The Controller of BBC Two, Patrick Holland has announced forthcoming commissions for Factual, Entertainment and Arts.
The new commissions are as follows:
The Iraq War (w/t)
A five-part series exploring the reasons and repercussions behind the invasion of Iraq by the UK and USA. Told from the perspective of those who were there the series looks at the scenario from a human point of view; from families on the ground, to soldiers and rebels, the series looks at the impact that this era of war and destruction has left behind.
Race Across The World
Imagine trying to travel to the Far East without being able to book a flight. This is the situation that pairs of contestants find themselves in, in the six-part series Race Across The World. Armed with only the amount of cash that an airfare would amount to and devoid of a smartphone, they’ll have to use their wits, and rely on the kindness of those they meet along the way, to make the journey. If they run out of money, they’ll have to earn more. The couple to complete the journey the quickest, earns a cash prize so the stakes are high.
The Rise of the Nazis (w/t)
Made in the style of RTS award-winning series Elizabeth I’s Secret Agents, leading historians study the motivations of Hitler’s contemporaries to discover how the most liberal democracy in 20th Century Europe fell into the hands of fascists.
They will chart key events that lead to the turning of the political tide, from the Wall Street Crash to the 1930 election, the Night of the Long Knives and Hitler’s ultimate rise to power. The three part series aims to uncover the warnings that were missed and unpick why these events had a domino effect that led to one of the most devastating wars in history.
The Nude Uncovered, by Mary Beard
In this two-part series Prof. Mary Beard looks at one of the most persistent subjects of art, that of the nude. Looking at works form Manet’s Olympia to Michelangelo’s David, Beard explores why a society which for the most part prefers the addition of clothing, has focused so much attention on a lack of it. She speaks to contemporary artists and image-makers to try and understand this paradox and explores how our attitudes toward the human form have changed over time.
The Ranganation
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan dissects the week’s events with the help of his own focus group, a cast of 25 amiable and diverse characters from all over Britain. He uses this cross-section of culture (which includes his mum) to help him understand what is going on in post-Brexit Britain. He will be joined by fellow comedians and experts to explore the themes that the groups pick up and how they are affecting the group, as well as the nation.
Details of air dates for all the shows announced will be released at a later date.
