U.K. TV network ITV is looking for new shows to shake up its Saturday evening lineup.
Head of comedy entertainment Peter Davey has called on production companies to make pitches by mid-December based on new ITV director of television Kevin Lygo’s mandate for “fresh ideas,” Broadcast reported.
“It’s time to shake things up a bit and see what’s out there,” Davey told Broadcast. “We’re pushing this because we have a lot of slots. … We’ve got a blank piece of paper.”
The network is looking to fill three Saturday evening slots in 2017, namely at 6 p.m., when children are still watching and family formats are usually aired, the more high-profile 7 p.m. slot and a later one following big entertainment hits, such as The X Factor. ITV has been looking to boost its ratings in that later slot.
“Having seen a big studio, massive entertainment piece, it’s a question of whether viewers want more of the same or something slightly different,” Davey told Broadcast.
ITV’s call for new show ideas comes as British TV executives have in recent years repeatedly called Saturday night a challenging environment due to high expectations and competing entertainment options.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
-
![]()
-
Yellowjackets
Christina Ricci Says She Was Threatened With Lawsuit Over Declining to Do a Sex Scene in a “Certain Way”
![]()
-
White House
Jason Sudeikis, ‘Ted Lasso’ Cast Promote Mental Health Awareness at White House With Surprise Appearance by Trent Crimm Actor
![]()
-
Vanderpump Rules
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Trailer Shows Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix’s Tense Post-Scandal Sit-Down
![]()
-
Yellowjackets
‘Yellowjackets’ Creators Get Real on Season 2 Pressure, Showtime Tumult and Spinoffs: “We Have a Couple of Ideas”
![]()
-
![]()
