... with the emphasis on British TV... all worthy of some attention... and coming to screens between now and early-2008...
24 (spring 2008, Sky One) Seventh series of the real-time action thriller, starring Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lyn Rajskub. Strong rumours suggest the producers are revamping 24 this year, following dismal critical response to season six; meaning no CTU, new characters and a more original crisis for Jack Bauer to contend with.
Ashes To Ashes (2008, BBC1) Eight-part spin-off from time-travel cop drama Life On Mars, fast-forwarding from 1973 to 1980. Philip Glennister returns as DCI Gene Hunt, now working for London's Metropolitan Police with sidekicks DS Ray Carling (Dean Andrews) and DC Chris Skelton (Marshall Lancaster). They are joined by DCI Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes), a police officer and single mother thrown back in time from 2008. Created by Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharaoh.
Back To You (2008, Channel 4) Sitcom with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as newsreaders on a Pittsburgh TV station –-- he's a womaniser; she's uptight. Created by Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, who both worked on Frasier.
Battlestar Galactica (spring 2008, Sky One) Fourth series of the re-imagined sci-fi drama, starring Edward James Olmos, Jamie Bamber, James Callis and Tricia Helfer. Executive producer Ronald D. Moore has confirmed this will be the last series, with the Galactica crew resolving their search for Earth, whilst battling the pursuing Cylons. The series will be preceded by a feature-length prequel called Razor, focusing on the crew of the Battlestar Pegasus just after the Cylon attack that began the show.
Between Two Rivers (2008, BBC2) A four-part HBO/BBC co-production dramatising Saddam Hussein's reign as Iraq's leader. Starring Yigal Naor as Saddam and Christine Stephen-Daly as Samira, one of his wives.
Bionic Woman (TBC, ITV2) Modern update of the 70s sci-fi action series, starring Michelle Ryan (EastEnders) as Jaime Sommers, a barmaid who is upgraded with bionic implants after a car crash. Co-starring Miguel Ferrer (RoboCop), Molly Price, Will Yun Lee and Katee Sackhoff. Produced by David Eick (Battlestar Galactica).
Blair (autumn 2007, BBC1) Series in which Tony Blair talks about his time as prime minister.
British Film Forever (28 July 2007, BBC2) Seven-part series taking a definitive look at a century of British cinema, narrated by Jessica Hynes. Each part will focus on a different genre, featuring clips and interviews with those involved, such as: Sir Michael Caine, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Kate Winslet, Ewan McGregor, Gurinder Chadha and Richard Curtis. This series will be accompanied by the screening of 40 top British films and special editions of The Proms, The Money Programme, The Culture Show and Arena (on the edgy British cinema during the 40s and 50s).
Cash Cube (2007) Game show hosted by Shaun Williamson (Extras), in which four contestants go through four rounds in a bid to accumulate money.
Celebrity Big Brother (winter 2008, Channel 4/E4) The celebrity edition of the popular reality show will return for another run, despite the media uproar surrounding 2007's "race row" between Jade Goody and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty. Celebrity housemates unknown.
Clapham Junction (22 July 2007, Channel 4) Drama written by Kevin Elyot charting 36 hours in the life of seven gay men. The cast includes Paul Nicholls as gay-basher Terry, Richard Lintern and Stuart Bunce as partners Will and Gavin, David Leon as Alfie, a waiter at their civil partnership party, Rupert Graves and James Wilby as Robin and Hulian, men who have had a furtive relationship, Luke Treadaway as teenager Theo, Joseph Mawle as Tim, the object of Theo's affections, plus June Watson, Tom Beard, Rachael Blake, Clare Perkins, Jared Thomas, Neil Pearson, Samantha Bond, Phoebe Nicholls and Adrian Rawlins. Part of a week of programming marking the 40th anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality.
David Beckham: New Beginnings (24 July 2007, ITV1) Documentary following the famous footballing icon as he prepares to leave Madrid for a new life in America.
David Beckham’s Soccer USA (25 July 2007, Five) US soccer magazine focusing on footballer David Beckham at his new American club L.A Galaxy. Five will also air live coverage of Galaxy matches featuring the former England captain.
