Sky has announced its largest ever slate of upcoming new programming - including a raft of new commissions across drama, comedy and original film.
There's plenty of Irish involvement, as the likes of Colin Farrell, Kenneth Branagh, Pauline McLynn and Ardal O'Hanlon are among the many stars to feature across the satellite broadcaster's stable of channels.
Announced at the Up Next 2022 event at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane today, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, Sky will launch over 200 Sky Original shows across all genres this year – a 60% increase from 2021.
Sky promises to bring audiences the best TV shows from the UK, the US and Europe, featuring the likes of Kenneth Branagh, Suranne Jones, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan, Keeley Hawes, Sheridan Smith, Billie Piper, Colin Farrell, Liam Hemsworth, Russell Crowe, Jodie Turner-Smith and Letitia Wright.
Amongst the new titles announced are a major adaptation of Heather Morris’ bestselling novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a life affirming and heartrending story of bravery and love in the darkest of places.
And the return of the critically acclaimed dramas I Hate Suzie Too starring Billie Piper and COBRA: Rebellion with Robert Carlyle.
Also announced were three new original comedies; Sheridan Smith, Pauline McLynn and Ardal O’Hanlon star in Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything, Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan team up for Romantic Getaway, and there’s a new spin on a Christmas classic with Suranne Jones starring in Christmas Carole.
Speaking on the new commissions, Zai Bennett, Managing Director, Content Sky UK and Ireland, says "Great stories have the power to help us connect with each other, and at its best entertainment isn't something we watch, it’s something we feel and experience.
"That’s why we’re creating and investing in world-class original storytelling to give our customers even more of their favourite shows and films than ever before.
"We’re delighted to be working with some of the best talent, both on and off screen, to bring these stories to life. "
Adding to the line-up is a range of new Sky Original films; Letitia Wright stars in the drama Aisha, Colin Farrell in sci-fi drama After Yang, while Brian Cox, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Cena and Ann Dowd star in the political thriller, The Independent, and Russell Crowe directs and stars alongside Liam Hemsworth in the thriller Poker Face.
These newly announced shows join a raft of previously announced shows, including This England starring Kenneth Branagh, The Midwich Cuckoos starring Keeley Hawes, Gangs of London Series 2, Funny Woman staring Gemma Arterton, Brassic Series 4 staring Joe Gilgun, Michelle Keegan and Bronagh Gallagher.
