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A scene from the French TV series “The Doc and the Vet.” Courtesy of MHz Choice

The charming dramedy series from French TV, “The Doc and the Vet”, is six 90-minute progressive telefilms about the title characters and the small town in which they practice their respective professions. Most of the cast appear in most of the episodes, with evolving roles and relationships. By the end of #6, viewers will feel like they know a lot of people therefrom, and empathize with most of them.

The majority of the characters are lifelong residents of the village, including the veterinarian, Pierre (Michel Cymes). We begin as the new doctor, Emma (Dounia Coesens), comes to town… reluctantly. She’s a big city gal with big city career aspirations who is obligated to spend three years in the boonies to repay the government grant for the education she’d just received. The accommodations and...

Brut Post TikTok Subscriber Milestone

France’s young adult-focused, online news-skewed platform Brut is sounding its own bell after hitting 10 million subscribers on TikTok, making it the top French publisher on the Chinese-owned platform. The subscriber gains also make the platform the second most followed European news publisher on TikTok after the Daily Mail. “Making news on TikTok was a challenge. A successful bet with 10 million subscribers, which makes us the leading news media in France on a platform historically focused on entertainment,” said TikTok Editor in Chief Laurent Lucas in a release. “This symbolic milestone reflects the success of an editorial policy developed especially for new uses of information consumption in France and around the world.” Launched by Guillaume Lacroix and Renaud le Van Kim in 2016, the Paris-based platform employs some 250 people. It has had its financial ups and down over its existence but reported last year that it...

A glimpse at upcoming UK DVD and Blu-ray release dates well into 2025: here’s what’s coming to disc and when.

Here, then, are a few of the upcoming dates for new movies on DVD and Blu-ray that may not yet have been officially announced. Note that all dates are for the UK.

Also: We’ve started adding affiliate links. If you click on those, we benefit, and can spend more money paying more people to write more things for this website. No pressure, just hugely obliged.

Obviously in the current climate everything is subject to change, of course…

Just released

First Time On UK Blu-ray: No Way Out (Film Stories Blu-ray #2)

First Time On UK Blu-ray: Bull Durham (Film Stories Blu-ray #3)

This week

10th March: Father Brown series 12

10th March: St Patrick’s Day Massacre

10th March: Drifting Dragons season 1

10th March: The Terminal Man

10th March: New Religion...

Father Brown is back for its 11th season, premiering on ABC Australia on Saturday, March 29th, at 6:10 pm. The crime-solving priest, played by Mark Williams, tackles a new case amidst the competitive chaos of the Kembleston Olimpicks. Here’s the Lowdown: The season premiere sees Father Brown investigating a poisoning at the local Olimpicks. Mrs. […]

Father Brown Season 11 Hits ABC Australia March 29...

Editor’s note: This story contains details of sexual abuse some readers may find upsetting.

Alexander Westwood was quick to brag about his acting credentials. His Instagram profile, which remains public, features him grinning on the set of Sex Education alongside the Netflix series’ star Asa Butterfield. Blood-spattered selfies show him costumed as a Great War soldier on location for BBC crime drama Father Brown. Only last year, he walked the red carpet for a Rebel Moon: Part Two screening, thanking Netflix for a “lovely evening.”

The posts give the impression of a man who had cracked an ultra-competitive industry, even though his work was limited to minor non-speaking roles. At least this was the impression he left on a mother who encountered Westwood in 2020 and was persuaded by his offer to provide acting lessons for her 16-year-old daughter. Lilly, a pseudonym we are using to protect the identity of the survivor,...

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...

BBC Studios and Australian pubcaster the ABC have renewed their long-standing content pact.

As the BBC Studios Showcase kicks off this morning, the agreement, billed as “substantial” will comprise drama, comedy, children’s and entertainment titles.

This will include the third and fourth seasons of Alan Carr’s coming of age comedy Changing Ends and forthcoming stand-up showcase Live At the Apollo, will be returning to the ABC. In Kids, ABC will take first-run on a number of children’s shows for the first time, including Hey Duggee, Andy’s Global Adventures, a new season of Supertato, Deadly 60 and Horrible Histories.

The ABC will get get new seasons of Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, Call The Midwife, Silent Witness, Father Brown, Antiques Roadshow and The Cleaner.

The ABC will premiere the sixth season of cold case crime series Unforgotten and Season 2 of Nottinghamshire-based crime drama Sherwood, and the re-imagining of...

Lady Felicia’s literary aspirations take a deadly turn in the upcoming episode of Father Brown, “The Sisters of Aeschylus.” When a group of writers comes to stay, a murder throws everything into chaos. Here’s the Lowdown: Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) invites a trio of authors – “The Sisters of Aeschylus” – to Montague, hoping they’ll […]

Father Brown: The Sisters of Aeschylus...

