Peacock has released the trailer for Season 2 of “Dr. Death,” starring Edgar Ramírez and Mandy Moore. The series is based on a true story told by the popular Wondery podcast of the same name.
Per the series’ description, Season 2 of “Dr. Death” centers on “’Miracle Man’ Paolo Macchiarini, a charming surgeon renowned for his innovative operations. When investigative journalist Benita Alexander approaches him for a story, the line between personal and professional begins to blur, changing her life forever.”
The description continues, “As she learns how far Paolo will go to protect his secrets, a group of doctors halfway across the world make shocking discoveries of their own that call everything about Paolo into question.”
In addition to Ramírez and Moore, the rest of the cast includes Luke Kirby, Ashley Madekwe and Gustaf Hammarsten.
Ashley Michel Hoban serves as showrunner, writer and executive producer. Patrick Macmanus also serves as executive producer in addition to Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, Taylor Latham, Aaron Hart, Hernan Lopez, Marshall Lewy and Linda Gase. Jennifer Morrison serves as executive producer and directed episodes 1-4; Laura Belsey directed episodes 5–8.
“Dr. Death” is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group. Season 2 consists of eight 60-minute episodes.
Watch the trailer below.
In other TV roundup news:
FIRST LOOKS
Apple TV+ has unveiled the trailer for the upcoming crime thriller series “Criminal Record,” set to debut on Jan. 10 with the release of the first two episodes.
Per the series’ description, “’Criminal Record’ is a powerful, character-driven thriller set in the heart of contemporary London. An anonymous phone call draws two brilliant detectives into a confrontation over an old murder case – one a young woman in the early stages of her career, the other a well-connected man determined to protect his legacy.“
“Criminal Record” comes from the mind of Paul Rutman. Peter Capaldi and Cush Jumbo star as Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty and Detective Sergeant June Lenker, respectively. The rest of the cast includes Charlie Creed-Miles, Dionne Brown, Shaun Dooley, Stephen Campbell-Moore, Zoë Wanamaker, Rasaq Kukoyi, Maisie Ayres, Aysha Kala, Cathy Tyson and Tom Moutchi.
Elaine Collins serves as executive producer in addition to Rutman, Capaldi and Jumbo. Jim Loach directs the series.
Watch the trailer below.
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Netflix has released first look images for the upcoming limited romantic drama series “One Day,” starring Leo Woodall and Ambika Mod. based on the novel of the same name by David Nicholls, the limited series is slated for release on Feb. 8.
Per the series’ description, “‘One Day’ tells the story of Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew who, on 15th July 1988, the night of their graduation, speak for the very first time. The next morning, they go their separate ways but where will they be on this one ordinary day the next year, and the year after that, and every year that follows?”
Each episode takes place one year apart; the series consists of 14 30-minute episodes.
The rest of the cast includes Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Amber Grappy, Jonny Weldon, Eleanor Tomlinson, Joely Richardson and Toby Stephens.
Executive producers include Roanna Benn, Jude Liknaitzky, David Nicholls and Nicole Taylor. Nige Watson serves as producer.
View the first look images below:
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Apple TV+ has released a trailer for its upcoming three-part documentary series “John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial,” which delves into the assassination of The Beatles icon John Lennon.
Directed by Nick Holt (“The Murder Trial”) and Rob Coldstream (“Jade: The Reality Star Who Changed Britain”), the docuseries will examine the circumstances of John Lennon’s killing by Mark David Chapman. 72Films produces for Apple TV+, with Coldstream, David Glover and Mark Raphael serving as executive producers. Simon Bunney and Louis Lee Ray produce.
Along with previously unseen crime scene photos, “John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial” will include exclusive accounts from individuals such as Richard Peterson, a taxi driver who witnessed the shooting; Jay Hastings, a doorman who heard Lennon’s last words; Elliott Mintz, Lennon and Yoko Ono’s confidant; Dr. Naomi Goldstein, the psychiatrist who assessed Chapman; and David Suggs, Chapman’s defense lawyer.
“John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial” premieres globally on Dec. 6, streaming on Apple TV+.
Watch the trailer below.
