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'Anti-Kidnapping Unit'
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Globoplay
5 x 45' and 60'
Created by José Junior and José Luiz Magalhães and directed by Lipe Binder, the fourth season of gritty crime series 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' follows Detective Carlos Mendonça (Silvio Guindane) and Inspector Juliano Santiago (Erom Cordeiro) as they confront the surge of kidnappings that gripped Rio de Janeiro in the late '80s and '90s. New series is another partnership between AfroReggae Audiovisual and Globo, which has produced such hits as 'Living On a Razor's Edge,' 'Dissident Archangel' and 'The Game.' AfroReggae's commitment to keeping it real meant location shoots in favelas and prisons. 'The Anti-Kidnapping Unit' is an original Globoplay production in collaboration with AfroReggae Audiovisual and A Fábrica.
'The Artist'
Fifth Season
8 x 45'
Stars align in this new show, led by Mandy Patinkin ('Homeland'), Janet McTeer ('Ozark'), Danny Huston, Hank Azaria, Patti Lupone, Zachary Quinto, Clark Gregg and Katherine McPhee. But not just because of its stunning cast: set in the twilight of the Gilded Age, when a murder strikes the estate of an eccentric and failing tycoon, that era's biggest celebrities make an appearance as well. Inventor Thomas Edison, painter Edgar Degas and actress Evelyn Nesbit butt famous heads as lies, mystery and ambition collide as the truth is shockingly revealed. Written and directed by Aram Rappaport, it's produced by The Network Studios.
'The Assassin'
All3Media
6×60'
This female-led action thriller is set against the idyllic backdrop of a remote Greek island. It's here that retired assassin Julie (Keeley Hawes, 'Orphan Black: Echoes,' 'Miss Austen') and her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore, nominated for a Golden Globe for 'The Good Doctor') find themselves thrown together. As questions around Edward's paternity and Julie's dangerous past catch up with them, the pair are forced to flee the island and go on the run. Hawes and Highmore are joined on that adventure by Shalom Brune-Franklin, Richard Dormer, Gina Gershom and Jack Davenport. Two Brothers Pictures produce for Prime Video, UK and Ireland, in association with German co-production partner ZDF, All3Media International and Stan in Australia.
'Celeste,'
The Mediapro Studio Distribution,
6 x 30'
Winner of Series Mania's International Panorama, plus a best actress award for Carmen Machi, once a comedian but now with turns in 'Piggy,' 'La Mesías' and now 'Celeste' earning recognition as one of the finest actors of her generation. Machi plays a dowdy tax inspector closing in on a Shakira-style Latina singer for tax fraud.'Can you make an exciting thriller, with plot twists, starring the most boring person in Spain?' creator Diego San Jose asked himself. What he achieves in 'Celeste' is a moving dramatic thriller about a women opening up to love when it almost seems past. Produced by the powerhouse combo of Movistar Plus+ and The Mediapri Studio, elegantly directed by Elena Trapé.
'Code of Silence'
ITV Studios
6 x 60 mins
Deaf catering worker Alison is juggling two jobs: in a police canteen and a local bar. She's also supporting her Deaf mum, Julie. When the police call on Alison to lip-read the conversations of dangerous criminals, she is plunged into a high-stakes new world. Her assessment of the gang's clandestine meetings quickly becomes key to unlocking the investigation. But she finds herself increasingly drawn to one of the suspects. Alison knows she's putting herself at risk – but she can't let go. Produced by Mammoth Screen for ITVX, this 'riveting, suspenseful' thriller 'will make you look at the world around you with new eyes,' it was stated. Stars Rose Ayling-Ellis, Andrew Buchan and Charlotte Ritchie, it was written by Catherine Moulton.