The Dinner Party (autumn 2007, BBC1) Drama starring Timothy Spall, similar in style to the 1977 Mike Leigh classic Abigail's Party, following three couples from a Hertfordshire village who meet up for a hellish evening.
Dirty Cows (autumn 2007, Living) Series in which Tara Palmer Tomkinson helps Britain's most eligible young farmer find a partner from 10 city girls who descend on a country estate in Devon.
Dirty Dancing: The Time Of Your Life (autumn 2007, Living) 10-part reality series in which eight pairs of British dancers compete in the location of the 20-year-old Dirty Dancing film, the Mountain Lake Resort in Virginia, to become the new "Baby and Johnny" dance duo.
Doctor Who (Christmas 2007/spring 2008, BBC1) In 2007's Christmas special, Voyage Of The Damned, Kylie Minogue, Clive Swift and Geoffrey Palmer join The Doctor aboard the doomed H.M.S Titanic. In spring 2008, the fourth series finds Catherine Tate returning to the show as a regular character. It's strongly rumoured series 4 will be the last for executive producer Russell T. Davies (who was responsible for the show's revival), and perhaps even star David Tennant. Freema Agyeman is scheduled to return mid-season as Martha Jones, after some appearances in Torchwood. Writers include Russell T. Davies, Steven Moffat, Gareth Roberts, Stephen Greenhorn, Tom MacRae, Keith Temple and James Moran.
Don’t Call Me Stupid (autumn 2007, ITV1) Celebrities compete in a quiz hosted by Alexander Armstrong, after being coached in unfamiliar subjects. Contestants include George Galloway (equestrian horse riding); Lady Victoria Hervey (history of the Labour movement); Germaine Greer (car mechanics); Shayne Lynch (wild flowers of Essex); Francis Fulford (Geordie culture); Michelle Heaton (The Battle of Hastings); Vanessa Feltz (fishing); Bobby George (Chaucer’s Tales); James Whitaker (Manchester music scene); Bez (Royal etiquette); Chantelle (British political system); Ed Vaizey MP (dogs and dog care); Brian Sewell (cricket); Phil Tufnell (16-17th century art); Michael Howard (West End musicals) and Wayne Sleep (Liverpool FC).
Drama pilots (autumn 2007, BBC3) Six one-off dramas which could become full series: Being Human, about three young flatmates, by Toby Whithouse; Mrs Inbetweeny following siblings whose parents are estranged from each other, by Caleb Ranson; Phoo Action, a futuristic kung-fu drama created by Gorillaz and Tank Girl creator Jamie Hewlett, written by Matthew Enriquez Wakeham, Peter Martin and Jessica Hynes; Things I Haven't Told You, a thriller about a school where every student hides a dark secret, by Lisa Mcgeeset; W10 LDN, about teenagers on a housing estate in west London, by Noel Clarke; and The Six, following six teenage strangers who meet in London, by Howard Overman.
Echo Beach (2007, ITV2) A 12-part soap opera set in the fictional coastal town of Polnarren in Cornwall, by Tony Jordan (Life On Mars). It stars Martine McCutcheon as Susan Penwarden and Jason Donavan as her former lover Daniel Marrack. The cast includes Hugo Speer as Susan's husband Mark, Johnny Briggs as veteran resident Fin Morgan, Ed Speelers, Susie Amy, Marcus Patrick, Laura Greenwood, Christian Cooke, Jonathan Readwin, Naomi Ryan, Chandeep Uppal and Hannah Lederer Alton. The soap will explore conflicts between newcomers, including surfers, and the long-established residents. Interestingly, a behind-the-scenes comedy drama, Moving Wallpaper, will air on ITV1 before each episode is broadcast.
Emu (2007, ITV1) Children's live-action comedy series, featuring the infamously violent puppet and Toby Hull, son of the late Rod Hull.
Eurovision Dance Contest (1 September 2007, BBC1) Live competition featuring professional ballroom dancers from 16 countries across Europe, all competing at BBC Television Centre in London. Couples will perform two dances –- one, a choice of traditional Latin or ballroom; the other reflecting their country's culture. Presented by Graham Norton and Claudia Winkleman, with commentary by Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman from Strictly Come Dancing.