On Sunday 26 January 2025, ITV broadcasts Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh!

Season 7 Episode 4 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh” promises to be an exciting one. It will feature two stars from the popular sleuthing drama “Father Brown,” Claudie Blakley and John Burton. They will join Alan to share insights about their experiences on the show and discuss what fans can expect in future episodes. Their chemistry and stories are sure to entertain fans of the series.

In addition to the “Father Brown” stars, the episode will also include a special guest, Jeffrey Holland, known for his role in the classic comedy “Hi-de-Hi!” Jeffrey will talk about his long career in entertainment and celebrate the release of his autobiography. His stories from the world of comedy and acting are likely to bring laughter and nostalgia.

Viewers can look forward to a delightful mix of conversation,...

On Friday 17 January 2025, BBC One broadcasts Father Brown!

The Kembleston Players Season 12 Episode 2 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Father Brown,” titled “The Kembleston Players,” promises to be an intriguing mix of mystery and drama. Set to air on BBC One, this episode revolves around a theater group preparing for their production of “A Most Perfect Murder.” Things take a dark turn when a sudden death occurs during rehearsals, throwing the entire cast into chaos.

Father Brown, known for his keen sense of observation and understanding of human nature, steps in to investigate the incident. As he delves deeper into the world of the Kembleston Players, he uncovers secrets and tensions that run beneath the surface of the seemingly close-knit group. The episode will likely explore themes of ambition, jealousy, and the lengths people will go to protect their reputations.

Viewers can expect a blend of suspense and humor as...

From Jagged Edge Productions and ITN Studios, Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare is now in theaters until January 15, 2025, only from Iconic Events Releasing, and the team has provided Bloody Disgusting with a bloody exclusive clip to whet your appetite this morning.

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare gives a dark new spin on the classic fairy tale characters created by J.M. Barrie. Watch a bloody clip from a fight between Peter Pan and Wendy Darling below, and find the film’s previously released official trailer underneath.

The newest entry into the Poohniverse follows Wendy Darling as she strikes out in an attempt to rescue her brother Michael from the clutches of the evil Peter Pan who intends to send him to Neverland. Along the way she meets a twisted Tinkerbell, who is hooked on “fairy dust.”

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare gets a limited theatrical release for three days only, from January 13, 2025 until January 15, 2025, courtesy of Iconic Events Releasing.

On Friday 10 January 2025, BBC One broadcasts Father Brown!

The Battle of Kembleford Season 12 Episode 1 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Father Brown,” titled “The Battle of Kembleford,” promises to be an intriguing mix of history and mystery. Set to air on BBC One, this episode dives into the world of medieval battle re-enactments, where things take a dark turn.

In this episode, Father Brown finds himself at a local event celebrating a historic battle. The excitement and enthusiasm of the re-enactors quickly shift to shock when a murder occurs during the festivities. The scene is set for a classic whodunit, as Father Brown must sift through the chaos to uncover the truth behind the crime.

As the investigation unfolds, viewers can expect Father Brown to use his keen observation skills and deep understanding of human nature. The episode will explore the relationships among the re-enactors, revealing hidden tensions and rivalries...

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare gives a dark new spin on a classic fairy tale. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release next week, Jagged Edge Productions and ITN Studios have unveiled new images of the “Poohniverse” version of Tinkerbell and Hook.

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare gets a limited theatrical release for three days only, from January 13, 2025, until January 15, 2025, from Iconic Events Releasing.

The horror film follows “Wendy Darling as she strikes out in an attempt to rescue her brother Michael from the clutches of the evil Peter Pan, who intends to send him to Neverland. Along the way she meets a twisted Tinkerbell, who is hooked on what she thinks is fairy dust.”

Scott Chambers directs Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare.

The brand new images present a drastically different depiction of Peter Pan’s close ally, Tink, and his sworn enemy, Hook. More interestingly, EW revealed character details behind the new version of Tinkerbell.

Father Brown is back for another thrilling season, and the excitement kicks off with Season 12, Episode 1, titled “The Battle of Kembleford.” This episode promises to blend history with mystery as Father Brown finds himself in the midst of a medieval battle re-enactment that takes a dark turn.

When a murder occurs during the festivities, the cheerful atmosphere quickly changes to one of suspicion and fear. Father Brown, known for his keen intuition and understanding of human nature, steps in to investigate. The re-enactment, meant to celebrate history, becomes a backdrop for a crime that needs solving. With the townsfolk caught up in the drama, Father Brown must sift through the chaos to uncover the truth.

As the episode unfolds, viewers can expect twists and turns, along with the charming wit that has made Father Brown a beloved character. The combination of historical intrigue and modern-day dilemmas will keep audiences engaged.

