Sweetpea Series 2: A Twisted Return for Sky’s Killer Comedy Thriller

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky has announced that the dark comedy thriller Sweetpea will return for a second series, promising more chaos, sharp humour, and a twisted journey for its lead character. The "coming-of-rage" Sky Original, produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios, will once again follow Rhiannon Lewis, the oddball anti-heroine whose killer secret continues to spiral out of control.

Ella Purnell, who stars as Rhiannon and also serves as an executive producer, shared her excitement about the next chapter, saying, "Being part of Rhiannon's coming-of-rage journey has been a career highlight for me, and to see fans engage with and relate to our oddball Rhiannon, in all her complexity, feels truly special. I cannot wait for audiences to see what she does next. Stay tuned."

The first series, with its mix of biting humour and chilling drama, struck a chord with audiences and introduced viewers to Rhiannon's world of mischief, murder, and mayhem. The second series is set to deepen the chaos as her already warped life takes even darker turns. Fans can expect Rhiannon to be more unhinged than ever as she navigates her own moral grey areas with a vengeance.

Series 1 of Sweetpea is currently available to watch on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK, and on STARZ in the U.S. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution manages the international sales of the series on behalf of Sky Studios, ensuring its growing audience continues to expand. With Series 2 on the way, viewers can prepare for more of the sharp, unapologetic storytelling that made the first outing such a success.

"BBC Acquires Epic Adaptation of The Narrow Road to the Deep North"

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced its acquisition of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, a powerful new adaptation of Richard Flanagan's Booker Prize-winning novel. The five-part series will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer, bringing to life an epic tale of love, war, and the enduring complexity of the human spirit. Produced by Curio Pictures in partnership with Sony Pictures Television, the series boasts a stellar creative team and cast.

Jacob Elordi (Euphoria, Saltburn) takes on the role of Dorrigo Evans as a young man, while Ciarán Hinds (Kin, Belfast) portrays him in his later years. Odessa Young (Manodrome, The Stand) plays Amy Mulvaney, Dorrigo's great love, whose memory sustains him through unimaginable suffering. The story spans decades, from Dorrigo's passionate and forbidden romance with Amy to his harrowing experiences as a POW in a Japanese labour camp during World War II, and his later life as a celebrated surgeon and reluctant war hero.

At its heart, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is both a deeply intimate character study and a sweeping exploration of the courage and cruelty of war. It examines the transformative power of love in the face of the darkest human experiences, offering viewers a poignant blend of personal and historical storytelling.

Sue Deeks, Head of BBC Programme Acquisition, described the series as "complex, beautiful, and heart-wrenching," praising its ability to sensitively weave together the many facets of Dorrigo Evans' life. "From the passion of first love to the unflinching depiction of life as a prisoner of war in occupied Burma, this truly exceptional adaptation will captivate BBC viewers."

Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner of Curio Pictures, who serve as executive producers, highlighted the emotional resonance of the series. "The Narrow Road to the Deep North is an epic tale of the sustaining power of love under the harshest of circumstances. Curio is honoured to help bring this spectacular story to life with creators Shaun Grant and Justin Kurzel, novelist Richard Flanagan, and our brilliant cast and crew. We can't wait for audiences to see it."

Directed by Justin Kurzel and written by Shaun Grant, the adaptation stays true to the novel's layered narrative while bringing a cinematic quality to the screen. Alongside Grant, Kurzel, Porter, Gardner, and Flanagan, Alexandra Taussig serves as producer. The series is supported by Screen Australia and Screen NSW through their Made in NSW and PDV Funds, underscoring its ambitious scope and production values.

Running at five 45-minute episodes, The Narrow Road to the Deep North promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally gripping series. Its exploration of love, loss, and resilience under extraordinary circumstances ensures it will resonate with audiences long after the final credits roll. BBC viewers can look forward to experiencing this extraordinary adaptation in the near future.

ITV Unveils Thrilling First Look at Playing Nice

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV has released the official trailer and a set of fresh images for its upcoming psychological thriller Playing Nice, which is set to premiere in January 2025. This gripping four-part series brings together a stellar cast, including BAFTA nominees James Norton (Happy Valley, A Little Life) and Niamh Algar (Mary and George, The Virtues), Olivier nominee James McArdle (Sexy Beast, The Mare of Easttown), and BIFA nominee Jessica Brown Findlay (The Flatshare, Downton Abbey).

Based on the best-selling novel by JP Delaney, Playing Nice has been adapted for television by Malpractice writer Grace Ofori-Attah. The story is as heartbreaking as it is compelling, centring on two couples who discover their toddlers were switched at birth in a devastating hospital mix-up. Pete (played by James Norton) and Maddie (played by Niamh Algar) find themselves drawn into the lives of Miles (James McArdle) and Lucy (Jessica Brown Findlay), the biological parents of the child they have raised as their own.

