News

Exclusive: Yvonne Strahovski is set to star and executive produce a series adaptation of A Woman of Intelligence, based on Karin Tanabe’s bestselling novel. UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, is developing the project with Strahovski’s Anovi Peak Productions. A platform has yet to been determined.

Tom Bidwell serves as writer and executive producer.

In the series, overwhelmed with the relentlessness and loneliness of motherhood, a 1950’s housewife (Strahovski) finds a way to rediscover herself when she is asked by the FBI to infiltrate the Kgb. But before long, what started as a good way to get childcare fast turns into a nightmare and she realizes that her family’s future and the fate of the western world are in her hands.

Nina Tassler, Joan Boorstein, Mel McKeon and Laura Myones also will executive produce for Afa/Prime Talent Media.

The actor Kevin McKidd, known for the TV shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Six Four,” will star in a new movie for Cbbc called “The Primrose Railway Children.” Cbbc is the BBC channel for kids. The 90-minute film was written by Tom Bidwell, who’s done other movies like “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “The Irregulars.” It’s based on a book by Jacqueline Wilson that puts a modern spin on the classic story “The Railway Children” by E.N. Nesbit.

They’ll be filming in places around Scotland like Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and real heritage railways. The movie follows Phoebe, her big sister Becks, big brother Perry, and their mom. They have to leave their home in Glasgow and move far away to the Scottish countryside. The BBC said it’s about growing up somewhere new when you don’t want to change homes, and trying to fit into a community that seems strange.

Kevin McKidd (Grey’s Anatomy, Six Four) will be starring in the 90-minute Cbbc special The Primrose Railway Children on BBC kids channel Cbbc Adapted by Tom Bidwell (The Velveteen Rabbit, The Irregulars) the feature-length family drama is based on Jacqueline Wilson’s novel of the same name, which is a modern reimagining of E. Nesbit’s classic The Railway Children.

The project will be filmed in and around Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands and around heritage railways, BBC Studios Kids and Family Productions said Thursday.

The story follows Phoebe, her older sister Becks, older brother Perry and their mother who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted and moved to the remote highlands of Scotland. “A story about growing up, being displaced, and finding your way in a community that seems alien, The Primrose Railway Children is set to become essential family viewing,” BBC Studios said.

Exclusive: Grey’s Anatomy star Kevin McKidd has been cast in Cbbc’s adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s The Primrose Railway Children.

The Scottish actor-director, who has played Dr. Owen Hunt in 16 seasons of Shonda Rhimes’ hit drama, will portray Rob Robinson opposite Nina Toussaint-White (Bodyguard), who is his wife Sarah. Their three children will be played by a trio of emerging young talent in Ava McCarthy, Ida Brooke and Tylan Bailey.

Based on E Nesbit’s classic and penned by Tom Bidwell, The Primrose Railway Children follows Phoebe, her older sister Becks, older brother Perry and their mum who are living a comfortable life in Glasgow when suddenly they are uprooted from their lives and moved to the remote highlands of Scotland. Filming will commence this month in and around Glasgow and the Scottish Highlands. Tracey Beaker author Wilson’s book is based on The Railway Children, which was also...

Renegade Nell is a British historical fantasy adventure series created by Sally Wainwright. The Disney+ series follows the adventures of a young woman named Nell Jackson, who finds herself framed for murder as she flees to save her life she becomes a highwayman and with the help of a spirit she becomes one of the most feared highwaymen. Renegade Nell stars Louisa Harland in the lead role with Joely Richardson, Adrian Lester, Nick Mohammed, and Bo Bragason starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the adventures of Nell Jackson, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (Apple TV+) Credit – Apple TV+

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is an absurd comedy series loosely based on the real life of highwayman Dick Turpin. Created by Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis, and Stuart Lane, the Apple TV+ series follows the story...

Apple TV+ celebrates the holidays this year with an expansive line-up of programming for the whole family. From the debut of the Apple Original special,“The Velveteen Rabbit,” based on the beloved children’s classic written by Margery Williams, to the brand new holiday-themed film “Hannah Waddingham: Home For Christmas,” which features the Emmy Award-winning “Ted Lasso” actor; along with all-new holiday special episodes from “The Snoopy Show,” “Frog and Toad,” “Sago Mini Friends” and “Shape Island,” Apple TV+ is your home to celebrate the season.

Apple TV+ will also provide special free windows to stream iconic holiday specials from Mendelson/Melendez Productions and Peanuts Worldwide. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will be available for all to see Saturday, November 18 through Sunday, November 19 and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” will be available Saturday, December 16 through Sunday, December 17. This programming is available to subscribers now and every day.

