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24.04.2025 12:14:52
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB SEASON 2
The sleuthing trio returns for another round of crime and mystery
24.04.2025 12:14:52
The sleuthing trio returns for another round of cr...
25.02.2025 18:03:14
Where every story becomes epic
25.02.2025 08:45:49
Miss Scarlet returns - a new season, new challenge...
29.01.2025 07:33:51
Clive Owen follows in Humphrey Bogart’s footsteps...
06.08.2024 13:32:37
A brand-new crime series combines idyllic surround...
06.02.2024 10:45:35
The true story of a woman many centuries ahead of...
02.01.2024 13:23:47
The story of a plucky young woman fighting against...
08.11.2023 15:59:11
IS BACK ON EPIC DRAMA WITH THE BRAND-NEW SEASON!
15.08.2023 14:14:26
One of Germany’s biggest TV productions in recent...
15.08.2023 14:19:51
A CHILLING THREE-PART PORTRAYAL OF THE INVESTIGATI...
15.12.2022 12:56:42
WITH A BRAND-NEW SEASON COMING TO EPIC DRAMA THIS...
06.12.2017 06:20:00
Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian...
11.09.2020 21:37:07
Meet 19th Century London’s First-Ever Female Detec...
15.10.2020 18:00:32
Photography Is Killer Business…
28.10.2020 13:30:17
James Herriot's classic memoirs of a Yorkshire cou...
28.10.2020 14:38:07
One Of The Most Widely Debated Hauntings Of The 20...
19.11.2020 09:46:24
A powerful and stylish adaptation of JP Priestley’...
25.11.2020 16:52:46
REAL GHOSTS SEEN WHILE SHOOTING IN ENGLAND
22.01.2021 13:27:48
The multi award-winning international period crime...
18.12.2020 12:50:22
The methodical and dashing detective who pioneers...
24.03.2021 15:17:13
Murdoch is imprisoned, Julia is kidnapped and Brac...
01.02.2021 12:29:19
Golden Globe, and Emmy nominated powerful period d...
07.04.2021 17:43:53
ONE AFFAIR THAT CHANGED AN ENTIRE COUNTRY FOREVER!...
08.02.2021 17:49:38
Watch the greatest race against time in the histor...
03.03.2021 18:57:50
Luke Treadaway, David Morrissey, Jane Horrocks, Co...
01.06.2021 17:29:50
This June will see the premiere of a brand-new ser...
04.10.2022 09:03:24
THIS IS HOW A QUIET LIFE OF A VICAR BECOMES SOMETH...
24.10.2022 13:44:34
IN THE SHADOW OF WAR THERE’S STILL A CHANCE FOR HA...
22.11.2022 10:22:02
Eliza Scarlet is back in a brand-new season of Mis...
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24.04.2025 12:14:52
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB SEASON 2
The sleuthing trio returns for another round of crime and mystery
Life in the idyllic town of Marlow has just about returned to normal after the triple murder that rocked the community. But it’s not long before retired archaeologist Judith Potts, vicar’s wife Becks Starling and dogwalker Suzie Harris are called back into action, when a series of new unsettling crimes befall the local residents.
This season we'll witness a seemingly impossible murder inside the locked study of a sweeping mansion. There's also the mysterious case of a man murdered in the middle of a sleepy cul-de-sac with no connection to the town. And an unexpectedly brutal accident at the prestigious Marlow sailing club. There’s no rest for our sleuthing trio.
Samantha Bond on comparisons between her character, Judith Potts, and Agatha Christie's 'Miss Marple': "The similarity is that they are both amateur sleuths. They are both women who love intrigue, who are very keen on detail. The other thing about Judith is that she is an archaeologist so that’s the way her mind works. It’s a forensic mind. And in episode five an archaeological dig happens in Marlow. Suddenly you see Judith doing what she was trained to do”.
Writer Robert Thorogood felt all warm and fuzzy when the residents of Marlow were all on board during the filming of the first season. “We did a screening for all the people who had been involved in the show. Those who had hired us their houses or given us access to their land. The river Thames authority because they gave us access to the river”.
“The mayor of Marlow was there in his chains. I was sitting behind the vicar and his wife Helen and although our show’s vicar and his wife aren’t based on them, I could see them giggling as they saw how I imagined their slight frustrations of being a vicar or vicar’s wife might be. That was fun and seeing how much the town has taken the show to its heart. That has been hugely gratifying and really humbling”.
Throughout season 2, Judith, Becks, and Suzie explore every corner of Marlow life. They navigate the delicate balance of the town’s society — from the local aristocracy to workers at the boatyard. They frequent pubs and cafes on the High Street and visit a new archaeological dig. Along the way, they assist a more receptive DCI Tanika Malik in her official investigations.
The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 premieres on Epic Drama, Wednesday May 7 at 21:00 CEST
25.02.2025 18:03:14
Epic Drama
Where every story becomes epic
In the world of television drama, there is a place where history never fades and emotions remain intense, no matter the era. Epic Drama is your ticket to a world of spectacular stories, unforgettable characters and epic productions that fill every evening. This channel offers a wide range of drama to suit every mood and taste - from historical epics and gripping mysteries to heartfelt romance. Because when TV drama becomes epic, you know you're watching Epic Drama.
Stories that never get old
Live outside the ordinary with period dramas like Archie, which takes you on a journey through the life of one of the most iconic actors of all time. Young Archie Leach, who would later become the legendary Cary Grant, struggles with tough choices, loss and finding his place in the world. "Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant." This statement perfectly captures his lifelong paradox: how to be himself when the world expects so much more?
"Archie is a story of determination and talent that took one man from the streets of Bristol to the glamour of Hollywood. If you appreciate visually stunning productions with soul, this series will captivate you. The series will star Jason Isaacs in the lead role with a script penned by BAFTA award-winning scribe Jeff Pope.
Mysteries and Thrillers to keep you awake
Sam Spade returns in Monsieur Spade, but his peaceful life in Bozouls is violently shattered. The murder of six nuns, a mysterious child with extraordinary abilities and the return of an old enemy force the legendary detective back into action. "I can handle trouble in reasonable quantities," he says, but this time it may be more than he can handle.
Clive Owen as Spade is a performance not to be missed. With its intricate plot, gritty 1960s atmosphere and brilliant intrigue, Monsieur Spade is a feast for crime drama fans. "As the saying goes, only secrets survive in Le Trou..." But who will uncover the truth? Spade, of course!
Legendary stories full of passion
Joan is the historical epic story of a woman who dared to take everything she ever wanted. Known as Britain's most notorious diamond thief, Joan Hannington never set out to become a criminal icon. But as she once said, "For the first time in my life I had something beautiful that was all mine". This one event set her on the path to great wealth - but was it worth the price?
Sophie Turner stars as the charismatic and uncompromising thief. Joan is a series that shows that life can be just as surprising as modern thrillers. Will Joan manage to keep her wealth and independence? This is a must-see story.
Love that knows no bounds
Eliza Scarlet returns for season five! Kate Phillips reprises her title role in Miss Scarlet, once again challenging the conventions of the time. She proves that a woman can be just as effective at solving crimes as her male counterparts. This time, however, her challenges are not only professional. The Duke's departure opens a new chapter in her personal life.
Romantic dramas captivate us not only with their stories, but also with their emotions, suspense and unforgettable moments. Miss Scarlet delivers all this masterfully, with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
Epic Drama - Your ticket to endless stories
Epic Drama is more than just a TV channel - it is a gateway to great stories, unforgettable characters and emotions that stay with you long after the credits roll. There is something for everyone - from breathtaking historical drama to daring romance and thrilling mystery.
Epic Drama is your destination for decadent drama.
It's your passport to the extraordinary.
It's a channel that always has a story to tell.
Tune in to Epic Drama and experience epic storytelling.
25.02.2025 08:45:49
Miss Scarlet
Miss Scarlet returns - a new season, new challenges
On 20 March at 21:00 CET, Epic Drama will premiere the fifth series of Miss Scarlet (formerly titled Miss Scarlet and The Duke). New episodes will air at the same time every Thursday. This new chapter in Eliza Scarlet's adventures promises to be full of intrigue, twists and challenges that will reshape both her professional and personal life. The creators have promised a festive season full of humour, conflict and heartfelt emotional moments.
Eliza Scarlet's successes and new challenges
Eliza Scarlet (Kate Phillips) is an independent woman, determined and passionate about her work. Her detective agency is thriving and gaining recognition among the residents of Victorian London. With her professionalism, wit and exceptional intelligence, no client goes without help, and even the police respect her ability to solve cases.
However, Eliza's personal life is not as successful as her career. Inspector William Wellington has been in New York for several months, forcing her to make difficult decisions. Also this season, Eliza goes on a date - an experience that could change her whole outlook on love. Will she find a way to balance her professional duties with her personal desires? Or will she choose to devote herself to her passion for detective work?
A new inspector at Scotland Yard - Alexander Blake
One of Eliza's biggest challenges will be the new Inspector at Scotland Yard, Alexander Blake (Tom Durant-Pritchard). He has a reputation as an excellent detective, but is reluctant to work with private investigators. His strict approach to investigation and lack of confidence in Eliza's methods creates tension and may hinder her access to police resources. However, Blake is a complex character - he has travelled the world, is well educated and harbours a surprising secret.
Kate Phillips revealed that there will be a new dynamic between the characters this season. "Tom brings such a grounded, intelligent energy to Blake, but a real twinkle in his eye. So we know there's going to be a journey with him and Eliza," the actress teased. Durant-Pritchard has been warmly welcomed by the cast and crew and is expected to bring a new energy to the show.
Dark secrets and dangerous investigations
The new season will feature a number of intriguing criminal cases. In the first episode, Rival, Eliza must prove to the new inspector that she is a professional worthy of trust. As the season progresses, the mysteries become more complex, with the murder of a private detective, an investigation into a serial killer known as the Thames Reaper and a conflict of interest involving a senior Scotland Yard officer.
Eliza will also have the chance to explore the world of Victorian theatre and even take part in a covert operation involving British special services. Emotional moments are also in store - one of the adult characters will burst into tears, which is sure to surprise the audience. And that's not all!
Behind the scenes and surprises
Fans of the show can expect some unexpected twists and turns. Executive producer Patty Ishimoto has revealed that there will be a wedding this season, but what follows may shock even the most dedicated viewers. The scene is set to be one of the most memorable in the show's history.
Supporting characters will also undergo transformations. Ivy will discover a new calling - one that has nothing to do with cooking. Clarence will leave his office for the first time, giving his character a whole new look. And Patrick Nash, despite being in prison, will continue to intrigue and manipulate his way into serious trouble.
Can Eliza Scarlet have it all?
