All the latest news from the global content industry on Wednesday, 17 June

 

BBC reveals job cuts

The BBC is to cut 550 roles across its Content, Nations and News teams this year.

In an all-staff email this morning (17 June), director general Matt Brittin said all divisions will have to make “significant savings” with the first divisions announcing their plans internally today.

The move will deliver £160m in savings, Brittin said, including staff and non-staff costs.

“More savings will be set out in the months ahead, across all divisions. This includes corporate divisions where work is underway – we expect around 700 roles to close in these areas.” The cuts will involve compulsory and voluntary redundancies. Read more

 

Funny AF with Kevin Hart lines up live shows  

Netflix has greenlit a second season of Funny AF with Kevin Hart.

The comedy competition series, which is produced by his label Hartbeat and Alfred Street Industries, is expected to release in 2027 and will include live episodes with real-time voting where members decide the winner.

The show brings together rising comedians who must impress Hart and other established stars who help decide which comics advance. The competition builds toward high-stakes live final rounds, where a global vote determines the ultimate winner.

 

Rivals to return for DIsney+

Disney+ has ordered a third series of Rivals, after its second run broke records for the streamer in the UK.

Based on Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles novels, the 1980’s set Happy Prince production will continue to follow blossoming and rekindled romances among a group of upper-class characters. It features an ensemble cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Emily Atack and Danny Dyer.

The first part of the second season debuted in May, becoming the biggest EMEA original premiere for Disney+ in the UK and Ireland. The second part is set to return in November on Disney+ in the UK and internationally, and on Hulu in the U.S.

Season three will be executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb Laura Wade and Felicity Blunt. It was commissioned by vice president of scripted content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason. Read more

 

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