“One Day” producers Drama Republic have restructured their C-suite, Variety can reveal, upping chief creative officer Jude Liknaitzky to co-ceo alongside Roanna Benn. Benn’s former co-ceo, Greg Brenman, will take on a co-founder role.

Brenman will continue to stay involved in the growth and development of the company with a focus on his own slate of projects.

Brenman, Benn and Liknaitzky founded London-based Drama Republic, which specializes in high-end drama, in 2013 after the trio left Tiger Aspect. Drama Republic is part of the Mediawan group, with the French conglomerate taking a majority stake in 2021.

Drama Republic is known for a variety of high-profile scripted projects including “My Mad Fat Diary” by Tom Bidwell, Mike Bartlett’s “Doctor Foster” and “Wanderlust” by Nick Payne. The company is currently working on a new adaption of David Nicholls’ “One Day” for Netflix, with Bafta-winner Nicole Taylor as showrunner.

“We are thrilled to...

Network: Netflix

Episodes: Eight (hour)

Seasons: One

TV show dates: March 26, 2021

Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Thaddea Graham, Darci Shaw, Mckell David, Harrison Osterfield, Jojo Macari, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Royce Pierreson, Clarke Peters, Olivia Grant, and Aidan McArdle.

TV show description:

A supernatural crime drama series, The Irregulars was created by Tom Bidwell and is loosely based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Set in Victorian London, the series follows a gang of troubled and ragtag street teens, aka The Irregulars, who are manipulated into solving crimes for the arrogant and cagey Doctor Watson (Pierreson) and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes (Lloyd-Hughes).

Read More…...

The Irregulars is the latest one-and-done series at Netflix.

Per Deadline, the Sherlock Holmes drama with a supernatural twist, has been canceled after just one season.

No reason for the cancellation has been given, but it comes after the series charted well on the streamer's top ten list, as well as the U.S. weekly streaming chart.

The Irregulars is a dark, mysterious eight-part drama that follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes.

As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, the Irregulars (based on the Baker Street Irregulars gang from the original books by Sir Arther Conan Doyle) must come together to defeat larger-than-life forces.

The series stars Thaddea Graham as Bea; Darci Shaw as Jessie; Jojo Macari as Billy; Mckell David as...

Sherlock Holmes drama came in at No. 1 on Nielsen’s Top 10 SVOD rankings the week after its March 26 launch

“The Irregulars” has been canceled by Netflix after one season, TheWrap has learned.

The Sherlock Holmes drama, which launched March 26, came in at No. 1 on Nielsen’s Top 10 SVOD rankings the week after it premiered. That put it above Disney+ Marvel series “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” in Week 2.

Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and set in Victorian London, “The Irregulars” follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes. As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, it’ll be up to the Irregulars to come together to save not only London but the entire world.

“The Irregulars” stars Thaddea Graham as Bea,...

“The Irregulars” has been canceled at Netflix, Variety has confirmed. The news comes just over a month after the series debuted its first season on March 26.

Set in Victorian London, the series follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes. As the crimes take on a supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, it’ll be up to the Irregulars to come together to save not only London but the entire world.

The show starred Thaddea Graham, McKell David, Harrison Osterfield, Jojo Macari, and Darci Shaw as the titular gang, with Royce Pierreson playing Watson and Henry Lloyd-Hughes playing Sherlock Holmes.

The series was written and executive produced by Tom Bidwell. Drama Republic’s Jude Liknaitzky and Greg Brenman also executive produce. The series is produced by Rebecca Hodgson. Lead director is Johnny Allan,...

Exclusive: The Baker Street Irregulars won’t be solving any more supernatural crimes for Netflix.

The streamer has canceled detective drama The Irregulars after one season. The series, which premiered on March 26, followed a gang of troubled street teens in Victorian London who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes.

This comes despite the eight-part series landing on Netflix’s top 10 list and edging out The Falcon and the Winter Soldier in Nielsen’s weekly U.S. streaming charts at the end of April.

Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2020-21 Season

Based on the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Irregulars starred Thaddea Graham as Bea, the leader of the gang, along with McKell David, Jojo Macari, Harrison Osterfield and Darci Shaw with recurring spots for the likes of Clarke Peters, as the Linen Man,...

The Irregulars on Netflix edged The Falcon and the Winter Soldier on Disney+ on Nielsen’s weekly U.S. streaming chart.

The supernatural Sherlock Holmes drama tallied 643 million minutes of viewing during the week of March 29 to April 4, compared with 628 million for Falcon. In a key difference, though, there are eight episodes of The Irregulars, compared with three for the Marvel series, which used Disney’s usual weekly release model. Nielsen’s rankings always reflect a nearly month-long lag time, by arrangement with streaming providers.

