ITV

Category: English Entertainment

  • NBC orders ‘Allegiance’ to series

    NBC orders ‘Allegiance’ to series

    MUMBAI: NBC has ordered to series the spy drama Allegiance from writer George Nolfi (THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU, THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM, OCEAN’S TWELVE), who also directed the pilot episode. The show is adapted from the original award-winning Israeli series MICE (Gordin Cell), which is produced by Tedy Productions for Israeli satcaster YES and Keshet Broadcasting, and distributed internationally by Keshet International.

     

    Allegiance is executive produced by Nolfi and Keshet Media Group CEO Avi Nir (Homeland) along with Yona Wisenthal from Yes and creators of the original Israeli show Ron Leshem, Amit Cohen and Giyora Yahalom. The series is a production of Universal Television, Keshet Media Group and YES.

     

    In Allegiance, Alex O’Connor, a young idealistic CIA analyst specializing in Russian affairs, learns a shocking secret and his close-knit, affluent family is about to be split apart when its revealed that his parents, Mark (Scott Cohen, Necessary Roughness) and Katya (Hope Davis, The Newsroom, In Treatment) are covert Russian spies deactivated decades ago.  But today the Kremlin has re-enlisted them into service as they plan a terrorist operation inside the U.S. border that will bring America to its knees.  Years ago, Russian-born Katya was tasked by the KGB to recruit American businessman Mark O’Connor as a spy and the two fell in love. A deal was struck: as long as Katya remained an asset for Russia, and it was agreed that her services could be called on in the future, she would be allowed to marry Mark and move to America. After years in America building a happy life and without word from Moscow, they thought they had escaped. Now it seems that the new Mother Russia has one more mission — turning Alex into a spy. For these anguished parents, the choice is clear: Betray their country or risk their family.

     

    Allegiance is the latest show from Keshet to be ordered to series in the US, following Tim Kring and Gideon Raff’s international thriller series Dig starring Jason Isaacs and Anne Heche for USA Networks; Tyrant, from Fox 21 of which Keshet is an executive producer, the David Yates-directed drama from Homeland executive producers Howard Gordon and Gideon Raff and Six Feet Under alum Craig Wright, for FX; and a fourth-season greenlight of the Emmy and Golden Globe® award-winning spy drama Homeland for Showtime.

     

    The Israeli original was created by Ron Leshem, Amit Cohen, Giora Yaalom and Danni Sirkin and produced by Tedy productions headed by Tmira Yardeni.

  • CTV acquires ‘Rising Star’ from Keshet DCP for summer 2014

    CTV acquires ‘Rising Star’ from Keshet DCP for summer 2014

    MUMBAI: It’s social TV on a whole new level. CTV announced today it has acquired the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to the much buzzed-about and sought-after new revolutionary reality series RISING STAR from Keshet International. The fastest-selling talent show ever and already a massive hit in its original Israeli market, RISING STAR is the first competition series ever to tally viewer votes in real time, making it truly interactive television. From the very first minute of the very first episode, viewers play an integral role in every decision made throughout the season via an innovative free app, available in both Canada and the U.S. From Keshet DCP and executive producers Ken Warwick (AMERICAN IDOL) and Nicolle Yaron (THE VOICE), RISING STAR skyrockets onto CTV’s summer schedule Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT beginning June 22 with a special two-hour premiere. The series will also be available live and on demand on CTV.ca and the CTV Go app.

     

    RISING STAR sees aspiring singers – including solo vocalists, duos, and vocal groups – perform alone behind a giant wall of TV screens displaying the faces of viewers at home who have shown their support for the performance. As viewers, the judging panel, and the studio audience vote, competitors and viewers see how they’re doing in real time through a live vote meter. Once the competitors’ votes reach a certain level, the screen in front of them slowly rises and a new star is revealed.

     

    **Media Note** – Download photos from RISING STAR at BellMediaPR.ca

     

    “RISING STAR’s innovative format is truly revolutionary, compelling, and offers CTV viewers an engagement opportunity like never before,” said Mike Cosentino, Senior Vice-President, Programming, CTV Networks.