BBC Studios has announced the titles coming to BritBox in January 2025, which include everything from new BritBox Originals to classic British fare. BritBox is a digital video subscription service offering the largest collection of British TV in the U.S. and Canada.

The January lineup includes the final season of Vera, starring Academy Award nominee Brenda Blethyn. Watch the titular Dci Vera Stanhope confront new challenges before hanging up the hat in Season 14. The emotional finale premieres on BritBox on January 2.

Father Brown Season 12

BAFTA-winning comedy Gavin & Stacey: The Finale arrives on BritBox on December 26. Take a final peek behind the scenes with the iconic ensemble once more with Gavin & Stacey: A Fond Farewell, streaming on January 1.

Crime in the Cotswolds continues in Season 12 of Father Brown. The BritBox fan-favorite starring Mark Williams returns on January 23. Mark (David Mitchell) and Jeremy (Robert Webb) continue to navigate love, careers, friendship and...

The streamer which specializes in British TV is bringing back a host of fan-favorite titles in the new year.

The new year is shaping up to be a good one, at least for BritBox subscribers. The streamer, which specializes in offering high-quality titles from British studios, as well as originals, has unveiled a big slate of new TV shows coming to its library in 2025. Highlights include new originals like “Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero” starring Anjelica Houston, the final season of “Vera,” and much more. Check out the comprehensive list below and see what you can stream on BritBox all throughout 2025.

Everything coming to BritBox in 2025

Preview BritBox’s 2025 slate

Upcoming highlights

Full schedule of premieres

7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com Preview BritBox’s 2025 slate Upcoming highlights ‘Joan’ | Available now

Stars: Sophie Turner, Frank Dillane

The series opens with Joan, a fiery and uncompromising woman in her twenties who is deeply scarred and vulnerable.

The newest entry in the “Poohniverse” gives a new horror twist on a familiar fairy tale classic. Jagged Edge Productions and ITN Studios has unleashed the new trailer for Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare today, ahead of the horror movie’s theatrical release next month.

Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare gets a limited theatrical release for three days only, from January 13, 2025 until January 15, 2025 only from Iconic Events Releasing.

It follows “Wendy Darling as she strikes out in an attempt to rescue her brother Michael from the clutches of the evil Peter Pan who intends to send him to Neverland. Along the way she meets a twisted Tinkerbell, who is hooked on what she thinks is fairy dust.”

Megan Placito stars as Wendy Darling, Martin Portlock (TV’s “Britain’s Got Talent”) as Peter Pan, Kit Green (Dragon’s Dogma 2 video game) as Tinkerbell, Peter DeSouza-Feighoney as Michael, Kierston Wareing as Roxy...

American Idol will show off its new judging panel after the Oscars.

A special preview of the competition series’ new season will air following the live Oscars telecast on Sunday, March 2, on ABC. The program will provide a first look at some hopeful auditions and new judge Carrie Underwood alongside Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and host Ryan Seacrest.

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The eighth season of...

Today, BritBox announced its 2025 slate of premieres and returning series. The BritBox 2025 lineup includes Original commissions, celebrated co-productions, and highly anticipated acquisitions.

With new series from top UK writers such as Sally Wainwright (Riot Women), Sarah Williams (Outrageous), Rachel Bennette (Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero), Catherine Moulton (Code of Silence), Kelly Jones (A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story), Anna Symon (Joan), and Cat Jones (The Jetty), BritBox’s slate highlights the depth and power of British storytelling.

A Cruel Love: The Ruth Ellis Story

In 2025, BritBox will bring beloved characters back to the screen with new seasons of its iconic favorites such as Blue Lights, Vera, Father Brown, Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, Silent Witness and Sister Boniface Mysteries plus reimagined looks at treasured literary characters in Lynley and Agatha Christie’s Towards Zero.

From detectives, to Psni recruits, to crime-solving priests and nuns, BritBox audiences will have the...

As we are now officially in June, BritBox has announced their slate of new programming arriving this month. From beloved, returning police dramas to new series premiering for the first time. We have the complete list and have selected three of the most exciting titles landing on the service during the month.

In the United States, BritBox has just one subscription price. American Anglophiles can sign up for the service for just $8.99 per month. Not only will they have access to all of the new titles every month, but they will also get an incredible library of iconic series like, “Sherlock,” “Luther,” “Vera,” “Father Brown,” “Death in Paradise,” and more.

7-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month BritBox.com What are the 3 Best Shows, Movies, and Specials Coming to BritBox in June 2024? “Changing Ends” | Thursday, June 6

Chatty Man himself Alan Carr stars in the semi-autobiographical sitcom that focuses on the comedian’s upbringing...

Exclusive: Jamie Bacon and Pradeep Khadka will star in sci-fi flick Eklo from British-Nepalese director Pradeep Shahi.