The Irregulars is a new twist on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s tales of Holmes, Doctor Watson and the other Baker Street staples. Billed as a darker take, it centers on a gang of troubled teens and departs from other Sherlock adaptations by depicting Watson as a sinister figure. Tom Bidwell, whose credits include Watership Down and My Mad Fat Diary, is the show’s writer and an executive producer.

Strange happenings are afoot in London in the new Netflix series “The Irregulars.” Scrapes with the metaphysical in and around the busy streets of Victorian England, all sussed out with a mix of deduction and intuition is the provenance of many a Sherlock Holmes story. Though “The Irregulars” is far from the first TV series to take the classic Holmes mythology and subvert it for its own purpose, none of the others have alighted on quite the mixture that powers this new eight-episode season.

Rather than foreground any of the central figures in the standard Doyle repertoire, this fashions a loose-knit group of five purpose-seeking teenagers who stumble into the same circles that the violin-playing literary icon usually travels through. They’re led by a pair of sisters, Beatrice (Thaddea Graham) and Jessie (Darci Shaw), each looking to fashion a new path in life after a harsh childhood spent mostly in a workhouse.

What is it about the Sherlock Holmes story that keeps us coming back? Part of it, surely, is the fantasy of all-knowingness — the inherently compelling idea that a single person can contain within his skull the key to cracking all mysteries. Another element, though, is the aesthetic of Victorian London, an atmosphere that’s as dank and moody as it is easy to conjure onscreen, and whose mists and alleys lend the pleasurable sense of there being sufficient secrets to keep even a polymath detective busy for years to come.

“The Irregulars,” a new Netflix series, keeps half of that equation, but ditches the first. In this show, created by Tom Bidwell, a group of teens, together, lend a sort of teamed-up sleuthing power to Holmes and Watson’s operation. At the center of the group lay Bea and Jessie (Thaddea Graham and Darci Shaw), two sisters burdened with misfortune...

Towards the end of The Irregulars, an eight-episode, Victorian Era-set, supernatural/fantasy series debuting on Netflix, Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s once and future “private consulting detective,” comes to a sudden, world-breaking revelation: He’s not the hero of this particular tale. Far from it. In fact, Holmes is a secondary — if not marginal — character in creator-showrunner Tom Bidwell’s (Watership Down) revisionist take on Holmes, Watson, and the titular characters, enterprising errand-runners featured in a handful of Doyle’s canonical stories, but here elevated into the heroes — and masters of their own fates — of their own rousing, enthralling story, a near-perfect mix of episodic and serialized storytelling, tautly, compellingly told from the first nightmarish moments to the last bittersweet, poignant one, delivering a genuinely...

[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...

Netflix has yet to officially announce whether The Irregulars will get renewed, but we have a feeling that we'll see more paranormal adventures at 221B Baker Street soon enough! The Tom Bidwell series puts a gritty spin on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes - except the legendary detective largely remains a supporting character. Taking center stage is a ragtag team of street urchins that investigates supernatural cases for the surly Dr. John Watson (Royce Pierreson). Seventeen-year-old Bea (Thaddea Graham) leads the group and quickly discovers how Watson's mysterious background relates to her own past. And there are plenty of mysteries indeed, enough for a second season.

Netflix typically announces season renewals a few months after a show first premieres on its platform, but it doesn't have a timeline set in stone. The streaming giant announced Bridgerton's renewal less than a month after season one dropped and waited about two months...

One of my favorite burgeoning subgenres of recent years is the Netflix Algorithm Show: a series seemingly produced or acquired not so much because it represented a fully baked idea, but because everybody in the room could envision with absolute certainty all the different Netflix categories it could be slotted into.

There are dozens of true crime shows and Black Mirror knockoffs I would put in this genre, but Tom Bidwell’s The Irregulars may be the mother of all Netflix Algorithm Shows.

Not only is Bidwell a Netflix favorite after writing the service’s adaptation of Watership Down, but The Irregulars practically demands ...

One of my favorite burgeoning subgenres of recent years is the Netflix Algorithm Show: a series seemingly produced or acquired not so much because it represented a fully baked idea, but because everybody in the room could envision with absolute certainty all the different Netflix categories it could be slotted into.

There are dozens of true crime shows and Black Mirror knockoffs I would put in this genre, but Tom Bidwell’s The Irregulars may be the mother of all Netflix Algorithm Shows.

Not only is Bidwell a Netflix favorite after writing the service’s adaptation of Watership Down, but The Irregulars practically demands ...

If you enjoy your Sherlock Holmes with a pinch of the supernatural and...not a heck of a lot of Sherlock Holmes, well, you might want to add The Irregulars to your Netflix queue. In Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, the Baker Street Irregulars were a group of street kids who Holmes would employ to get information, but Tom Bidwell has reimagined the youthful gang as a ragtag group of teenagers…...