'The Copenhagen Test'
NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution
8 x 60'
James Wan and creator Thomas Brandon head five minutes into the future where a first generation-American intelligence analyst Alexander Hale ('Barbie's' Simu Liu) realizes his brain has been hacked. Suddenly, the perpetrators gain access to everything he sees and hears. Caught between his shadowy agency and the unknown hackers, he must maintain an ongoing performance to flush out who's responsible and prove where his allegiance lies. Apart from Brandon and Wan, Jennifer Yale, Simu Liu, Michael Clear and Rob Hackett also exec produce this Peacock proposition. Liu is joined by Melissa Barrera, Sinclair Daniel, Brian d'Arcy James, Mark O'Brien, Kathleen Chalfant and Sara Amini.
'The Couple Next Door – Deadly Attraction'
Beta Film
6×60'
Now in post-production, the show – directed by Dries Vos and written by David Allison, Aggy Adams and Hugh Dennis – follows into shady footsteps of season 1: Channel 4's best streaming launch ever in the UK. But this time, with an entirely new storyline and cast. Together since med school, Charlotte and Jacob's lives and careers have proceeded as they always expected: a lovely home, happily child free, time and money to do whatever they want. They truly are a high-powered couple. But when Charlotte's old flame is revealed to be a potential new investor at the hospital, Jacob's long-suppressed worries start to bubble to the surface. Giving in to your desires could have deadly consequences, and Sam Palladio ('Nashville') and Annabel Scholey ('The Split') are about to find that out.
'Deal or No Deal Island'
Banijay Entertainment
Well-known format 'Deal or No Deal' gets a new – and exotic – spin. Created by Endemol Shine North America for NBC, it's now set on the Banker's private island where there are twists behind every palm tree. Hidden on the island are cases with millions of dollars split between the contestants, which they compete to retrieve so they can play a game of 'Deal or No Deal' against the Banker. Only one will survive until the very last episode, where they'll compete for a huge cash prize. Luckily, Joe Manganiello is there to help. 'What if the Banker had a private island and decided to put his contestants through an extreme game to find one winner? The craziness of the idea is, I think, what we and NBC rallied around,' Endemol Shine North America's Sharon Levy told Variety.
'Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service'
Fox
Restaurateurs looking for a quick fix or social media glow-up are in for the surprise when famed Gordon Ramsay trades his signature chef knives for a state-of-the-art surveillance vehicle and spyware. In this new unscripted series, he'll venture into struggling restaurants under the cover of night. With the help of a secret source on the inside, he'll gather unfiltered evidence and get a 360-degree view of the major issues facing each restaurant. By the time Ramsay reveals his identity, it will be too late for staff to cover up their culinary crimes. Produced by Fox's Studio Ramsay Global and Fox Alternative Entertainment, with Ramsay on board also as an executive producer. Bill Langworthy serves as an executive producer and showrunner.
'The Iris Affair'
Fremantle
8 x 60'
A Sky Studios and Fremantle co-production, with Wildside providing production services in Italy, sees Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander in a chase thriller about a rootless and enigmatic genius, Iris Nixon, who steals a code from a charming philanthropist and goes on the run. Armed only with her lethal intelligence and chameleonic charm, the clock is ticking for her to work out what the code could unleash before she's found. 'All I wanted to do was to make a show I wanted to watch. 'Iris' is an unapologetically exciting, witty, chase-driven adventure show and features a lead character the likes of which I don't think we've ever met before on TV,' said its creator Neil Cross, also behind 'Luther'. 'Iris' will be available on Sky and NOW in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
'It: Welcome to Derry'
Warner Bros. Television
He's everything you were ever afraid of. Set in the scary world of Stephen King's 'It' universe, this new prequel series is based on his 1986 novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films 'It' and 'It Chapter Two,' released in 2017 and 2019. Featuring Jovan Adepo ('Watchmen'), Chris Chalk ('Perry Mason'), Taylour Paige ('Zola'), James Remar, Stephen Rider and, obviously, Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Clown, it's scheduled to be released on HBO. As previously reported by Variety, Jason Fuchs and Brad Caleb Kane serve as co-showrunners and will executive produce along with Andy and Barbara Muschietti.