     

    RISING STAR had a record-breaking debut on Keshet’s Channel 2 in Israel from September to December 2013, maintaining its audience throughout Season 1 as the highest-rated show in 10 of its 15 weeks on air. The series also saw over 10 million votes cast through the app. Now sold to more than 25 broadcasters and territories, RISING STAR is the fastest-selling talent show ever. The territories include the USA (ABC), UK (ITV), Spain (Atresmedia), Italy (Toro), France (M6 Group), Russia (Rossiya1), Germany (RTL), the Nordics (Nordisk), Hungary (TV2), Brazil (Rede Globo), Portugal (TVI), and most recently Argentina (Telefe), Turkey (Acun Medya), and Indonesia (RCTI).

  • Fox and Paramount TV to air ‘Grease Live’ musical event in 2015

    Fox and Paramount TV to air ‘Grease Live’ musical event in 2015

    MUMBAI: Get ready to do the hand jive as Fox enrolls at Rydell High with Grease Live, a live three-hour production of the massively popular crossover musical Grease. The announcement was made by Fox Broadcasting Company chairman of entertainment Kevin Reilly and Paramount Television. Scheduled to air LIVE in 2015 and featuring a young ensemble cast, Grease Live will reintroduce the great music and timeless story to an entirely new generation.

     

    Based on the 1971 Broadway musical of the same name with book, lyrics and music by the legendary team of Warren Casey and Jim Jacobs, the 1978 hit film Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, grossed nearly $400 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing movie musical ever. 

     

    “From Broadway to film, and across generations, Grease is one of the most beloved musical stories ever told – and we can’t wait to bring it to air in a spectacular live event,” said FOX senior VP of event series Shana C. Waterman in a statement said, “Its iconic characters and addictive songs make it the perfect fit for Fox, and we’re going to give it the kind of star power and production quality to make every Sandy, Danny, Rizzo and Kenickie out there want to get up and sing along.”

     

    “It’s incredibly exciting to have one of our first major network productions be based on this universally celebrated Paramount title, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with Kevin, Joe and Shana on this epic television event,” said Paramount TV president Amy Powell in the statement. “Fox’s passion for engaging audiences with bold storytelling and live musical formats make it a perfect home for this special broadcast.”

     

    Fox’s move to adapt Grease for live TV comes after National Broadcasting Company (NBC) collected massive ratings for its Sound of Music Live broadcast in December. That musical live event collected about 22 million total viewers in the US. NBC will follow Sound of Music with a live performance of Peter Pan set for 4 December in the US, reteaming with Sound of Music Live and Oscar producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

     

    In India, Raell Padamsee’s Ace Productions have been basking in glory after their recent successful production of Grease which has been a commercial success and a critical darling since its opening night.

     

    Grease Live is bound to electrify television audiences everywhere with live performances of the unforgettable Casey/Jacobs songs “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together”; as well as the iconic songs written by John Farrar, “Hopelessly Devoted to You” and ”You’re the One That I Want.” The broadcast will re-imagine some of the story’s most memorable moments and characters from the T-Birds and Pink Ladies, including Danny Zuko, Rizzo and Sandy. 

  • Star World and Star World Premiere HD announce their new show line-up

    Star World and Star World Premiere HD announce their new show line-up

    MUMBAI: Star World and Star World Premiere HD reveal an exciting line up for the summer of 2014. The two channels have come up with the most thrilling and entertaining TV shows for its viewers to watch. The shows will include drama, romance, comedy and more all in the months to follow.

    Star World Premiere HD which launched in September 2013, has already taken the TV viewers by storm with its dynamic content. The channel is a pioneering initiative by the Star network to present brand new content to their Indian audiences with the latest seasons of their favorite shows. The new line up include shows like Masterchef Australia , Masterchef US ,Family Guy, Californication, Nurse Jackie, Gang Related, Helix and Archer among others.