Netflix has debuted the full trailer for there Sherlock Holmes spin-off series ‘The Irregulars’ and things are gonna get supernatural.

Set in Victorian London, the series follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes. As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, it’ll be up to the Irregulars to come together to save not only London but the entire world.

Written and executive produced by Tom Bidwell, the series stars Thaddea Graham as Bea; Darci Shaw as Jessie; Jojo Macari as Billy; Mckell David as Spike and Harrison Osterfield as Leopold; and Clark Peters as The Linen Man.

Also in trailers – “We look damn good” Final trailer drops for ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’

The new series hits Netflix March 26th. Oi, oi!

In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix released the trailer for “The Irregulars,” and Apple TV Plus launched an interactive experience “Servant.”

First Looks

Netflix unveiled its trailer for “The Irregulars,” out March 26. The dark, supernatural twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes tale follows a gang of troubled street teens who must come together to not only save London, but the entire world. Written and executive produced by Tom Bidwell, it stars Thaddea Graham, Darci Shaw, Jojo Macari, Mckell David, Harrison Osterfield, Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Royce Pierreson and Clarke Peters. The series is also executive produced by Jude Liknaitzky and Greg Brenman, and produced by Rebecca Hodgson. Watch the trailer below.

Development

OWN will develop its first animated comedy series “The Mound” from Munirah Safiyah Jones, who created the network’s animated short form series “Sincerely, Camille.” Set in Memphis’ Orange Mound neighborhood in the 1980s, the series follows the lives...

After delving into the world of Sherlock Holmes with Enola Holmes, Netflix are expanding this world further with a new series ‘The Irregulars’ which now has a teaser trailer to whet your supernatural appetite.

Set in Victorian London, the series follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes. As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, it’ll be up to the Irregulars to come together to save not only London but the entire world.

Written and executive produced by Tom Bidwell, the series stars Thaddea Graham as Bea; Darci Shaw as Jessie; Jojo Macari as Billy; Mckell David as Spike and Harrison Osterfield as Leopold; and Clark Peters as The Linen Man.

Also in trailers – Powerful trailer drops for Shaquille O’Neal-produced film ‘Foster Boy...

Ever wanted to travel to Victorian-era London?

If so, then Netflix might have the show for you.

"The Irregulars is a dark, mysterious eight-part drama that follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes," reads the official logline.

"As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges, the Irregulars (based on the Baker Street Irregulars gang from the original books by Sir Arther Conan Doyle) must come together to defeat larger than life forces."

Sounds fun, right?

The supernatural aspect will probably be the topic of much debate for diehard Sherlock Holmes fans, but could this be an intriguing new direction to take the sleuth?

The teaser shows off a map of Victorian London, along with our first look at the teenagers tasked with solving some of the most gruesome crimes.

In today’s TV news roundup, Netflix announced the premiere date for “The Irregulars,” and the Critics Choice Assn. opened up submissions for its nonfiction awards ceremony.

Renewals

ABC renewed extreme mini-golf competition series “Holey Moley” for third and fourth seasons. Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore will return as commentators, as will sideline correspondent Jeannie Mai and executive producer and resident golf pro Stephen Curry. The upcoming seasons feature talented putters of all ages from across the U.S. who will compete on an unparalleled, epic obstacle golf course in an attempt to win The Golden Putter trophy and coveted plaid jacket. The season finale brings back winners from each episode to go head-to-head for a cash prize. Eureka Productions and Unanimous Media produce the show.

Dates

HBO Max will premiere “Persona: The Dark Truth Behind Personality Tests” on March 4. The documentary dives into the United States’ obsession with personality...

The Irregulars will get to work helping the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson on Friday, March 26, when Netflix releases the dark, eight-episode drama.

Written by Tom Bidwell (Watership Down, My Mad Fat Diary), who is among the series’ executive producers, The Irregulars is described as “a dark, mysterious drama that follows a gang of troubled street teens who are manipulated into solving crimes for the sinister Doctor Watson (played by Wanderlust‘s Royce Pierreson) and his mysterious business partner, the elusive Sherlock Holmes (Killing Eve‘s Henry Lloyd-Hughes).” As the crimes take on a horrifying supernatural edge and a dark power emerges,...

In today’s TV news roundup, “She-Ra and the Princess of Power” Season 4 adds Jacob Tobia, and The Weather Channel announces the premiere date for its climate change special with the 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

Casting

Jacob Tobia has joined Netflix‘s “She-Ra and the Princess of Power.” Voicing Double Trouble, Tobia joins Aimee Carrero, Karen Fukuhara, Aj Michalka, Marcus Scribner and Lauren Ash in the ensemble cast. Tobia is repped by Paradigm and Peikoff Mahan. The Emmy-nominated series, produced by DreamWorks Animation, returns Nov. 5.