'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'
Sony Pictures Television
10 episodes
'Outlander: Blood of my Blood,' a prequel to the hit 'Outlander' series, spans from the WWI battlefields to 18th century Scotland, as it follows the parents of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp, the lovers in the time travel series. It follows the two young couples who bravely resist the forces bent on driving them apart. Jamie Roy ('Condor's Nest') plays Brian Fraser, Harriet Slater is Ellen MacKenzie while Jeremy Irvine plays Henry Beauchamp and Hermione Corfield is Julia Beauchamp. Matthew B. Roberts ('Outlander'), Maril Davis ('Outlander, For All Mankind') and Ronald D. Moore ('Battlestar Galactica') executive produce.
'Wild Cherry'
BBC Studios
6×60'
Lorna (Carmen Ejogo) is a self-made, successful black businesswoman from South London. Her best friend Juliet (Eve Best) – a woman born into the privileged gated community they both call home. Their daughters live a life other teenagers can only dream of – that is, until they are implicated in a shocking scandal at their private school and Juliet and Lorna are forced to take sides. Described as a 'provocative and deliciously honest' look at mother-daughter relationships – in a haze of social media, hidden apps and peer pressure – the show is produced by Firebird Pictures, one of BBC Studios' owned production labels, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Written and created by Nicôle Lecky with Toby MacDonald directing.
'Young Suchard'
Dori Media
20 x 30'
The series about acclaimed mentalist Lior Suchard blurs reality and imagination, blending comedy and drama with a nostalgic '90s vibe. 'Young Suchard' follows Suchard and his band of misfit friends as he uncovers his mentalist powers, using them to solve problems—and maybe even find his first love. It offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the secrets behind his rise, giving viewers a chance to uncover the mysteries of his extraordinary abilities.
Created by Elad Chen, Suchard, Michael Stern, Shlomit Arviv and directed by Aaron Geva and Mickey Triest, the show offers insights into mentalism, which combines a deep understanding of body language, social cues, anatomy, mathematics and custom-designed tools.
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San Francisco Chronicle
an hour ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Thailand again accuses Cambodia of planting land mines as 3 soldiers are hurt by blast along border
BANGKOK (AP) — Three Thai soldiers on patrol were wounded Saturday when one stepped on a land mine in territory along the border with Cambodia, Thailand's army announced. The incident came just two days after the two countries reaffirmed their adherence to a ceasefire to end a brief armed conflict. The army's statement said the incident took place in Thailand's Sisaket province and 'clearly demonstrates to both domestic and international society that the use of concealed weapons in border areas continues to exist, constituting a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention by the Cambodian side.' The Ottawa Convention, also called the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement banning the weapons' use, and both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to it. A statement from Thailand's foreign ministry said the incident confirmed the Thai army's findings 'that new land mines are being laid in blatant violation of international law.' It also noted this was the third such incident in less than a month. Five days of armed conflict broke out last month, killing dozens of people on both sides, including civilians, and displacing more than 260,000. The fighting broke out a day after five Thai soldiers were wounded when one tripped an antipersonnel mine in disputed territory. A ceasefire that took effect on July 29 ended major fighting, though tension remained high. The two countries on Thursday at a meeting in Malaysia committed to a 13-point agreement on implementing their truce. The Thai army statement, citing its spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, charged that Saturday's mine explosion constituted 'a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and peaceful resolution of problems.' A statement issued in response by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority denied Thailand's allegation that Cambodia had laid new mines. 'We have not, and will not, plant new land mines,' said the statement, noting that Cambodia is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty Convention, 'and has an internationally recognized record of removing, not deploying, these indiscriminate weapons." It noted that Cambodia has cleared more than 1 million mines and nearly 3 million other pieces of unexploded ordnance left over from more than three decades of war and civil unrest that began in 1970. Cambodia had suggested that two earlier explosions last month wounding Thai soldiers might be land mines from past conflicts. Tensions had simmered since May this year when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops in a brief fracas in another contested border area. The escalating dispute was marked by border crossing restrictions and cross-border boycotts and bans of goods and services before fighting broke out.