    Masterchef Australia (Season 6) -. 'MasterChef' is a unique cooking competition testing amateur budding chefs to the limit with a series of tough challenges judged by culinary experts. From dishes prepared in the studio, cooking for the rich and famous, to surviving the kitchens of top restaurants, the pressure is on to find the Master Chef at the end of each season. As a high-end, prime time spectacular, MasterChef in Australia has become a broadcasting phenomenon breaking all audience records.

    Masterchef USA (Season 5) – MasterChef is a U.S. competitive cooking reality show, open to amateur and home chefs. Amateur chefs are initially selected through nationwide auditions, selecting a total of one hundred competitors to the start of the televised competition.

    Family Guy ( Season 13) – The series centers on the Griffins, a family consisting of parents Peter and Lois; their children Meg, Chris, and Stewie; and their anthropomorphic pet dog Brian. The show is set in the fictional city of Quahog, Rhode Island, and exhibits much of its humor in the form of cutaway gags that often lampoon American culture.

    Californication ( Season 7) – The final season of the series starts on 6th May. The show revolves around Hank Moody, a novelist plagued by personal demons. He blames his longtime writer's block on reasons ranging from the hedonism of Los Angeles to the departure of his girlfriend Karen. Hank constantly deals with the consequences of his inability to say "no" to temptation while trying to show his family that he can be a responsible, caring father to Becca and a monogamous partner to Karen.

    Nurse Jackie ( Season 6) – This dark comedy series starts on Star World Premiere  on  26th May. Starring Emmy Award winning actress Edie Falco the show takes place in the surreal world of a New York City hospital, where Falco plays Jackie, a nurse battling the insanity of everyday life in the American health care system. Jackie is a genius at what she does, but she's also a deeply troubled woman, with looming shadows of prescription drug addiction and her lapsed Catholic faith always appearing in the background.

    Gang Related ( Season 1) – Revolves around Ryan Lopez, a gang member sent in to infiltrate the San Francisco Police Department and rise through its ranks who must balance his obligations to his crime family, the gang from his old neighborhood, with an increasing sense of loyalty to his new family, the SFPD's Gang Task Force.

    Helix ( Season 1) – The series follows a team of scientists from the Centers for Disease Control who travel to a research facility in the Arctic to investigate a potential outbreak of disease. While there, they find themselves stuck in a life-or-death situation that could decide the fate of the future of mankind.

    Archer ( Season 5) – Sterling Archer is the world's most daunting spy. He works for ISIS, a spy agency run by his mother. In between dealing with his boss and his co-workers – one of whom is his ex-girlfriend – Archer manages to annoy or seduce everyone that crosses his path. His antics are only excusable because at the end of the day, he still somehow always manages to thwart whatever crises was threatening mankind.

    Star World on the other hand have a spectacular lineup of shows including Once Upon a time, Homeland, House M.D. The channel presents a truly unique viewing experience and plans to bring back the classics on popular demand. Once Upon a time and House MD will be on air 19th May onwards whereas Homeland can be watched 1st May onwards.

    Once Upon a time ( Season 1 -3)– OUAT is an American fairy tale drama series which takes place in the fictional seaside town of Storybrooke, Maine, whose residents are actually characters from various fairy tales transported to the "real world" town and robbed of their real memories by a powerful curse.

    Homeland ( Season 1 -3) – Homeland is an American political thriller television series developed by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa based on the Israeli seriesHatufim. The series stars Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison, a Central Intelligence Agency officer with bipolar disorder, and Damian Lewis asNicholas Brody, a United States Marine Corps Scout Sniper. Mathison has come to believe that Brody, who was held captive by al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war, was "turned" by the enemy and now threatens the United States.