That is the central question of this season: Can Eliza Scarlet achieve professional success and personal fulfilment? Will her determination and independence be enough to overcome any obstacles?
Miss Scarlet Season 5 premieres on 20 March at 21:00 CET on Epic Drama. Don't miss new episodes every Thursday - immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of Victorian London, thrilling criminal cases and compelling character dynamics.
29.01.2025 07:33:51
MONSIEUR SPADE
Clive Owen follows in Humphrey Bogart’s footsteps with new and faithful portrayal of beloved detective
MONSIEUR SPADE
Twenty years after the events of Dashiell Hammett’s novel ‘The Maltese Falcon’, Sam Spade has retired in the small town of Bozouls in the South of France. It's 1963, the war has ended, and in a very short time, so, too, will Spade's tranquillity.
The legendary Detective Sam Spade is enjoying his retirement in the South of France. By contrast to his days as a private eye in San Francisco, Spade's life in Bozouls is peaceful and quiet. But the rumoured return of his old adversary will change everything. Six beloved nuns have been brutally murdered at the local convent. As the town grieves, secrets emerge, and new leads are established. Spade learns that the murders are somehow connected to a mysterious child who is believed to possess great powers. Who is this child? And why are forces near and far now hunting him? It's up to Spade to solve the case.
This series features a varied and wildly talented cast: aside of the always impressive Clive Owen, we have Alfre Woodard, Dean Winters, Matthew Beard, Rebecca Root, Cara Bossom, Denis Ménochet, among others, gracing our screens.
Clive Owen on taking up the role of detective Spade: “It’s a big challenge when you take a part on that’s very well-known. You’re following in the great Humphrey Bogart’s footsteps and you’re there to be shot at and compared to, so there is a challenge in that.” He made a firm choice in his approach to the role: “Rather than do what probably I should have done, which is go, “I’m going to put my own spin on it and forget the original,” I did the opposite and leaned into the original because I was such a fan of it and I love the genre and that style. I went the other way and said, “I want to feel the origins of Spade. I want to feel the origins of The Maltese Falcon in this project.”
Scott Frank, co-creator and director, is best known for producing the Netflix hit series The Queen’s Gambit. He’s also the mastermind behind classic films such as Minority Report, Out of Sight, Logan and Get Shorty. Co-creator Tom Fontana may be a familiar name for long-standing fans of Epic Drama, as he’s also worked on series such as Copper and Borgia. Fontana is the proud owner of three Emmy Awards, three Writers’ Guild Awards, an Edgar and many more.
Monsieur Spade premieres on Epic Drama, Monday February 17th, 21:00 CET (CEE & Poland) / 22:00 EET (Greece).
06.08.2024 13:32:37
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB
A brand-new crime series combines idyllic surroundings with underlying tension and darkness
A brand-new crime series combines idyllic surroundings with underlying tension and darkness
THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB
Epic Drama premieres a new crime drama, where we follow retired archaeologist Judith Potts played by Samantha Bond. Judith lives alone in the peaceful town of Marlow. During one of her evening swims in the river, she hears a gunshot coming from her neighbours, and starts her own investigation.
When the local police are reluctant to believe her, Judith finds herself forming an unexpected friendship with local dog-walker and empty-nester Suzie (Jo Martin) and unfulfilled vicar’s wife Becks (Cara Horgan) as they team up to start an investigation of their own. After uncovering a vital piece of evidence, the trio are brought in as civilian advisors to assist the official police investigation, led by newly promoted DS Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew), who is under pressure to prove herself to her superiors.
As the bodies begin to pile up, the unlikely group of sleuths must use all of their skills to piece together clues, grill suspects, and face down real dangers as they race against the clock to stop the killer in their tracks.
Actress Samantha Bond says: “Judith likes to work things out very logically, very precisely. She strives for the truth, and she knows at the first incident it hasn't been investigated properly. And that's where her archaeological background comes in. She tries to piece the things very logically together. I think the fans of the book will be thrilled at how it's being portrayed as a TV series”.
Writer of the novel, Robert Thorogood, is beyond excited about the series: “The star of the show is Marlow, it's the town, it's the river, it's the church, it’s the quintessential Englishness of Marlow that I think makes it such a fun location. I live in Marlow, all of the locations in the books are real locations. And when I imagined the show, I really imagined Judith’s house just as it's been delivered. It really is exceptional”. He continues: “It has been extraordinary, and I've never been more excited about a project in my life. I can't wait for people to see it”.
Alison Carpenter, who is executive producer, tells us the series may seem idyllic on the surface, but has a dark undertone: “We tried to deliver the things that you would want to get from this kind of a town, but also try and be surprising about it. Steve Baron, a brilliant director, talked from the start about wanting that slightly unsettling feeling”.
“Everything has its own beauty in a different way that helps characterized the women. We've been so lucky that the town have embraced us as a production and let us film everywhere and been very encouraging”.
The Marlow Murder Club premieres on Epic Drama, Tuesday 27 August 21:00 CEST (CEE) / 21:30 (Poland) / Wednesday 23 October 22:00 EEST (Greece).
06.02.2024 10:45:35
DOMINA
The true story of a woman many centuries ahead of her time
DOMINA is a brand-new historical drama series premiering this month on Epic Drama. It is set during the reign of Gaius, Caesar Augustus – but it's told through the incredible true story of his third wife Livia Drusilla, who re-wrote the rules of what a girl could expect out of life and rose to be the most powerful woman in the world.
Filmed in Rome, Domina follows Livia’s life from her first wedding, her exile and return to Rome, determined to regain everything that was stolen from her. Which she does, brilliantly, by marrying the man who stole it. But she makes a lifelong enemy of the woman she displaces, Scribonia, who is never far from Livia because she bears Gaius a child – Julia – just after the divorce.
By the age of thirty, Livia has got back her property, her status and a whole lot more. But her beloved father has died fighting for the Republic – against her now-husband Gaius. Livia soon discovers that it's not enough to take power, you must be able to hang onto it when everyone else wants it too.
The legacy Livia hopes for is that one of her sons will take power after Gaius’ death – and restore the Republic, by handing power back to the Senate. It’s the promise she has made to her father. It’s also a secret that Gaius can never find out. In order to achieve her goal, Livia must ensure that the path is clear for her sons Tiberius and Drusus to inherit.
It will be a dark and difficult journey for Livia – personal, emotional, political – as the path to her noble ambition becomes increasingly dangerous and self-compromising.
Livia Drusilla is played by Kasia Smutniak (Perfetti Sconosciuti, Loro, Devils). Smutniak leads an international ensemble cast featuring Matthew McNulty (Misfits) as Gaius, Emperor Augustus; Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) as Octavia, Gaius’ sister; Christine Bottomley (The End of the F***ing World) as Scribonia, Gaius’ second wife and Livia’s mortal enemy; Ben Batt (Captain America: The First Avenger) as Agrippa, Gaius’ childhood friend and general.
The series is created by Simon Burke (Fortitude, Strike Back), and directed by David Evans (Jamestown, Django). It premiered to many positive reviews. ‘I’ writes: “Confidently building its world, Domina’s makers will perhaps have had one eye on the Game of Thrones demographic”, but, unlike GoT, this didn’t feel specifically crafted for the male gaze”. And Wall Street Journal felt hot under the collar: “Viewers might want to break out the XXL togas, because “Domina” does run a bit hot, and certainly fierce”.
Domina premieres on Epic Drama, Monday 19 February at 21:00 CET (CEE) / 21:30 CET (Poland)/22:00 EET (Greece).
02.01.2024 13:23:47
THE DOLL FACTORY
The story of a plucky young woman fighting against darker powers in gloomy Victorian London
This January brings a brand-new premiere to Epic Drama: The Doll Factory. The series is based on the best-selling novel of the same name, written by British writer Elizabeth Mcneal. The story revolves around twin sisters Rose and Iris. Iris wants to become a painter, and quickly finds herself trapped in a dangerous web of obsession and betrayal.
London, 1851. Iris paints dolls for a living, alongside her twin sister Rose, but dreams of becoming an artist. By night she secretly paints, honing her craft. Silas is a taxidermist who owns a shop filled with his creations. He hopes to one day find an item so unique he will be catapulted to fame. Louis, a painter and member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, is searching for his next muse.
In a city humming with anticipation for the Great Exhibition, their three worlds collide, and Iris is offered an opportunity to escape and start a new life. To do so, she must abandon her sister, sacrifice her reputation, and launch herself into the unknown. As Iris’ world expands, she finds herself challenging patriarchal beliefs, exploring her sexuality, and starting to experience the things she has always dreamed of. But alongside her newfound independence, darkness looms.
A suspenseful period drama with a sharp modern gaze, The Doll Factory is a searing story of love, art, freedom - and what happens when a woman dares to take what she wants in a world that would rather kill her than let her have it.
Leading the cast is Esmé Creed-Miles (Hanna) as Iris, Éanna Hardwicke (Normal People) as Silas, Mirren Mack (The Witcher: Blood Origin) as Rose, and George Webster (Wedding Season) as Louis. Also joining the ensemble cast are Pippa Haywood (Bodyguard), Sharlene Whyte (Stephen), newcomer Reece Kenwyne-Mpudzi, Freddy Carter (Shadow and Bone), Saoirse Monica Jackson (Derry Girls), Laurie Kynaston (The Sandman), Jim Caesar (The Witcher), Akshay Khanna (Chloe), Aysha Kala (The Undeclared War), and Nell Hudson (Outlander).
Elizabeth Macneal joins Charley Miles both as screenwriter and executive producer for the series. Sacha Polak (Hanna, Dirty Gold) directs four episodes, with Cathy Brady (Wildfire) directing episodes four and five. Suzanne McAuley (Magpie Murders, Maigret) is series producer and Julie Harkin (I May Destroy You, Becoming Elizabeth) is casting director.
The Doll Factory premieres on Epic Drama, Monday 8 January 21:00 CET (CEE) / 21:30 CET (Poland) / 22:00 EET (Greece).
08.11.2023 15:59:11
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
IS BACK ON EPIC DRAMA WITH THE BRAND-NEW SEASON!
All Creatures Great and Small, the critically acclaimed adaptation based on best-selling author James Herriot’s cherished and iconic collection of stories, returns for its highly awaited fourth season, only on Epic Drama. Having recently had its inaugural premiere in the UK, the new season has been met with glowing reviews. The Times calls it a “small dose of TV sunshine”, and The Telegraph confirms it’s “stills the loveliest place in (fictional) Britain”. Viewers online were raving about the first episode of the season: “#ACGAS is like a massive warm blanket. So glad it's back”, “All Creatures Great and Small is just an hour of people being kind and supportive to each other, we all need more kindness. Heartwarming TV”, “Lovely first episode of the new series, funny and poignant”. The new six-part series will air on Epic Drama every Tuesday at 9pm, from the 14th November; with a ‘Christmas Special’ coming soon.
