken to several of the real life victims’ families, and hope the show will keep their stories in the Irish public’s mind. The show title is regularly used in the Irish media to refer to the events, which began with the disappearance of American woman Annie McCarrick in 1993 and spiraled to involve many similar cases.

Disney+ has greenlit a new eight-part series titled Rivals, based on the popular novel by British author Jilly Cooper.

Set in the fictional upper-class county of Rutshire, Rivals dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986 when a long-standing rivalry between two powerful men is about to boil over: ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, and notorious womanizer Rupert Campbell-Black, and his Rutshire neighbor Tony Baddingham, controller of the independent TV franchise Corinium Television.

As tensions rise and rivalries deepen, there are spilled secrets, forged alliances, and snatched liaisons that draw wives, lovers, colleagues, friends, and families into their battle.

“The combination of Jilly Cooper and Disney+ is delightfully unexpected. We were thrilled when Dominic brought us these iconic books, and we leapt at the chance to bring them to life. We can’t wait to welcome Rupert Campbell-Black and the residents of Rutshire to the platform,” said Lee Mason,...

Busy Australian production company Aquarius Films has partnered with Irish production company Port Pictures to produce the feature film, “The Good People.” The film is based on the award-winning novel by Hannah Kent, who also wrote the adapted screenplay.

“The Good People” is set in 19th century Ireland at a time when the Catholic church was waging war against pagan beliefs. It sees three women conspire to free a young boy from evil spirits.

“The Good People” is an examination of absolute belief and superstition. It depicts a series of actions that are both tender and harsh and raises questions about belonging, understanding and acceptance.

The film is to be produced by Angie Fielder and Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films, and Martina Niland of Port Pictures. The film will be executive produced by Aquarius Films’ Miranda Culley. The film has received development funding from Screen Australia.

Neither a director nor...

U.K. broadcaster ITV’s quarterly external revenues have soared 18 to £834 million (1.03 billion), up from £709 million (872 million) in 2021.

In a trading update for the three months to March 31, 2022, the broadcaster also revealed that total ITV Studios revenue was up 23 at £458 million (2021: £373 million); media and entertainment revenue was up 13 at £545 million (2021: £483 million); with total advertising revenue up 16; and digital revenues up by 24.

For ITV Studios, the international production and distribution arm of ITV, revenues from streaming platforms continued to grow with development deals or commissions with most of the major platforms including “Inganno” and “One Piece” for Netflix, “Love Island USA” for Peacock and a Benjamin Franklin drama for AppleTV+. Unscripted programs expected to be delivered this year include “Hell’s Kitchen USA,” “The Chase USA,” as well as “Love Island” in the U.K., U.S., Australia, Netherlands, Spain and Germany.

The company said that its scripted division is...

Production spend in Ireland across features, documentary, animation and TV drama topped €500m ($567m) in 2021, a 40% increase on the previous record set in 2019, according to figures released by Screen Ireland.

The spend on jobs and local goods and services has been driven by both local and inward investment production.

Spend on local Irish films increased by 52% compared to 2019. Forthcoming releases include Lorcan Finnegan’s sci-fi drama Nocebo; Emer Reynolds’ drama Joyride, starring Olivia Colman; Frank Berry’s Aisha, starring Letitia Wright; and psychological drama God’s Creatures, from directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer.

TV drama production spend increased 40% from...

Pre-singapore Sales

ITV Studios, the commercial arm of the U.K.’s commercial TV network ITV, has struck a raft of sales and pre-sales deals ahead of the Asia Television Forum & Market that launched Wednesday in Singapore.

“The Ipcress File,” a spy thriller from Altitude Film Entertainment, was licensed to Now TV in Hong Kong and the Seven Network in Australia, Lionsgate Play in India and Southeast Asia and Tfc in Japan. Tfc also acquired adrenaline-fueled thriller “Vigil,” along with Tvnz and BBC Studios in Australia.

World Productions’ “Anne,” about an inspirational mother who campaigned for justice following her son’s death at a football match at Hillsborough, Sheffield in 1989, has been acquired by BBC Studios in Australia, Acorn TV in New Zealand and KT Corp in Korea.

Tvnz pre-bought Red Planet Pictures’ “Our House,” an edge of the seat thriller; series two of “Noughts + Crosses” (Mammoth Screen), based...

Market

ITV Studios has unveiled a raft of pre-sales for several of its titles and released details about its scripted slate of shows which the company will present to buyers from around the world at its Fall Festival Drama day, Wednesday Oct. 6.

Commissioned by ITV and Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent), the new drama series “Litvinenko,” from writer George Kay, is a four-part true-crime drama starring David Tennant. The series, which is produced by Patrick Spence, ITV Studios and Tiger Aspect Productions, recounts the real-life story of Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian Federal Security Services and Kgb officer was killed by polonium poisoning in 2006, initiating one of the Metropolitan Police’s most complicated investigations in its history.

Pre-sales deals announced by ITV Studios include major series “The Ipcress File,” “The Long Call,” and “Showtrial,” and a number of shows will hit the market next week including “Our House” (Red Planet Pictures...

Production

BBC Studios Germany has secured its first commission since launching in the territory this year — a local adaptation of British sitcom “Miranda” — and is co-producing the eight-part series for Zdf Neo with Studio Zentral.

“Miranda,” a BBC production written by and starring Miranda Hart, will be adapted for a German audience with the working title “Ruby” and will be directed by Natascha Beller. The screenplay is being adapted by Giulia Becker (“Kroymann”) and Anika Soisson (“Findher”) and Anna Böger (“Tatort”) plays the lead role of Ruby. Filming is currently taking place in Cologne.

The show sees Ruby facing the challenges of everyday life in a slightly clumsy way. The cast also includes Irene Rindje and Camill Jammal.

“Miranda” was previously adapted for the U.S. as “Call me Kat,” starring Mayim Bialik (“The Big Bang Theory”), by Fox Television, where it has been renewed for a second season.

BBC...

U.K. broadcaster ITV increased external revenues by a strong 27% in the half year ending June 30, 2021, according to financial results released on Wednesday.

Total external revenue was up 27% at £1.54 billion ($2.14 billion), compared to Covid-impacted 2020’s £1.21 billion. Production and sales arm ITV Studios’ total revenue was up 26% at £798 million compared to 2020’s £632 million, with most programs, including flagship show “Love Island,” back in production and also benefitting from a number of programs and licences being delivered earlier than expected. ITV Studios external revenue was up 31% at £523 million.

Total media and entertainment revenue was up 25% at £1.02 billion, up from 2020’s £822 million, with total advertising revenue up 29% within which video on demand advertising (AVOD) was up 55%.

Advertising revenues in June were up 115% compared to the same period in 2020, a direct result of the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the U.K. and the Euro soccer championship. Total advertising revenues for June and July...