Recipes for Love and Murder Series Two: A New Batch of Mysteries Served Up

By Jon Donnis

Maria Doyle Kennedy returns as the indomitable Tannie Maria in the second series of Recipes for Love and Murder. The culinary crime drama, based on Sally Andrew's best-selling novels, is back to deliver more intriguing mysteries and delicious plot twists when it arrives on DVD and digital on 14 April 2025, courtesy of Acorn Media International. 

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Tannie Maria, the food columnist turned agony aunt and amateur sleuth, is once again joined by Jessie September (Kylie Fisher) and Detective Khaya Meyer (Tony Kgoroge) in the picturesque South African town of Eden. This new series picks up right where the first left off, with unexpected arrivals and a fresh batch of murder mysteries that will have audiences hooked.

The arrival of Maria's ex-sister-in-law Aileen (Robyn Scott) and her husband, Detective Gordon McClintock (Richard Wright-Firth), leads to a series of unsettling interrogations about Maria's past, including the death of her abusive husband and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother's passing. Meanwhile, local newspaper editor Hattie (Jennifer Steyn) prepares for her mayoral campaign, only for a series of devastating fires to throw the town into chaos.

As the fires trigger a chain of events, Tannie Maria, Jessie, and Khaya find themselves embroiled in a multiple murder investigation that uncovers Eden's darkest secrets.

With its stunning South African scenery, a charismatic lead, well-crafted mysteries, and a sprinkling of mouth-watering recipes, Recipes for Love and Murder series two promises to be another satisfying helping of dark comedy and thrilling suspense. Fans can expect a second serving of the show that will leave them hungry for more.

The Cage: BBC’s New High-Stakes Crime Drama Set in a Liverpool Casino

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC has announced a new drama, The Cage, written and created by BAFTA-nominated Tony Schumacher, best known for The Responder. Starring BAFTA award-winner Sheridan Smith and Michael Socha, the five-part series is a high-energy crime thriller set in the world of a Liverpool casino. Produced by Element Pictures for BBC One and BBC iPlayer, the show follows two unforgettable characters whose fates become dangerously intertwined.

Smith plays Leanne, while Socha stars as Matty, two employees who find themselves robbing from the same safe at their inner-city casino. Their actions put them on a collision course with each other, the local gangster they are stealing from, and the police. With direction from Al Mackay and filming taking place in and around Liverpool and Merseyside, the show promises to be a gripping mix of crime, tension, and emotion.

Schumacher expressed his excitement at returning to the BBC, describing The Cage as funny, dark, and full of love and life. Executive producers at Element Pictures have called it a crime show, a family drama, and a love story, balancing humour, thrills, and poignancy. Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised Schumacher's writing and the stellar cast, promising an entertaining and character-driven series.

The Cage is executive produced by Hilary Martin for Fremantle, Christopher Aird, Ed Guiney, and Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures, alongside Schumacher and Smith. Lucy Richer serves as executive producer for the BBC, with Clare Shepherd producing. Global sales will be handled by Fremantle.

Apple TV+ Unveils Lavish Period Drama Carême

Image: Apple TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for Carême, a new French-language historical drama set to premiere globally on 30 April 2025. Starring Benjamin Voisin in the title role, the series tells the story of Antonin Carême, the world's first celebrity chef, whose extraordinary rise from poverty in Paris to culinary fame is intertwined with political intrigue and espionage. Directed by Martin Bourboulon, the filmmaker behind Les Trois Mousquetaires: D'Artagnan, the series promises a sumptuous blend of history, ambition and suspense.

The story follows Carême as he ascends the ranks of early 19th-century French society, earning the admiration of Europe's most powerful figures. While his genius in the kitchen secures his place among the elite, it also draws him into the dangerous world of political manipulation, where his skills are weaponised for purposes beyond gastronomy. Torn between his passion for food and the demands of those in power, Carême must navigate a treacherous path that could cost him everything, including his soul.

