Sky Atlantic

Sky orders new dramas starring Helen Mirren and Sean Bean

Multi-award-winning actress Helen Mirren will star in new four-part drama Catherine the Great. The  series will explore the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of the most powerful female monarch in history.

She wielded supreme power throughout Russia for nearly half of the 18th century. “She rewrote the rules of governance by a woman, and succeeded to the extent of having the word Great attached to her name, Catherine the Great,” said Mirren.

First-look trailer and new images from Sky's Britannia

The dark and complex world of Britannia is shown in the new images and first-look trailer released by the broadcaster. 

Britannia is a Sky Original Production by written multi-award-winning script writer Jez Butterworth, who has written extensively for the stage (The Ferryman, Jerusalem) and whose film writing credits include Black MassEdge of Tomorrow, and Spectre.

Sky Atlantic's Riviera: Sun, sex and slaughter

What would Dallas look like made by Sky Atlantic? This was the question pondered during a brainstorming session for new drama ideas back in 2015, attended by Zai Bennett, director of Sky Atlantic, Sky’s head of drama, Anne Mensah, and commissioning editor Cameron Roach.

“We were worried that our overall tone and style were a bit too visceral, with a lot of shows that were violent and grown-up,” explains Bennett. He highlights Game of Thrones, Banshee and Fortitude – “quite an extreme horror show,” as he cheerfully puts it.

First look at Game of Thrones season 7

While audiences eagerly wait for the upcoming season, Sky Atlantic has released a new trailer to give an idea of what's to come.

Winter has arrived and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) has set sail for the Seven Kingdoms, with Jon Snow (Kit Harington) being named King of the North.

Deceptive Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) has seized the Iron Throne for herself and the Night King has gathered his undead forces for the ultimate war.

Riviera: Who's who in Sky's latest drama

Riviera Sky Atlantic

Deep secrets, explosions, fashion and crime sound up your street? Then Riviera might be the programme for you.

New to Sky Atlantic and set in the French Riviera, this new drama looks at the homes of the filthy rich along with the problems and deceit that comes with their luxuries.

There's a vibrant list of characters at the heart of the series, so here's a lowdown of who's who.

Game of Thrones series 7 release date announced

The highly anticipated release date for series 7 of Game of Thrones has been announced.

Episodes will be broadcast weekly at 2am from 17th July on Sky Atlantic and online streaming service NOW TV, followed by a repeat at 9pm the same day. 

Many burning questions from series six will be answered on the wintry return to Westeros, which saw Daenerys setting sail for the Seven Kingdoms, Jon Snow dubbed King of the North, Cersei seizing the Iron Throne and the Night King amassing forces.

Benedict Cumberbatch to star as aristocratic playboy Patrick Melrose

Benedict Cumberbatch (Credit: Sky Atlantic)

The series, based on the semi-autobiographical novels by Edward St. Aubyn, will be adapted for television by One Day and Starter for Ten author David Nicholls.

Cumberbatch, who will also serve as an executive producer on the show, stars as Melrose, a man struggling to overcome the damage inflicted growing up with an abusive father and unsupportive mother. It will track his journey from his harrowing childhood through substance abuse and to eventual recovery.