Hacks Season Five Brings the Story to a Close

Image: Sky TV

By Jon Donnis

The critically acclaimed series Hacks is set to return for its fifth and final season, with all ten episodes arriving in the UK this April on Sky and streaming service NOW.

The new season follows the aftermath of mistaken and unflattering news reports that wrongly claimed Deborah Vance had died. In response, Deborah and Ava head back to Las Vegas with renewed focus, determined to secure Deborah's legacy as a comedian.

Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder reprise their leading roles, joined once again by Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, and Rose Abdoo. A wide range of guest stars also appear this season, including Robby Hoffman, Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Jane Adams, Lauren Weedman, Poppy Liu, Johnny Sibilly, Luenell, Angela E. Gibbs, and Caitlin Reilly. Additional guest appearances come from Christopher Briney, Leslie Bibb, Cherry Jones, and Ann Dowd.

Hacks continues under the creative leadership of Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, who serve as creators and showrunners. The series is executive produced by Downs and Aniello through their Paulilu banner, Statsky via First Thought Productions, along with Michael Schur for Fremulon, David Miner for 3 Arts Entertainment, Morgan Sackett, Joe Mande, Aisha Muharrar, Nate Young, and Ashley Glazier. The show is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The final season of Hacks will launch exclusively in the UK this April on Sky and NOW.

Landward Marks 50 Years of Rural Storytelling

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

BBC Scotland's long-running rural affairs programme Landward reaches a major milestone this spring, celebrating half a century on air with a special anniversary episode that looks back at its remarkable history.

First broadcast on 4 April 1976 from BBC Aberdeen, where it is still produced today by BBC Studios, Landward grew out of the earlier Farm Forum programmes on radio and television. Originally described as Scotland's farming programme, the debut episode ran for 25 minutes and featured reports from the National Farmers' Union conference alongside a focus on suckling cattle.

In those early years, the show aired every other Sunday at lunchtime, quickly finding its place with audiences across both rural and urban Scotland. Over time, it became a familiar and trusted presence, reflecting the changing face of the countryside while staying rooted in its original purpose.

The upcoming anniversary episode delves into the programme's extensive archive, with previously lost material now rediscovered and digitised from original film reels. Some of this footage has not been seen for more than four decades, offering a rare glimpse into Landward's past.

Presenter Dougie Vipond revisits the programme's history by meeting key figures from its early days, including first presenter Ross Muir. He also speaks with former series producer Arthur Anderson, who played a significant role in expanding the show's focus beyond farming to include wider aspects of rural life such as wildlife, nature and environmental issues.

The special will also feature a compilation of past presenters, bringing together familiar faces including Dan Buglass, Ben Coutts, Eric Robson, Linsday Cannon, Nancy Nicolson, Euan McIllwraith, Ken Rundle, Nick Nairn, Sarah Mack, Claire Powell and John Harle. Nick Nairn joins Vipond for a conversation reflecting on changes within the industry, including the move towards direct selling of farm produce, alongside their own memories of working on the programme.

Across five decades, Landward has steadily broadened its scope. What began as a specialist farming series has grown to cover major developments affecting rural Scotland, from land reform and historic buyouts to animal disease outbreaks, renewable energy and the impact of Covid.

The anniversary episode concludes with Vipond meeting the current presenting team as they share their own standout moments, linking past and present in a programme that continues to evolve.

The celebrations will extend across the spring series, with further revisits to archive material alongside updates that connect earlier stories to the present day.

Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, reflected on the achievement, highlighting the programme's long-standing focus on the people, landscapes and issues shaping the countryside, as well as its role as a consistent and trusted voice for audiences over the years.

The new series of Landward begins at 8.30 pm on Thursday 2 April on BBC Scotland and will also be available on iPlayer.

The Assembly Returns with a Fearless New Line-Up

Image: ITV Press

By Jon Donnis

ITV's The Assembly is set to return with a second, expanded run, and the newly confirmed line-up makes it clear the series is doubling down on its bold, unpredictable appeal. This time, the hot seat will be taken by a striking mix of public figures, from beloved broadcaster Stephen Fry to former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, alongside comedy icon Lenny Henry, actor Anna Maxwell Martin, and chart-topping rapper Aitch.

At its core, The Assembly thrives on a simple but daring premise. The interviewers, a group of autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled individuals, ask questions without filters or pre-approved boundaries. The result is a kind of honesty that traditional chat shows rarely reach, where even seasoned public figures can find themselves caught off guard.

