POWERFUL PROGRAMMING
BBC Studios and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) have renewed their content alliance with a comprehensive multi-year deal spanning drama, comedy, kids programming and entertainment fare. The agreement brings fresh installments of Alan Carr’s autobiographical comedy “Changing Ends” (Seasons 3-4) and standup favorite “Live At the Apollo” to ABC platforms. The pubcaster has also secured first-run rights to children’s series including preschool hit “Hey Duggee,” “Andy’s Global Adventures” with Andy Day, “Supertato,” “Deadly 60” and “Horrible Histories.”
Continuing the partnership’s second-run arrangements, ABC viewers retain access to audience favorites like “Death in Paradise,” its spinoff “Beyond Paradise,” period drama “Call The Midwife,” crime procedural “Silent Witness,” cozy mystery “Father Brown,” factual stalwart “Antiques Roadshow” and dark comedy “The Cleaner.”
The deal also covers premieres of cold case drama “Unforgotten” Season 6, the sophomore run of “Sherwood,” and most notably, BBC’s reimagined “Walking With Dinosaurs.” The landmark natural history series promises to transport audiences through prehistoric eras by combining cutting-edge science with VFX to chronicle the lives of six different dinosaur species.
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MASALA MAVERICK
Warner Bros. Discovery U.K. & Ireland has ordered “Secrets of the Curry Kitchen,” a new culinary series starring celebrated chef Asma Khan, set to bow this May on Food Network and Discovery+.
The 10-part half-hour show, produced by Banijay U.K.‘s Sidney Street Productions, takes viewers behind the scenes at Khan’s acclaimed London eatery Darjeeling Express. Khan, who landed on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list for 2024, and has an episode of Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” dedicated to her, will showcase signature dishes from her Soho hotspot alongside her all-female kitchen crew.
Each episode spotlights a different restaurant favorite, from Chilli Cheese Toasties to Coconut Prawn Malaikari, while Khan demonstrates three home-cooking recipes like Jhal Farezi and Sweet Zada Saffron Rice. The self-taught chef brings her trademark mix of heart and humor while sharing culinary techniques passed down through generations of women in her family.
Since opening in 2017, Darjeeling Express has become a culinary destination known for its authentic home-style Indian cooking and commitment to female empowerment. The series was commissioned by Charlotte Reid, with Matt Reid serving as commissioning executive for Warner Bros. Discovery.
DOCUMENTARY DYNAMO
Britain’s beloved documentary maverick Louis Theroux is set to add another accolade to his illustrious career as the National Film and Television School (NFTS) announces him as their 2025 Honorary Fellowship recipient. The BAFTA-winning filmmaker, who has been a fixture of British television for over three decades, will receive the honor at the NFTS class of 2025 graduation ceremony on March 7 in London. Sophie Turner Laing, chair of the NFTS board of governors, will present the award.
The NFTS board of governors recognized Theroux’s dedication to uncovering diverse human experiences through bold, thought-provoking storytelling across multiple mediums, including documentaries, podcasts and books.
Theroux joins previous fellowship recipients, including James Bond producer Barbara Broccoli, “His Dark Materials” scribe Jack Thorne, “Happy Valley” creator Sally Wainwright, animation legend Nick Park, celebrated filmmaker Lynne Ramsay, Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, and renowned author Malorie Blackman.
The fellowship, awarded annually, celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the entertainment industry.