Returning to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, the fourth series of All Creatures Great and Small continues with timeless tales and heart-warming stories, picking up in springtime of 1940 with change on the horizon for everyone in Skeldale House. James and Helen wonder when the right time might be to start a family, not knowing whether or not James will be called up to serve in the RAF. Tristan’s absence is felt by all, but no one more than Siegfried who attempts to hold the growing household, and himself, together as he braves this new world. Mrs Hall and Helen’s friendship blossoms as they look to the future and new trainee veterinary student Richard Carmody arrives, causing complications in the house.
Series four sees Nicholas Ralph reprise his role as young country vet James Herriot, now happily married to Helen Herriot, played by Rachel Shenton. Samuel West returns as James’ capricious and erratic mentor Siegfried Farnon while Anna Madeley continues as Mrs Hall, the beloved matriarch of Skeldale House with Will Thorp returning as Gerald Hammond, Mrs. Hall’s handsome suitor. Patricia Hodge also reprises her role as the wonderfully eccentric Mrs Pumphrey, alongside her adored pampered Pekingese Tricki.
With Tristan away serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Siegfried and James bring in some extra hands to help around the practice. Neve McIntosh (Shetland) joins the cast as highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle, alongside James Anthony-Rose (Slow Horses, Pennyworth) as studious but somewhat unworldly undergraduate veterinary student Richard Carmody. A colourful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in 1940’s Yorkshire will also star.
All Creatures Great and Small is a timeless classic that continues to be much loved by generations. Never out of print, the books have sold 60 million copies internationally becoming a global cultural phenomenon with devoted fans around the world. With a sharp focus on community and its importance in our lives, Herriot’s world and spirit is a very much needed antidote to the challenges of modernity and reminds us all that belonging to a community makes us part of something greater than ourselves.
15.08.2023 14:14:26
The House of Promises: the high and lows of post-WWI Berlin
One of Germany’s biggest TV productions in recent years will hit your screen this September.
One of Germany’s biggest TV productions in recent years will hit your screen this September. Epic Drama’s latest scripted drama series will chronicle the daily trials and tribulations of a large cast of characters, some among them based on real-life people from 1920s Berlin.
Premise of the series
Berlin in the 1920s was marked by poverty and crime. The story of this series starts off with a young girl named Vicky. She arrives in the city fresh from the countryside and is looking for a job. But her hopes and dreams are dashed, she has no place to stay and nothing to her name. She finds work as a saleswoman at a newly established department store: Jonass. With this initial premise the series gradually explores themes such as class and gender disparities, poverty, war-torn neighbourhoods, family traumas, young love, and a strong sense of hope for the future.
A kaleidoscope of stories and characters
Vicky is played by newcomer Naemi Florez. Her love interest, Harry, is portrayed by Ludwig Simon. Other cast members include Alexander Scheer, Nina Kunzendorf, Valery Tscheplanowa, Amy Benkenstein, Paul Zichner and Samuel Finzi. Direction in the hands of Sherry Hormann (‘Altes Land’, ‘Wir Lieben das Leben’) and Umut Dağ (‘Vienna Blood’, ‘Tatort’). The series is based on 2012 novel ‘Torstraße 1’, by award-winning and best-selling author Sybil Volks.
The sprawling cast carry a kaleidoscope of interweaving stories throughout the series. Director Sherry Hormann recounts her first meeting with actor Alexander Sheer: “Alexander was our first "building block" in this huge ensemble of 108 roles”. About casting Naemi Florez - up until filming this series completely unknown - in the leading role, she says “Naemi's face says: "What do you want? Leave me alone!", but the camera has nothing better to do than fall in love with her on the spot.” She concludes: “These are just a few of a huge gang of actors who, like the team behind the camera, shape this series. Because: you don't do anything alone.”
A challenging production
The filming started in 2021 and lasted nine months. It was a challenging year to launch any TV project if ever there was one. Producers Uwe Urbas, Michael Polle and Stefan Arndt faced all challenges head-on: “With this project we wanted to remain true to our philosophy of producing emotional stories for the international market from Germany. So from the beginning it was important to us to shoot on location in the Scheunenviertel and not in a studio set or a backlot. A wish that presented us with great challenges. Particularly in pandemic times and especially if you want to counteract the fact that historical productions are almost exclusively shot abroad for financial - and in the meantime also personnel – reasons”.
Naemi Florez was quite impressed by daily life on set: “this job was funny and bizarre all by itself. One person throws the flower petals, another holds the fan, the next sprays fake blood, someone holds the camera while everyone else stands around as devoutly and quietly as possible. And when you do get tired and lean against a lantern, it falls over because it's not real”.
Authenticity with a contemporary note
The interior shots of the Jonass department store were filmed in the Görlitz department store in Berlin, which was built in 1913 in Art Nouveau style. It is the only department store of its era that still exists today in its original structural form and impresses above all with its colossal interior architecture. The Görlitz department store was also a Jewish department store, founded by the Berlin merchant Louis Friedländer. At times, a total of up to 80 employees were involved in the construction of the department store and Scheunenviertel sets in Görlitz, including three set and fresco painters from Italy.
The costume department consisted of a team of about 50 people. Around 1,000 different costumes were used for the roles of the main and supporting cast alone. The extras were outfitted with around 4,000 period costumes. A team of six to eight seamstresses was always present on set to be able to jump in to make on-the-spot alterations. Interestingly, the fabrics used for the costumes came from fashion designer Dries van Noten. According to Sherry Hormann, the costumes were to be given a lust for life against the inner and outer grey with "the patterns and colours of van Noten."
Above all else, the people in front of and behind the camera of this series all had the same goal in mind: to connect the past with the present. Hormann recounts: “We transformed half the city centre of Görlitz into the world of that time. And as soon as the streets were filled with extras, with cars, with animals, food and smells, suddenly everyone brought their own family stories into it. A little boy came up to me, he was one of the 250 extras that day. He said, "I'm staying barefoot" - I said, "Why? You'll catch cold." He replied, "I'm begging the man for money, he has no money for shoes”. And like this boy, they were all part of this journey. They revived their own family stories of their great-great-grandmothers and fathers”.
15.08.2023 14:19:51
EPIC DRAMA PRESENTS "DES", STARRING DAVID TENNANT
A CHILLING THREE-PART PORTRAYAL OF THE INVESTIGATION, ARREST, AND TRIAL
OF PROLIFIC SERIAL KILLER, DENNIS NILSEN
Des, the gripping true crime series starring the award-winning British actor, David Tennant (Dr Who, Broadchurch), will premiere on Epic Drama, across Central & Eastern Europe, from August 15th at 9pm. Based on real events, Des delves into the mind of the notorious serial killer, Dennis Nilsen, taking viewers on a dark and captivating journey through the sophisticated investigation that eventually led to Nilsen's arrest.
The three-part series set against a backdrop of 1980s London, meticulously traces the pursuit of justice by detectives as they delve into the mind of a cold-blooded killer. Des peels back the layers of a chilling cat-and-mouse game between Nilsen and the dedicated team of officers determined to bring him to justice in a trial that sent shockwaves through society and left an indelible mark on criminal history.
David Tennant’s stellar performance as Dennis Nilsen is mesmerizing and widely recognized as a standout performance in his career. To prepare for the role, Tennant explains he watched footage of interviews with the real-life Nilsen, as well as read his notebooks, of which Nilsen wrote many whilst in prison. Tennant's performance was lauded for its depth, complexity, and ability to capture the unsettling essence of Nilsen's character.
But who was Dennis Nilsen, the real-life serial killer? Nilsen was born on 23 November 1945 in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. At age 14 he joined the Army Cadet Force, and later trained as a chef with the Army Catering Corps. He ended his 11-year military career with the rank of corporal in October 1972, and then undertook a variety of jobs throughout his life, including time as an officer in the Metropolitan Police from 1972 and 1973.
Nilsen's horrific murder spree took place between 1978 and 1983, primarily targeting young men he met in bars, on the streets, or in public places. He earned himself the name of the “Kindly Killer” as he offered his victims food and a place to stay for the night, luring them back to his North London home, before killing them. Nilsen was caught in February 1983, when police discovered his drains had become blocked with human remains. Nilsen killed at least 12 people, however upon his arrest, he admitted to killing 15 or 16. Months later, Nilsen claimed he made up three of the victims, leaving police to this day, unsure about the number of people he murdered. On 4 November 1983, Nilsen was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a recommendation that he serve a minimum of 25 years. Nilsen died in prison on 12 May 2018, aged 72.
Des showcases David Tennant's mesmerizing portrayal of the prolific serial killer, Dennis Nilsen, alongside a narrative that delves into the darkest corners of the human mind. The three-part series will premiere on Epic Drama, across Central & Eastern Europe, from August 15th at 9pm.
15.12.2022 12:56:42
THE REIGN OF “SISI” CONTINUES
WITH A BRAND-NEW SEASON COMING TO EPIC DRAMA THIS CHRISTMAS!
This December, Epic Drama is taking viewers on a magical journey back to the imperial court in Vienna, as Dominique Devenport returns as “Sisi” in a new season of the lavish period drama based on the real-life 19th century royal romance between Elizabeth “Sisi” of Bavaria and her husband, Austrian-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph (Jannik Schumann). Series one of the much talked about drama, produced by Story House Productions, stole the hearts of audiences across Europe when it aired in 2021; and this Christmas new episodes will premiere [exclusively] on Epic Drama across Central and Eastern Europe every night at 9pm [9.30pm Poland] from the 26th, with the sixth and final instalment sashaying onto TV screens on New Year’s Eve!
The dramatization of the infamous story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the 1800s continues as an heir to the throne is born at last. But what should be a joyous moment for Sisi and Franz is soon overshadowed by renewed power struggles in Europe: Otto von Bismarck threatens to drive Austria into a new war. Sisi tries with all her might to be there for her husband and her people. And although she loves Franz and demonstrates her diplomatic talent over and over, Sisi's life remains that of a bird in a golden cage. Yet, when she must travel to Hungary on a political mission, Sisi manages to rediscover the light-heartedness of her childhood for the first time in many years. The untamed, endless expanses of the Hungarian puszta, the hard, simple life of the people, and a man with whom one can steal horses. While Franz discovers his sensitive side at the Viennese court, Sisi still successfully resists the growing attraction to Count Andrassy (Giovanni Funiati) who fascinates her immensely. But when Sisi ends up in captivity with Andrassy, of all people, she finally must ask herself how long she can remain steadfast...