Netflix has announced Harrison Osterfield (“Catch-22”) has been cast in its upcoming series “The Irregulars.” Written by Tom Bidwell (“My Mad Fat Diary”), the series follows a group of troubled teens defending London from emerging supernatural forces.

Dates

The Weather Channel will air the one-hour special “2020: Race To Save The Planet” on Nov. 7. Viewers will hear from 2020 Democratic presidential candidates Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders,...

CBS and The Young and the Restless were the top winners Friday at the Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards, which were handed out at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the site of tomorrow’s 46th annual Daytime Emmys.

The Young and the Restless scored five nods at the ceremony, which honored the year’s best in children’s and animated programming along with crafts. Baobab Studios’ animated Crow: The Legend and Amazon Prime’s soap After Forever scored four wins apiece.

The syndicated The Ellen DeGeneres Show was one of four shows with three wins apiece, among them for directing and writing. Others with three included HBO’s Sesame Street, which was named Outstanding Preschool Children’s Series; NBC’s Days of Our Lives, which leads all programs this year with 27 total noms; and CBS’ The Talk.

Other marquee children’s programming winners included PBS’ Odd Squad, which won the Outstanding...

In the midst of war, the faintest ray of light can be salvation. Richard Adams’ 1972 children’s novel is positively awash with sunshine compared to Martin Rosen’s 1978 children’s horror movie. The short-lived 1999 TV series skewed back toward the author’s original tone, yet each entry carried real weight, be it the biblical and mythological interpretations or the story’s gruesome jolts — and permanently etched in the minds of its young viewers.

Now, Netflix and the BBC revive the fantasy tale as a potent, stunning, and a tad too ugly vision of a rabbits’ world not that different from our own. Sent fleeing from their den by human development — can anyone say “gentrification”? — the new four-part story tracks Hazel (James McAvoy), Fiver (Nicholas Hoult), and a slew of other plainly drawn bunnies as they try to survive. Still, this is an optimistic spin on an old story originally crafted for kids.

The classic children’s tale The Velveteen Rabbit is getting a new TV adaptation that will feature a mix of live-action and animation.

The series is being developed by Tom Bidwell, who recently worked on the series adaptation of Watership Down for BBC and Netflix. He’s also teamed up with Magic Light Pictures, who has worked on animated specials that include adaptations of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including The Gruffalo, Stick Man, and Zog.

The Velveteen Rabbit was written by Margery Williams , and the classic 1922 story centers on a boy and his beloved toy rabbit.

At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes "Real," a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.

The writer of upcoming BBC and Netflix series “Watership Down” and the producers behind hit animated specials including “The Gruffalo” are adapting the classic children’s tale “The Velveteen Rabbit” for TV. Magic Light Pictures and Tom Bidwell are in development on the project and already talking to broadcasters.

For U.K.-based Magic Light, it will mark a move into a hybrid style of live-action and animation. Its previous animated specials include popular adaptations of Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes” and several of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s books, including “The Gruffalo,” “Stick Man,” and “Zog,” which will be a highlight of the BBC’s 2018 Christmas schedule in the U.K.

Bidwell is the creator of the BAFTA- and International Emmy-nominated “My Mad Fat Diary” and the Oscar-nominated short “Wish 143.” He comes to “The Velveteen Rabbit” project off the back of a BAFTA win for his work on Cbbc series “Katy.

Watership Down is considered to be one of the most traumatizing children’s stories for a lot of people. I remember being completely shocked when I first saw the original 1978 animated adaptation. It’s a fantastic story, but it really is quite brutal.

BBC and Netflix teamed up for a new animated adaptation of the story and today the first trailer for the four-part series has been released. The film tells the story of survival, pain, and hope as a group of rabbits faces numerous trials while searching for a new home.

Judging by the trailer, it doesn’t look like there will be as much blood as the original film, but it still looks like it will be brutal.

The series boasts an impressive cast that includes James McAvoy as Hazel, Nicolas Hoult as his little brother Fiver, Olivia Colman as Strawberry, and Gemma Arterton as Clover. In addition there’s John Boyega,...

The upcoming BBC adaption of the children’s classic “Watership Down” ain’t no fluffy tale.

Voiced by John Boyega, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Olivia Colman, Ben Kingsley, Gemma Arterton, Daniel Kaluuya, Rosamund Pike, Gemma Chan, Peter Capaldi and Taron Egerton, this daring band of bunnies must join together to battle dark forces in order to survive.

