Sky announces new shows including a Colin Farrell sci-fi movie and a Father Ted reunion

There’s plenty of Irish involvement in Sky’s largest ever slate of upcoming new programming with the likes of Colin Farrell, Kenneth Branagh, Bronagh Gallagher, Pauline McLynn and Ardal O'Hanlon among the main stars to feature across the broadcaster’s impressive stable of channels.

Sundayworld.com got a front row seat at last night’s Up Next 2022 event at London's Theatre Royal where host Claudia Winkleman announced over 200 Sky Original shows across all genres this year – a massive 60 percent increase from 2021.

Colin Farrell stars in After Yang which tells the story of a family who lose their A.I. helper and the profound feelings that the experience induces.

When his young daughter’s beloved companion, an android named Yang (Justin H. Min), malfunctions, Jake (Farrell) searches for a way to repair him. In the process, Jake discovers the life that has been passing in front of him, reconnecting with his wife (Jodie Turner-Smith) and daughter(Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja) across a distance he didn't know was there.

If sci-fi isn’t your thing then get excited about new comedy Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything which stars Sheridan Smith but will also bring together on screen Father Ted stars Pauline McLynn and Ardal O’Hanlon for the first time in 25 years.

The 10-part series follows Rosie who is addicted to everything - smoking, alcohol, Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, Xanax, Adderall, caffeine, the list goes on. After an embarrassing incident at her brother Joey’s wedding, she wakes up in hospital and decides to change her life by ‘Giving Up Everything’.

But as Rosie juggles her father Connor’s ill health and subsequent death with a dawning realisation that her addictions are destroying her friendships, family and work life, Rosie must come to the realisation that perhaps it isn’t the addictions that are the problem.

Bronagh Gallagher is front and centre in Brassic series 4while fresh from his Oscars win Kenneth Branagh takes on the role of Boris Johnson.

Amongst the new titles announced are a major adaptation of Heather Morris’ bestselling novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, a life affirming and heartrending story of bravery and love in the darkest of places.

And the return of the critically acclaimed dramas I Hate Suzie Too starring Billie Piper and COBRA: Rebellion with Robert Carlyle.

Also announced were two other new original comedies; Romesh Ranganathan and Katherine Ryan team up for Romantic Getaway, and there’s a new spin on a Christmas classic with Suranne Jones starring in Christmas Carole.

Speaking at the glitzy event Zai Bennett, Managing Director, Content Sky UK and Ireland, said “Great stories have the power to help us connect with each other, and at its best entertainment isn't something we watch, it’s something we feel and experience.

"That’s why we’re creating and investing in world-class original storytelling to give our customers even more of their favourite shows and films than ever before.

“We’re delighted to be working with some of the best talent, both on and off screen, to bring these stories to life.”

Adding to the line-up is a range of new Sky Original films; Letitia Wright stars in the drama Aisha, while Brian Cox, Jodie Turner-Smith, John Cena and Ann Dowd star in the political thriller, The Independent, and Russell Crowe directs and stars alongside Liam Hemsworth in the thriller Poker Face.

These newly announced shows join a raft of previously announced shows, including This England starring Kenneth Branagh, The Midwich Cuckoos starring Keeley Hawes, Gangs of London Series 2 and Funny Woman starring Gemma Arterton.