The filmmakers say Eklo will be the first science fiction flick to come out of Nepal. Shahi is currently in Cannes with his latest film, The Last Ritual, which has Scatena and Rosner Films attached.

Eklo takes place in a futuristic version of Earth in which a deadly viral epidemic forced humanity to flee the planet in 2030. Sixty years later, British space agency astronaut Zach (Bacon) is on a reconnaissance missions and crash-lands in the Himalayan region of Nepal with his partner. They explore their surroundings and uncover a hidden city of caves nestled among the mountains, where they encounter a mysterious figure (Khadka), who is the mythical guardian of the Himalayan region.

Bacon is also signed on as a producer, as he and Shahi look to...

Prolific actor James Laurenson, who played Doctor Weir in the royal period drama The Crown, has died. He was 84. His passing was reported by multiple U.K. news outlets on Friday, May 10. A cause of death has not yet been provided. Born on February 17, 1940, in Marton, North Island, New Zealand, Laurenson made his acting career in the United Kingdom after moving there in the mid-1960s. He made his on-screen film debut in 1969 in Ken Russell’s romantic drama Women in Love. Throughout his career, Laurenson has had guest roles in numerous classic TV series such as Coronation Street, Z-Cars, The Professionals, Hammer House of Horror, Cagney and Lacey, Remington Steele, Bergerac, Midsomer Murders, Prime Suspect, Silent Witness, Hustle, Endeavour, Spooks, and many more. In more recent years, he played Earl of Westmoreland in the BBC adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts I and II and starred in...

Ian Gelder, a British actor known for his role as Kevan Lannister in “Game of Thrones,” died Monday of complications from bile duct cancer. He was 74.

Gelder’s partner, Ben Daniels, confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Tuesday.

“It is with huge huge sadness and a heavy heart broken into a million pieces that I’m leaving this post to announce the passing of my darling husband and life partner Ian Gelder,” Daniels wrote. “Ian was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in December and yesterday he passed at 13.07. I’d stopped all work to be his carer but neither of us had any idea that it would all be so fast.”

Gelder played the younger brother of Lord Tywin Lannister (Charles Dance) in 12 episodes of the HBO series “Game of Thrones.” He appeared in multiple television series, including “Doctor Who,” “Snatch,” “Fifteen-Love,” “Casualty,” “Father Brown,” “The Bill,” “Edward the King,...

Ian Gelder, known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Torchwood, has died at the age of 74 after battling cancer, his husband and fellow actor Ben Daniels confirmed.

Gelder’s passing was announced, leaving fans and colleagues mourning the loss of the veteran actor.

Per The Sun, Daniels confirmed that his cause of death was due to complications from bile cancer.

Gelder is renowned for his portrayal of Kevan Lannister in the acclaimed series Game of Thrones, the younger brother of Tywin Lannister, played by Charles Dance.

The British actor enjoyed a prolific career spanning five decades in both stage and television.

His husband, Ben Daniels, shared the heartbreaking news of Gelder’s death on social media.

Ben Daniels leads tributes for Ian Gelder

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ben (@bendanielsss)

In a poignant statement, Daniels expressed his profound grief, describing Gelder as his “darling...

In the wake of BBC Studios fully acquiring BritBox, the specialized streamer has shaken up its leadership. Robert Schildhouse, the current general manager for North America as well as group editorial for BritBox International, has been named president of BritBox North America and general manager of BritBox International.

This leadership change will go into effect on April 1, and Schildhouse will be based in New York. As for Kerry Ball, she will continue in her role chief commercial and strategy officer and will be based in London. Both will report to CEO of BBC Global Media and Streaming Rebecca Glashow.

Schildhouse has been with the company since 2022. In his most recent role, he’s been instrumental in driving the streaming service’s business in both the United States and Canada and has also led its global content and editorial organization. In this new role, the executive will be in charge of...

Robert Schildhouse will serve in an expanded role at streamer BritBox International following the departure of global CEO Reemah Sakaan.

Schildhouse, who previously had stints with Hulu and CBS, joined the streamer in 2022, with his most recent position being general manager, North America, and group editorial for BritBox International, where he was instrumental in driving the service’s business growth in the U.S. and Canada.

From April 1, Schildhouse will serve in the expanded role of president of BritBox North America, and general manager of BritBox International, based in New York. Kerry Ball will continue in her role as chief commercial and strategy officer, based in London. Schildhouse and Ball will now both report to Rebecca Glashow, CEO, BBC Global Media and Streaming. Schildhouse will assume responsibility for product/technology and marketing, in addition to editorial.

The moves have happened after BBC Studios bought British broadcaster ITV‘s 50% stake in...