The four-part BBC series follows a group of rabbits who flee their warren to escape destruction. On their journey to find a new home, they face vicious predators predicted by terrifying visions from an all-seeing seer named Fiver (Hoult).

Also Read: Richard Adams, 'Watership Down' Author, Dies at 96

“All the world will be your enemy,” one rabbit warns in the first trailer released Tuesday. “And when they catch you, they will kill you — but first, they must catch you.”

“This isn’t about cute rabbits,” Boyega, who voices Bigwig, warned on Instagram last week.

When they catch you, they will kill you… but first they must catch you. Ominous words in the first trailer for the remake of classic animated drama Watership Down.

The trailer for the Netflix and BBC One co-pro gives off an almost Game of Thrones vibe as it follows the adventure, courage and survival of a band of rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home.

The series, which airs around Christmas on both the British public broadcaster and Svod service, has an A-list cast including James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton, Rosamund Pike, Gemma Chan, Peter Capaldi, Taron Egerton, Miles Jupp, Freddie Fox, Mackenzie Crook, Olivia Colman, Anne-Marie Duff, Rory Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson, Jason Watkins, Craig Parkinson, Henry Goodman, Lee Ingleby, Charlotte Spencer and Daniel Rigby.

Set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England,...

The BBC has teamed up with Netflix for a new CG animated adaptation of the classic kids book Watership Down that ended up traumatized lots of kids. Especially that first animated adaptation that was made in 1978. Damn! In case you need a reminder here’s a video featuring some of the most brutal clips:

Thanks to RadioTimes, we have our first look at the new version of the series that features several of the main characters, including Hazel (James McAvoy), his little brother Fiver (Nicolas Hoult), Strawberry (Olivia Colman), and Clover (Gemma Arterton).

The series will consist of four hourlong episodes. I have no idea if they will lighten things up with this new adaptation or if they plan on keeping it dark and disturbing. We’ll just have to wait until we see a trailer. In the meantime, check out the synopsis and photos:

Set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England,...

Peter Capaldi has joined the all-star voice cast for the BBC and Netflix adaptation of “Watership Down,” and Sam Smith is recording the theme song for the animated miniseries.

News had already leaked about other voice cast members, including James McAvoy, John Boyega, Olivia Colman, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, Daniel Kaluuya, and Taron Egerton. The BBC has now confirmed these and the addition of former “Doctor Who” star Capaldi. Sam Smith’s musical input, and the first images from the series, were also revealed Thursday. The series’ director is Noam Murro (“300: Rise of the Empire”).

Richard Adams’ classic book was first published in 1972 and tells the story of a group of rabbits fighting for survival as their habitat is threatened. A 1978 animated movie adaptation was well-received and featured the Simon and Garfunkel song “Bright Eyes,” which was a No. 1 single in the U.K.

Smith has written and recorded “Fire on Fire,...

A Private War star Rosamund Pike, Doctor Who’s Peter Capaldi, Crazy Rich Asians’ Gemma Chan and Kingsman’s Taron Egerton have joined the voice cast of the BBC and Netflix’s adaptation of Watership Down.

It comes as the first images of the show are revealed. The quartet join the likes of James McAvoy, Daniel Kaluuya, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley, John Boyega and Gemma Arterton, which is produced by 42 and Biscuit Entertainment.

Pike will play The Black Rabbit Of Inlé, Capaldi plays seagull Kehaar, Egerton joins as El-Ahrairah and Chan plays Dewdrop.

Elsewhere, Miles Jupp, Freddie Fox, Mackenzie Crook, Olivia Colman, Anne-Marie Duff, Rory Kinnear, Tom Wilkinson, Jason Watkins, Craig Parkinson, Henry Goodman, Lee Ingleby, Charlotte Spencer and Daniel Rigby round out the A-list cast.

Adapted for the screen by Tom Bidwell (My Mad Fat Diary), Watership Down uses Richard Adams’ bestselling novel as its source to bring a...

Daniel Kaluuya, Rosamund Pike, Taron Egerton and former Doctor Who Peter Capaldi have joined the voice cast of the BBC and Netflix's animated miniseries Watership Down.

The latest adaptation of Richard Adams' classic allegorical bunny adventure novel will be a CGI series, with John Boyega, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult and Ben Kingsley previously announced as voicing a group of rabbits, led by the brave Hazel (McAvoy) and visionary Fiver (Hoult). Written by Tom Bidwell, the series also will feature the vocal talents of Gemma Arterton (Quantum of Solace), Freddie Fox (Pride), Anne-Marie Duff (Suffragette), Miles Jupp (The Thick of It) ...