    House MD  ( Seadon 1 -8)- House (aka House MD), is a new take on mystery, where the villain is a medical malady and the hero is an irreverent, controversial doctor who trusts no one, least of all his patients. Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) is devoid of bedside manner and wouldn't even talk to his patients if he could get away with it. Dealing with his own constant physical pain, he uses a cane that seems to punctuate his acerbic, brutally honest demeanor. While his behavior can border on antisocial, House is a maverick physician whose unconventional thinking and flawless instincts have afforded him a great deal of respect. An infectious disease specialist, he's a brilliant diagnostician who loves the challenges of the medical puzzles he must solve in order to save lives.

    Talking about the occasion Kevin Vaz, General Manager (Star India Pvt. Ltd – English Bouquet) said, “ Over the years we have set the lineup of shows according to our viewers demands. Our selection  covers multiple genres like Drama, Comedy and Animation which will reach out to a wider audience. Star World & Star World Premiere HD promise to be exciting destinations for the best TV viewing this summer  .”

    So spend this summer watching your favorite shows on Star World and Star World Premiere HD with the best in TV entertainment. The channel have strived to cater to the viewing needs of the audience today with shows covering diverse genres like action, comedy, drama, romance and fantasy leaving nothing to want for.

  • Break away from chains this Sunday on Game of Thrones

    Break away from chains this Sunday on Game of Thrones

    MUMBAI: This Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones, “Breaker of Chains,” has been written by the creative team of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and directed by Alex Graves. The episode covers a lot of ground and moves the story ahead on a number of fronts: King’s Landing, Castle Black, Dragonstone, and Meereen.

    One of the things that makes Game of Thrones so successful is the consistency of direction – Graves directed the episode that was telecast last Sunday. He has several more coming this season – and the consistency of the writing, with show-runners Benioff and Weiss writing most of the episodes themselves. It’s for these reasons that any inconsistencies also become significant. This Sunday night’s episode will divide viewers in a very different way with an extremely disturbing sensual and explicit scene.

    On the scene that was depicted on screen, which rather varied from the one in the books, author George R. R. Martin said in his blog, “The scene was always intended to be disturbing… but I do regret if it has disturbed people for the wrong reasons.”

    Also in this week’s episode, Tyrion Lannister a.k.a. the imp, ponders his options. While Tywin Lannister extends an olive branch, Samwell Tarley realizes Castle Black isn’t safe, and Jon proposes a bold plan. Also, the Hound teaches Arya the way things are and Dany chooses her champion.

    Last week’s episode of Game of Thrones, “The Lion and the Rose,” was written by creator George R.R. Martin and was directed by Alex Graves. Graves directed two episodes last season and is slated to direct three more episodes this season, including the finale. This is the only episode Martin will write this season. No doubt he is focusing on getting the novels finished before the series catches up!

    The epic aftermath of ‘The Purple Wedding’ will be aired on Sunday at 9 P.M. on HBO Defined.

     

  • Koffee With Karan Season 4 Ends On a High Note After A Successful Run on Star World

    Koffee With Karan Season 4 Ends On a High Note After A Successful Run on Star World

    MUMBAI: Everybody’s favorite Bollywood Celebrity Talk Show – Koffee with Karan,  Season 4, has bid its viewers adieu after a superb run on STAR WORLD. The finale episode of the season aired on 13th April, recapping the best moments from the Season, a befitting farewell for all its fans. Having made it’s spot on GEC mantle amongst the top entertainment shows in India, the last four months saw an all-time rating high.

     

    In the last four months, well-known celebrity filmmaker Karan Johar has featured Bollywood’s biggest superstars, engaging them in a no holds barred dialogue. New and fascinating elements like Karan’s Broadway Music video, a stylish new and improved show set, interesting add on’s to the shows format like the Bollywood quiz gave this season that extra edge.  