Filming for the new eagerly anticipated season took place in Latvia and Lithuania, with the main filming locations in Vilnius and its surrounding areas, as well as Trakai, Kernavė and Rokiškis. Filming also took place in Poland.
The second season of Sisi is directed by Sven Bohse and Miguel Alexander, and written by Elena Hell, Svenja Rasocha, Robert Krause and Andreas Gutzeit. It stars Swiss-American actress Dominique Devenport, known for her role in Night Train to Lisbon, and German actor Jannik Schümann who starred in Centre of My World and Charité, as the shows leading stars. The cast also includes Murathan Muslu as the Hungarian rebel leader Ödön Körtek, Romy Schroeder as Marie, the daughter of Sisi's maid Fanny, who was hanged for treason in Season one, Amanda Da Gloria as Countess Emanuelle Andrássy, Count Andrássy's sister, and Bernd Hölscher as Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor from 1871.
Sisi Season 2 will premiere [exclusively] on Epic Drama across Central and Eastern Europe from December 26th, at 9pm [9.30pm Poland], concluding on New Year’s Eve.
06.12.2017 06:20:00
Harlots
Set against the backdrop of 18th century Georgian London, Harlots is a powerful family drama ofering a brand new take on the city’s most valuable commercial activity - sex. Inspired by the stories of real women, the series follows Margaret Wells (Morton) and her daughters, as she struggles to reconcile her roles as mother and brothel owner. When her business comes under attack from Lydia Quigley (Manville), a rival madam with a ruthless streak, Margaret fghts back, even if it means putting her family at risk. Brown Findlay will star as Charlotte, Margaret’s eldest daughter and the city’s most coveted courtesan who begins to grapple with her position in both society and her immediate family.
Written by acclaimed playwright and screenwriter, Moira Bufni (Jane Eyre, Tamara Drewe) and created by Moira Bufni and Alison Newman, Harlots is the frst commission for Monumental Pictures, the independent company founded by Oscar nominated producers Alison Owen (Suffragette, Tulip Fever) and Debra Hayward (Bridget Jones’s Baby, Les Misérables).
In 1760s London there were brothels on every corner run by women who were both enterprising and tenacious. History has largely ignored them, but their stories are in turn outrageous, brutal, humorous and real.
Alison Owen, Executive Producer11.09.2020 21:37:07
MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE
Meet 19th Century London’s First-Ever Female Detective…
Epic Drama, home to the very best period drama series from around the globe, brings you the new and exclusive, fast-paced crime series, Miss Scarlet And The Duke, premiering Tuesdays, 21:00 (CET) from 15th September. Lead protagonist, Eliza Scarlet is an educated, fearless, young woman played by Kate Phillips (Wolf Hall, Peaky Blinders, The Crown, Downton Abbey movie), and she stars alongside Stuart Martin (Babylon, Jamestown, Medici: Masters of Florence) as consummate rogue, The Duke.
When Eliza's father dies, he leaves her penniless in a time where marriage is the only option for financial security. But headstrong Eliza, has an ace up her bonnet - her father's business, a detective agency. But it's Victorian London and to operate in this man's world, she needs a male partner. The Duke, Eliza’s envisioned partner in crime is a Detective Inspector for Scotland Yard, who as a young boy was mentored by her father. He’s a gambler, a drinker and a womaniser but he is genuinely fond of Eliza who he shares an almost sibling like bond, but with an underlying sizzling attraction.
Also supporting Eliza as she sets out to become 19th century London’s first female detective, are Moses (Ansu Kabia) and Rupert Parker (Andrew Gower). Moses works at a night club in Soho and has come to London from Jamaica for a new beginning. While their first encounter doesn’t make for a good start, they eventually form an unlikely alliance. And Rupert Parker is a wealthy young man, whose domineering mother is extremely displeased about her only son’s unmarried status and forces him to propose to Eliza. Clearly terrified of his mother, Rupert confides in Eliza that he doesn’t want to be married and the two bond over the fact that they both crave independence and soon discover a different way for them to form a partnership.
The gripping and endearing, six-part series, follows the fiery relationship between Eliza and Duke as they team up to solve a new puzzling crime in each episode, set in the murkiest depths of 1880s London. With her inquisitive mind, Miss Scarlet has always been more interested in running her late father's detective agency than behaving like a proper lady. But nothing has prepared her for the dangers she is about to face as a woman in the murder investigation trade.
Miss Scarlet and The Duke premieres exclusively on Epic Drama across Central and Eastern Europe, Tuesdays, 21:00 (CET) from 15th September.
15.10.2020 18:00:32
DELIGHTFUL THRILLER “DEAD STILL” PREMIERES EXCLUSIVELY ON EPIC DRAMA
Photography Is Killer Business…
Epic Drama’s new series, Dead Still, is inspired by the real-life trend of post-mortem photography in the Victorian era. Written and created by John Morton and Imogen Murphy, the six-part series, which premieres [Friday 16th October at 21:00 across CEE and Wednesday 21st at 21:30 in Poland], features an acclaimed international cast including award-winning actor, Michael Smiley (Kill List, Luther, Wire in the Blood) as Brock Blennerhasset; Kerr Logan (Game of Thrones, Victoria) as Conall Molloy; Eileen O’Higgins (Brooklyn, Mary Queen of Scots) as Nancy Vickers, and Aidan O’Hare (The Dublin Murders, Jackie) as Detective Frederick Regan.
Dead Still is set in the late 1880s, when the practice of photographing the recently deceased was popular throughout Ireland and across Europe. A photograph of your lost loved one was considered a most treasured possession, and Brock Blennerhasset, Ireland’s foremost memorial photographer, must revive his business after an accident. Brock enlists the help of loyal and efficient assistant, and former gravedigger, Conall Molloy, and his once-estranged young niece, Nancy Vickers, who he charges with helping run his business.
After a rocky start, their working relationship begins to develop, but it appears someone more sinister is getting in on the act of memorial photography. Detective Frederick Regan of Dublin Castle begins to investigate a series of murders in Dublin’s criminal underbelly, and soon concludes that the serial killer may be cashing in on a taste for a different type of imagery: pictures of his victims in the throes of death. As the body count begins to rise, Blennerhasset, Molloy and Vickers must stop a murderer intent on ending not just their business, but their lives.
Dead Still also stars Jimmy Smallhorne (Taken Down, Clean Break) as Cecil Carruthers, Mark Rendall (Departure, Versailles) as Percy Cummins, Peter Campion (Derry Girls, Kat and Alfie: Redwater) as Henry Vickers, and features Martin Donovan (Big Little Lies, Fahrenheit 451) as Bushrod Whacker.
Epic Drama’s new series, Dead Still, premieres across Central & Eastern on Friday 16th October at 21:00 across Central & Eastern Europe, and on Wednesday 21st at 21:30 in Poland.
28.10.2020 13:30:17
New TV Adaptation of James Herriot's ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
James Herriot's classic memoirs of a Yorkshire country vet is to be adapted for a nostalgically entertaining new version of the iconic British drama.
All Creatures Great and Small will premiere on Epic Drama, Sunday 1st November at 18:45 across Central and Eastern Europe. The much-celebrated seven-part series recently launched in the UK on Channel 5 becoming the channels Number 1 British drama, and highest rated programme this year.
All Creatures Great and Small, follows the heartwarming escapades of a young vet in 1930’s Northern England. Fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) follows his dream to become a vet in the magnificent and cinematic Yorkshire Dales. He soon discovers that treating the animals is as much about treating their owners, and the Dales’ famers are a tough crowd to please. At Skeldale House, James gets to know his newly formed dysfunctional family; his chaotic and erratic boss Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), his wayward young brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) and the shrewd housekeeper Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) who is endlessly steering the ship. When local beauty and independent farmer’s daughter Helen Alderson (Rachel Shenton) attracts James’s attention he finds another, more enduring reason to stay in the Dales.
Other on-screen talent includes, Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs Pumphrey, the eccentric owner of spoilt Pekingese dog Tricki Woo; Matthew Lewis as Hugh Hulton, a wealthy landowner and rival to James in a bid to win Helen’s heart; and Nigel Havers who plays General Ransom, the manager of the local racecourse.
The launch this year of this delightful new series, coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original publication in 1970 of the much-loved books. Since they were first published, James Herriot's memoirs have sold more than 60 million copies and entranced generations of animal lovers around the world for almost half a century. But this is not the first time the novels have been turned into a television series. Between 1978 and 1990, there was the classic version which ran on the BBC, starring Robert Hardy, Christopher Timothy, Peter Davison and Lynda Bellingham. All Creatures Great and Small was also turned into a feature film in 1975 starring Anthony Hopkins.
Premiering on Epic Drama this Sunday, 1st November, 18:45, the charming, funny and poignant, new TV adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, is a heart-warming story of determination, love and companionship from one of Britain's best-loved authors.
28.10.2020 14:38:07
THE ENFIELD HAUNTING
One Of The Most Widely Debated Hauntings Of The 20th Century…
THE ENFIELD HAUNTING
Epic Drama’s utterly chilling new three-part miniseries, The Enfield Haunting is inspired by the world’s most documented poltergeist incident and adapted from Guy Lyon Playfair’s book ‘This House is Haunted’. Featuring a stellar cast which includes, Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, The King’s Speech), Matthew Macfadyen (Frost/Nixon, Pride & Prejudice) and Juliet Stevenson (Bend It Like Beckham, Mona Lisa Smile), the series premieres on the eve of All Saints' Day, or Halloween, and will air exclusively across Central & Eastern Europe on Epic Drama over three consecutive nights, 31 October, 1 and 2 November at 21:00 CEE.
Based on terrifying real events that took place at a seemingly ordinary house in Enfield, UK, in 1977, and made shocking headlines around the world, The Enfield Haunting portrays the story of Janet Hodgson (Eleanor Worthington Cox), a cheeky 11 year-old girl who was terrorized by the paranormal activity permeating every room of her home. Also living with Janet in the allegedly haunted house, was her (single) Mother Peggy Hodgson (Rosie Cavaliero) and her three siblings, Margaret, 14, Johnny, 10 and Billy, 7. It was in August of ‘77 that the Hodgson family’s ghostly troubles began. One night, as Peggy put her children to bed, she heard loud banging. When she went upstairs to investigate, Margaret and Janet told her about a chest of drawers which had inexplicably slid across the room and strange banging noises they’d heard coming from the walls. Peggy, anxious by the situation, called the police. When two constables arrived, they also witnessed odd happenings as a chair moved across the floor, yet no one had touched it.
In the years that followed, the Society for Psychical Research became involved in the high-profile case. Maurice Grosse (Timothy Spall), a doting researcher was called in, and went to great lengths to protect Janet from the strange, dark forces, in hopes of making peace with his own daughter’s untimely death. But the inexperienced Grosse was joined by Guy Playfair (Matthew Macfayden), a skilled paranormal investigator, and together they tried to unravel the bizarre and horrifying events unfolding at 284 Green Street.