PROGRAMMING
Harriet Walter (“Killing Eve”) and Timothy Spall (“Spencer”) will join the cast of “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.” Walter will star as Lady Margaret Pole, while Spall will star as the Duke of Norfolk.
Directed by Peter Kosminsky, the six-part series is based on the last installment of Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” trilogy. “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light” begins after the death of Anne Boleyn, Henry VII’s second wife. Mark Rylance returns as Thomas Cromwell, who is caught up in the struggle for power amid domestic turmoil within Henry’s regime.
In addition to Rylance, Damian Lewis, Jonathan Pryce, Kate Phillips and Lilit Lesser will return. “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light” is executive produced by Collin Calendar and Noëlette Buckley for Playground, Kosminsky and Lucy Richer for the BBC and Susanne Simpson for Masterpiece.
“Casting Director Robert Stern has done a truly extraordinary job assembling the most stunning cast,” said Kosminsky. “Shooting in Tudor locations all over England and Wales, it is our privilege to bring Hilary’s last novel to an international television audience.”
DATES
Season 1 of the adult animated musical comedy series “Hazbin Hotel” will premiere on Jan. 19 on Prime Video.
Per the series’ official description, “‘Hazbin Hotel’follows Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. After a yearly extermination imposed by angels, she opens a hotel in the hopes that patrons will be ‘checking out’ into Heaven.”
The main cast features Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz, Alex Brightman, Keith David, Kimiko Glenn, Blake Roman, Amir Talai, Christian Borle and Joel Perez. Newly announced guest stars include Daren Criss, Jeremy Jordan, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Patina Miller and Jessica Vosk.
“Hazbin Hotel” includes original music and lyrics by artists Sam Haft and Andrew Underberg.
The series was created by Vivienne Medrano, who also serves as executive producer and director of every episode. Joel Kuwahara, Dana Tafoya-Cameron and Scott Greenberg are also executive producers.“Hazbin Hotel” is produced by A24 and Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment.
DEVELOPMENT
Absurd Ventures announced the creation of two original storytelling universes named American Caper and A Better Paradise. Absurd Ventures was founded by Dan Houser, the creative director and lead writer of the Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption and Bully video game franchises.
American Caper will first debut as a graphic novel illustrated by Simon Bisley and A Better Paradise will debut as a 12-episode audio fiction series. Slated for a 2024 release, both projects are currently in production. Absurd Ventures is also developing additional stories from these universes in various formats and platforms.
“We are excited to introduce these two universes, and their characters and lore,” Houser said in a statement. “They represent our approach to storytelling and media. These initial releases will allow us to introduce these universes at the same time as we are working on other iterations and expansions. This is just the beginning.”
According to the release, American Caper will follow “two normal, badly-damaged American families in a world of corrupt business, inept politics and bungling crime,” while A Better Paradise is an existential thriller set in the near future. Absurd Ventures is partnering with audio company QCODE Media to co-produce the audio series.
Absurd Ventures is represented by Range Media Partners and Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks.
SPECIALS
The Motion Picture & Television Fund will host its second fundraising telethon for crew members, “Lights, Camera, Take Action! Caring for Hollywood’s Crews” on Dec. 9.
The two-hour event, which will air live on KTLA, will feature a variety of songs, stories and celebrity appearances. Hosted by Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”) and Tom Bergeron (“Dancing with the Stars”), “Lights, Camera, Take Action! Caring for Hollywood’s Crews” aims to raise $750K as emergency relief funds for the entertainment industry’s workers.
Special appearances include Colin Farrell, Lena Dunham, Jodie Foster, Leslie Odom Jr., John Stamos and Ming Na-Wen, among others. Phil Rosenthal and David Wild return as producers.
“Teaming up with MPTF again this year for our second telethon is a truly joyous way to bring joy for the holidays and help those who need it after such a challenging year,” said Janene Drafs, VP/General Manager of KTLA. “We can’t wait to see what happens and are so happy to give back to our community in such a meaningful way.”
AWARD SHOWS
Hollywood, Health & Society, a program of the USC Annenberg Norman Lear Center, has announced its presenters for the upcoming 2023 Sentinel Awards. The annual awards honor TV entertainment that spotlights pressing topics such as racism, mental health and economic disparities.
