All the latest news from the global content industry on Thursday, 12 November

 

Nippon, CJENM first on Disney+ drama

Japan’s Nippon TV has struck its first partnership with Korea’s CJ ENM for the co-production of romantic comedy drama Merry Berry Love (working title), which is heading to Disney+ globally.

The series follows a down-on-his-luck spatial designer and a strawberry farmer as they find love on a remote Japanese island.

It is scheduled to air on Nippon TV in 2026 and will also be available for global streaming on Disney+, as part of the strategic collaboration between the companies. Korea’s Ji Chang Wook (The Manipulated) and Japan’s Mio Imada (Tokyo Revengers) are among cast, with Kim Soojung directing and Lee Jaeyoon (Divorce Insurance) writing.

 

Disney+ expands APAC offering

The order of Merry Berry Love was among a slew of new Disney+ shows unveiled at an APAC event yesterday.

Anime series Death Stranding Isolations and the second instalment of Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Animation Episode of Heartslabyul and Wandance were also on the slate.

Disney+ also unveiled a new docuseries, titled Travis Japan Summer Vacation!! in the USA, as well as reality show Daigo Project.

 

FX cancels English Teacher

Disney-owned FX has cancelled sitcom English Teacher after two seasons.

The FX Productions show was created by Brian Jordan Alvarez, who starred as a gay secondary school teacher attempting to balance his personal and professional life.

The cancellation comes two months after the critically acclaimed drama bowed its second season.

 

Seven West, Southern Cross merger gets regulator OK

The merger between Seven Network owner Seven West Media (SWM) and fellow Australian outfit Southern Cross Media has been approved by regulators.

Southern Cross will be the 50.1% majority shareholder, with Home and Away broadcaster Seven West taking a 49.9% stake. The deal was revealed in September. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commissions said it would not oppose the deal because it is ”unlikely to substantially lessen competition in any market”.

‘Synergy’ savings of A$25m-A$30m are expected, with the resultant company holding strong positions in the Australian advertising market across FTA television, streaming, audio, digital and publishing. Seven West chief exec Jeff Howard will lead the merged firm.

 

Netflix scores ice hockey drama

Netflix has greenlit an eight-episode scripted series from creator Nick Naveda (My Lovely Wife in the Psych Ward) and showrunner and executive producer Bridget Bedard (Ramy, Transparent).

It stars Michelle Monaghan (True Detective) as an unlikely ice hockey coach who’s tasked with resurrecting a team from Minnesota back from the brink of defeat after a tragic loss. Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps produces.