The first series built a reputation quickly, earning strong praise across the board. Episodes featuring familiar faces were described in glowing terms, with critics pointing to the warmth and humour of the exchanges as much as their originality. It was not just seen as entertaining television, but as something genuinely different, a format that felt both refreshing and quietly radical.

This new run stretches to seven episodes, including an unseen instalment, with Fry and Sturgeon leading the line-up when the series returns in April. One final celebrity is still under wraps, adding a sense of anticipation to an already varied roster. Behind the scenes, the show remains in the hands of Rockerdale Studios, with ITV continuing to back the project as part of its entertainment slate.

What makes the format endure is its refusal to soften its edges. No subject is ruled out, no question dismissed for being too direct. That spirit, combined with the distinct perspective of its interviewers, gives the show a tone that can shift from funny to revealing in a matter of moments.

Adapted from the French format Les Rencontres du Papotin, the show has already proven its reach internationally, airing across multiple territories. Yet its impact feels particularly sharp here, where the mix of high-profile guests and unfiltered curiosity continues to produce television that feels both unpredictable and quietly disarming.

Sweetpea Season 2: First Look at Ella Purnell’s Dark Return as Rhiannon Lewis

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

A first look at Ella Purnell in Season 2 of Sweetpea offers a striking glimpse at the return of Rhiannon Lewis, the quiet outsider who evolved into a calculated killer. The new image signals a continuation of the show's bold tone, blending sharp dark humour with psychological tension as Rhiannon's story becomes even more dangerous.

Season 2 is part of a major upcoming slate of Sky Originals and Exclusives arriving on Sky and NOW in 2026 and beyond. The line-up highlights a wide range of storytelling, from gripping dramas and films to high-profile entertainment and documentaries, reinforcing Sky's commitment to distinctive and ambitious content.

In the new season, Rhiannon faces mounting pressure across every aspect of her life. A promotion at the Carnsham Gazette introduces new expectations and scrutiny, while a rebound romance adds emotional complexity. At the same time, the emergence of a copycat killer threatens to expose her carefully hidden crimes. As her list of targets grows, Rhiannon is forced to confront a question raised by her ex, AJ: is she truly a monster, or is there still something human left beneath the surface?

The cast expands with several notable additions. Rish Shah joins as Gabriel, a new romantic interest who may disrupt Rhiannon's fragile balance. Tamsin Greig appears as Liv, AJ's mother, bringing further tension tied to Rhiannon's past. Taj Atwal takes on the role of Freya, Rhiannon's formidable new boss at the Carnsham Gazette, while Jenny Walser plays Daisy, an enthusiastic new friend whose presence could have unforeseen consequences.

Returning cast members include Jon Pointing, Jeremy Swift, Leah Harvey, Ingrid Oliver, Nitin Ganatra, and Alexandra Dowling, continuing the ensemble that shaped the first season.

The series is adapted from C.J. Skuse's novel and is produced by See-Saw Films and fanboy in association with Sky Studios. The creative team includes executive producers Patrick Walters, Helen Gregory, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Ella Jones, and Ella Purnell, alongside Kirstie Swain. Additional creative roles are filled by Selina Lim, Emme Hoy, Simon Gillis, Natasha Heliotis, and series producer Zorana Piggott.

With its mix of unsettling character study and darkly comic storytelling, Season 2 of Sweetpea is set to push Rhiannon Lewis further into morally complex territory as the consequences of her actions begin to close in.

Title: Ronan Keating Heads Home in New Travel Series Ronan Keating’s Wild Atlantic

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

Ronan Keating is heading back to his roots in a new television series that explores the dramatic coastline and personal memories tied to Ireland's west. Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic follows the singer on a journey along the famous Wild Atlantic Way, stopping in Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Londonderry as he reconnects with places that shaped his life.

The series mixes travel, family moments and unexpected adventures. Along the way Ronan is joined by relatives and familiar faces including Westlife singer Shane Filan, artist Terry Bradley and comedian Diona Doherty. The journey also becomes a chance for Ronan to reflect on his upbringing and the years since he left Ireland as a teenager.

The trip begins in County Cork where Ronan meets his nephew Ruairí for a lively introduction to road bowling, a traditional Irish sport. The pair go head to head before the journey moves on to County Kerry. There Ronan fulfils some long held sporting ambitions on a hurling pitch and later catches up with his brother Gary for a fishing trip on Lough Leane in Killarney.

Travelling further north, Ronan heads from County Mayo to Sligo where he meets fellow boyband star Shane Filan. The two spend time horse riding along Strandhill Beach before Ronan sets sail with his nephew Conall to visit Clare Island, a place that holds special meaning for the Keating family.