BBC Studios has bought British broadcaster ITV’s 50% stake in streamer BritBox International for £255 million ($322 million), the companies revealed on Friday.

The streamer was founded in 2017 as a joint venture between BBC Studios, which is the commercial arm of the British broadcaster, and ITV. “The transaction will provide net proceeds including loan repayments and accrued dividends and after tax of around £235 million,” the companies said.

“The sale reflects ITV’s strategy of focusing on supercharging its U.K. advertiser-funded streaming service, Itvx and growing its global Studios division,” ITV added. “The board intends to return the entire net sale proceeds to shareholders through a share buyback which it expects to launch imminently after the full-year results on March 7.”

Under the terms of the agreement, ITV Studios will continue to receive an ongoing revenue stream from BritBox International similar to current levels for the use of ITV content under new extended licensing agreements.

BBC Studios has paid £255M ($321M) to acquire ITV’s shareholding in their joint venture streamer, BritBox International.

In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7.

BritBox CEO Reman Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are “in place to ensure a smooth transition” and will be announced “imminently.”

The deal values BritBox International, which has nearly four million subscribers in eight territories, at over £500M. However, ITV is focusing on growth of its own streamer, Itvx, and its global ITV Studios division will redirect efforts in that direction following the deal.

ITV Studios,...

For sports fans, the arrival of January means the start of the NFL playoffs. This is usually enough to keep the attention of football fans all month long, and this weekend’s AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens will stream live on Paramount+ for all the cord-cutting viewers out there.

But what about non-football fans? This audience segment needs some love too, and fortunately, there’s a wide variety of new shows and movies heading to a streaming service near you this week if you’re sick and tired of football talk and want to enjoy something else.

Monday, Jan. 22 ‘Judy Justice’ Season 3 Premiere | Freevee

“Judy Justice” is back and better than ever! Judge Judy Sheindlin presides over new cases with her signature blend of sharp wit and wisdom, hilarious candor, and unwavering honesty that has made her a household favorite among American audiences for almost 30 years.

Kcet and local Southern California PBS stations are set to be consolidated into one name: PBS SoCal.

Though the Los Angeles-based public broadcaster Kcet will still exist, it will be referred to as “PBS SoCal Plus,” so that both PBS flagship broadcast stations will be under one unified brand starting Feb. 6.

The broadcaster noted that Kcet programming will not change.

“PBS SoCal and Kcet merged in 2018, and since then, we have grown into a strong public media entity serving Southern California that reflects the diversity of our region and provides a full schedule of beloved and trusted PBS programs,” PBS SoCal president and CEO Andrew Russell said in a statement. “While the broadcast channel name may be changing, the programs that viewers love on Kcet — Artbound, Lost LA, Father Brown, Must See Movies and more — will remain available on the channel and across all of our platforms.”

He continued, “Our honored tradition,...

“Kcet” is infinitely no more. Well, sort of. The Los Angeles-based public broadcaster still exists, and “Kcet” remains its legal call letters. But effective Tuesday, Feb. 6, the station will start branding itself on air as “PBS SoCal Plus.” That brings it further in line with its sister station PBS SoCal (Koce-tv), with which it merged in 2018.

Beyond that, the programming mix won’t change, but there will be further program sharing behind both outlets under the unified brand. According to the public broadcaster, the brand unification is meant to stop any confusion that may still exist between PBS SoCal and Kcet now that they are operated under one roof. The two stations have already merged their two websites into one, under the PBS SoCal name — and now they will operate in tandem under that one name everywhere else too.

Dan Ferguson, PBS SoCal’s senior VP of marketing and communication,...

Prepare for a riveting mystery in the quaint village of Kembleford as “Father Brown” returns with Season 11 Episode 2, titled “The Forensic Nun,” airing at 1:45 Pm on January 12, 2024, on BBC One. In this intriguing installment, the beloved Father Brown finds himself embroiled in a puzzling case when his old friend, Sister Boniface, becomes implicated in the murder of a renowned artist.

As the story unfolds, viewers can expect a captivating blend of suspense and sleuthing as Father Brown delves into the secrets hidden within the village. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Sister Boniface’s involvement adds a layer of complexity to the investigation.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of “Father Brown” or a newcomer to the charming world of Kembleford, this episode promises an enthralling mix of mystery, friendship, and the indomitable spirit of justice. Tune in at 1:45 Pm on BBC One for an afternoon of intrigue with “The Forensic Nun.

Streaming

“Sherlock” Seasons 1-4, “Death in Paradise” Seasons 1-11, “Unforgotten” Seasons 1-4 and “Life Below Zero” Seasons 1-9 are among the series that will be available as part of BBC Studios‘ new content agreement with Lemino, a Japanese video-on-demand streaming service operated by Ntt DoCoMo. The deal, which comes into effect Nov. 15 will also see Lemino subscribers gain access to long-running British dramas like “Call The Midwife” Seasons 1-11 and “Father Brown” Seasons 1-10, period dramas “The Pursuit of Love” and “Sanditon,” as well as documentary series “Greta Thunberg: A Year to Change The World.”

