English Entertainment
HBO, PBS partner for documentaries in the US
MUMBAI: US public broadcaster PBS and cable network HBO have announced a documentary partnership. As per the deal three provocative films from Home Box Office on nuclear terrorism, global Aids and genocide will be distributed through PBS for broadcast television following their HBO premiere.
In addition, HBO and PBS member station Weta in Washington, D.C., will co-produce, along with the Council on Foreign Relations, related panel discussions. These will serve to complement the airing of each film on PBS.
HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht said, “These movies address three of the most important issues of the 21st century, including nuclear terrorism, global Aids and genocide in Africa. We are pleased to expand the audience for these extraordinary films by offering them to PBS viewers, and we’re proud to help illuminate each subject with discussions by leading experts in those fields.”
The first film, Dirty War tells the fictional story of a radiological “dirty bomb” attack on central London and debuts on 24 January on HBO. Directed by Dan Percival who wrote the screenplay with Lizzie Mickery, this HBO Films/BBC Films production is based on extensive research by the BBC factual department and asks the questions: Are our emergency services fully prepared for a nuclear attack? How much does the public have a right to know?
PBS CEO Pat Mitchell said, “PBS’ mandate is to foster an engaged, informed citizenry through content that offers insight and sparks meaningful dialogue. These films do just that, and we are pleased to partner with HBO to extend the value of the films through televised panel discussions of these critical global issues. As the US’ largest public service broadcaster, reaching nearly every household in America, we’re proud to present these important films on PBS and allow them to reach an even wider audience.”
PBS will air Dirty War in February. This will be followed by a half-hour panel discussion with experts in homeland security, emergency preparedness, nuclear weapons and terrorism.
Sometime In April is the first large-scale movie about the 1994 Rwandan genocide to be shot in Rwanda where the real-life events transpired. Written, directed and executive produced by acclaimed director Raoul Peck (HBO’s Lumumba), this epic show follows a Hutu family as they are torn apart by the realities of ethnic cleansing; the film also explores the response of the First World to the atrocities, as well as the truth and reconciliation hearings that followed ten years later.
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.