Fairy Tales (autumn 2007, BBC1) Four contemporary adaptations of classic fairy tales, made by Hat Trick Productions: The Emperor's New Clothes, by Debbie Horsfield, stars Denise Van Outen as a fading soap star; Rapunzel, set in the world of tennis, by Ed Roe, stars Charity Wakefield, Lee Ingleby, Geraldine James, Shaun Williamson and Oliver Chris; Cinderella, by Steve Coombs, stars James Nesbitt as Professor Prince, Maxine Peake as cleaner Cindy, Mona Hammond, Richard Pinto and Anil Gupta; and Billy Goat, by Jeremy Dyson, retells the story via a boyband –- Connor Gruff (Paul Nicholls), Dean Gruff (Mathew Horne) and Rafiq Bhavani (Nick Mohammed) –- who are locked into a tight contract by manager Grettongrat (Bernard Hill).
Fist Of Zen (July 2007, MTV) Series in which people complete crazy tasks, in total silence, to win cash.
Flight Of The Conchords (autumn 2007, BBC4) US sitcom based on a BBC Radio 2 series, starring Jermaine Clement and Bret Mckenzie, who are "New Zealand’s fourth most popular folk parodists". Also features Rhys Darby as their manager and Kristen Schaal as an obsessive fan. Made by HBO.
Frankenstein (autumn 2007, ITV1) Contemporary version of Mary Shelley's classic horror story, adapted by Jed Mercurio (Cardiac Arrest), in which the monster is created using genetic technology. Stars Helen McCrory as Victoria, a female scientist whose controversial research ultimately spawns a monster, alongside James Purefoy, Neil Pearson and Lindsay Duncan.
The Green Green Grass (autumn 2007, BBC1) Third series of John Sullivan's sitcom starring John Challis and Sue Holderness. A spin-off from Only Fools And Horses.
Heroes (25 July 2007/early-2008, BBC2) The terrestrial debut of the hit US fantasy drama about people who discover they have superpowers, following on from its Sci-Fi Channel UK premiere. But, in 2008, BBC2 have exclusive first-run rights to series two! Newcomers to the cast will include Star Trek: Enterprise star Dominic Keating as an Irish villain, Veronica Mars actress Dianna Agron as a cheerleader, and David Anders as a thousand-year-old man called Kane.
Holly & Fearne Go Dating (autumn 2007, ITV1) Six-part series in which lad’s mag favourites Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton try to find partners for single people.
Hungry Hamsters (2008) Cartoon featuring the voices of Kelly Brook, Jack Davenport, Alice Cooper and Harry Hill.
Jeremy Lion (TBC, ITV1) Pilot of a sitcom starring Justin Edwards as drunken children’s entertainer Jeremy Lion, with Miranda Hart and Gus Brown.
Little Devil (2007, ITV1) Three-part drama starring Robson Green as cash-strapped, boring headmaster Will Crowe, who discovers his wife Laura (Maggie O’Neill) is having an affair with his best friend Adrian (James Wilby). Will's 10-year-old son Oliver (Joseph Friend) tries to save his family from crisis. With Emily Joyce as Adrian’s wife Kate, Chloe O’Sullivan as Oliver’s best friend Zoe and and Phoebe Thomas as Oliver's sister Jackie Crowe. Written by Teachers creator Tim Loane.
Lost (TBC, Sky One) Fourth series of the island-based sci-fi mystery, starring Matthew Fox, Evangeline Lilly and Josh Holloway. Executive produced by Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse and J.J Abrams.
Michael Palin's New Europe (autumn 2007, BBC1) The globetrotting Python returns for a series looking at European countries once behind the Iron Curtain.
Mountains (29 July 2007, BBC1) Five-part series following comedian Griff Rhys Jones as he climbs Britain's mountains. Along the way, Griff will meet shepherds, mountain rescue teams, botanists, geologists, painters and photographers. Plus he'll recount tales of battles and long-lost communities, using computer graphics.