I've somehow never even heard of Watership Down, but I understand it had a profound impact on a lot of people when they were growing up. Now the story will be able to find a larger audience and reach a whole new generation, as the BBC and Netflix are teaming for an animated miniseries adaptation of Richard Adams' novel. Variety reports that the show will be available sometime in 2017. The outlet has a good breakdown of the story and an announcement of its impressive cast:

Set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England, the adventure tale follows a band of rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home. Led by a stouthearted pair of brothers, they journey forth from their native Sandleford Warren through the harrowing trials posed by predators and adversaries, toward a promised land and a more perfect society.

Netflix and BBC are partnering to stage a small screen revival of Watership Down, an adaptation of Richard Adams’ cherished children’s novel that first hit book shelves in 1972.

Pitched as a four-part miniseries, both Netflix and the BBC have already enlisted a star-studded ensemble to voice many of the lead characters of Adams’ beloved tale, including Star Wars: The Force Awakens breakout John Boyega (Bigwig), James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley and Gemma Arterton.

Selling north of 50 million copies since it was first published, there’s no doubting the legacy of Watership Down, and that’s something the BBC is aiming to preserve with this all-new interpretation. In light of today’s announcement, Matthew Read – Commissioning Editor at the British broadcaster – released the following statement:

“Before there was Harry Potter there was Watership Down, Richard Adams’ novel is one of the most successful books of all time and one...

Netflix and the BBC are teaming for a new four-part animated miniseries adaptation of Richard Adams' classic novel "Watership Down" which will screen on BBC One in the UK and on the streaming giant in other territories around the globe.

John Boyega, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley and Gemma Arterton are all set to lend their voices to the project, the third notable adaptation of the work following the 1978 film with John Hurt and Richard Briers along with a late 1990s animated TV series with Stephen Fry, Rik Mayall and Dawn French.

The 1972 novel is set in the idyllic rural landscape of southern England. The story follows a band of rabbits on their flight from the intrusion of man and the certain destruction of their home.

Noam Murro ("300: Rise Of The Empire") will direct from a script by Tom Bidwell ("My Mad Fat Diary").

Source: Deadline...

BBC1’s four-part animated series for producers 42 will also feature Olivia Colman and Ben Kingsley.

Netflix has boarded BBC1’s remake of classic children’s novel Watership Down.

The global online streaming service has taken worldwide rights excluding UK for the 4x60-minute animated series, which will star James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton, Freddie Fox, Olivia Colman and Anne-Marie Duff.

It is produced by 42 Production Company, the television production division of management firm 42, which looks after well-known actors such as Michael Caine, Christopher Lee and Emily Mortimer, directed by 300: Rise Of An Empire director Noam Murro, whose production outfit Biscuit Films are co-producers, and written by My Mad Fat Diary’s Tom Bidwell.

Watership Down, which was turned into an animated feature film in 1978, is set in the south of England and follows a group of rabbits as they are forced to flee their warren and find a new home.

Larry Tanz...

BBC1’s four-part animated series for producers 42 will also feature Olivia Colman and Ben Kingsley.

Netflix has boarded BBC1’s remake of classic children’s novel Watership Down.

The global online streaming service has taken worldwide rights excluding UK for the 4x60-minute animated series, which will star James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, Ben Kingsley, John Boyega, Gemma Arterton, Freddie Fox, Olivia Colman and Anne-Marie Duff.

It is produced by 42 Production Company, the television production division of management firm 42, which looks after well-known actors such as Michael Caine, Christopher Lee and Emily Mortimer, directed by 300: Rise Of An Empire director Noam Murro, whose production outfit Biscuit Films are co-producers, and written by My Mad Fat Diary’s Tom Bidwell.

Watership Down, which was turned into an animated feature film in 1978, is set in the south of England and follows a group of rabbits as they are forced to flee their warren and find a new home.

Larry Tanz...

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John Boyega, James McAvoy and Sir Ben Kingsley will star in Netflix’s Watership Down series...

Richard Adams’ classic rabbit-based novel Watership Down is being adapted into animated form once again. This time, Netflix and the BBC have teamed up to create a four-part CGI-led miniseries, and have assembled an impressive voice cast to fill the manifold furry roles.

James McAvoy will play the heroic Hazel, while Ben Kingsley brings the frightful General Woundwort to life. Nicholas Hoult is Fiver, John Boyega is Bigwig, Gemma Arterton is Clover, Miles Jupp is Blackberry, Freddie Fox is Captain Holly, Olivia Colman is Strawberry and Anne-Marie Duff is Hyzenthlay.

Tom Bidwell of writing-the-excellent-series-My Mad Fat Diary fame is the one penning the scripts, and Fantastic Mr Fox’s Pete Dodd is handling the animation.

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, here’s a synopsis...

“Set in England’s Downs,...

Don't be put off by its glib, teen-oriented title, E4's My Mad Fat Diary was brilliantly funny, well-written, proper human drama...

