Simon Nye and Sophie Clarke-Jervoise have teamed together to launch Genial Productions, a new independent production company focusing on launching returnable comedy and drama TV series. ITV Studios is backing the nascent company with minority investment. 
VH1 is getting a major change of direction here in the UK. Viacom International Media Networks has announced plans for it to move away from music and relaunch with a focus on unscripted programming. It will be managed and programmed by the MTV UK brand team. The channel, which goes live on Tuesday October 2nd, has picked up the full back catalogue of RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars for the relaunch. 
EXCLUSIVE: Following the closure of pay channel ITV Encore earlier this year, ITV has opted not to proceed with any further seasons of Harlots, TVWise can reveal. There had been some question as to whether or not it would move to the main channel as fellow ITV Encore originals The Frankenstein Chronicles and Dark Heart did. The news comes on the heels of U.S. streaming service Hulu, who were originally co-producers, stepping up to fully commission an eight episode third season. I hear that ITV Studios Global Entertainment is now seeking a new home for the second and third seasons of Harlots here in the UK. 
Sky is increasing their spend on original comedy. The satcaster's flagship channel Sky One has given the green-light to comedy series Hitmen and one-off The Queen & I, and renewed the Idris Elba created In The Long Run for a second season. 
Sky Atlantic has released the first trailer for the second season of Tin Star, which is set to premiere early next year. 
Red Planet Pictures and ITV have announced Dublin-based Devin Doyle as the winner of this year's Red Planet Prize - the talent discovery initiative that was launched by Tony Jordan's indie a decade ago to find writers that can create fresh, original and inspiring popular dram. As the winner, Doyle will get a script commission and development opportunities with ITV for his family drama Devoted Wife And Mother. It tells the story of a woman whose life is turned upside down when her debt dealing husband is kidnapped with a 500k ransom deadline for 5pm that day. 
Bodyguard wrapped is run last night with record ratings. The new thriller series from Jed Mercurio and World Productions came to a close with 10.4 million viewers (peaking at 11 million); making it the highest overnight rating for the six episode series. 