an hour ago
Thailand again accuses Cambodia of planting land mines as 3 soldiers are hurt by blast along border
BANGKOK -- Three Thai soldiers on patrol were wounded Saturday when one stepped on a land mine in territory along the border with Cambodia, Thailand's army announced. The incident came just two days after the two countries reaffirmed their adherence to a ceasefire to end a brief armed conflict. The army's statement said the incident took place in Thailand's Sisaket province and 'clearly demonstrates to both domestic and international society that the use of concealed weapons in border areas continues to exist, constituting a clear violation of the Ottawa Convention by the Cambodian side.' The Ottawa Convention, also called the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty, is an international agreement banning the weapons' use, and both Thailand and Cambodia have committed to it. A statement from Thailand's foreign ministry said the incident confirmed the Thai army's findings 'that new land mines are being laid in blatant violation of international law.' It also noted this was the third such incident in less than a month. Five days of armed conflict broke out last month, killing dozens of people on both sides, including civilians, and displacing more than 260,000. The fighting broke out a day after five Thai soldiers were wounded when one tripped an antipersonnel mine in disputed territory. A ceasefire that took effect on July 29 ended major fighting, though tension remained high. The two countries on Thursday at a meeting in Malaysia committed to a 13-point agreement on implementing their truce. The Thai army statement, citing its spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, charged that Saturday's mine explosion constituted 'a significant obstacle to the implementation of ceasefire measures and peaceful resolution of problems.' A statement issued in response by the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority denied Thailand's allegation that Cambodia had laid new mines. 'We have not, and will not, plant new land mines,' said the statement, noting that Cambodia is a party to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty Convention, 'and has an internationally recognized record of removing, not deploying, these indiscriminate weapons." It noted that Cambodia has cleared more than 1 million mines and nearly 3 million other pieces of unexploded ordnance left over from more than three decades of war and civil unrest that began in 1970. Cambodia had suggested that two earlier explosions last month wounding Thai soldiers might be land mines from past conflicts. Tensions had simmered since May this year when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead by Thai troops in a brief fracas in another contested border area. The escalating dispute was marked by border crossing restrictions and cross-border boycotts and bans of goods and services before fighting broke out. In Saturday's incident, a Thai sergeant major suffered severe injuries, including losing his left foot, said the Thai army statement, while two privates suffered lesser injuries.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
I visited 'posh' town where 'shoppers are either asked for money or offered stolen goods'
'People robbed up alleys, trolleys hurled off a multi-storey car park and stolen B&M items flogged in the pub' - welcome to life in a 'posh' Black Country town. Stourbridge is often considered an affluent place to be - but the market town located in the south-west corner of Dudley borough is currently battling with 'anti-social-behaviour and begging', according to police. As the authorities pledged to act on concerns from the community, BlackCountryLive paid a visit to see what members of the public and businesses had to say. READ MORE: I visited 'forgotten' area inside one of the worst places to live and why it shouldn't be written off Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join One man, who was out shopping in the town centre and wished to remain anonymous, said: "A lot of the shops are shutting, people are going to Merry Hill Shopping Centre instead." Asked if begging and anti-social-behaviour was an issue, he added: "I notice it all the time, it's terrible at night." A woman, who worked at a shop but also wished to remain anonymous, said: "When you walk through the town in the morning, you can see them in the doorways of shops. "They congregate around the clock, Tesco and the little church down the road. "It's not nice to see, people don't want to see it." While Anthony Kelly, who works at a butchers, said: "If you come down the high street early in the morning, you see them sleeping in doorways. "Old folk don't want to walk past them, they approach the old folk. "It puts people off from coming into the town, you can see them walking around in the day." Danielle Round, manager