Cheryl Png, VP of distribution for Southeast Asia, South Korea and Japan of BBC Studios Asia, said: “BBC Studios is known for our premium content, powerful storytelling and the ability to connect with a global audience. We look forward to working closely with Ntt DoCoMo to showcase the depth and breadth of our programmes that...

Kate Oates has been named Head of Drama Productions at BBC Studios.

Earlier this morning in the UK, we revealed Parish had quietly stepped down from her role as Head of Drama at the BBC’s commercial arm. In effect, she’s replaced by Oates, who has been promoted from her current role as Head of Continuing Drama.

A BBC spokesperson said Oates was adopting a “slightly different slate of programs” to Parish’s shows, which included Bella Ramsay drama Time. She will retain oversight of flagship soap EastEnders, plus returning series Casualty, Father Brown, Sister Boniface, River City and Pobol Y Cwm and new comedy-drama Anfamol.

Oates role will lead see her take on the UK’s biggest drama production hub outside London with bases in England, Scotland and Wales. Her team will oversee Silent Witness when it moves to the West Midlands, along with a slate of drama...

BritBox is following where the bigger streamers lead. The service, which has grown more than 300% in three years, and at last report had 3 million subscribers, has now risen its price to $8.99 per month, or $89.99 per year. It’s a relatively modest price increase of $1 per month, or $10 per year, but the increase came without a major announcement or press release.

7-Day Free Trial $7.99 / month via Amazon Prime Video

BritBox carries a host of beloved British programming, including dark and brooding detective shows like “Luther,” the more old-school sleuthing of “Father Brown,” or following Hyacinth Bucket from hedge to hedge as she peeks in her neighbors’ windows in “Keeping Up Appearances.”

The good news is that there is still a way for new users to get BritBox at the old price of $7.99 per month. That’s by signing up through Amazon's Prime Video Channels, which still offers BritBox at $7.99 per month after a seven-day free trial.

Why do we find murder mysteries so uniquely relaxing? This is one of the age-old questions about human nature, up there with ‘what is consciousness?’ and ‘why do we keep eating mouldy cheese and fish eggs like it’s a good thing?’ Because, despite the grief and blood and mountains of paperwork that a gruesome murder causes, we simply can’t get enough of curling up on the sofa with a mug of tea and a cosy crime drama to keep us blissfully entertained all the way through to bedtime.

This isn’t a new thing, either: while modern series like Death in Paradise and Shakespeare and Hathaway are the current champions of cosy crime TV, back in the eighties and nineties classics like Murder She Wrote and Hetty Wainthropp Investigates taught us how it’s done. So whether you’re after the latest in the cosy crime genre or some more nostalgic viewing,...

(L-r) Ester Pantano as Suleima, Claudio Gioe as Saverio and Domenico Centamore as Peppe, in Italian crime TV series “Makari.” Courtesy of MHzChoice

“Makari” Season 2 brings three more cozy light crime dramedies from this Italian TV series. It’s named after a Sicilian coastal village (Macari) that provides the lovely setting for a season of three mysteries in which our set of amateurs become involved. The star is Saverio (Claudio Gioe), a fortyish writer who’s lost his high-profile political press-agent gig due to an even higher-profile screw-up. Tail between his legs and nearly broke, he returns to the village where his father still owns a run-down vacation home, and tries to start a new life in safe, familiar environs.

He’s greeted by old pal Peppe (Domenico Centamore) – a lovable, overly chatty lug who variably helps and annoys our putative hero as he settles in. Saverio’s next acquisition is a girlfriend.

There have been numerous TV crime series from Europe pairing cops and clergy in the sleuthing. England’s “Father Brown” is among the best known and longest running. Italy has given us “Don Matteo,” with the superb Terence Stamp as a savvy priest. The French offering “Under Law and Grace” (“Priere D’Enquentere”) is a series of four 90-minute movies pairing police captain Elli (Sabrina Ouazani) and her assistant Franck (Jerome Robart) with novitiate monk Clement (Mathieu Spinosi) for murders with varying degrees of religious involvement. While most of these programs have been relatively light in tone, this quartet plays more as straight dramas.

The requisite initial mismatch of personalities is apparent from the get-go, as Elli, whose parents were Muslim and Jewish by birth but atheists in practice, and Franck (who is going through a messy divorce), head to a monastery. A monk was murdered, and a valuable bible was stolen.

