BBC brings in big guns for Xmas war with Netf lix
THE BBC is to make more than 100 box sets available on iPlayer this Christmas in a bid to compete with Netflix and Amazon.
The line-up includes classic period dramas from screenwriter Andrew Davies, such as War And Peace, Little Dorrit – which launched the career of Claire Foy – and Bleak House. His new adaptation of Les Miserables, starring Dominic West, David Oyelowo and Lily Collins, airs over the festive period.
Comedy highlights include Outnumbered, Gavin And Stacey, Miranda and Extras.
Popular dramas such as Bodyguard, Killing Eve, McMafia and Informer will return, along with Luther and every series of Doctor Who since 2005. Sir David Attenborough’s natural history programmes will include Blue Planet and Planet Earth, Africa, Life and Frozen Planet, as well as new series Dynasties.
Julia Donaldson adaptations The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child, Stick Man and Room On The Broom will be available, along with David Walliams shows such as Gangsta Granny, Boy In A Dress and Mr Stink.
Viewing figures for BBC and ITV television channels have fallen in recent years, as viewers turn away from traditional television channels in favour of on demand and streaming services.
But last year iPlayer enjoyed its best-ever week between Christmas and the new year, with 69.2million requests to watch programmes.