Epic Drama’s chilling new three-part series, The Enfield Haunting, which premieres at 21:00 on Halloween, will have you on the edge of your seat!
19.11.2020 09:46:24
AN INSPECTOR CALLS
A powerful and stylish adaptation of JP Priestley’s play AN INSPECTOR CALLS
Calling all fans of Murder On The Orient Express and other classy crime mysteries. This November on Epic Drama brings the premiere of An Inspector Calls, a film based on the play of the same name written by JB Priestley. The story revolves around a prosperous family embroiled in a tragic death.
Set in 1912, An Inspector Calls tells the story of a wealthy family, as they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft – a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful businesses. Their festive evening is disrupted by a visit from Inspector Goole. Goole is investigating the suicide of a young girl, a former factory worker of Mr Birling's. Interrogating each family member in turn, Goole's relentless questioning reveals that each one not only had a connection with the deceased girl, but may also have played a significant part in her demise.
An Inspector Calls is based on a play written by English playwright J. B. Priestley. First performed in 1945, it is regarded one of his best-known works and is considered to be one of the classics of mid-20th-century English theatre. This adaptation stays loyal to the original, as it’s played out during one single night. The screenplay is written by Helen Edmundson, who has since gone on to write for the big screen in 2018 with Mary Magdalene and adapted Andrea Levy’s 2004 novel Small Island for the National Theatre. Director Aisling Walsh is best known for her work on films Maudie and Song for a Raggy Boy and has directed episodes of series such as The Bill and Trial & Retribution.
Inspector Goole is portrayed by David Thewlis, best known for his role as Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter films. He has also made impressive turns in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, 2015’s Macbeth, The Theory of Everything and Naked, the latter for which he won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993. He’s no stranger to the small screen either, having received recognition for his supporting role as V.M. Varga in Fargo (2014). Sophie Rundle plays the downtrodden Eva Smith. Rundle has made a huge impact in recent years with roles in series such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and Bodyguard. Epic Drama watchers will recognize her from series Jamestown and The Bletchley Circle. Miranda Richardson portrays Sybil Birling. She is also no stranger to the Harry Potter franchise, having played Rita Skeeter in two of the films. She’s well-known for her work in The Hours, Made in Dagenham, and The Crying Game and received Academy Award nominations for her roles in Tom & Viv and Damage. Ken Stott, playing Arthur Birling, is most recently known for his role as Balin in the The Hobbit trilogy, and was recognized for his work in series The Vice and The Missing.
An Inspector Calls, premieres on Epic Drama, Saturday 21st November at: 21:00 CET (CEE)
Calling all fans of Murder On The Orient Express and other classy crime mysteries. This November on Epic Drama brings the premiere of An Inspector Calls, a film based on the play of the same name written by JB Priestley. The story revolves around a prosperous family embroiled in a tragic death.
Set in 1912, An Inspector Calls tells the story of a wealthy family, as they are celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft – a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful businesses. Their festive evening is disrupted by a visit from Inspector Goole. Goole is investigating the suicide of a young girl, a former factory worker of Mr Birling's. Interrogating each family member in turn, Goole's relentless questioning reveals that each one not only had a connection with the deceased girl, but may also have played a significant part in her demise.
An Inspector Calls is based on a play written by English playwright J. B. Priestley. First performed in 1945, it is regarded one of his best-known works and is considered to be one of the classics of mid-20th-century English theatre. This adaptation stays loyal to the original, as it’s played out during one single night. The screenplay is written by Helen Edmundson, who has since gone on to write for the big screen in 2018 with Mary Magdalene and adapted Andrea Levy’s 2004 novel Small Island for the National Theatre. Director Aisling Walsh is best known for her work on films Maudie and Song for a Raggy Boy and has directed episodes of series such as The Bill and Trial & Retribution.
Inspector Goole is portrayed by David Thewlis, best known for his role as Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter films. He has also made impressive turns in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, 2015’s Macbeth, The Theory of Everything and Naked, the latter for which he won Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993. He’s no stranger to the small screen either, having received recognition for his supporting role as V.M. Varga in Fargo (2014). Sophie Rundle plays the downtrodden Eva Smith. Rundle has made a huge impact in recent years with roles in series such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and Bodyguard. Epic Drama watchers will recognize her from series Jamestown and The Bletchley Circle. Miranda Richardson portrays Sybil Birling. She is also no stranger to the Harry Potter franchise, having played Rita Skeeter in two of the films. She’s well-known for her work in The Hours, Made in Dagenham, and The Crying Game and received Academy Award nominations for her roles in Tom & Viv and Damage. Ken Stott, playing Arthur Birling, is most recently known for his role as Balin in the The Hobbit trilogy, and was recognized for his work in series The Vice and The Missing.
An Inspector Calls, premieres on Epic Drama, Saturday 21st November at: 21:00 CET (CEE)
25.11.2020 16:52:46
THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
REAL GHOSTS SEEN WHILE SHOOTING IN ENGLAND
The search for happiness of two people in a remote, rural - as it turns out - haunted house in Victorian England. In short, this is how The Living And The Dead can be summed up, which tastefully mixes the genre of emotional costume drama with spooky horror. And anyone who would like to experience the inexplicable phenomena of the haunted house shown in Epic Drama’s new series, 9pm on 13 December, can also travel there!
Starring: the suddenly emerging sexy star!
It is rare for an actor to be seen in a single episode of a series, and for viewers to remember them. Colin Morgan, who stars in The Living And The Dead, is best known for his title role as Merlin in the BBC fantasy series. But when he appeared in The Crown, the British newspapers were flooded with articles about who could be the “hot journalist” in the successful series. Daily Mail: “The Crown fans swoon over new star Colin Morgan”; the Express has dedicated a separate article to his presentation, which is not at all usual for an episode character. The good news is that we can admire the attractive Northern Irish actor in a new six-part series coming soon to Epic Drama!
Shooting in a real ghost house
According to the story of The Living And The Dead, psychologist Nathan inherits the family estate in the wonderful but isolated Somerset Valley and moves in with his wife to start a new life. Instead of a rural idyll, however, inexplicable events upset their lives and everything they have thought so far about themselves or the world. As a set, it would have been obvious if the creators had set up the haunted house in a studio, but they decided otherwise: instead, the actors moved into a real ghostly mansion: Horton Court, built in the 16th century. Charlotte Spencer, who plays the female lead, said some had already seen a mysterious woman by the large fireplace in the house, while others had noticed a little boy on the roof. “The only problem is that this little boy drowned in the lake next to the house in the thirties,” Colin Morgan adds. The crew heard the sound of mysterious footsteps several times during the filming, but when they turned in the direction of the noise, no one was there. Strange shadows were also noticed, and during the filming of a séance scene, sheets of paper blew across the room, though there was no draft. The creepiest thing, however, was the ringing of the phone: it sounded like an old landline phone ringing somewhere in the house, except that it turned out the phone had been disconnected for years. Yet they heard it twice that day…
Anyone who is brave enough and likes the house in the series, can rent it at any time, as Horton Court has recently been refurbished and opened to tourists.
Until then, The Living And The Dead, the latest series from the creator of ‘Life on Mars’ and ‘Ashes to Ashes,’ reveals how a young couple faces all the memories, trauma, and pain of the property’s rich and eery past. The new six-part series will premiere on Epic Drama exclusively across Central and Eastern Europe, from Sunday 13th December, 9pm, and air every evening at the same time across the week.
22.01.2021 13:27:48
Babylon Berlin
The multi award-winning international period crime drama series returns with season three, premiering soon on Epic Drama!
The critically acclaimed and most expensive non-English-language TV production ever made, Babylon Berlin, is back and premiering exclusively on Epic Drama across Central and Eastern Europe on Thursday 28th January at 21:00 (21:30 Poland).
Delighting critics worldwide, this ambitious series has claimed numerous international awards, including the Deutscher Fernsehpreis, the Grimme Prize, the BAMBI for Best German TV Series, the Bayerischer Fernsehpreis, the Austrian Romy, the Spanish Television Award Premios Onda, and the Magnolia Award of the Shanghai TV Festival. And the European Film Academy awarded the series the newly founded "European Achievement in Fiction Series Award" at the European Film Awards.
Berlin, September 1929: A metropolis in turmoil. Everything is undergoing radical change – the economy, culture, politics and the underworld. Speculation and inflation are already eating away at the foundations of the still young Weimar Republic. Growing poverty and unemployment stand in stark contrast to the excesses and indulgence of the city’s nightlife and its overflowing creative energy.
In the heated climate of speculative frenzy and political change, one of the first sound movies of that time featuring film star Betty Winter is shot at the Babelsberg film studios, but a falling spotlight tragically ends the life of the young actress. As Chief Inspector Rath and police trainee Charlotte Ritter begin to investigate the case, further deaths confirm their suspicion of murder. A Phantom in a black cloak is responsible. Initial investigations suggest a connection to Berlin’s underworld. The Armenian again has his finger in the pie, but he financed the film, so everything points to a war between the bosses of the underworld. When his business partner, Walter Weintraub, is released from prison, the two take up the fight against their enemies to save their existence.
While Rath battles the demons of his past over his love for Helga, he cannot leave the case of Greta Overbeck behind. Suspecting that other forces posing as communists were behind the assassination she allegedly committed, he wants to prevent her conviction and execution. Rath, with Chief of Police Zörgiebel’s help, resorts to a ruse to capture the men behind the crime to save Greta's life, but Government Councilor Wendt turns out to be Rath's fiercest adversary.
Premiering on Epic Drama across Central & Eastern Europe, on 28th January at 21:00 (21:30 Poland), Babylon Berlin is a complex and beautifully shot series starring a plethora of incredible actors, and this all new season three brings some notable new additions to the cast: Ronald Zehrfeld, Meret Becker, Sabin Tambrea, Hanno Koffler, Martin Wuttke, Trystan Putter, Peter Jordan, Caro Cult, Saskia Rosendahl and Bernhard Schütz.
18.12.2020 12:50:22
Murdoch Mysteries, S10
The methodical and dashing detective who pioneers innovative forensic techniques to solve some of Toronto’s most gruesome murders, returns in a brand-new season, premiering soon on Epic Drama!
Everyone’s favourite internationally acclaimed drama series, Murdoch Mysteries, returns with Season 10, premiering weekdays on Epic Drama, at 20:15 (CEE) & 20:30 (Poland) from 4th January 2021. The new series also marks the landmark 150th episode with the series finale (ep18) and boasts five female directors!