Presenters this year for the awards ceremony include actor and producer Kathryn Hahn; actor Ben Harper; actor Adam Brody; actor Logan Marmino; comedian and actor Frankie Quiñones; actor Jake McDorman; actor Bitsy Tulloch; and actor Barrett Doss. Producer, comedian, actor and writer Larry Willmore will host.
“Hollywood, Health and Society’s Sentinel Awards couldn’t be back at a more timely moment as we embark on celebrating the writers and thought leaders who have tackled stories with an incredible responsibility,” Willmore said. “I look forward to hosting and turning the spotlight on these narratives that capture human truths, especially ones that we have a hard time talking about.”
The Sentinel Awards will be held Dec. 6 at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills.
RENEWALS
Acorn TV has announced that the mystery series “Harry Wild” has been renewed for a third season. Jane Seymour stars and executive produces.
“I am thrilled for another mystery-packed season of‘Harry Wild’and can’t wait for our fans to see what investigations Harry and Fergus encounter in Season 3 on Acorn TV,”said Seymour. “It has been such a joy playing this multi-faceted character and returning to Ireland again to work with this talented cast and crew was fantastic.”
Per the series’ description, “Season three picks up where season two left off with Fergus, guided by Harry, planning to contest Paula’s custody claim to Liberty. But it is not plain sailing and there are some surprises in store along the way. The agency is still as busy as ever and Harry and Fergus have to find a way to balance work and life”
David Logan is the creator and writer behind Season 3. Jo Spain also writes. In addition to Seymour, other executive producers include Daniel March, Klaus Zimmermann, James Gibb, Morgan O’Sullivan, James Flynn, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer. The directors are Robert Quinn and Emer Conroy.
“Harry Wild” Season 3 includes six episodes, all of which are streaming on Acorn TV.
EXECUTIVE NEWS
CBS Media Ventures has named Stacy Rader senior vice president of first-run development and brand extensions.
A veteran executive producer and development executive, Rader will work with senior leadership to create and coordinate CBS Media Ventures’ future content strategy across all platforms in her new role — which is based in New York City.
“Stacy’s background as an experienced producer who has an eye toward creating compelling content, with an expertise in modernizing brands to meet audience expectations and create new business opportunities, is exactly what we were looking for as we develop new shows and look to extend our current best-in-class franchises,” president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures Wendy McMahon said in a statement.
Her experience includes 12 years at Sony Picture television, serving as executive producer and head of brand partnerships for “The Good Dish” — which she also co-created and developed — and co-executive producer and head of brand partnerships for “The Dr. Oz. Show.” She also served as co-executive producer of development for A+E Factual Studios-Six West Media and has producing credits on Food Network’s “Ask Aida” and syndicated shows “The Tony Danza Show,” “The Jane Pauley Show” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.”
Rader earned a film and TV production degree from Pennsylvania State University.
“The syndication landscape is continuously evolving and changing, but CBS Media Ventures’ commitment to gold-standard programming remains constant. That commitment will be top of mind in all new development. I equally look forward to building on the success of CMV’s iconic, award-winning shows with the opportunity to help expand their footprint. I come to these shows not only as a professional, but also a passionate fan and longtime viewer,” Rader said in a statement.
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Kate Nexon has been elevated to president, domestic TV and digital distribution at Lionsgate. Nexon has spent 14 years at Lionsgate and most recently served as executive vice president of domestic television and digital distribution at the company.
Nexon will be in charge of North American sales, strategy and planning for Lionsgate’s first-run film and television pipelines and library. She will also helm the flow of content through domestic licensing, rev-share and FAST pipelines.
“Kate has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and made important contributions to the continued growth of our global distribution business,” said Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution. “She is a true Lionsgate success story, and her deep industry expertise, collaborative approach and strong client relations will be invaluable assets as we continue to position the studio for future growth.”
INITIATIVES
BAFTA has announced the 2023 BAFTA breakthrough cohort, which honors creatives working across the entertainment industry.
