HBO Max has unveiled a new slate of original shows and has also announced that it will be the be the new home to all seasons of the Italian crime series Gomorrah, based on Roberto Saviano’s bestselling book that examines the account of the decline of Naples under the rule of the Camorra. Seasons three and four, followed by the series’ feature film spin-off The Immortal and finally, the highly anticipated fifth season of the series, will be seen by American audiences for the first time on HBO Max.
“We are building strong collaborations as we source distinctive fare from top international partners for our US viewers, also with an eye to the near future when we will look to these partners to supply locally as we expand HBO Max internationally,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer, HBO Max and President, TNT TBS and truTV.
HBO Max International Originals
GOMORRAH
Gomorrah, which The New York Times recently rated #5 of the top 30 international shows of the decade, is centered in and around Naples, Italy, and chronicles the brutal world of the Camorra crime syndicate. Power, money, and blood are the values that the residents of the province of Naples and Caserta confront every day. They have practically no choice and are forced to obey the rules of the local Mafia and only a lucky few can even think of leading a normal life. In this series, five stories are woven together in this violent scenario, set in a cruel and ostensibly invented world, but one that is deeply rooted in reality.
Based on Roberto Saviano’s best-selling account, the acclaimed series is produced by Sky Italia and Cattleya, part of ITV Studios, in collaboration with Beta Film. Beta Film handles international sales for the title which has sold to over 190 countries worldwide.
VENENO (Poison)
Based on the memoir by Valeria Vargas “Not A Whore, Not A Saint: The Memories of La Veneno”, Spanish creators and directors Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrosi aka “Los Javis” bring the most beloved transsexual icon of the 90s, Cristina Ortiz (La Veneno) to 2020.
The series follows Valeria, a young journalism student who discovers she has more in common with La Veneno than she thought. The two women were born in very different times, but their stories become intertwined when Valeria writes a book about La Veneno. Through learning more about her, Valeria discovers her chosen family, how to love herself, and the impact of mass media in the life of an enigmatic entertainer.
SINGLETOWN
Singletown begins with a unique ending as five couples press pause on their relationships and spend one incredible summer living their best single lives in the city. The newly separated couples and their four new flatmates move into two luxury Singletown apartments, which, to their surprise, are located in the same building and come with a celebrity mentor. Supported by their mentor’s matchmaking skills, the singletons embark on an indulgent summer full of money-can’t-buy exclusive dates, out of this world parties and unforgettable experiences. At the end of each week, the couples meet to take part in the Love Locket ceremony. Will they choose to reunite and leave the show as a couple or will one, or both of them, choose to stay single and remain in Singletown?
THE GREAT POTTERY THROW DOWN
Seeking to unearth Britain’s best home potter, each season of the series follows ten potters as they forge fantastic creations in a competition-style format. At the conclusion of each episode, one potter faces elimination after the judge’s scrutiny and review for the chance to become Potter of the Week.
THE MURDERS AT WHITE HOUSE FARM
An infamous true crime story. Over thirty years ago, three generations of one family were murdered at their isolated farm. Initial evidence pointed the finger at the daughter of the family who had a history of mental illness, however one detective refused to accept this and delved deeper into the investigation. His determination uncovered new evidence that shed suspicion on another family member. This is a dramatized true crime story based on extensive research, interviews and published accounts, looking at the mystery behind what happened that fateful day.
The star-studded cast includes Freddie Fox (Year of the Rabbit), Mark Addy (New Blood), Stephen Graham (Line of Duty) and Gemma Whelan (Gentleman Jack). Mark Stanley (Run), Alexa Davies (Detectorists), Cressida Bonas (The Bye Bye Man), Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones) and Nicholas Farrell (The Cry) also star.
BOYS
The five-part series charts the emotional journey of five friends during the 1980s, a decade in which everything changed, most notably with the rise of AIDS. HBO Max will be the exclusive U.S. home of the period drama in partnership with Britain’s Channel 4.
The cast includes Olly Alexander, Nathaniel Curtis, Shaun Dooley, Omari Douglas, Stephen Fry, Neil Patrick Harris, Keeley Hawes, Callum Scott Howells, Tracy Ann Oberman and Lydia West.
PURE
Twenty-four year old Marnie has bad thoughts all the time and she can’t tell anyone. Her mind is XXX-rated and intrusive thoughts are piling up inside her head. She is caught in the grip of an excruciating form of obsessive compulsive disorder – nicknamed ‘pure O’ – where her obsessions take the form of intrusive sexual thoughts, and the compulsions are unseen mental rituals that deeply affect her daily life. After imagining her parents engrossed in an orgy at their 25th wedding anniversary party, Marnie is at breaking point. Something. Has. Got. To. Give. She packs a bag and, with no plan, jumps on a coach to London. In the capital, Marnie soon discovers she’s not the only one who’s lost. Pure is a story of self-discovery, finding friends and learning how to love.
Starring Charly Clive, Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders), Kiran Sonia Sawar (Murdered By My Father), Niamh Algar (The Bisexual) and Anthony Welsh (Black Mirror). Written by Kirstie Swain and based on Rose Cartwright’s acclaimed memoir. The lead director is Aneil Karia (Top Boy). Pure was originally produced for Channel 4 in the UK and distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
STARSTRUCK
Starstruck follows a 20-something millennial in London, juggling two dead-end jobs and navigating the awkward morning-after when she discovers the complications of accidentally sleeping with a movie star.
Rose Matafeo is a comedian, writer and actress who won “Best Comedy Show” at the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Awards 2018 for her solo show Horndog which has enjoyed sell-out performances around the world including the New Zealand International Comedy Festival and a Barry Award nominated run at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. Her comedy special Horndog will premiere on HBO Max.
THE DOG HOUSE: UK
Available on HBO Max Thursday, July 23rd
Finding forever homes for rejected dogs isn’t easy – but that’s exactly what the staff of Wood Green do every day. Set inside a rural British animal rescue center known for its commitment to matching homeless dogs with eager owners, The Dog House: UK captures the joy and complexity of the human-dog “dating” experience. Each of the first season’s eight episodes introduces tearful tales of abandoned dogs, while also touching on relatable backstories of families, couples, and singletons all hoping their lives will be changed by a new four-legged friend. It’s up to the center’s dedicated staff to match pet with potential new owner – and to arrange an all-important first date that will determine if the adorable pups and hopeful humans have that fated connection. The show was originally produced by Five Mile Films for Channel 4 in the UK for distribution by all3media International.
FRAYED
Available on HBO Max Thursday, July 30th
Set in 1988, this comedy follows the journey of Sammy Cooper, a fabulously wealthy London housewife who is forced to return to her hometown in Newcastle, Australia. In coming home, Sammy must revisit her past and the events that led her to flee as a teenager years ago.
Top Photo: A scene from Gomorrah. Photo By: Emanuela Scarpa. Courtesy: HBO Max.
Binge News 