Season 10 of Murdoch Mysteries kicks off in grand style with Det. Murdoch proceeding with plans to build a house and create a happy life for himself and his wife, Dr. Julia Ogden. But unbeknownst to the detective, Ogden is suffering silently from guilt for killing her tormentor, the psychotic Eva Pearce.
In an effort to distract herself from her anxiety, Ogden is introducing her newly arrived friend Lady Suzanne Atherly (Samantha Bond, Downton Abbey) and her daughter Elizabeth to Toronto society at a debutante ball. Unfortunately, the elegant event turns deadly when one of the ladies vying to marry Toronto’s most eligible bachelor is murdered. The situation worsens when a destructive fire begins to rage throughout downtown Toronto distracting the police from the case and putting Ogden in grave danger.
As the season continues, Murdoch and Ogden must face the possibility that they sent the wrong man to prison for a murder when new forensic testing challenges their original evidence. The detective and doctor will also revisit a harrowing past case when they meet a murderer convinced he’s possessed by the devil.
The suspicious death of a championship show dog leads Murdoch into the competitive world of dog shows and a personal discovery about the merits of canine companionship. After grotesque sketches are found beside the body of a young girl, Murdoch crosses paths with a group of death-obsesssed teenagers, which includes a young artist named H.P. Lovecraft. And Murdoch questions the integrity of his childhood friend-turned-private-investigator, Freddie Pink (Alex Paxton-Beesley, Wynonna Earp), when it appears she’s implicated in the murder of a man she was hired to follow.
After a player’s death puts a football team’s rally for the Olympics in jeopardy, Brackenreid finds himself in a position to coach them and the opportunity to bring Olympic glory to Canada.
As for Constable Crabtree, he’s continuing his relationship with burlesque dancer Nina Bloom (Erin Agostino, 18 to Life) and even decides to go into the automobile repair business with her brother Samuel. But when he meets intrepid newspaper reporter Louise Cherry (Bea Santos, Darken), their mutual attraction becomes obvious. And the more she seeks him out for scoops and insider information, the more precarious his love life becomes.
Meanwhile, at the urging of Ogden, Rebecca James (Mouna Traoré) is studying to become a doctor at the Medical College for Women. But when one of her fellow students is found drowned from an apparent suicide, she is convinced something is amiss and begins her own surreptitious investigation. Under Ogden’s guidance, Miss James confidence grows, and she begins to assert herself.
When the two are nearly knocked over by a group of competitive roller-skaters barrelling down the boardwalk, James decides to take them on at an upcoming racing event. And her enthusiasm is contagious, leading Ogden and a few other allies to lace up for the cause.
Murdoch is also assisted by the young, fastidious Detective Watts (recurring guest star Daniel Maslany, Four in the Morning), whose personal history informs his relentless investigation into a group of missing women. Brash and at times abrasive, his determination to solve the cases leads the constabulary to an unusual communal living arrangement.
Season 10 guest stars include:
Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey, Die Another Day)
Alex Paxton-Beesley (Wynonna Earp)
Daniel Maslany (Four in the Morning)
Bea Santos (Darken)
Jonathan Goad (Republic of Doyle)
Peter Stebbings (Bates Motel, The Listener)
Alan Doyle (Republic of Doyle, Newfoundland at Armageddon)
Natasha Negovanlis (Carmilla, Almost Adults)
Robin Dunne (Inhuman Condition, Defiance, Sanctuary)
Richard Clarkin (Goon, Naturally, Sadie)
24.03.2021 15:17:13
Murdoch Mysteries Season 11
Murdoch is imprisoned, Julia is kidnapped and Brackenreid is missing! Toronto’s methodical and dashing detective returns in the all-new Season 11 of Murdoch Mysteries only on Epic Drama
A new season of the award-winning, long running Canadian detective series, Murdoch Mysteries, will premiere on Epic Drama, on Monday 5th April at 20:15 (20:30 Poland). The eleventh season of the period drama, based on the novels by Maureen Jennings and set in the late 1890s and early 1900s during the age of invention, features the dashing Detective William Murdoch, played by Yannick Bisson – also executive producer of the series - as over 18 hour-long episodes, he works to solve some of Toronto’s most gruesome murders.
Series 11 of Epic Drama’s best loved internationally acclaimed series begins with Murdoch jailed and framed for the murder of a burlesque dancer. His constables were gunned down in an ambush, Brackenreid was last seen with a gun to his head, and the corrupt politician and his cronies responsible kidnapped Ogden. Murdoch must prove his innocence from behind bars, as Detective Llewellyn Watts helps covertly to solve the case.
Upcoming cases feature the return of Alexander Graham Bell, who assists Murdoch after a guest is murdered at a unique dinner honouring Helen Keller. A bizarre automobile accident must be solved before a deadly deadline, and a radical surgeon’s attempts to perform an organ transplant operation are disrupted by Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy. After a painter is found murdered, Brackenreid picks up his paintbrush again to investigate, attracting the attention of a lascivious patron. And when a series of elderly men commit suicide, overzealous reporter Louise Cherry lambastes Dr. Charles Osler, the father of modern medicine. As the season continues, Brackenreid must deal with the newest additions to the constabulary at Station House Four when eccentric Detective Llewellyn Watts (Daniel Maslany,) and Brackenreid's eldest son John (Charles Vandervaart) joins the force.
Guest stars this season include Tamzin Outhwaite (EastEnders, New Tricks), Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), Elise Bauman (Carmilla, Below Her Mouth) and WWE Raw and Smackdown star Jay Reso. Returning guest stars include Peter Keleghan (Workin’ Moms) and David Hewlett (Incorporated, Stargate: Atlantis).
Murdoch Mysteries Season 11, premieres on Epic Drama across Central & Eastern Europe on Monday nights at 20:15 (20:30 Poland) from 5th April.
01.02.2021 12:29:19
THE WHITE QUEEN
Golden Globe, and Emmy nominated powerful period drama, starring Rebecca Ferguson and Max Irons, premiering soon on Epic Drama
Epic Drama, the home of high-quality international period drama series, brings you THE WHITE QUEEN. Set in 15th Century England, but filmed on location in Belgium, this multi layered epic saga is based on Philippa Gregory's historical novel series The Cousins' War (The White Queen, The Red Queen, and The Kingmaker's Daughter). The series, which received several award nominations – three Golden Globe, four Primetime Emmys and a People's Choice - will premiere exclusively across Central & Eastern Europe on Epic Drama, Wednesdays at 21:00 (21:30 Poland) from the 3rd February, with the season finale on the 31st.
The White Queen is a riveting portrayal of one of the most dramatic and turbulent times in English history. A story of love and lust, seduction and deception, betrayal, and murder, uniquely told through the perspective of three different, yet equally relentless women - Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort and Anne Neville. In their quest for power, they scheme, manipulate, and seduce their way onto the English throne.
The year is 1464, before the Tudor dynasty ruled the country, and war has been ravaging throughout England over who is the rightful King. It is a bitter dispute between two sides of the same family, The House of York and The House of Lancaster. The House of York's young and handsome Edward IV is crowned King of England with the help of the master manipulator, Lord Warwick "The Kingmaker." But when Edward falls in love with the most beautiful woman in the land, Lancastrian commoner, Elizabeth Woodville, Warwick's plan to control the throne comes crashing down. A violent, high-stakes struggle ensues between Elizabeth, her most fierce adversary, Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville, the pawn in her father's power game. The stage is set for an almighty power struggle, with women pulling most of the strings.
The all-star cast includes, Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible, The Greatest Showman) as Elizabeth Woodville. Max Irons as Edward IV (Condor, The Little Matchgirl, Tutankhamun). James Frain (Elementary, Star Trek: Discovery) as The Earl of Warwick. Amanda Hale (Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker) as Lady Margaret Beaufort. Janet McTeer (Ozark) as Jacquetta Woodville. Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones) as Lady Anne Neville and Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) as Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
The White Queen, premiering on Epic Drama, 3rd February at 21:00 (21:30 Poland), is an immensely powerful story of love, lies, deception and death: a game of thrones that really was played and, indeed, determined the fate of Britain. Also coming to the channel later this year will be follow-up sequel, The White Princess and third instalment in the trilogy, The Spanish Princess.
07.04.2021 17:43:53
THE TRIAL OF CHRISTINE KEELER
ONE AFFAIR THAT CHANGED AN ENTIRE COUNTRY FOREVER!
PREMIERING ON EPIC DRAMA THIS APRIL!
Epic Drama’s much publicised new series, The Trial of Christine Keeler, goes behind the headlines to tell a human story about the sexual and cultural politics of one of the most revealing and iconic stories of modern times: the chain of events in the 1960s that became known as the ‘Profumo Affair’. The series, written by BAFTA award winning novelist and screenwriter, Amanda Coe (Apple Tree Yard, Room At The Top, Life In Squares) and directed by Andrea Harkin (Come Home, Clique), will premiere on Wednesday April 14th, 21:00, across Central & Eastern Europe exclusively on Epic Drama.
The gripping six-part series features an impressive cast that includes, Sophie Cookson (Kingsman, The Secret Service, Gypsy, Red Joan) in the titular role of Christine Keeler, James Norton (Mafia, War and Peace, Happy Valley) in the role of Stephen Ward, as well as Ellie Bamber (Les Miserables, The Nutcracker, The Four Realm) as Mandy Rice-Davies, Ben Miles (The Crown, The Last Post) as discraced Minister John Profumo and Emilia Fox (Silent Witness) as his wife Valerie Profumo.
In 1962, the Cold War had reached new heights in the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the British government was reeling from a series of sex and spying scandals. Just as the then Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, was battling to restore order rumors were growing that his married War Minister John Profumo had shared a mistress with a Russian spy in the summer of 1961. It was a potential humiliation the country could not afford.
Young model Christine Keeler has moved on from her affair with John Profumo, and he supported by his former actress wife, Valerie Hobson, was a potential candidate for next Prime Minister. But when a scandalous love triangle between Christine and two local West Indian men results in a dramatic shooting, Christine is suddenly thrust into the limelight. Presented with the chance to sell her story and earn money in a male dominated 1960s Britain, Christine tells a newspaper of the affair with Profumo and a Russian. She sells it with a secret love letter from Profumo. This sparks a chain of events that leads to an attempted cover up and national outrage, it also leads to a scapegoating of the man who introduced her to John Profumo: Christine's confidant Stephen Ward.
Set in a fascinating era of shifting class, gender and racial politics, The Trial of Christine Keeler, premiering on Epic Drama, 14th April, 21:00, goes behind the headlines of this groundbreaking British scandal as told through the lives of its key characters with flashbacks to the infamous affair.
