English Entertainment
E! Networks, BSkyB to re-enact Michael Jackson trial
MUMBAI: E! Networks and UK pay TV platform BSkyB have announced that they will cast actor Edward Moss in the role of pop legend Michael Jackson in their re-enactment of The Michael Jackson Trial
Moss has been performing as Michael Jackson since 1996. E! Networks senior VP production Jeff Shore said, “Edward Moss brings experience and skill to the role of Michael Jackson. All the components of our production, from casting to the recreation of the courtroom set, will be vital to our re-enactment series of The Michael Jackson Trial, which we believe will be one of the most memorable court cases in history.”
Using re-enactments taken from portions of court transcripts, the series will highlight the previous day’s testimony and happenings in the courtroom. On E!, the series will also include expert commentary by a panel of legal analysts.
Sky’s associate editor Simon Bucks, commented, “We are delighted that Edward Moss has agreed to read Michael Jackson’s words. This innovative programming initiative draws on the reconstructions with actors which Sky News pioneered during The Hutton Inquiry in 2003. As well as having a striking resemblance to Michael Jackson, Edward also has the acting ability to accurately portray him on a daily basis for Sky News and Sky One. “
Moss has performed all over the globe appearing as the pop singer on stage, television and in films. He has appeared on MadTV, Politically Incorrect, The Steve Harvey Show and Nip/Tuck. His film credits include Scary Movie 3 and Don’t Be Scared. He has also appeared in numerous commercials, music videos and stage shows in Las Vegas, including the Bette Midler Millennium Concert and Carnival Cabaret.
Moss said,”This is my biggest challenge to date. I am aware that my portrayal will be followed by millions every day on E!, Sky News and Sky One.”
The Michael Jackson Trial is scheduled to air Monday through Friday night at 7:30 PM ET/PT on E! Entertainment Television, with a weekend wrap- up show airing each Saturday. The programs will air exclusively in the UK on Sky News and Sky One every weekday. Additionally, Sky News is available in over 40 countries worldwide. Internationally, E! programming can be seen in more than 120 countries worldwide, reaching 300 million homes.
In addition to its ventures for locally programmed, E!-branded channels outside the US, the company operates the E! International Network, a 24-hour English language global entertainment channel available via satellite in Europe, Asia Pacific, The Middle East and Africa.
English Entertainment
ZEE5 UK partners Narrative Entertainment to add UK channels
Six FAST channels added as platform sharpens hybrid play in Britain
LONDON: ZEE5 UK struck a first-of-its-kind deal with Narrative Entertainment, bringing mainstream UK television channels onto an Indian streaming platform as it pushes to deepen its footprint in a crowded, mature market.
The partnership adds six of Narrative’s FAST channels to the service, including Great! Movies, Great! Romance, Great! Mystery and kids brands POP, Tiny Pop and POP UP, widening ZEE5 UK’s appeal across genres and age groups.
The move reflects a clear shift in strategy. ZEE5 UK is betting on a hybrid model that blends on-demand content with curated, always-on channels to drive discovery and increase time spent on the platform.
“This partnership represents a meaningful evolution in how we serve audiences in mature markets like the UK, where viewers are defined by habits, convenience and choice rather than geography or language alone,” said Parul Goel, territory head, Europe, Zee Entertainment. “By bringing trusted mainstream UK channels together with our premium originals, movies and kids’ content, we are building a more consumer-centric platform that simplifies viewing while increasing depth and relevance.”
Fateha Begum, commercial director, Narrative Entertainment, said the tie-up would fuel growth for both sides. “Our portfolio of quality programming, with such wide and enduring appeal, is a perfect complement to ZEE5 UK. This is a strong partnership that will support growth for both parties, and we share Zee Entertainment’s vision of an increasingly partnership-led future for the industry.”
ZEE5’s global library spans over 4,000 films and more than 500 originals, with over 130 new titles added annually. The addition of Narrative’s channels strengthens its kids offering and introduces genre-led linear experiences alongside its on-demand catalogue.
The deal also gives Narrative access to ZEE5 UK’s fast-growing user base, extending reach without diluting brand identity, while reinforcing ZEE5 UK’s network of more than 40 live channels.
As streaming wars intensify, ZEE5 UK is widening its playbook, blending content, convenience and partnerships in a bid to win screen time in one of the world’s toughest markets.