Cate Blanchett (and soon Timothée Chalamet) transformed into Bob Dylan for the sake of cinema, but the “Tangled Up in Blue” singer-songwriter has no taste for modern TV.

Dylan shared his go-to rewatches in lieu of new series in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal.

“‘Coronation Street,’ ‘Father Brown,’ and some early ‘Twilight Zones.’ I know they’re old-fashioned, but they make me feel at home,” Dylan said. “I’m no fan of packaged programs or news shows. I never watch anything foul-smelling or evil. Nothing disgusting, nothing dog ass.”

Dylan continued to list his favorite musicians, including Metallica, Zac Deputy, Wu-Tang, Eminem, Leonard Cohen, and Nick Cave, along with “anybody with a feeling for words and language, anybody whose vision parallels mine.”

The Grammy winner added that his views on modern technology, especially social media, are torn. While social media can “bring happiness to a lot of people,...

Bob Dylan has been offered a cameo on Coronation Street after the musician revealed he is a fan of the show.

In a recent interview, Minnesota-born Dylan said that he enjoys watching the long-running soap as it makes him “feel at home”.

Producer Iain MacLeod has since said that Dylan could sing karaoke at the Rovers Return pub with characters Ken Barlow and Rita Sullivan.

Macleod told The Daily Telegraph: “To hear that Bob Dylan is a Coronation Street viewer blows my mind.

“I would absolutely love the idea of him turning up in the Rovers Return one night.”

Dylan, the producer explained, could make an appearance at an open mic night at the pub.

“A mysterious singer could roll in out of the Manchester rain and do a turn,” he suggested.

Dylan’s first album was released in 1962, two years before the Mancunian soap began airing on television.

“Both...

Bob Dylan released his latest book The Philosophy of Modern Song in November.

The book contains Dylan’s commentary on 66 songs by other artists. It is the first book Dylan has published since he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

In a new interview, Dylan explained the unusual dedication in the new book, to coffee and bakery company Dunkin’ Donuts.

“In the book, I thank: the ‘crew from Dunkin’ Donuts’,” he said.

“Because they were compassionate, supportive and they went the extra mile.”

Elsewhere in the interview, he revealed that he was a fan of the TV shows Coronation Street, Father Brown and some early Twilight Zones.

“I know they’re old-fashioned, but they make me feel at home,” he told The Wall Street Journal.

“I’m no fan of packaged programs or news shows. I never watch anything foul-smelling or evil. Nothing disgusting, nothing dog ass.”

In November,...

You can tell if somebody’s watched German Netflix series Dark by the furrow in their brow and the delirium in their eyes. The 2017 – 2020 time-travel mystery required a flip-chart of graphs and diagrams to explain, but proved a cult hit for Netflix and led to its creators Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar signing a deal with the streamer. 1899 (read our spoiler-free review here) is the result.

“Knowing that we did Dark, everyone can be assured that [1899] is going to be something weird and wild and crazy,” Friese promised Deadline about her and Odar’s new Netflix series. The writer-directors vowed not to repeat themselves with the new eight-episode period drama, but still to give their audience a fun puzzle that returns to the pair’s mystery roots.

Job done. 1899 is an addictive game for viewers to play. Set aboard a steam ship crossing from England to America at...

Father Brown is a famous British Detective series where Father Brown, the empathetic priest solves murder cases taking place in his parish.It is set in a fictional village of Kembleford, in the Cotswolds in England, Father Brown, a man of keen intelligence uses his insight into human behaviour and his life experiences to solve the […]

The post Two Participants of Popular Radio Quiz Murdered, Father Brown Probes appeared first on Shockya.com.

Terence Hill in “Don Matteo” on MHz Choice

If you’re in the mood for light-hearted mysteries with an engaging cast of characters, the subtitled Italian TV series “Don Matteo: Season 9” may suit your fancy. No TV program runs for over 20 years and 260+ episodes in Any country without considerable merit. Iconic actor Terence Hill stars as the priest in a little village who can’t help becoming a murder magnet, constantly involved in solving the crime of the day, usually to rescue one of his wrongly-accused parishioners. The local cops alternately rely on and resent his sleuthing, but it always leads to the right result within an hour of air time.

Hill became a global star in the 1970s largely from his wonderful comedic Spaghetti Westerns (most notably the Trinity flicks), among many pairings with Bud Spencer. The latter usually played a burly, grumpy sidekick to Hill’s playful lead in many successful light adventures,...

The only problem with British TV is that there isn’t more of it. The seasons are often shorter than their American counterparts, ensuring that audiences are always left wanting another episode.

Enter BritBox. The BBC and ITV streaming service boasts some of the more famous British imports in its catalog, alongside a deep library of English greats that might not have gained the same notoriety on this side of the pond. We’ve put together the best of the best shows to watch on BritBox in all genres, from meaty murder mysteries (the most popular category on BritBox) to the perfectly understated British comedies.

