All the latest news from the global content industry on Tuesday, 11 November

 

Black Death docuseries to be sold by ZDFS

ZDF Studios has picked up worldwide distribution (excluding the US and UK) of docuseries Black Death Patient Zero.

The show is produced by UK-based Impossible Factual and is a co-production of ZDF/Arte, WNET and Hearst UK and has been pre-sold to Viasat.

It is also understood to have been picked up by Sky History in the UK, as revealed by Broadcast International earlier this year.

The two-part special (2 x 60’) unravels the origin of the Black Death and combines cutting-edge science, archaeology, and historical investigation to trace the deadly pandemic’s roots to a remote cemetery in Kyrgyzstan.

 

UK’s RTS seeks new chief exec

Royal Television Society chief executive Theresa Wise is to retire next year after more than a decade leading the charity.

Wise said she had enjoyed 13 unforgettable years running the organisation, which she described as a “unique and vital part of the UK’s world-leading television and streaming landscape”.

She flagged several of the initiatives that have been highlights of her tenure. “Our educational programmes are stronger than ever, our members are very engaged, our events programme continues to set the gold standard across the industry, the national and regional centres are thriving and the team at the RTS is world class.”

The RTS has now begun the process of appointing a new chief executive with Wise staying on to ensure a smooth transition. Read more

 

Roku extends Jessica Alba’s renovations

Roku Originals has renewed Jessica Alba’s Honest Renovations for a fourth season.

The show, which is exec produced by Alba and Lizzy Mathis, will return in 2026 following its third run on The Roku Channel in August.

Honest Renovations tracks Alba and Mathis as they help individuals and families to improve their properties, with the fourth season also set to dive deeper into the everyday challenges and personal journeys of homeowners.

Roku has also greenlit a third installment of Honest Renovations: A Holiday Home Makeover, which will premiere next year. 3 Arts Entertainment, MGM Television, Summit House Entertainment, and Rahmath Productions produce both shows.

 

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