British television in 2026 will feature a mix of new adaptations and original series, including returning favorites like 'The Night Manager' season two, new adaptations of classics like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Lord of the Flies,' as well as fresh dramas and thrillers across various platforms such as Netflix, BBC, and Amazon Prime.
Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, reflects on ending the beloved series with the film 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale,' discussing the show's themes, character arcs, and his creative process, while also touching on social changes and his other project, The Gilded Age.
Kim Woodburn, a beloved British reality TV star and co-host of 'How Clean Is Your House,' has died at age 83 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of popular cleaning shows and TV appearances.
Netflix has released the trailer for "Scoop," a dramatization of Prince Andrew's controversial Newsnight interview, starring Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis. The interview led to significant humiliation for the prince, who has since settled a sexual assault case. The film, set to premiere on April 5, also features Rufus Sewell and Billie Piper, and is directed by Philip Martin.
"The Woman in the Wall" is a British limited series starring Ruth Wilson that intertwines a gothic thriller with a social injustice narrative, set in County Mayo in the aftermath of the Irish government's report on the Magdalene Laundries. The show follows Lorna Brady's quest to solve a mystery and prove her sanity, while also delving into the systemic injustices of the past. Despite its ambitious blend of genres, the series has received mixed reviews, with criticism directed at its execution and portrayal of Irish culture and history.
Haydn Gwynne, known for her roles in "The Crown" and "The Windsors," has passed away at the age of 66 after battling cancer. Gwynne, a stage and screen actor, had a successful career in British television and theater, earning a BAFTA nomination for her role in "Drop the Dead Donkey." She was also known for her theater work, receiving Olivier nominations for various productions. Gwynne's agent expressed gratitude for the care she received at the Royal Marsden and Brompton Hospitals. Channel 4, which broadcasted "The Windsors," paid tribute to her as a talented and inspiring actor.
Recent TV shows like Barry, Succession, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel are ending on their own terms, with fewer episodes than the typical American TV show. This trend is good news for viewers, as it means no bad seasons or listless wheel spinning. While reduced episode orders can create insecurity for writers, the trend towards concise storytelling is admirable and could benefit many shows.
Len Goodman, the British ballroom dancer and judge on "Dancing With the Stars," has died at the age of 78 from bone cancer. Goodman became famous in Britain as a judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" before joining the American version of the show. He was known for his witty one-liners and his encouragement of celebrity contestants, acknowledging that they were not professional dancers. Goodman was also a presenter for BBC radio programs and made a documentary about the sinking of the Titanic.
Paul O’Grady, the beloved British TV host and comedian, has died unexpectedly at the age of 67. O’Grady, also known for his drag queen alter ego Lily Savage, won numerous accolades during his career, including a TV BAFTA, and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to entertainment. He was a huge animal-lover and hosted ITV’s “For The Love Of Dogs.” Tributes to O’Grady poured in from the world of entertainment.