The adventure continues along the northwest coast. Ronan explores the area by motorbike with longtime friend and artist Terry Bradley, before later stepping onto the stage for an impromptu performance at one of Donegal's country music venues.

The final part of the journey brings Ronan to Derry. There he walks the historic Derry Walls with comedian Diona Doherty and later heads to a farm to see what it takes to become a competitive sheepherder.

Reflecting on the experience, Ronan said making the series felt very special. He explained that leaving Ireland at the age of sixteen meant there were many parts of the west coast he had never seen. Returning now allowed him to rediscover places that mean so much to him and his family, and he hopes viewers will share in both the laughter and the emotion along the way.

Ronan Keating's Wild Atlantic is a co commission from BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Daytime. The series forms part of the Hot House initiative and has support from Northern Ireland Screen and Tourism Ireland. Produced by Alleycats TV, it will begin airing on BBC One Northern Ireland and BBC iPlayer from Monday 16 March, followed by a broadcast on BBC Two from Monday 6 April.

Flaming Feasts: Chris Flamebaster Roberts Celebrates Welsh Food and Community

Pancake flipping on top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) (Image: BBC)

By Jon Donnis

Welsh chef Chris Flamebaster Roberts is set to take viewers on a fiery culinary journey across Wales in his new series, Flaming Feasts, coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer at the end of March. The show promises a mix of high-energy cooking, local stories, and unique foodie experiences, all driven by Chris's passionate and playful approach to food.

Throughout the six-part series, Chris travels the country cooking his favourite dishes in a variety of settings. Audiences can expect everything from Keith Floyd‑style setups and urban cookouts to more adventurous feats, such as flipping a pancake on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) or learning a Ukrainian recipe from refugee Victoriia in Aberteifi. One episode sees him hosting a whole cow feast in Llanberis, recreating the celebrations that marked the end of food rationing in 1954. The series aims to highlight not just food, but the people and communities that bring it to life.

Chris first discovered the power of cooking while working as a support worker in Caernarfon, north Wales, helping people with learning disabilities. He says: "Working as a support worker for people with learning disabilities in Caernarfon for over 17 years, I saw the transformative power of food firsthand. From making ingredient lists to visiting local butchers, fishmongers, and farmers, I watched how cooking brought people together and built confidence."

Since those early days, Chris has travelled extensively, cooking and feasting with top international chefs from New York to Japan. In Flaming Feasts, he turns his attention closer to home, exploring Wales' rich food heritage and celebrating its chefs and producers. "There are so many incredible chefs and producers working so hard behind the scenes, and bringing their stories to the forefront – showcasing the love, sweat, and tears they pour into their craft, has been one of the most rewarding parts of the series," he adds.

The series highlights a range of foodie destinations, including Aberteifi (Cardigan), Llanberis, Wrecsam, Arberth, Porthmadog, and Ynys Môn (Anglesey). Flaming Feasts will premiere on BBC One Wales and BBC iPlayer on Friday 27 March at 7.30pm, with a UK-wide broadcast on BBC One at 11.30am the following day.

The Dyers’ Caravan Park Returns to Sky for a Second Series

Image: Sky TV Press

By Jon Donnis

Sky is heading back to the caravan park with Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani, as The Dyers' Caravan Park has officially been renewed for a second series. The news follows the debut of the first run of the programme last week, which quickly found a strong audience and has already become the most successful Sky Original unscripted entertainment launch in the past five years.

The series centres on the pair as they manage Priory Hill and Nutts Farm, a busy caravan park that brings its own mix of challenges, surprises and everyday chaos. With the site reopening its gates again, Danny and Dani return determined to push things further, arriving with larger plans and the same hands on attitude that defined the first series.

Life at the park rarely slows down. Expectations from visitors remain high, problems can appear without warning, and the responsibility of keeping everything running smoothly is a constant pressure. The new series continues to follow the father and daughter team as they deal with those realities while trying to grow the park and keep guests coming back.

Part of the charm of the show comes from the relaxed chemistry between Danny and Dani, along with the lively mix of real life personalities who pass through the park. The programme blends humour, warmth and the everyday unpredictability of running a British holiday destination.

As the next chapter begins, The Dyers' Caravan Park once again pulls into view, offering a closer look at the work and determination that goes into keeping the spirit of the great British holiday alive.

Danny Dyer said: "We can't believe the love you've all shown to our Caravan site. So, we're coming back. Roll on the Summer of all Summers"

Dani Dyer said: "Coming back for Series 2 of Dyer's Caravan Park feels so special. Thank you for all the love and support it honestly means everything. We're so ready for another season of fun, chaos and a bit of Dyer madness"