Baywatch, Brenda Blethyn, U.S. Deals, Trends

The London TV Screenings, known for showcasing top talent and the latest titles from popular creators, saw record attendance at this week’s edition. Stars like Bella Ramsey, Brenda Blethyn, Shemar Moore, and Catherine Zeta Jones graced the event, drawing in more than 500 buyers across various sessions. This surge in attendance reflects the increasing demand for premium storytelling across all genres, as noted by Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights.

Despite the impressive turnout, the London TV Screenings took place in a market facing challenges, including major mergers and acquisitions concerns and disruptions from evolving business models. The fast evolution of platforms like YouTube, AI, and the rise of microdramas have added complexity to the industry landscape.

Here are 10 key takeaways from this year’s intense LTVS edition, which ran from Feb. 22-27 and culminated with Friday’s Fremantle mega-showcase. The event drew on insights from MIP London, which took place Feb. 22-24 and featured illuminating panels.

The London TV Screenings continue to grow in importance, solidifying its position as Europe’s second most significant TV market after Mipcom. Founders like Fremantle, Banijay, ITV Studios, and All3Media Intl. reported increased attendance, showcasing a diverse range of content to cater to the global market. The event serves as a crucial platform for buyers to discover new shows and engage with industry leaders.

Despite the growth, the industry faces disruptions, with Netflix recently pulling out of a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, raising concerns for international distributors. Uncertainty looms over potential mergers like Banijay-All3Media, adding to the challenges faced by industry players.

In terms of content trends, shows that can reach a wide audience and spark conversations are in high demand. Strong narratives, star-studded casts, and recognizable IP continue to drive sales, with a focus on delivering engaging and entertaining stories. Unscripted formats also remain popular, with scalable franchises and reality staples dominating the format landscape.

Buzzworthy dramas showcased at the London TV Screenings included a mix of new and established titles. ITV Studios presented “The Neighbourhood,” hosted by Graham Norton, alongside promising projects like “Two Weeks in August” and “Tip Toe.” Fremantle highlighted the “Baywatch” reboot, “Kill Jackie” with Catherine Zeta Jones, and “The Cage,” among others. Banijay’s powerhouse U.K. dramas also garnered significant interest, including “A Woman of Substance” and “Falling.”

Asia played a prominent role at the event, with heavyweight broadcasters from Japan, Korea, and China showcasing their format-export strength and co-development partnerships. The region’s influence was visible through a busy China Pavilion and companies like Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation and Yulele Media Group, underscoring the growing collaboration between Asian and European markets.

Overall, the London TV Screenings proved to be a dynamic and engaging event, showcasing the best of the industry’s talent and content offerings. With a focus on premium storytelling, diverse genres, and global partnerships, the event highlighted the resilience and innovation of the U.K. TV industry in a rapidly evolving landscape. China’s COL Group International made a splash at the market with the announcement of a coordinated global microdrama network and an expanded catalogue of over 1,700 titles in partnership with regional players. This move highlighted the growing trend of Asian players showcasing their production ecosystems, IP pipelines, and long-term collaboration strategies on the global stage. In contrast, India maintained a more modest presence and did not feature prominently in major panels or stages.

Looking towards Canada and Australia, industry experts noted a shift in focus from selling shows in the U.S. to co-producing and pre-selling in countries like Canada and Australia. At the London TV Screenings, several titles like “Careless,” “Anne Pigeon,” and “Dustfall” highlighted international collaborations between countries like the U.K., Australia, the USA, and Canada, showcasing a broader range of talent and fostering global recognition.

In the documentary sector, a tone of guarded resilience was observed at the London Screenings 2026. With streamer and pay-TV budget cuts impacting the market, factual distributors are turning towards public broadcasters and international partnerships to sustain projects. The importance of international co-productions was emphasized by industry experts, highlighting the necessity of cross-border financing and early-stage collaboration for factual storytelling.

Sportainment, a rising trend in the industry, was also a focal point at the market. Formats like “100 Knives,” “Football Island,” “Last One Standing,” and “The Bicycle Race” demonstrated the growing popularity of sports companion programming across different formats, including streamer series, documentaries, and realities.

Several buzz titles captured attention at the London Screenings, including franchise spin-offs like “S.W.A.T. Exiles,” “Maxima” Season 2, and “Deadpoint,” which garnered praise for their engaging storylines and talented casts. Additionally, microdramas took center stage with a panel discussing the shift towards marketing-focused budgets and the increasing popularity of these short-form dramas on smartphones.

In terms of deals, major acquisitions were announced, such as AMC Networks picking up “This City Is Ours” for the U.S. market and ITVS launching Studio 55 to cater to digital-first creators. Fremantle also scaled its music game show “Hitster” in multiple countries, while BritBox secured U.S. streaming rights for “A Woman of Substance,” featuring Brenda Blethyn.

Overall, the London Screenings 2026 showcased the industry’s resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market trends, emphasizing the importance of international collaborations and innovative content strategies for success in the global entertainment landscape. Forge Entertainment, a Banijay-owned production company, is currently working on a captivating series that delves into the complexities of revenge, ambition, empowerment, and ultimately, love and reconciliation. The show takes viewers on a journey through the decades, following the story of one woman’s quest for justice and redemption.

Titled “Gone,” the series, created by George Kay of “Hijack” and “Lupin” fame, has already garnered pre-sale deals with major platforms. BritBox has acquired the North American rights for the show, while Australia’s Stan, Sky in New Zealand, and the BBC in Asia have also secured distribution rights. Starring David Morrissey and Eve Myles, “Gone” promises to be a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns.

In other exciting news, the classic British detective drama “Bergerac” is getting a modern reimagining. Banijay Rights has sold the series to PBS Distribution in the U.S., with a new character-led murder mystery arc spanning all six episodes. The show promises to captivate audiences with its fresh take on the beloved classic.

Meanwhile, Hudson Williams, known for his role in “Heated Rivalry,” has joined the cast of the mystery thriller series “Yaga” alongside Carrie-Anne Moss and Noah Reid. The show, presented at the London TV Screenings by Sphere Abacus, is set to offer a suspenseful and engaging viewing experience.

Additionally, Beta Film has announced the expansion of the Dutch Royalty series “Maxima” with a new spin-off titled “The Other Royals.” The franchise continues to grow, captivating audiences with its true-life-inspired stories.

On the distribution front, the Singapore-based COL Group International has expanded its global microdrama catalogue to over 1,700 titles, showcasing a diverse range of content for viewers worldwide.

PBS Distribution has also acquired the U.S. rights to two new series, “Trespasses” and “I Fought the Law,” featuring talented actors like Lola Petticrew, Tom Cullen, Gillian Anderson, and Sheridan Smith. These shows promise to offer compelling storytelling and top-notch performances.

In the realm of international sales, Beta Film has secured deals for the British hit series “Patience,” bringing it to over 100 territories worldwide. The show continues to garner acclaim and attract audiences across the globe.

With a diverse range of captivating content on the horizon, including the completion of iconic structures in “Ancient Superstructures” Season 4 and the intriguing docuseries “The Clickbait Clinic With Stacey Dooley,” audiences can look forward to a wealth of entertainment options in the near future.

As the industry continues to evolve and expand, with new formats and genres emerging, viewers can expect a vibrant and dynamic landscape of storytelling to explore. From gripping dramas to lighthearted comedies, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the world of television.