08.02.2021 17:49:38
“MANHATTAN”
Watch the greatest race against time in the history of science in Epic Drama’s thrilling new series from Lionsgate Television
February 5, 2021 - Set against the backdrop of the greatest race against time in the history of science - the mission to build the world's first atomic bomb in Los Alamos, New Mexico – “Manhattan” follows the project’s brilliant but flawed scientists and their families as they attempt to coexist in a world where secrets and lies infiltrate every aspect of their lives. The period drama from Lionsgate Television premieres on Thursday 25th February at 21:45 (22:35 Poland) across Central & Eastern Europe exclusively on Epic Drama. “Manhattan” is created and written by Sam Shaw (“Masters of Sex”) and directed by Emmy Award®-winning director Thomas Schlamme (“The West Wing”).
Fuelled by mystery and suspense, “Manhattan” is set in the 1940s in a town whose very existence is classified. Frank Winter and his team have been recruited to work on a project even they could know nothing about until their arrival. Once inside “The Hill,” a middle-class bubble on a dusty foothill in the New Mexico desert, they begin to sense that this is no ordinary assignment. In fact, they are living in a town with the world’s highest concentration of geniuses, yet it can’t be found on any map—a place where men and women are torn between duty and their moral values, husbands and wives conceal the truth from each other and their families, the military keeps secrets from the scientists they chaperone, and the scientists keep secrets from each other. “Manhattan” depicts the wonder, danger and deceit that shadowed the first “nuclear” families.
Glen Babbit mentors the younger scientists and helps them navigate the political minefield of Los Alamos. Charlie Isaacs, a wunderkind, becomes as adept in deception as he is in math and his wife, Abby, emerges as an unlikely leader among the other wives. Frank’s wife, Liza, is a scientist in her own right—a botanist who has put her own career on hold to move to the desert with her husband and their rebellious 17-year-old daughter Callie, and in the process begins to uncover unsettling changes in their environment. Ambitious British scientist Paul Crosley takes advantage of every opportunity for upward mobility, even at the expense of the man who recruited him for the Manhattan Project. Helen Prins is one of the few female scientists assigned to the project and remains a complete mystery to her male colleagues, including Jim Meeks, Louis “Fritz” Fedowitz and Sid Liao.
The ensemble cast of “Manhattan”, includes John Benjamin Hickey (The Big C, The Good Wife) as Frank Winter; Olivia Williams (Rushmore, The Ghost Writer) as Liza Winter; Daniel Stern (Home Alone, Home Alone 2) as Glen Babbit; Ashley Zukerman (Rush) as Charlie Isaacs; Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards) as Abby Isaacs; Katja Herbers (De Storm) as Helen Prins; Alexia Fast (Jack Reacher) as Callie Winter; Christopher Denham (Argo, Shutter Island) as Jim Meeks; Harry Lloyd (Game of Thrones) as Paul Crosley; Michael Chernus (The Big C, Orange Is The New Black) as Louis “Fritz” Fedowitz; and Eddie Shin (Men of a Certain Age) as Sid Liao.
03.03.2021 18:57:50
The Singapore Grip
Luke Treadaway, David Morrissey, Jane Horrocks, Colm Meaney and Charles Dance, star in the ambitious adaptation of The Singapore Grip, premiering on Epic Drama
Luke Treadaway, David Morrissey, Jane Horrocks, Colm Meaney and Charles Dance, star in the ambitious adaptation of The Singapore Grip, premiering on Epic Drama
Adapted from Booker Prize winner J.G. Farrell’s novel by Oscar winning screenwriter and playwright Sir Christopher Hampton (Atonement, Dangerous Liaisons), The Singapore Grip stars Luke Treadaway, David Morrissey, Jane Horrocks, Colm Meaney and Charles Dance. The highly anticipated 6-part series will premiere across Central & Eastern Europe, exclusively on Epic Drama, from 7th March, at 21:00 (21:30 Poland).
An epic story set during World War Two, The Singapore Grip focuses on a British family living in Singapore at the time of the Japanese invasion. Olivier Award winning actor Luke Treadaway (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Ordeal By Innocence, Traitors) plays the reluctant hero and innocent abroad, Matthew Webb.
Award winning actor, David Morrissey (The Missing, Britannia, The Walking Dead) takes the role of ruthless rubber merchant Walter Blackett, who is head of British Singapore’s oldest and most powerful firm alongside his business partner Webb played by Charles Dance OBE (Game of Thrones, And Then There Were None).
With Webb’s health failing, Walter needs to ensure the future of their firm is secure. He decides Webb’s son Matthew is the perfect match for his spoilt daughter Joan (Georgia Blizzard). Matthew’s idealism leaves Walter increasingly suspicious as Matthew himself falls under the spell of Vera Chiang (Elizabeth Tan), a mysterious Chinese refugee.
Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous, Little Voice) plays Sylvia Blackett, Walter’s wife and Colm Meaney (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) plays Major Brendan Archer. Also joining the esteemed cast are Luke Newberry (In The Flesh) playing Walter’s son Monty, Bart Edwards (UnREAL, Peep Show) as Captain James Ehrendorf and Christoph Guybert (Sakho et Mangane, Falco) as Dupigny.
The series is co-executive produced by Sir Christopher Hampton alongside Mammoth Screen’s Damien Timmer and Karen Thrussell. Mammoth Screen are responsible for recent dramas including Poldark, World on Fire, The War of the Worlds, Endeavour, The Pale Horse, Noughts and Crosses and The Serpent. Farah Abushwesha (The ABC Murders) produces the series and Tom Vaughan (Press, Victoria, Doctor Foster) directed all six episodes.
Christopher Hampton is one of the UK’s most distinguished writers, with a career spanning six decades. His plays, musicals and translations have won four Tony Awards, three Olivier Awards, five Evening Standard Awards and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award; prizes for his film and television work include an Oscar, two BAFTAs, a Writers' Guild of America Award, the Prix Italia and a Special Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Stage work includes Tales From Hollywood, The Philanthropist and Total Eclipse, plays adapted from novels include Les Liaisons Dangereuses, translations include Art and God of Carnage from Yasmina Reza, and musicals include Sunset
Boulevard. Feature films include A Dangerous Method, Atonement, The Quiet American, Carrington (which he also directed) and Dangerous Liaisons, for which he won an Oscar.
J.G. Farrell (1935 – 1979) wrote the Empire Trilogy of novels: Troubles (1970), The Siege of Krishnapur (1973) and The Singapore Grip (1978) all of which dealt with different facets of colonial rule. He received the Booker Prize in 1973 and was retrospectively awarded the Lost Man Booker Prize in 2010. He died aged 44, drowning on the coast of County Cork while fishing.
The Singapore Grip premieres exclusively across Central & Eastern Europe, only on Epic Drama, from 7th March, at 21:00 (21:30 Poland)
01.06.2021 17:29:50
OPERATION BUFFALO
This June will see the premiere of a brand-new series on Epic Drama. Operation Buffalo is a series developed in Australia by Porchlight Films, who are known for creating stellar productions, such as the much-lauded film Animal Kingdom.
Writer Peter Duncan is best known for his writing and production credits on the popular series Rake, and producer Tanya Phegan has previously worked on films such as Notes on a Scandal, The Last King of Scotland and Never Let Me Go.
The six-episode series takes place in 1956, at an army base in remote Maralinga, the heart of the South Australian outback. Here, nuclear bombs tests, carried out for the British, pit the human capacity for loyalty and betrayal against each other. Major Leo Carmichael (Ewen Leslie) is a highly decorated military engineer, tasked with the design and supervision of the atomic test towers at Maralinga. Answering only to his commandant General Crankford (James Cromwell), known affectionally to all as Cranky and who is not fit for purpose, Leo is also responsible for the day-to-day running and logistics of Maralinga camp, a role that gives him unlimited influence and power. Assisted by camp driver Baxter (Harry Greenwood) and reliable soldiers Murphy (Alexander Bertrand), Jones (Benedict Wall) and Hilly (Sam Parsonson), Leo puts out proverbial fires across every inch of Maralinga.
The first episode launches the viewer straight in the middle of the drama, as Major Leo Carmichael wakes up to news that a prostitute he had flown into Maralinga camp, Carmen (Lucy Rawley), has gone missing and no-one can find her. Ordering the other prostitutes, Molly (Bojana Novakovic), Yvonne (Lucy Velik) and Lydia (Christina Sankira), to stay in his quarters under the supervision of Jones, Leo instructs Hilly and Murphy go out to search for Carmen in the desert.
Main cast:
Ewen Leslie: Ewen graduated from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2000 and has since become one of Australia’s most popular faces in stage and screen. Ewen’s films credits include the critically acclaimed The Daughter, Dead Europe and Sleeping Beauty. Selected television credits include Top Of The Lake, Rake, Love My Way, and The Road From Coorain. He starred in The Cry alongside Jenna Coleman and most recently The Luminaries opposite Eva Green and Eve Hewson both for BBC.
Jessica De Gouw: Jessica De Gouw most recently appeared in Vienna Blood, an ambitious costume drama, working opposite Matthew Beard and in four-part SBS series The Hunting, opposite Sam Reid, Richard Roxburgh, Pamela Rabe and Asher Keddie. She played a recurring role in Billy Ray’s Amazon series The Last Tycoon opposite Matt Bomer, Lily Collins and Kelsey Grammar. Other TV credits include Greg Berlanti’s popular CW series Arrow as the DC Comic character ‘The Huntress’. Jessica co-starred opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Dracula for NBC.
James Cromwell: James Cromwell is an award-winning actor best known for roles in Babe (1995), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), The Green Mile (1999), The Queen (2006) and The Artist (2011), as well as the television series Six Feet Under (2003–2005), 24 (2007) and Halt And Catch Fire (2015). Cromwell has been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards, as well as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for BABE (1995). He won his first Primetime Emmy Award for his role in American Horror Story: Asylum (2012). He can currently be seen in the critically acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning HBO series Succession (2018-2020).
Bojana Novakovic: Bojana Novakovic is an actress and writer. She was recently seen as the co-lead with Alan Cumming in the CBS series Instinct and the Warner Brothers film Birds Of Prey. Other notable credits include last years I, Tonya, Showtime series Shameless and HBO's Westworld. Bojana was a founder and creative director of independent theatre company, Ride On Theatre, where she produced, wrote, translated, starred in and directed over 13 productions, including the Green Room nominated Fake Porno which marked her directorial debut.
Operation Buffalo, premieres on Epic Drama, Thursday 17th of June at: 21:00 CET (CEE) / 21:30 CET (Poland).