Ocean Voyager (2007, Animal Planet) 70-minute documentary narrated by Meryl Streep, following a newborn humpback whale and his 40-tonne mother on their 7,000-mile journey to the feeding grounds of Antarctica.
Old Curiosity Shop (autumn 2007, ITV1) One-off film based on the Charles Dickens classic. Stars Sir Derek Jacobi as Grandfather, Toby Jones as villain Quilp, Sophie Vavassuer as Nell Trent, Martin Freeman, Gina McKee, Zoe Wanamaker, Bradley Walsh, Bryan Dick and Steve Pemberton. Adapted by Martyn Hesford (credits include Kenneth Williams: Fantabulosa and Nicholas Nickleby).
Oliver Twist (autumn 2007, BBC1) Drama providing a "fresh and modern" adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. Stars Timothy Spall as Fagin and Tom Hardy as Bill Sykes. Adapted by Sarah Phelps.
Outnumbered (autumn 2007, BBC1) Partially improvised six-part comedy series about a London couple (Hugh Dennis and Claire Skinner) and their three children. The script is written by Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton but the children will improvise things to shock their screen parents! Also stars Samantha Bond.
Prison Break (2007, Sky One) Third series of the tense prison escape drama, poached by Sky One from Channel Five. Stars Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Robert Knepper and William Fichtner.
Robbie Coltrane's Incredible Britain (autumn 2007, ITV1) Three-parter in which the Scottish actor travels from London to Glasgow, using only back roads, to find the UK's strangest towns and villages.
Robin Hood (autumn 2007, BBC1) Series two of the medieval adventure drama, starring Jonas Armstrong as the legendary archer, Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham and Richard Armitage as the evil Guy Of Gisborne.
Russell Brand's Ponderland (2007, Channel 4) Six-part series with the eccentric stand-up comedian exploring topics like sport, love and holidays, aided by classic TV clips.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles (spring 2008, Virgin 1) TV continuation of the Terminator film franchise, starring Lena Headey (300), Thomas Dekker (Heroes) and Summer Glau (Serenity). Set after the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, the series continues the adventures of Sarah Connor and her teenaged son John, as they struggle to avoid a future where machines dominate the planet. Produced by David Nutter (The X-Files) and Josh Friedman (War Of The Worlds).
Silent Witness (autumn 2007, BBC1) Return of the gritty crime drama starring Emilia Fox, Tom Ward and William Gaminara. Guest stars include Julian Glover, Natasha Little and Hugo Speer.
Smallville (22 July 2007, E4) Series six of the US superhero drama, starring Tom Welling as Clark Kent. Co-starring Michael Rosenbaum as Lex Luthor, Kristin Kreuk as Lana Lang and Erica Durance as Lois Lane. A highlight this series will be the appearance of Supergirl.
Sold (autumn 2007, ITV1) Comedy drama starring Kris Marshall (My Family) as ruthless estate agent Matt, Bryan Dick as Danny, his nicer colleague at Colubrines Estate Agents, and Christina Cole as bitch Mel. Written by Steve Coombes (Hustle).
Spice Girls (autumn 2007, BBC1) Documentary about the reformed girl group who took the world by storm in the 1990s, in the build-up to their appearance at this year's Children In Need fundraiser.
Star Stories (27 July 2007, Channel 4) A second four-part series of the British Comedy Award-winning show that pokes fun at celebrity life-stories, this time focusing on Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Britney Spears, Oasis and Blur, Take That and Simon Cowell. Stars Steve Edge, Fergus Craig and Kevin Bishop.
The Street (autumn 2007, BBC1) Second series of the drama written by Jimmy McGovern, focusing on neighbours living in a Liverpool street. Timothy Spall returns as taxi driver Eddie, while new cast members include David Thewlis as identical twins, Joe and Harry, Bronagh Gallagher as Joe's wife, June Watson as the twins' mother, Mark Benton as postman Wayne, Michael Taylor as his friend Damien, Gina McKee and Lorraine Ashbourne as sisters, Vincent Regan and Julia Ford as a couple whose marriage is rocked, Will Mellor as Tom, and Toby Kebbell as Paul.