At first, both couples seem committed to working together to resolve this unimaginable situation. But as hidden motives and deep-seated fears come to light, trust quickly erodes. What begins as a shared journey descends into an emotional battle, as the couples grapple with questions of loyalty, identity, and the lengths they are willing to go to protect the children they love. For Pete and Maddie, this nightmare forces them to confront how far they're prepared to go to keep their family together, even as their own relationship is pushed to its limits.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Cornwall, Playing Nice is as visually striking as it is emotionally charged. The series is directed by Kate Crowe (Great Expectations, Taboo) and produced by STUDIOCANAL and RABBIT TRACK PICTURES, the latter co-founded by James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky. The production team includes an impressive roster of talent, with executive producers such as Kitty Kaletsky, James Norton, Joe Naftalin, Grace Ofori-Attah, and the author of the original novel, JP Delaney. Nick Pitt (Black Mirror, His Dark Materials) serves as the series producer.

Commissioned by ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill and Drama Commissioner Helen Perry, Playing Nice will air on ITV1 and STV, with streaming available on ITVX and STV Player. STUDIOCANAL is handling the show's global distribution, ensuring it will reach audiences worldwide.

With its powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and emotional depth, Playing Nice is shaping up to be one of the standout television events of early 2025. It's a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats while exploring the complex moral dilemmas of an unimaginable situation.

A Modern Twist on a Classic Tale: The Primrose Railway Children Arrives This December

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The countdown to Christmas just got a little more exciting, thanks to The Primrose Railway Children. A fresh and heartwarming take on E. Nesbit's timeless classic, this new adaptation by Jacqueline Wilson brings a modern twist to a much-loved tale. It's the perfect excuse to gather the family, snuggle up, and enjoy a slice of British storytelling over the festive season.

Adapted for the screen by Tom Bidwell (The Velveteen Rabbit, The Irregulars), the feature-length drama follows the Robinsons, a family living a comfortable life in Glasgow. Phoebe, her older sister Becks, younger brother Perry, and their mum Sarah are all getting on with life until their dad, Rob, mysteriously vanishes. Suddenly, the family is uprooted from their cosy existence and thrown into a whirlwind of new experiences, exciting adventures, and a renewed sense of belonging. It's a tale of resilience and the unexpected joys that come with change, and you'll be hooked from the very first moment.

The star-studded cast is led by Kevin McKidd (Grey's Anatomy, Trainspotting) as Rob Robinson, with Nina Toussaint-White (Bodyguard, Witness Number 3) playing his wife Sarah. The three children are played by an exciting trio of rising stars: Ava McCarthy as Phoebe, Ida Brooke as Becks, and Tylan Bailey as Perry. Each of them brings their own spark to the roles, ensuring The Primrose Railway Children feels both fresh and familiar.

Set to air on CBBC and BBC iPlayer from Sunday 1 December, the show will also be available on BBC One over Christmas, making it the perfect way to unwind after all the holiday hustle and bustle. The production has been brought to life by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions, with Tali Walters as Creative Lead, Alison Davis as Executive Producer, and John McKay as Producer. Directed by Julian Kemp, the series is poised to be a festive favourite for all ages.

So, whether you're already a fan of the original or discovering it for the first time, The Primrose Railway Children offers a wonderful mix of adventure, heart, and holiday cheer. Be sure to catch it on CBBC and BBC iPlayer from 1 December. It's a modern classic in the making!

Bullseye! Sky Unveils “Dart Kings” – A Golden Age of Darts Docuseries

Image: Sky Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky is about to serve up a treat for darts fans with a brand-new three-part docuseries called Dart Kings, set to land on Sky Documentaries and NOW in 2025. Produced by the award-winning Mindhouse Productions, the team behind hits like Lockerbie and Louis Theroux Interviews, this series takes a nostalgic dive into the golden age of darts and shines a spotlight on the legendary figures who turned the sport into a British phenomenon.

Back in the 1970s, darts made its way from the smoky corners of local pubs to primetime TV, with a cast of characters who were anything but your average athletes. There was no obsession with fitness or a perfect diet. Instead, the players mixed remarkable skill with plenty of booze, chain-smoking, and a laid-back, open-door policy when it came to fans and the media. But it was this unfiltered, gritty combination of raw talent and personality that made darts a TV sensation, drawing in over 10 million viewers. The series will focus on three of the greatest names in darts: Eric "The Crafty Cockney" Bristow, Jocky Wilson, and Phil "The Power" Taylor. These were the legends who helped transform a pub game into a national pastime.

The show brings to life the colourful and sometimes chaotic world of darts in the 1980s, a time when Britain was grappling with economic hardship and social unrest. But amid all the challenges, darts was a welcome escape, offering an exciting, high-energy spectacle that captured the hearts of millions. Through candid interviews with past and present players, including Bobby George, John Lowe, Keith Deller, and the icon that is Phil Taylor, Dart Kings explores the rise of these stars, the intense rivalries that defined their careers, and the triumphs and heartaches along the way.