     

    The last episode featured Karan Johar revealing  the contents of the Koffee Hamper which the celebrities were competing for in the rapid fire round. One of the high points of each episode was the mock competitiveness of the celebrities vying for the hamper full of goodies. In addition to that, key highlights from the best episodes of the season were showcased. Some of the shocking as well as the humorous moments right from Salman Khan’s  ‘ I am a virgin’ comment, Kareena Kapoor on Ranbir- Katrina wedding plans to speculations on Anushka’s lip job made the cut . Funny antics of the Stars with Akshay Kumar turning the tables on Karan with his own version of the rapid fire round , Alia’s crush on Ranbir confession, Sonam’s plans to enter politics and of course  Nargis and Freida’s PG13 humor were also a part of the highlights.

     

    Koffee with Karan’s unscripted content has garnered high entertainment value that is always making headlines. Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Akhshay Kumar made their debut on the show they were previously elusive to. Upcoming talent like Parineeti Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Nargis Fakhri, Arjun Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapoor, & Sharaddha Kapoor gave audiences memorable conversations to revel in.

     

    The digital sphere was also abuzz not only in India & but also worldwide with conversations on online networking portals. Episodes with Salman Khan, Nargis Fakhri, Arjun Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Sharaddha Kapoor, Deepika Padukone & Priyanka Chopra went viral on numerous social media sites.

     

    On this occasion Kevin Vaz, General Manager, Star India Pvt. Ltd. (English Cluster) said “Koffee with Karan Season 4 has had a great run on our channel and we are proud to say that it was one of our prime properties for the year. The overwhelming response that the show received has surpassed our expectations and that was very encouraging. As we move forward to bring a very exciting content line up this year we also look forward to the next season of the show”.

     

    True to its ethos,  the show did not fail to impress their viewers leading to a high viewership and garnering enviable TRP levels in the process. With Season 4 being such a huge hit, viewers are already looking forward to the next season of KOFFEE WITH KARAN on Star World.

  • Hollywood’s most-loved celebrities in the Romedy of the Month

    Hollywood’s most-loved celebrities in the Romedy of the Month

    MUMBAI: “Let love be your resolution!” There is no reason and no season for love and one of the most enchanting times for love and laughter is New Year’s Eve when the whole world comes together to celebratewhat has been and what is yet to come. Romedy NOW gives you a chance to relive your special moments with the ‘Romedy of the Month’ – New Year’s Eve coming up on Saturday, April 19th at 9pm.

    This one’s colourful as the rainbow with the glitz of New York and a beautiful ensemble cast. Encompassing the who’s who of Hollywood, the super impressive cast will leave you wanting for more. From the high priestess of acting  (and a loooong list of  awards to her credit) MichellePfeiffer, the ‘Godfather’ of performances Robert de Niro and the in-betweeners who are no less mighty, you will witness only stellar performances in all the segments of the movie. The million dollar actress Hilary Swank and the very extraordinary Halle Berryjoin the sexy city belle Sarah JessicaParker and the stunners Katherine Heigl and Jessica Biel. Just like the New Year’s Eve, there’s musical presence with the rocker Jon Bon Jovi, the evergreen new kid on the block Joey McIntyre and the hip hop performer Ludacris. And then, the cute Ashton Kutcher will just be the icing on the cake. Enjoy this epic line-up with many more faces to make your evening glitzy and glamorous.

    Watch the lives of several people intertwine and made meaningful by the special evening. Ingrid (Michelle Pfeiffer) works at a record company and after a near-fatal experience she quits her job to fulfill her resolution with the help of Paul (Zac Efron), who will get a ticket to a masquerade ball if he helps her. Paul’s sister and single mother Kim (Sarah Jessica Parker) is battling teenage daughter problems with Hailey (Abigail Breslin) who wants to spend the evening at Times Square with her friends and boyfriend. The annual festivities and the traditional ball drop at Times Square are being managed by Claire (Hilary Swank) who has to seek help at the last minute from an electrician to fix a billboard snag.

    There are also stories of love healing all wounds with Paul’s friend Randy (Ashton Kutcher), who hates New Year’s Eve ever since his girlfriend jilted him on one such eve, being stuck in an elevator with Elise (Lea Michele), an aspiring singer. There’s also Chef Laura (Katherine Heigl) who is working at the same hotel where her musician ex-boyfriend Daniel Jensen (Bon Jovi) unceremoniously dumped her. Join Stan Harris(Robert de Niro) as he becomes part of the magical moment of the ball dropping one last time for him as he battles cancer, in the loving company of Nurse Aimee (Halle Berry).

