Netflix has added two new UK shows to its upcoming lineup. At its first UK Upfronts, the streamer announced Sarah Lancashire-led drama Witch Hunt and new comedy entertainment series Hot or Cold, while also sharing the first look at Charlie Brooker’s Blackmere.
Blackmere is coming in early 2027, Hot or Cold is set for 2027, and Witch Hunt is currently scheduled for 2028. Netflix also used the event to confirm the November 5 return of Black Doves, which we covered separately here.
Sarah Lancashire Will Lead Netflix’s New Drama Witch Hunt
Sarah Lancashire will star as August Howell in Witch Hunt, a new six-episode series created and written by Abi Morgan.
August is a descendant of the so-called “Witch of Cambridge” who has spent three decades in prison for drowning her three young daughters. When she is released, she returns to a community that doesn’t want her back.
After concern grows that her return has triggered a modern-day witch hunt, police turn to August’s only surviving daughter, Professor Wren Howell. An academic and investigative psychologist, Wren is asked to help find the killer as old resentment and local folklore begin to collide.
Morgan described the series in Netflix’s announcement as a dark love story between August and the daughter she left behind after 30 years in prison. She also described it as combining gothic horror, dark thriller and modern-day witchcraft.
Lancashire said she was excited to reunite with Morgan, whom she previously worked with more than 25 years ago.
“There’s so much to explore in August, and I can’t wait to begin.”
Morgan serves as creator, writer and executive producer, with Jane Featherstone also executive producing. Holly Pullinger is producer. SISTER Pictures is producing in association with Little Chick.
Netflix currently lists Witch Hunt for 2028.
Charlie Brooker’s Blackmere Is Coming in Early 2027
Netflix also revealed the first images from Charlie Brooker’s Blackmere, which was previously known as the Untitled Charlie Brooker Project.
The series follows Detective John Blackmere, who leaves the Northern city of Bleakford for London following the death of his partner. His mission is to find a ritualistic serial killer before there are more victims.
There is a catch to the very serious setup: Netflix describes Blackmere as an absurd comedy disguised as a crime thriller.
Paddy Considine, Georgina Campbell and Lena Headey star, with Netflix now confirming Rory Kinnear has also joined the cast.
Brooker created the series and writes alongside Ben Caudell, Jason Hazeley, Emer Kenny, Daniel Maier and Joel Morris, with additional material by Victoria Asare Archer. Al Campbell directs.
Blackmere will premiere on Netflix in early 2027.
Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade Are Playing Hot or Cold
Netflix’s other new commission is Hot or Cold, a six-episode comedy entertainment show led by Bob Mortimer and Richard Ayoade.
The format places comedians and other celebrities inside a series of rooms containing challenges, except the contestants aren’t told what each challenge is or how to complete it.
Instead, the room provides the clues. It glows red when contestants are getting warmer and blue when they’re getting colder as the teams try to work out what they’re supposed to do and move through the rooms.
Mortimer joked that spending time with Ayoade and playing Hot or Cold are two of his favourite things, while Ayoade had a characteristically different response: “Although I prefer mild temperatures, it’s been instructive to participate in something as binary as this.”
Zeppotron, part of Banijay UK, produces the six-episode series. Chris Cohen, Richard Cohen and Peter Holmes serve as executive producers.
Hot or Cold is set to arrive on Netflix in 2027.