at the Red House, near the town's underpass, said that she has to move groups on from benches outside her bar. "They congregate on the benches (outside the bar) and we have to move them on, it's off-putting for customers," said Danielle. "It's a bit of an annoyance, we have to move them on, but they don't give us any s***. "They also come in and ask for water. "Customers who are outside the bar on a sunny day, they'll ask them, 'Spare change, spare change?'" She claimed that thieves will steal items from the Ryemarket Shopping Centre and try to "flog" them inside the Red House. "They'll rob stuff, washing tabs and dog food from places like Home Bargains and B&M, and try to flog it," she said. "Security work for the Ryemarket - I see them running after them." Meanwhile, Danielle claimed people have been robbed across the road at night, in an alleyway located next to Nationwide. "We've been told by customers that later on in the night, customers have been pushed up there and robbed," she said. "Normally, a girl will distract them and a man will rob them. "It is out of sight, the little alley is dark at night." One of the major parts of Stourbridge town centre is the Ryemarket Shopping Centre, complete with its own multi-storey car park. When BlackCountryLive visited, we found the upper levels locked off to members of the public. A security guard, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The problem here is when the kids are off, there's different gangs. "From 5pm to 7pm, they are running amok, all in balaclavas. "They are throwing trollies down the stairs of the Ryemarket and off the car park, and taking what they can out of Costa at night time. "It's an ongoing problem every day." Regarding thieves stealing items from the Ryemarket and flogging them to members of the public, he said: "We have had that. "The regular shoplifters, most of them are in jail now. "What's going on is new people moved in (to Stourbridge) from a different area." He added: "Theft, we have that but we are okay with theft, at the moment it is very quiet." In a statement issued via West Midlands Police (WMP), Sgt Imran Mohammed said that a community meeting recently took place where the issue of begging was raised. Sgt Mohammed, from the Stourbridge neighbourhood team at WMP, said: "At our last community meeting, the issue of increased begging in Stourbridge was raised to us. "We carry out daily patrols, focusing on anti-social behaviour, begging hot spots and persistent offenders, often alongside our colleagues from Dudley Council. "If the offending is persistent, we issue warnings before looking to court orders and civil injunctions to ban the offender from a particular location." Meanwhile, the force has advised people who donate money on the street to instead make donations to Change into Action, which is a scheme in Dudley that supports charities and street teams Sgt Mohammed added: "We appreciate that people may want to give money to rough sleepers and we would encourage them to give to Change in Action. "We want to create a vibrant, safe town centre and we will continue to work with our partners to support those who genuinely need help." Aaron Powell, chairman of Stourbridge BID and the Ryemarket Shopping Centre's manager, said: "As both a business leader and a resident of Stourbridge, I understand the very real concerns raised by our local community - from residents and shoppers to business owners - around rough sleeping and the associated antisocial behaviour we are witnessing in the town centre. "This is not a new issue, nor is it one with a quick fix. "We've been working closely with our partners across the police, Dudley Council, and local outreach services for some time now, and while there are periods of improvement, the situation can often fluctuate. "That's why a long-term, joined-up approach like this is essential. "Our aim, alongside our partners, is to create a welcoming and safe town centre - a place where businesses can thrive, residents feel secure, and vulnerable people are supported through the right channels. "This partnership is an important step in that direction, and we're proud to play our part." Meanwhile, Cllr Ian Bevan, cabinet member for housing and homelessness at Dudley Council, said: "It was good to join the team on one of their routine patrols in Stourbridge. "With our police partners we assist people who are rough sleeping or in need of housing assistance. "Their regular presence also helps manage any antisocial behaviour issues that may arise in the town. "Anyone who is in need of help or support or if you are concerned about someone sleeping rough in the Dudley borough please contact our homelessness prevention team on 0300 555 2345." Anyone wishing to report a crime can do so using LiveChat on the West Midlands Police website or call 101. Alternatively, can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