    With gorgeous moments that the characters discover, ‘New Year’s Eve’is sure to entrance youwith tender moments filled with forgiveness, hope and happiness only on Romedy NOW. Romedy of the Month ‘New Year’s Eve’ is powered by Provogue.

     

  • WarnerTV joins Turner’s general entertainment portfolio in Asia

    WarnerTV joins Turner’s general entertainment portfolio in Asia

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has today announced that it will assume full operational responsibility for WarnerTV including its programming, distribution, advertising sales and marketing. WarnerTV is the home to the region’s best blend of TV drama, action, comedy and crime series as well as films. The pan-Asian channel offers viewers exclusive new series, returning US hits and blockbusters from the vast stable of Warner Bros. Entertainment content.

    Turner International Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said: “This announcement makes a bold statement, and demonstrates Turner’s commitment to general entertainment and to audiences that are passionate about great television. With the addition of WarnerTV, the Turner portfolio now includes Asia Pacific’s best-loved brands in the news, kids and general entertainment genres. We’re very proud to be able to share all of these fantastic brands with viewers across the region.”

    In 2014, Turner will double the number of first-run series on WarnerTV and will increase its programming hours by 30 per cent. Upcoming highlights include first-run and exclusive-to-Asia series Major Crimes, Almost Human, Arrow, Longmire and Person of Interest. These sit alongside returning hits: The Mentalist, Without a Trace, Vampire Diaries, and The Closer. Also in the line-up are award-winning comedies such as The Big Bang Theory, 2 Broke Girls and Friends; while May will feature the channel premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.

    Although effective immediately, there will be no immediate alterations to the branding or positioning of the channel. WarnerTV will continue to deliver viewers their favourite TV series covering a wide range of genres. The channel will also air popular blockbuster movies every weekend – with up to seven box-office hits every week from studios of Warner Bros. Pictures.

    arnerTV is currently available in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Palau, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea. In Singapore, WarnerTV is the number one English entertainment channel amongst Cable 4+ viewers and also the top ranking of all English-language channels for Cable Females 15+.

  • Meet the cast of Transcendence on The Front Row with Anupama Chopra

    Meet the cast of Transcendence on The Front Row with Anupama Chopra

    MUMBAI: Watch Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara and director Wally Pfister talk about their experience making sci-fi thriller Transcendence on 18th April, 2014 at 8.30 pm on Star World

     
    The relationship between human life and technology has been portrayed by many directors in Hollywood through their science-fiction thrillers. Superstar Johnny Depp, known for his diverse and eclectic role choices has taken on yet another extraordinary role in Transcendence- that of an Artifical Intelligence researcher who uploads his mind to a computer. This week on The Front Row with Anupama Chopra, catch Johnny Depp, Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Kate Mara and director Wally Pfister as they discuss the movie and how technology is affecting our lives.

     
    Tune in to The Front Row with Anupama Chopra to know more about the mystery thriller Transcendence in talks with its star cast thisFriday, April 18th at 8:30 pm on Star World

     

  • Star World Premiere HD goes gaga over ‘Mad Men’

    Star World Premiere HD goes gaga over ‘Mad Men’

    MUMBAI: Star World Premiere HD has announced that it will air the sixth season of the iconic TV series on 12 and 13 April, prior to the premiere of the seventh season, which will air on 14 April.

     

    With this strategy the channel is offering its viewers a great opportunity to catch up on the last season before they take a plunge into the season premiere of the award winning drama about one of New York’s most prestigious advertising agencies. The first episode of the season will air on the channel a mere 12 hours after its US premiere. 

     

    The series, set in the 60’s has garnered a cult following over the years. In the last six seasons, the series has covered a lot of the 1960s and will now enter a new decade.