Strutter (2007, MTV) Second series of the anarchic clipshow, starring Paul Kaye as obnoxious and foulmouthed American presenter Mike Strutter.
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip (26 July 2007, More4) US drama series set in the TV industry, starring Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford as Matt Albie and Danny Tripp; a brilliant, unpredictable writer/producer duo brought in to save a failing late-night sketch-comedy series by Jordan McDeere (Amanda Peet), the network's new entertainment chief. Co-starring Steven Weber as network chairman Jack Rudolph, Sarah Paulson, DL Hughley, Timothy Busfield and Nate Corddry. Created by Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, whose credits include celebrated political drama The West Wing.
Strictly Come Dancing (autumn 2007, BBC1) Fifth series of the popular ballroom dancing competition, again hosted by Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly. Celebrity contestants to be confirmed.
Superhuman: Giants (autumn 2007, ITV1) Documentary about the tallest people in the world.
That Antony Cotton Show (July 2007, ITV1) Teatime chat show featuring the Coronation Street actor and winner of Soapstar Superstar. It runs for a five-week trial against Channel 4's Richard & Judy.
Torchwood (autumn 2007, BBC2) Second series of the adult sci-fi drama, a spin-off from Doctor Who, now on BBC2 after a successful first series on BBC3 last year. John Barrowman returns as Captain Jack, along with Eve Myles, protecting the world from aliens and rifts in time. Doctor Who star Freema Agyeman will appear for half the series.
TV Heaven, Telly Hell (23 July 2007, Channel 4) Return of the show in which comedian Sean Lock talks to celebrity guests about the highs and lows of British TV. Featuring Alan Carr, Jack Dee, Omid Djalili, Jimmy Carr, Lee Mack and Ronni Ancona.
Warriors (autumn 2007, BBC1) Drama-documentary series recreating key moments in the lives of some of the greatest warriors in history: Richard the Lionheart, Napoleon, Attila the Hun, Spartacus, The Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu and Cortes.
Weeds (5 August 2007, Sky One) Second series of the comedy series starring Mary-Louise Parker as small-time drugs dealer Nancy Botwin.
Whistleblower (autumn 2007, ITV1) Six-part thriller created by Tony Marchant about people who expose the secrets of companies, institutions and the government. Stars Richard Coyle (Coupling) and Indira Varma (Torchwood) as Ben Graham and Alisha Cole, who quit their jobs as lawyers to help those who blow the whistle, with Daniel Ryan as regular character Kenny Reid. Guest stars include David Threlfall, Allan Corduner, Douglas Hodge, Sarah Smart, Adrian Dunbar, Ian Puleston-Davies, Robert Pugh, Kerry Fox, Mark Bazeley, Josette Simon and George Costigan.
Who Dares Wins (autumn 2007, BBC1) Saturday night National Lottery game show, hosted by Nick Knowles, in which complete strangers are paired in a list-creating contest.
Who Do You Think You Are? (autumn 2007, BBC1) Return of the series in which celebrities investigate their family tree. This series features Graham Norton, John Hurt, Boris Johnson, Natasha Kaplinsky, Alistair McGowan, Griff Rhys Jones, Matthew Pinsent and Carol Vorderman.
Wire In The Blood: USA (autumn 2007, ITV1) Special edition of the crime drama, starring Robson Green as Dr Tony Hill, who is invited to Texas as an expert witness in the case of an American man accused of killing his wife and two children.
A Year In The Life... J.K Rowling (autumn 2007, ITV1) Documentary following the world-famous author, as she writes the final Harry Potter book for its July 2007 release date.
A Year With The Queen (autumn 2007, BBC1) Series featuring behind-the-scenes footage of The Queen and access to the Royal household.
You Can't Fire Me, I'm Famous (24 July 2007, BBC1) A second series of the programme in which former tabloid editor Piers Morgan talks to other famous people who fell out of favour with their bosses, or the British public. Includes Jade Goody and Louis Walsh.
Young Elvis In Colour (August 2007, ITV1) Documentary to mark the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, featuring the singer's film screen-tests, concert footage and interviews with his childhood friends and musicians.
There must be something in all that lot you’ll enjoy!