Based on Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef by historian Ian Kelly, Carême is co-created by Kelly and Davide Serino. The series was filmed on location in some of France's most iconic sites, including Opéra Garnier, Palais-Royal and the former grounds of the Palais des Tuileries, adding authenticity to its depiction of post-revolutionary France. Alongside Voisin, the cast features Jérémie Renier, Lyna Khoudri and Alice Da Luz, each bringing to life characters who shaped Carême's extraordinary journey.

Carême is part of Apple TV+'s growing slate of French-language originals, joining titles such as La Maison, Liaison and Drops of God. With its blend of high-stakes drama, historical intrigue and breathtaking locations, the series looks set to offer audiences a rich and compelling portrait of one of history's most fascinating figures. The first two episodes will premiere on 30 April, followed by weekly releases every Wednesday until 11 June 2025.

Poker Face Season 2 Brings More Murder, Mystery and Wit to Sky and NOW

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

The critically acclaimed US drama Poker Face returns for its highly anticipated second season on 9 May, once again bringing Natasha Lyonne's Charlie Cale to the screen. Created by Rian Johnson, the show has won praise for its modern take on the classic mystery-of-the-week format, with Lyonne's character using her uncanny ability to detect lies to solve crimes while on the run. Season two promises even more inventive mysteries, eccentric characters and an all-star guest cast as Charlie continues her unpredictable road trip across America.

The new season will launch with three episodes, followed by weekly instalments, allowing fans to savour each unique case. Over twelve episodes, Charlie finds herself in a variety of unexpected locations, including a minor league baseball team, an alligator farm and a grade school talent show, each setting the stage for fresh and unpredictable mysteries. The show has drawn inspiration from classic episodic television like Columbo and The Rockford Files, blending those influences with the style and energy of 70s American cinema.

Returning as both star and executive producer, Lyonne is joined once again by creator Rian Johnson, who has described the new season as an expansion of everything fans loved in the first. "Charlie Cale is back on the run, and in season two we've taken her journey to the next level one murder mystery at a time," Johnson said. "Each episode is a mini movie, existing in its own world with a unique tone and vibe, featuring an eccentric lot of characters played by a truly gonzo parade of guest stars."

That guest lineup is certainly impressive, with big names including Cynthia Erivo, Katie Holmes, John Mulaney and Awkwafina all making appearances. The show's first season already set a high bar with an eclectic mix of actors, and this new season looks to continue that tradition, ensuring each episode remains as engaging as the last.

Following its debut in 2023, Poker Face quickly became one of the most talked-about new series, earning four Primetime Emmy nominations, including one for Lyonne as Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The first season's mix of sharp writing, clever mysteries and dark humour made it an instant hit, and its return has been eagerly awaited. The show's blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling has struck a chord with audiences, offering a modern twist on a format that feels both familiar and exciting.

Season two of Poker Face premieres on 9 May on Sky and streaming service NOW.

Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation – A Powerful Look at a Dark Chapter in British History

By Jon Donnis

To mark 80 years since the liberation of the Channel Islands, Channel 4 is set to air Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation, a gripping documentary that explores one of the most controversial periods of British history. Using first-hand accounts from those who lived through it, the film brings to life the impossible choices faced by the 69,000 islanders left behind when Britain abandoned the islands to Nazi rule in June 1940. Through previously unseen diaries, letters and memoirs, given voice by actors for the first time, the documentary provides an intimate and unflinching portrait of life under occupation. Leading historians Gilly Carr and Louise Willmot offer expert insight, backed by newly unearthed documents that cast fresh light on a largely forgotten period of British fascism.

The Nazis saw the occupation of Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney as a major propaganda victory, swiftly turning the islands into a fortress bristling with military defences. But what began as a so-called "model occupation" quickly descended into a brutal reality of antisemitic persecution, mass deportations, informants, starvation and forced labour camps. Unlike other wartime atrocities, there was no formal investigation into what took place, leaving wounds that still divide island communities today. Emily Shields, Commissioning Editor at Channel 4, describes the documentary as a mesmerising portrait of life under enemy rule, capturing the conflicting experiences and perspectives of those who lived through it. Britain Under the Nazis: The Forgotten Occupation promises to be a powerful and thought-provoking examination of an overlooked chapter in Britain's wartime history.

