Programming Profile

As we head towards a festive season like no other, you can almost feel a collective sigh of relief that 2020 is drawing to a close. And while Christmas plans remain uncertain for many, what’s clear is that broadcasters still feeling the repercussions of summer delays are working to adjust schedules and fill festive gaps for captive December audiences.

We’ve selected a wide range of titles for December’s Hot Properties playlist on C21 Digital Screenings, featuring fresh programmes from prominent international distributors to help liven up seasonal schedules and platform menus.

First up is AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a spin-off from the US cablenet’s hit zombie franchise. The show focuses on the first generation to come of age in the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse as they venture out into the unknown, following two sisters and two friends who leave a place of safety and comfort to embark on an important quest.

For buyers looking for entertaining crime dramas, December’s playlist features several bingeable titles. Crimescapes, from Bavaria Media International, follows crime investigators as they face down obstacles to justice with a righteous hunger, while Federation Entertainment’s Black Space is a thriller that centres on the investigation into an Israeli high-school massacre, where students are the suspects.

There’s also Marnow Murders, from Studio Hamburg, in which a murder investigation pushes detectives Lona and Frank to their limits; and NTV Broadcasting company’s Noble Detective, which charts Count Bezsonov’s endeavours to become a crime detective in the imperial Russia of the early 20th century.

December’s playlist also features two dramas based on much-loved detective novels. Beck, from Banijay Rights, is based on the wildly popular Martin Beck books by married Swedish writers Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö. ITV Studios’ Grace, meanwhile, comes from acclaimed screenwriter Russell Lewis, who has adapted Peter James’ award-winning Roy Grace novels as a compelling, fast-paced TV drama. It stars John Simm (Life on Mars) as the tenacious Detective Superintendent Roy Grace.

Continuing along the crime vein, eOne’s Family Law centres on suspended personal injury lawyer and recovering alcoholic Abby. After taking a job at her estranged father’s law firm, Abby tries to put her life back together while working alongside her half-siblings.

More winter drama can be found in Red Arrow Studios International’s Dignity, a haunting thriller inspired by the true story of a mysterious German sect that was established in Chile by a former Nazi soldier.

StudioCanal’s Pros & Cons, meanwhile, centres on Nina and Erik, who in their younger days lived adrenaline-fuelled lives as con artists with their partner in crime, Jacqueline. Years later, Nina and Erik have withdrawn from their criminal life and settled down. But when they find themselves in the midst of a marital crisis, Jacqueline, who continued her life as a con artist, reappears and changes everything.

Also chosen for December’s playlist, ZDF Enterprises’ Grow is a drama about self-discovery and morale. The captivating multi-plot story switches between thriller, deep character development and dissident reflection on what happiness is in an apathetic society. In addition, Chicks, from Art Pictures Distribution, follows four corner girls who try to start a new life in a small, patriarchal and religious Russian town, with immediate consequences.

Lighter content comes in the form of Love Me from Eccho Rights, which is perfect for buyers looking for romance to brighten their winter schedules. The award-winning romantic comedy explores love and relationships at different stages of life, resulting in a hilarious mix of romance and heartbreak.

And riding the current teen/adult animation trend is 2×2’s Junkfood Mafia, set in the city of Petersburger, which has been taken over by organised crime. The show centres on Hot-Dog, who must wriggle into the mafia’s circle of trust to solve a case on which his fate and the future of all Petersburgers depend.

For buyers looking for unscripted content, December’s shortlist showcases several must-see programmes. Two-part series Me & My Sugar Daddy, from Blue Ant International, delves into the world of young British women who embark on relationships with wealthy older men.

History’s Greatest Mysteries, presented by Laurence Fishburne and coming from A+E Global Content Sales, sees the Emmy-winning actor investigate some of the greatest mysteries of all time, from the sinking of the Titanic to the Roswell UFO incident. Meanwhile, Nuremberg: Nazis on Trial, from Passion Distribution, is a compelling new film that uses archive, recently recovered and newly digitised material to tell the story of the post-Second World War trials.

Elsewhere, A Spy in the FBI, from New Dominion Pictures, tells the story of devout family man, Catholic and career FBI agent Robert Hanssen, who became the most damaging spy in American history. Expert interviews recount Hanssen’s life, how he stayed hidden for over 20 years, and the events leading to his arrest. And Drive’s The Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess examines what led to the Princess of Wales pouring her heart out on national television in a watershed moment 25 years ago, revealing a royal marriage in crisis.

Mexican Boom Town, from Ruptly’s Documentary Collection, focuses on the city of Tultepec, known as Mexico’s ‘pyrotechnics capital,’ where life is centred on the production of handmade fireworks ahead of an annual, weeklong festival. Locals and tourists fill the streets to watch the highlight of the celebrations, a parade of giant bull effigies rigged with fireworks. But it’s not all joy and magic, as scores of festivalgoers are severely burned or injured during the incredible spectacle.

NENT Studios UK’s 101 Puppies has scoured the globe for 101 adorable pooches. Narrated by Ashley Jensen (Agatha Raisin, After Life), the show takes viewers on a journey into the lives of some of the cutest, most curious, playful and mischievous puppies they are ever likely to see. Full of warmth and heart, this documentary is off the scale on the ‘aww’ factor.

For buyers looking for culinary content, Ainsley’s Food We Love, from Cineflix Rights, sees celebrated British chef Ainsley Harriott inspire viewers to cook up a storm and travel with their tastebuds, with dishes from classic comfort food to high tea.

Flea Market Challenge, from Rabbit Films, is a fun and exciting new gameshow in which three ordinary people compete to see who can sell the most. Each contestant has three hours to sell up to 300 personal items at a local flea market. Whoever makes the most cash from sales wins the money from all the players.

And finally, for buyers looking for kids’ programming, Cake’s Mush-Mush & the Mushables is a journey of self-discovery, told through exciting adventure, comedy and mush, mush more!

Enjoy the Hot Properties playlist for December 2020!