(Credit: Sky)
Attention all Sky subscribers! UK entertainment channel Sky has recently announced the upcoming expansion of its entertainment portfolio.
According to a press release sent on August 21, Sky will launch two new channels: Sky Crime and Sky Comedy. Both channels will become available to all Sky customers through linear and on-demand streams at no extra charge. Both new channels will also launch on NOW TV as part of the NOW TV Entertainment Pass.
Here’s what we know about these new channels and the TV shows that will be launching on each.
What is Sky Crime?
Sky Crime will be the new dedicated home of premium US true-crime series when it launches October 2019. Programming will include shows from HBO and oxygen as well as first run content from Woodcut and Jupiter.
According to Sky, “Key programming will include addictive, emotionally charged accounts of true crimes, many of which remain unsolved.
“Additionally, famous headline cases from the US and UK like Kemper on Kemper and Britain’s Most Evil Killers and the In Defense Of series will bring new insight into some of the most notorious killers of modern times.”
A precise launch date has not yet been released.
What’s on Sky Crime?
I Love You, Now Die
I Love You, Now Die follows the 2014 death of Conrad Roy, an 18-year-old who committed suicide in a Fairhaven, Massachusets parking lot. When police uncovered alarming text messages from Roy’s 17-year-old girlfriend, Michelle Carter that appeared to encourage his suicide. These events sparked controversial headlines across the nation. The ensuing trial raised difficult questions about the nature of technology, social media, and mental health.
The Disappearance of Susan Cox Powell
At age 28, Susan disappeared from her home in Utah. Police named her husband Josh Powell a suspect in the ensuing investigation. Two years later, Josh took his life and that of his two sons. This true-crime documentary investigating the last few years of Susan’s life in the hopes of explaining the tragedy.
In Defense Of
This true-crime series shines a light on the complicated relationships that formed between infamous defendants and the attorneys who served them. The psychologically thrilling series is comprised of several standalone episodes. Each features high-profile cases — serial killer Ted Bundy and the Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh to name a few. Top defence lawyers also reveal the personal and professional cost of working with notorious clients.
A Wedding and a Murder
This shocking true crime series explores joyous engagements, weddings, and honeymoons that ended tragically. Each episode exposes a different grisly homicide that seemingly started with happiness and bliss.
What is Sky Comedy?
Sky Comedy will be the new home for scripted US comedy when it launches February 2020. Brand new comedy programs from HBO, NBC, and Showtime will feature on the channel.
“Sky Comedy will also air all-new series of returning hit US shows like Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ballers starring Dwayne Johnson,” the Sky press release states.
“Top rated US talk shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will also be featured, as well as comedy titan Saturday Night Live and an enviable library of favourites like Will & Grace and Parks and Recreation.”
“Sky Comedy is an exciting new proposition for Sky customers, offering them a daily dose of the best US comedy which will sit alongside our expanding slate of Sky Original comedy on Sky One,” says Zai Bennet, Managing Director of Content at Sky.
What’s on Sky Comedy?
Ballers
‘Success hits hard.’ Dwayne Johnson stars in Ballers, an HBO comedy following a retired football superstar. He tries to reinvent himself as a financial manager for professional players in sunny Miami.
Mrs Fletcher
Starring Kathryn Hahn, this HBO comedy series centres around a divorced woman. She reboots her love life by adopting a sexy new persona. This leads her to a new world full of unexpected and complicated possibilities.
The Righteous Gemstones
Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals) reunites with HBO to star in this comedy about a world-famous televangelist family with a record of deviance, greed, and charitable work. The series mainly follows Jesse Gemstone, who sees himself as a maverick in the ministry game for expanding what his father built for a modern audience.
More Original Content to Come
The birth of these two channels closely follows Sky’s recent launch of Sky Studios. This Europe-wide venture aims to see development, production, and investment of original content increase more than two-fold over the next five years.
“By investing in the best of the US as well as doubling our investment in original drama and comedy, we are making Sky an unbeatable destination for the best range of premium TV,” Bennett adds.
Stay tuned for more info about these new Sky channels as well as precise launch dates!