1. “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans”

Based on the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans” is a perky and playful 1930s murder mystery packed with twists, turns, and sizzling banter. Will Poulter is Bobby Jones, a wayward naval...

Filming will commence next week on contemporary British Asian comedy feature “The Effects of Lying,” directed by Isher Sahota (“Hollyoaks”).

The cast includes Ace Bhatti, Laila Rouass, Navin Chowdhry, Shaheen Khan (“Mogul Mowgli”), Lauren Patel (“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie”), Adam Bregman and Mark Williams (the Harry Potter franchise).

Based on a script by James Hey (“Doctors”), the film follows a dutiful husband and loving father (Bhatti) whose life falls apart when decades of festering secrets are exposed and he’s forced to face up to who he really is.

The Bonaparte Films production is produced by Jon Tarcy (“In Memoriam Dr. H.G.K.”), with Parmjit Gill serving as script editor and the casting director is Claudia Blunt.

“The Effects of Lying” “seeks to bring a new, urgent representation of contemporary British Asians to the cinema screen,” the production said in a statement.

In 2016, Sahota was selected for a place...

BritBox North America has struck a deal for three Agatha Christie adaptations and is to double its creative and investment output.

Head Emily Powers unveiled the news at this morning’s TCAs, at which point she revealed BritBox is co-producer on ITV’s The Confessions of Frannie Langton and has acquired the same network’s The Thief, His Wife and The Canoe and BBC One’s Martin Freeman-starring The Responder, both of which will be badged BritBox Originals. The BBC Studios/ITV streamer has also ordered a second season of Father Brown spin-off Sister Boniface Mysteries.

The Agatha Christie deal has been struck with Agatha Christie Limited and ITV Studios-backed The Serpent producer Mammoth Screen, and will see the trio of as-yet-unannounced shows produced over the coming years. Endeavor Content will handle international sales outside of the UK, Ireland and the Americas for all three projects.

The adaptations...

She’s a groovy gal in 1960s England. She drives a Vespa, has a lab where she makes wine and tests forensic evidence. She even turned down a job offer from MI5. Her outfit of choice? A Catholic nun’s habit. Meet the quirky title character of Sister Boniface Mysteries, played by actress and comedian Lorna Watson. The amusing new series, which debuts on BritBox February 8 with 10 episodes, follows the spirited sister as she helps the police catch killers in the appropriately named community of Great Slaughter, a small town with a large body count. The character first came to life a decade earlier in “The Bride of Christ,” a Season 1 episode of cozy mystery series Father Brown. In it, the wine-making, Agatha Christie-reading nun delighted viewers as she helped Mark Williams‘ titular priest solve two murders. Father Brown executive producer Will Trotter wanted to do more with Watson and her character.

BritBox North America, the BBC Studios and ITV-backed SVOD service specializing in British content, and the BBC have commissioned crime drama “Hope Street.”

The ensemble serial is set in the fictional town of Port Devine in Northern Ireland, and will focus on its police department, and the mysterious arrival of English detective constable Alimah Khan, the first Muslim police officer in the town’s history.

The cast includes Brid Brennan (“Brooklyn”), Des McAleer (“The Crown”), Ciaran McMenamin (“Primeval”) and Amara Karan (“The Night of”).

The show is created by Susanne Farrell (“Dirty God”) and Paul Marquess (“London Kills”), and written by Farrell, Jess Lea (“Eastenders”), Christine Murphy (“Emmerdale”), Stuart Drennan (“Hollyoaks”), and Shazia Rashid (“Eastenders”). It is executive produced by Donna Wiffen (“The Bill”) and Marquess for Long Story TV.

“Hope Street” will be made with the support of Northern Ireland Screen. It will premiere exclusively on BritBox in the U.

BBC Studios and producer, distributor and channel operator Blue Ant Media have partnered to launch the BBC First channel in Canada from March 16.

The channel will feature premium scripted and factual programming, including BBC original series “Top Gear,” “The Office,” “Death in Paradise” and “The Graham Norton Show,” which will be available at launch.

The ad-supported channel will broadcast in Canada in HD and will replace Blue Ant Media’s existing Hifi channel.

The BBC First channel launch marks an expanded partnership between BBC Studios and Blue Ant Media. The companies previously collaborated to launch the BBC Earth channel in Canada in 2017.

“Canadians love British television, and Blue Ant Media’s expanded partnership with BBC Studios underpins our commitment to invest in high-quality, distinctive programs we know our audiences will enjoy,” said Jamie Schouela, president for global channels and media at Blue Ant Media.

Rebecca Glashow, president of BBC Studios Americas,...