The Program Guide's global edition highlights recent programming announcements from various networks and online video platforms around the world.
On TV
* Discovery Networks Asia Pacific Pte Ltd. commissioned 16 new locally produced shows in Southeast Asia, Variety reported Feb. 1. The Discovery Communications Inc. unit ordered "You Have Been Warned Asia," which looks into the science behind various experiments, the fishing show "Bangkok Hooker" and "Worst Vacation Ever," featuring holiday anecdotes. Discovery Networks Asia Pacific also greenlit "Frontier Borneo," "Surviving Borneo" and an Asian version of "Say Yes to the Dress." The shows will air on TLC and Discovery Channel on linear and digital platforms.
* Modern Times Group MTG AB said Jan. 30 that MTG Studios commissioned a new 10-part suspense thriller, "The Lawyer," which will premiere exclusively on the Nordic video-streaming service Viaplay and on TV3 in Sweden and Denmark. The series, which will premiere in the fall, follows the descent of a Swedish defense lawyer into Copenhagen's underworld.
* Gordon Ramsay is returning to ITV Plc, where he launched his cooking competition show "Hell's Kitchen." The U.K. TV giant announced Jan. 30 that the British chef and TV personality will have two new shows and a hosting gig. Studio Ramsay will produce "Culinary Genius," a daytime cooking competition show, as well as a primetime documentary series. Both series will air this year. In addition, Ramsay has been tapped to be one of the hosts for ITV's new talk show "The Nightly Show," which will air for eight weeks with eight different hosts.
* Greek free-TV broadcaster Skai, in a deal with FremantleMedia Ltd.'s FremantleMedia International and Syco Entertainment, ordered an adaptation of the singing competition format "La Banda," according to a Jan. 30 press release. The show, which was developed by Simon Cowell's Syco and Saban Brands, puts the audience in control of putting together a pop band.
* The upcoming season of BBC One (UK)'s drama "Doctor Who" will be actor Peter Capaldi's last run in the title role. According to a Jan. 30 announcement by the BBC, Capaldi will appear in 12 episodes starting in April, followed by the Christmas special in which a new actor will take over the role.
* BBC Four (UK) picked up the Spanish thriller "I Know Who You Are," the BBC said Jan. 26. The 10-part crime drama centers on a family in turmoil after the disappearance of a loved one. The series, produced by Filmax International and Mediaset España Comunicación S.A., will air on BBC Four later this year.
* The ITV Studios dating show "Meet the Parents" has been ordered by Finland's MTV for a local production to air on its Sub channel, TBI Vision reported Jan. 25. Produced by ITV Studios Finland, the 10-episode series will debut later this year. It features participants picking dates based on interviews with their parents.
Online
* Amazon.com Inc. renewed its original drama series "Sneaky Pete" for a second season, the company said Jan. 19. All 10 episodes of the show's first season are now available on Amazon Prime Video for members in more than 200 countries and territories.
* Netflix Inc. announced Jan. 17 that it entered into an exclusive partnership with comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Under the deal, Netflix subscribers worldwide will be able to stream new and previous episodes of "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" later this year. In addition, two new stand-up shows starring Seinfeld will be produced for the service, and he will help develop scripted and non-scripted comedy programming.