Channel 4 Releases First Look Images from Upcoming Drama Trespasses Starring Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, and Gillian Anderson

Images: Channel 4 Press

By Jon Donnis

Channel 4 has released first look images from Trespasses, an upcoming drama set against the turbulent backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The series, a forbidden love story, will stream and be available live later this year. The production comes from Wildgaze Films, the BAFTA award-winning company behind films such as Brooklyn and An Education, in collaboration with All3Media International.

The newly unveiled images feature Lola Petticrew (known for Say Nothing and Tuesday) as Cushla, a young woman whose desires and dreams are stifled by the harsh realities of daily life. Tom Cullen (The Gold, Weekend) stars as Michael, a controversial barrister, and Gillian Anderson (Scoop, Sex Education) plays Gina, Cushla's mother, a "glorious wreck" who is always clashing with her daughter.

Adapted by Ailbhe Keogan (Bad Sisters), Trespasses is based on Louise Kennedy's critically acclaimed debut novel, which was shortlisted for the 2023 Women's Prize. This marks Keogan's first lead writing credit for television. Directed by BAFTA award-winning Dawn Shadforth (Mood, Adult Material), the series brings a gripping and intimate story to the screen.

Joining the cast are Martin McCann (Blue Lights), Oisín Thompson (My Left Nut), Emily Taaffe (The Rising), Barry Ward (Bad Sisters), Lisa Dwyer Hogg (The Fall), Lorcan Cranitch (Bloodlands), Frank Blake (Normal People), Gary Lydon (The Banshees of Inisherin), and Lalor Roddy (Bodkin).

Set in 1975, outside Belfast, Trespasses follows Cushla, a Catholic schoolteacher who works behind the bar of her family's pub. One evening, while serving a mixed crowd that includes soldiers stationed in the area, Cushla meets Michael, an older Protestant man and a controversial figure who often defends IRA suspects. Despite their stark differences, the two are drawn to each other, and the dangerous nature of their illicit affair becomes clear. The series explores the passionate and fraught relationship between the two, set against a backdrop of fear, paranoia, and the ever-present threat of violence.

Trespasses is a 4x60' series, with Rebecca Holdsworth and Gwawr Lloyd serving as the Drama Commissioning Editors for Channel 4. Executive producers include Amanda Posey (Brooklyn, An Education), Gillian Anderson, Dawn Shadforth, Louise Kennedy, and Finola Dwyer. The producer is Maria Mulhall (The Night Caller, The Dry).

Filming for the series wrapped in Belfast in December, and with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, Trespasses is set to capture a critical moment in history with compelling characters and a heartbreaking love story.

Granite Harbour Returning for a Third Series

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Fans of Granite Harbour can look forward to another round of crime-solving in Aberdeen, as the BBC has confirmed the show will be back for a third series. Romario Simpson and Hannah Donaldson will reprise their roles as Sgt Davis Lindo and DCI Lara 'Bart' Bartlett in the three-part drama, produced by LA Productions.

Filming will take place in Aberdeenshire and Glasgow later this year, with Rob Fraser, Ciara Conway and Writers Guild of Great Britain award-winner Jillian Mannion handling the scripts. This time, Lindo and Bart will be investigating a suspicious death in the travelling community, leading them to a tangled web of romance, secrets and old wounds.

BBC Scotland's Gavin Smith said the new series would put the show's detectives to the test and bring more audiences to the BBC. LA Productions' Colin McKeown praised Aberdeen as a filming location, calling it a "real gem" and promising that series three will build on the characters and storylines that have drawn viewers in.

The show has been commissioned by BBC Scotland's Louise Thornton and BBC Drama's Lindsay Salt, with support from Screen Scotland. It joins a growing lineup of Scottish dramas, alongside Shetland, Vigil, Nightsleeper and Rebus, with more series like Half Man, Lockerbie and The Ridge on the way.

With Granite Harbour now firmly part of the BBC's crime drama slate, the return of Lindo and Bart is sure to keep fans hooked when the new series lands.