Brief

ITV Studios showcases new dramas and formats at Cannes Mipcom

Ruth Berry highlighted 11 original formats and a slate of upcoming shows as ITV Studios prepares for a split from its broadcast arm.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:06:26 GMT

ITV Studios used a breakfast gathering at Cannes' Mipcom market on Monday, Oct. 12, to preview a broad slate of scripted and unscripted projects, according to Variety.

What happened

Ruth Berry, president of global partnerships and head of the Zoo 55 digital content arm, said ITV Studios is representing 11 new original formats at the event, a notable number amid a downturn in traditional series commissioning. The lineup includes a video‑podcast series starring Jeremy Wade, "Fish On! With Jeremy Wade," set to launch on Oct. 20 via Patreon and the RiverMonsters.TV platform. Other highlighted projects are "First Woman," starring Andrea Riseborough as the first woman to walk on the moon, and "Number 10," a drama exploring the personal pressures surrounding the UK prime minister’s residence.

What the reports add

Berry described the slate as "absolute corkers" and said the M&A activity in the global content market has not affected ITV’s operations. Managing director of creative networks Mike Beale added that ITV is "pairing broadcasters and streams to co‑commission" new shows, creating fresh format opportunities. The U.S. version of "Love Island" was noted as the most‑watched program on NBCUniversal’s Peacock streamer. Additionally, ITV announced that "The Voice" has reached its 80th territory commission with a new deal in Estonia, and the company secured distribution rights to Channel 4’s unscripted series "Incognito."

What was said

Berry told journalists, "We’re feeling very positive about what it means for the evolution of both studios," and later emphasized, "You’ll hear that young people don’t want to watch long‑form content – not true," citing an average 90‑minute YouTube watch time for "River Monsters" episodes. Beale said the co‑commissioning model "opens opportunities for fresh formats." Stephen Moffat, creator of "Number 10," joked, "Every other country is run from a big palace or a big building – ours is run from a house on a shabby little street with a big black door."

How it came about

ITV Studios is in the process of being split from the ITV broadcast and digital platform, which is being acquired by NBCUniversal’s Sky. The studio will remain a standalone entity, positioning itself to leverage its successful formats like "Love Island" while expanding into new territories and digital formats.

Key facts

ITV Studios presented 11 new original formats at Mipcom on Oct. 12. (variety.com)
Jeremy Wade's video‑podcast "Fish On! With Jeremy Wade" launches Oct. 20 on Patreon. (variety.com)
"The Voice" reached its 80th territory commission with a deal in Estonia. (variety.com)
ITV Studios will remain a standalone company as Sky acquires the ITV broadcast arm. (variety.com)