04.10.2022 09:03:24
GRANTCHESTER SEASON 1 & 2
THIS IS HOW A QUIET LIFE OF A VICAR BECOMES SOMETHING MORE
In 1953 at Grantchester, a village just outside of Cambridge, Sidney Chambers the vicar lives a quiet, uneventful life – however he tends to fall in love with the wrong women. Then a murder comes his way and he finds himself in the dangerous world of lies and betrayal. His only partner in ‘crime’ is Geordie Keating, the world-weary Detective Inspector. The unusual couple must unravel the crimes around them and try not to lose their moral compass in the process in Grantchester, an exciting crime drama. Season one debuts on Epic Drama on the 5th of October followed by season two on the 26th of October to further complicate the lives of its protagonists. In our article among others you can read about how Sidney Chambers’ character was inspired by the archbishop who married Diana and Charles.
SIDNEY CHAMBERS’ TRUE INSPIRATION
Diederick Santer, executive producer of Grantchester and managing director/founder of Lovely Day, the series’ production company, was first introduced to the vicar’s charming character by a book called ‘Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death’ written by James Runcie. The producer immediately fell in love with the book and saw the potential of a tv series in it – partly thanks to the fact that his father was a bishop. What’s more, Runcie’s father was also a bishop. But not any bishop! Santer’s and Runcie’s fathers were close friends. Most interestingly, Robert Runcie was the archbishop of Canterbury in the 1980s and he married Diana and Charles.
“Although the fictional Sidney Chambers is not the real Robert Runcie, many of his characteristics and much of his history, he shares with Robert. His look, his tastes, his war record, and his particular brand of faith” – explained Santer, who also revealed that he showed the scripts of the series to his father so he could give some practical advice to the production and also felt that he knows Sidney’s character very well.
GRANTCHESTER IS A REAL PLACE
You could think that the idyllic village of Grantchester was conceived in the minds of the series’ creators, but that’s not the case. This tiny village with a population of 540 is a real place located just two miles south of Cambridge on the River Cam. And compared to how small this village is, it’s definitely part of the popular culture. It is not just the setting for the books on which the Grantchester series were based, they also filmed it on location. And another interesting fact is that the village was the home of David Gilmour, one of the most famous member of Pink Floyd. The band have even written a song about it called Grantchester Meadows. Good to know too is that the creators of the series have long discussed their shooting plans with the people of the village and involved them as extras, because – as Diederick Slater put it – “it was their show too”.
A FLAWED VICAR WHO RUNS THROUGH THE FLAMES
James Norton known from Nowhere Special and Happy Valley plays Sidney Chambers. The actor himself is no stranger to theology, since he studied it at Cambridge University during his college years. However, he did more theatre than theology at that time much to his teachers’ annoyance, but his knowledge of theology helped him a lot to win the part when he auditioned for the role. Norton enjoyed doing some of the stunts during shooting, for example when he runs into a burning home to rescue a woman. “I was in pajamas running through a burning corridor and it felt very real” – smiled the actor, who felt a little bad when he was denied the opportunity to plunge into the River Cam, because it was very breezy during the April shoot.
Above everything else he enjoyed playing a flawed character, who drinks too much and can’t face his demons from the war. “There’s this idea that people who are very religious think themselves incredibly clean and perfect. And actually, that’s not the case at all” – explained the actor who thinks Grantchester is not just another bog-standard murder mystery. “The murders are never meaningless. They’re murders of passion, love, loss, or jealousy done by real people at a time when the death penalty and hanging was still in force”.
“This series doesn’t shy away from the issues of the period that are also relevant now. It’s good to remind people how recent that kind of prejudice was, how far we have come and how positive that is” – summed up Norton the essence of this unique and brave series.
Season one was a great success. It attracted a series average of 6.6 million viewers in Great Britain, so the makers fast tracked the follow up which was shot in London, Cambridge and of course in Grantchester, whose residents warmly welcomed the production team. In season 2 Sidney and Geordie have to face up to the consequences of becoming such an accomplished crime fighting duo, and in the meantime Geordie is trying to find Sidney a woman. Because there are things that don’t change in Grantchester – only on Epic Drama.
24.10.2022 13:44:34
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL SERIES 3
IN THE SHADOW OF WAR THERE’S STILL A CHANCE FOR HAPPINESS
IN THE SHADOW OF WAR THERE’S STILL A CHANCE FOR HAPPINESS: WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FROM ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL SERIES 3
All Creatures Great and Small returns with its third series to Epic Drama on the 7th of November at 9PM CET followed by a new episode every Monday. The popular series focuses on the adventures of James Herriot, a young veterinary surgeon working in the Yorkshire Dales. All Creatures Great and Small is based on a series of books of the same name written by James Alfred Wight, whose pen name is James Herriot, and is inspired by his own experience as a vet. It sold more than 60 million copies worldwide.
Series three returns with a sense of big changes ahead. It’s spring 1939 and the people in England are preparing for war. James (Nicolas Ralph), however, doesn’t have to be afraid to be drafted because as a vet he is protected, but some of his friends are volunteering to fight. The earnest doctor and Helen (Academy Award winner Rachel Shenton) are planning their wedding while the world is turned upside down and are preparing themselves for a future full of uncertainties.
“The characters don’t know what we know of course” – mused Nicolas Ralph on the couple’s future. “They know that war is no joke and it’s a very scary prospect. He’s just newly married and building a life together with Helen. They see people starting to sign up to the military which could bring a bit of guilt and pressure for James – seeing younger people signing up because vets are a protected profession.”
Siegfried, the older, eccentric owner of Skeldale House has already been to war and has different emotions about the prospect of a new conflict. “He is sort of stretching out like an octopus trying to hold different bits – the people and the life – together as best he can” – said Samuel West, who plays the good doctor in the series. “The young ones think the war is just a great game, but those of us who were there the first time are just going ‘you have no idea what you’re getting in to.’”
Luckily the shooting of series three was nowhere near as dreadful as the feeling of impending war, however the animals caused a little trouble during the scenes. “Cats are untrainable” – complained Ralph. “I had to give a cat an examination and any time Dean the animal handler left for a second the cat just bolted.” This problem didn’t occur with the series’ returning ‘actors’: the cows. “They were in the crushes, so they were very restricted in the amount of movement they got. There was just this one that got very lively and basically started galloping, so the handler had to hit the deck and rolled very professionally out of the way. I was glad I was miles away from that!” – remembered the actor.
Callum Woodhosue, the actor behind Siegfried’s younger brother has only fond memories of acting with animals. “[My favourite moment is] anything with Ernie who plays Jess, the dog in Skeldale House. What I love about Ernie is that you rehearse the scene, you know your lines, things get set for what they do, and then you introduce Ernie into it and everything changes. It’s like introducing chaos into the scene, but it’s the cutest, happiest form of chaos” – laughed the actor who also revealed that some of the chaotic scenes made it into the show, because they’re such honest and truthful moments and that’s what people like to watch.
Viewers love a good wedding too and so does Rachel Shenton who plays Helen. “[Shooting the wedding scene] was great! It was a little bit chilly because we filmed that quite early in the series, around March, but the sun came out” – remembered the actress. “What’s really nice about those scenes is everybody’s in them, all the Skeldale gang.” Shenton also revealed that the children of the real Herriot were also there. “That was a bit surreal. It must have been surreal for them too, because they were basically watching their parents get married. They were so supportive and complimentary of our versions of their parents.”
The people behind the series know how important their work is, since they adapted a book adored by generations of readers and it’s the perfect antidote to the challenges of our modern times. As executive producer Colin Callender put it: “At a time when we are confronted with so many challenges in our everyday life it’s a joy to be transported back to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and to be welcomed home by our beloved family at Skeldale House who have captured the hearts of audiences all around the world. This is a deeply moving and funny series.” Only on Epic Drama.
22.11.2022 10:22:02
Miss Scarlet And The Duke
Eliza Scarlet is back in a brand-new season of Miss Scarlet And The Duke
If you love a good murder mystery like Miss Marple or Ms. Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries, then you will love Miss Scarlet and the Duke! Kate Phillips and Stuart Martin return as TV’s duelling detectives in a new season of Miss Scarlet And The Duke, bringing a plethora of intriguing cases set in Victorian-era London. Season 2 of the acclaimed crime drama, stars Kate Phillips (Wolf Hall) as infamous private eye, Eliza Scarlet and Stuart Martin (Medici) as her notorious hot-tempered friend, Inspector William “The Duke” Wellington of Scotland Yard. The new season will air on Epic Drama, exclusively across Central & Eastern Europe, Tuesday evenings at 21:00 (21:30 Poland) from 15th November.
This thrilling detective drama has been hailed by the British media as “smart, funny and fervently feminist”, and “fun, atmospherically shot and packed with skilled supporting players”. Whilst fans who took to social media, have been avidly debating the burning question, “Will they, or won’t they?” Meaning, do the duelling duo realize they are made for each other?
In an era of corsets, bonnets, and rigid patriarchy, Eliza Scarlet is England’s pioneer female private detective, and a credit to her sex since she is arguably the nation’s finest sleuth. For his part, Duke is a natural-born crime-buster, destined for high office at Scotland Yard. Along with the help (or hinderance) of Duke, Eliza is aided by her underworld odd-job man, Moses (Ansu Kabia, World on Fire); her sage housekeeper, Ivy (Cathy Belton, Hidden Assets); and her young friend and protégé, Hattie (Jessie Cave, Harry Potter).
The cast of characters also includes Duke’s new boss, Superintendent Monro (Ian Pirie, Guilt), who puts politics above policing. Consequently, Duke is ordered to mentor Detective Fitzroy (Evan McCabe, Doctor Who), the inept son of the powerful police commissioner (Michael Simkin, This Is Going To Hurt). Young Fitzroy is more suited to literary clubs than billy clubs, getting his colleagues into sticky situations. Charlie Phelps (Tim Chippings, Liar) rounds out the characters at Scotland Yard as the rough-around-the edges detective. Then there is the city mortuary clerk, Mr. Potts (Simon Ludders, Young Dracula), who is justifiably suspicious of Eliza since she has a habit of breaking into his premises to inspect murder victims. Undeterred, Eliza assigns Ivy to find Potts’s weak points.
The new season presents a cavalcade of investigations, among them the search for a missing drawing by Charles Darwin, a murder that Eliza realizes mimics the plot of a mystery novel, a product-poisoning scheme, and a grave-robbing conspiracy. She also helps Hattie by looking into prospective marriage partners proposed by her socially ambitious aunt (Helen Norton, Cracks), conveniently finding scandals associated with all. Eliza is so good at her job that a rival detective agency led by Patrick Nash (Felix Scott, Grantchester) even tries to coerce her into joining their firm. If only Duke would take her more seriously!
Miss Scarlet and The Duke returns with more wit, romance and mystery, in season 2, only on Epic Drama across Central and Eastern Europe, Tuesdays, at 21:00 (CET) and 21:30 (Poland) from 15th November.
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