The year-long initiative provides awardees with mentorship, networking events and access to BAFTA events and screenings. Alumni of the program include Florence Pugh, Tom Holland, Lauren Ridloff and Josh O’Connor, among others.
This year’s 42 awardees hail from the United States, the United Kingdom and India. The full list is as follows:
UK BREAKTHROUGHS (20):
- Adjani Salmon, writer/performer/exec producer – Dreaming Whilst Black
- Bella Ramsey, performer – The Last of Us
- Cash Carraway, creator/writer/exec producer – Rain Dogs
- Charlotte Regan, writer/director – Scrapper
- Cynthia De La Rosa, hair & makeup artist – Everyone Else Burns
- Ella Glendining, director – Is There Anybody Out There?
- Funmi Olutoye, lead producer – ‘Black History Makers’ (Good Morning Britain)
- Georgia Oakley, writer/director – Blue Jean
- Holly Reddaway, voice and performance director – Baldur’s Gate 3
- Joel Beardshaw, lead designer – Desta: The Memories Between
- Kat Morgan, hair & makeup designer – Blue Jean
- Kathryn Ferguson, writer/director – Nothing Compares
- Kitt (Fiona) Byrne, 2D artist/game designer – Gibbon: Beyond the Trees
- Michael Anderson, producer – Desta: The Memories Between
- Pete Jackson, writer/creator – Somewhere Boy
- Raine Allen-Miller, director – Rye Lane
- Rosy McEwen, performer – Blue Jean
- Samantha Béart, performer – The Excavation of Hob’s Barrow
- Talisha ‘Tee Cee’ Johnson, writer/director/presenter – Too Autistic for Black
- Vivian Oparah, performer – Rye Lane
US BREAKTHROUGHS (12):
- Amanda Kim, documentary director – Nam June Paik: Moon Is The Oldest TV
- Aminah Nieves, performer – 1923
- Apoorva Charan, producer – Joyland
- Cheyenne Pualani Morrin, senior games writer – STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor
- Edward Buckles Jr. documentary director – Katrina Babies
- Gary Gunn, composer – A Thousand and One
- Jingyi Shao, writer & director – Chang Can Dunk
- Maria Altamirano, producer – All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
- Santiago Gonzalez, cinematographer – Shortcomings
- Shelly Yo, writer & director – Smoking Tigers
- Sing J Lee, writer & director – The Accidental Getaway Driver
- Vuk Lungulov-Klotz, writer & director – Mutt
INDIA BREAKTHROUGHS (10):
- Abhay Koranne, writer – Rocket Boys
- Abhinav Tyagi, editor – An Insignificant Man
- Don Chacko Palathara, director/writer – Joyful Mystery
- Kislay, director – Soni
- Lipika Singh Darai, director/writer – Some Stories Around Witches
- Miriam Chandy Menacherry, producer – From the Shadows and The Leopard’s Tribe
- Pooja Rajkumar Rathod, cinematographer – Secrets of the Elephants
- Sanal George, sound editor/mixer/designer – Gangubai Kathiawadi
- Satya Rai Nagpaul, cinematographer – Ghoomketu
- Shardul Bhardwaj, performer – Eeb Allay Ooo!
“This year’s cohort is really impressive, having already achieved credits in high-end TV drama, debut films, documentaries, hair and make design; and game design,” said BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip. “BAFTA Breakthrough is designed to harness that early success and develop the skills for life-long, rewarding careers.”
STREAMING
Paramount+ has announced an exclusive streaming benefit for members of AARP. The streamer is offering a 10% discount on its subscription for all AARP members. This applies to the Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime plans.
“Aligning with world-class brands has been a cornerstone of our market-leading growth strategy, and we are thrilled to introduce a new offer with AARP that enables us to engage with millions of their members,” said Jeff Shultz, chief strategy officer and chief business development officer, Paramount Streaming. “Our total household offering, which includes popular content from studios such as CBS, Paramount Pictures and Showtime, means Paramount+ is a natural fit for the AARP audience, and we are excited that this new deal allows us to better reach this vast and active community.”
The discount is offered to any new or returning Paramount+ subscriber in the U.S. (not including Puerto Rico).
