Will there be a sequel to ‘Wolf Hall’ on PBS?
Q: In 2016, PBS’s “Masterpiece” broadcast the BBC production of “Wolf Hall.” It was a historical drama about the political intrigue in the court of Henry VIII and starred Sir Mark Rylance and Damien Lewis. It received many critical awards. Is there any chance that a second season of “Wolf Hall” will be broadcast? The first season concluded in the middle of Henry’s reign.
— TOM VIA EMAIL Rob:
According to a “Masterpiece” spokeswoman, the “Wolf Hall” producers say “the whole creative team is eagerly awaiting Hilary’s delivery of the next book.”
That would be Hilary Mantel, who wrote the books “Wolf Hall” is based upon. But it looks as if the latest book in the series may be delayed beyond its planned 2018 publication date.
Q: Please don’t tell me it is true that “Grey’s Anatomy” will no longer be carried on ABC now that the creator is with Netflix. Rob: — FLORENCE, ALLISON PARK While it was somewhat shocking to see broadcast TV veteran Shonda Rhimes move her production company from an alignment with ABC to the streaming service Netflix, that move will not impact any of her current series, which will remain on ABC. New programs she develops will stream on Netflix.
Q: I have two granddaughters coming from New Zealand for a sixmonth visit. They are 11 and 12 and their mother doesn’t want them watching U.S. TV shows. At home they are allowed to watch BBC, “Masterpiece” and Australian public TV.
Could you suggest which of the streaming services, Netflix, Hulu, etc., might have the appropriate shows. GREYE VIA EMAIL Rob: Most TV shows even on American streaming services are U.S. TV shows, so I’m not sure it’s possible to get around that imposed restriction but perhaps she means U.S. TV shows with commercials.
PBS is a great resource for younger kids, but there’s not a lot for older children and tweens. “Odd Squad” might still have some appeal so you can give that a try.
Amazon has several American Doll-based movies available along with the series “Just Add Magic,” “Annedroids,” “Lost in Oz,” “The Kicks” and “Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street.” Netflix has the animated “Spirit Riding Free.” (Aside from “Odd Squad,” which I heartily endorse, I haven’t watched these shows so I can’t vouch for their quality, just that they exist and seem like they may have appeal to girls ages 11 and 12.)
Other streaming options include Britbox.com and Acorn.tv.
Q: Who is doing the voice-overs for ads for upcoming local shows/news features on KDKA-TV? It’s not one of the regular female reporters or a voice I recognize. Just curious. — MARGARET, MT. LEBANON Rob: According to KDKATV general manager Chris Pike, “The voiceover woman you are likely referring to is Virginia Hamilton. We are using her for some of our promotion work.”
Here’s her professional website: http://www.virginiahamilton.net. TV Q&A ROB OWEN
Post-Gazette TV writer Rob Owen answers reader questions online every Friday in Tuned In Journal blog at post-gazette.com/tv. Here’s a selection of recent queries.