Nancy Strang, the executive producer at Mindhouse, describes the series as a celebration of the working-class heroes who made darts what it is today. She says, "Darts is now a huge television spectacle, but the people that really put the game on the map were brilliant working-class players from the 1980s. This series is an opportunity to honour their incredible talent, their larger-than-life personalities, and the fierce rivalries that transformed darts into what it is today."

Hayley Reynolds from Sky adds, "Whether you're a die-hard darts fan or someone who knows little about the sport, this series will show you how darts captured the imagination of the nation and became the phenomenon it is today. It's going to be a fascinating watch for everyone."

So, whether you're in it for the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, the iconic rivalries, or the chance to revisit some of the sport's most memorable moments, Dart Kings promises to hit the bullseye. Tune in when the series arrives in 2025 to relive the glory days of darts and find out how these unlikely heroes turned a simple pub game into an unforgettable cultural moment.

Netflix’s I Will Find You is Coming, and It Sounds Like a Must-Watch

Image: Netflix PR

By Jon Donnis

Big news for thriller fans! Netflix has officially greenlit I Will Find You, the first U.S. scripted series from bestselling author Harlan Coben. If you have been craving a heart-pounding, twisty story, this one is going to keep you glued to your screen.

The plot is already giving me chills. An innocent father, serving a life sentence for the murder of his son, discovers new evidence that his child might actually still be alive. What does he do? Break out of prison to find the truth. It is packed with mystery, suspense, and enough emotional weight to keep you hooked.

The series is based on Coben's novel of the same name and will be an eight-episode limited run. Robert Hull, known for God Friended Me and Quantum Leap, is adapting the book and taking on the role of showrunner. He is teaming up with Coben as co-creator and executive producer. The production also brings in big names like Bryan Wynbrandt, Steven Lilien, and John Weber to make sure the show delivers on all fronts.

Hull is clearly excited about the project, calling it a dream come true to work with Coben and Netflix. And who can blame him? Harlan Coben has been a major player in the thriller world for years. This show is just the latest in his ongoing partnership with Netflix, which has already given us global hits like The Stranger, Stay Close, and Fool Me Once.

Netflix's Peter Friedlander had high praise as well, saying that Coben's stories are loved worldwide for their twists, cliffhangers, and compelling mysteries. He is confident this series will deliver everything fans expect and more.

If you are counting down the days for your next binge-worthy show, this is one to put on your list. With an emotional, high-stakes story and a team that knows how to handle a thriller, I Will Find You is shaping up to be something special. Keep an eye out for updates because you will not want to miss this one.

BBC’s Babies: A Heartwarming New Drama You’ll Want to Watch

Image BBC PR - L-R: Paapa Essiedu (Image: Ruth Crafer), Siobhán Cullen, Jack Bannon and Charlotte Riley

By Jon Donnis

Alright, get ready because the BBC has announced a brand-new drama called Babies, and it sounds like one of those shows that's going to stay with you long after the credits roll. Written and directed by Stefan Golaszewski, the genius behind Mum and Marriage, this six-part series promises a raw and emotional look at love, loss, and everything in between.

Here's the setup: Babies follows Lisa and Stephen, played by the ridiculously talented Siobhán Cullen (Obituary) and Paapa Essiedu (Black Mirror). The couple is grappling with the heartbreak of pregnancy loss, all while trying to find hope and strength in their relationship. Life doesn't stop just because you're grieving, and this series dives right into how they manage to keep going, love each other, and hold onto a flicker of humor through it all.

And let's talk about the cast. Alongside Cullen and Essiedu, you've got Jack Bannon (Pennyworth) and Charlotte Riley (The Peripheral) rounding things out. It's a lineup packed with talent, so expect some truly powerful performances. Golaszewski himself said their humanity and warmth are essential for telling this story, which isn't often shown on screen. If you've ever seen his work, you know he doesn't miss when it comes to capturing those raw, intimate moments.

What makes Babies stand out is its willingness to tackle a subject that rarely gets the spotlight. Pregnancy loss is deeply personal and often avoided in mainstream storytelling, but here it's explored with care and authenticity. The show doesn't just dwell on the sadness though. It's about the love that keeps people going, even when life gets impossibly hard.

Behind the scenes, the production team is stacked with talent. Ruth Kenley-Letts (Strike), Neil Blair (Fantastic Beasts), and Richard Laxton (Rain Dogs) are all executive producers, alongside Golaszewski. And with Lyndsay Robinson (Mum) as the series producer, this is shaping up to be a drama that's as heartfelt as it is beautifully made.

Filming is already underway in London, so it won't be long before we get to see this one for ourselves on BBC One and iPlayer. If you're into stories that feel painfully real but leave you hopeful, Babies needs to be on your radar.

Fair warning, though: you're probably going to need some tissues for this one.