All the latest news from the global content industry on Friday, 12 June

 

Widow’s Bay to return

Apple TV has ordered a second season of buzzy drama Widow’s Bay.

The Matthew Rhys-led series is from creator and executive producer Katie Dippold and Hiro Murai, with Apple Studios producing. The renewal comes ahead of the first run’s finale on 17 June.

Widow’s Bay follows a struggling community’s mayor (Rhys) as he attempts to revive the town by attracting tourists, only to find out that local folklore and stories of horror are true.

As part of the extension, Apple TV ha salso announced a new, multiyear overall deal with Dippold. Further details weren’t revealed. 

 

Adults gets surprise prequel ahead of FX return 

FX has unveiled a prequel episode to Adults ahead of its second season.

The episode introduces the friend group and reveals Paul Baker’s origin story. It is written by series creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, with Jonathan Krisel directing the ep, titled Marathon Day.

It launches 31 July on FXX and Hulu, and will also be available for a limited “sneak peek” on Hulu’s YouTube channel and FX’s TikTok and Instagram channels.

The comedy, which tracks the lives of a group of 20-somethings in New York, is from FX Productions.

 

ORF names new chief

Austrian public broadcaster ORF has appointed former news agency exec Clemens Pig as its director general.

Pig, who previously helmed APA, takes up a five-year term on 1 January 2027 and secured the role after securing more votes form the broadcaster’s management committee - the Foundation Council - than former HBO Max exec Johannes Larcher, ProSiebenSat.1 alum Markus Breitenecker, magazine editor Lisa Totzauer and ORF III co-MD Kathrin Zierhut-Kunz.

Pig replaces interim ORF chief executive Ingrid Thurnher, who will lead the broadcaster until the end of 2026. The incoming exec said he wanted to create a “platform for society”.

ORF has face a turbulent period after its licence fee was frozen until 2029, resulting in squeezed budgets. Further government changes are expected.

 

BBC selects indies for YouTube channel

UK indies Strong Watch Studios and Acclaimed Content have been chosen by the BBC to create formats for its youth-focused factual YouTube channel Perspectives (w/t).

The channel is aimed at 16 to 24-year-ols who want open, honest and informed online discussion. Its content will also be available on iPlayer, with details of the shows being kept under wraps.

Strong Watch and Birmingham-based Acclaimed Content will create programming that will showcase a range of views and experiences from across the UK. In January, the BBC revealed its commissioning brief inviting producers to pitch for £2m-worth of content funding, which is to be shared between two indies.