As an outsider looking in, My Mad Fat Diary never appeared to be selling what I wanted to buy. Bowing to the logic that anyone who zanily declares ‘I’m mad, me!’ in real life deserves to be given a wide berth, its big, fat gypsy-wedding-alike title didn’t appeal.

Neither did its teen-skewed content, or as much of it as I’d glimpsed from E4’s promos. Cheesy love triangles and mooning over pop stars? Not for me. And that goes double for shows that get their laughs by insulting characters for not conforming to the rules of conventional telly attractiveness. Move along, please. Not interested.

As My Mad Fat Diary approached its final series though, I witnessed something puzzling. People were preparing themselves for bereavement. Fans...

Watership Down is being developed into a new BBC TV animated series.

The classic children's novel is being adapted by My Mad Fat Diary writer Tom Bidwell, who has also written episodes of EastEnders and Casualty, reports Broadcast.

The new series is expected to air in a family-friendly timeslot on BBC One, but this has yet to be confirmed.

Richard Adam's 1972 novel follows a group of rabbits who are forced to leave their warren and find new dwellings.

It became a successful animated film in 1978, starring John Hurt and Richard Briers among others, while the soundtrack contained 1979's best-selling single 'Bright Eyes' by Art Garfunkel.

It was later adapted into a children's TV series on Citv, running for 39 episodes from 1999 to 2001. It featured the likes of Stephen Fry, Rik Mayall, Phil Jupitus, Jane Horrocks, Dawn French and Stephen Mangan.

There is a tangible moment in every teenage life when possession of an intact hymen becomes a blushing V-shaped brand of immaturity seared into your consciousness. For Rae that moment is now. Her virginity has become as much of a burden as her sixteen stone frame and her cumbersome insecurity. In the summer of 1996 the really real world revolves around the Seattle sound and the outcome of the Britpop battle. All the good grungy girls and boys thread beads onto their DMs and sit down at James’ command. Kurt Cobain lingers as the voice of a bereft generation and Rae just got released from a psychiatric ward. Luckily her Mum has told everyone she’s been ‘finding herself’ in France. So everything’s going to be fine. Not!

Tom Bidwell’s My Mad Fat Diary journals Rae’s first steps away from the hospital and her metamorphosis from outpatient to fledgling cool kid.

My Mad Fat Diary is to return for a second series on E4.

The '90s-set teen drama - which stars Sharon Rooney as troubled but fun-loving Rae Earl - will start shooting six new episodes this summer.

The first series of My Mad Fat Diary launched in January and has a current average viewership of 1.2m.

"We are beyond delighted to be able to take the stories and characters of My Mad Fat Diary to a second series," said exec producer Jude Liknaitzky. "We have been overwhelmed by the response to the show and can't wait to bring more of Rae's stories to life."

Sophie Gardiner, Channel 4 Commissioning Editor for Drama, added: "Thanks to [head writer] Tom Bidwell's funny and insightful writing, and Sharon Rooney's stand-out performance as the great Rae Earl, My Mad Fat Diary has captured the hearts of the E4 audience, and we are delighted...

Back in July, Screenterrier announced the casting of a new comedy drama coming to E4 based on the novel  by Rae Earl, My Fat Mad Teenage Diary. Here's a first look at the new series, My Mad Fat Diary which will launch on E4 in January 2013.

Set in the mid-90s at the height of cool Britannia, My Mad Fat Diary takes a hilarious and honest look at teenage life from the perspective of Rae - a funny, music-mad 16-year-old who, despite an eccentric mother and her own body image and mental health issues, has a huge lust for life, love and trying to get laid.

Sharon Rooney, in her first major TV role, leads the cast as Rae, and is joined by a raft of fresh young talent for the six hour long episode series. Rae's friendship group includes best friend and popular girl Chloe played by Jodie Comer,...

A brand new series is coming to E4 this autumn adapted from the novel by Rae Earl, My Fat Mad Teenage Diary.

Scottish actress Sharon Rooney (represented by Mark Jermin Management) leads the cast, starring as 16 year old Rae, a a fat, funny girl from Lincolnshire who, despite an eccentric mother and her own mental health issues, has a huge lust for life, love and trying to get laid.

Sharon, in her first major TV role after an early career of comedy theatre and stand-up, is joined by a raft of fresh young talent, many of them newcomers.

Jodie Comer (represented by Independent Talent) from Liverpool, who last year appeared in BBC drama series Justice, plays Rae's best friend, the beautiful and popular Chloe.

Major lust interest Archie is played by newcomer Dan Cohen (represented by Galloways), who graduated from Arts Ed drama school in 2010.

Nico Mirallegro from Manchester, who...