ITV announces documentary slate for new streaming service ITV X

Screen OD staff

Upcoming streaming service ITV X from British broadcaster ITV has announced a slate of upcoming documentary series including “a range of documentary box sets, a new investigative series and the return of successful series, popular in streaming, that have won recommissions.”

The shows include a documentary about Rolf Harris, a series on the royal family and a new series fronted by Laura Whitmore.

ITV’s Controller of Factual Jo Clinton Davis said: “We’re excited about the opportunity ITVX presents for us and with our commissioning, we want to broaden the palette of factual in very different and surprising ways. 

“Documentary box sets with directorial ambition, on a diverse range of subjects, lead our developing slate; alongside series from new factual talent, including Laura Whitmore Investigates, which we are delighted to announce.

“This is just the beginning of a range of new opportunities as the world of Factual opens up on ITVX, with much more to come.”

The new shows announced are:

Rolf Harris: Hiding in Plain Sight (w/t) is described by ITV as “a unique documentary box set for ITVX that will examine the shocking truth behind how former national treasure Rolf Harris betrayed the trust of the nation and hid in plain sight whilst sexually abusing children and young women for years.”

The two sixty minute shows “will speak to Harris’ victims, the police who investigated him and colleagues who worked alongside him to tell the story of his rise and fall.”

The Royal Family [w/t]: the “behind the scenes story of the world’s most famous family is told through the perspective of the major personal challenges that faced the Queen and the monarchy throughout her reign.

“Rare archive footage is set against revealing new interviews with key figures – some of whom have never previously spoken on camera – to compelling effect as viewers see the images played out to the world during historic moments, while hearing the inside story offering insight into The Queen’s perspective at the time.”

A Year on Planet Earth “will reveal the incredible ways in which all life is connected and how massive natural events affect the lives of individual animals as the earth makes its annual journey around the sun.

“Filmed in over sixty different locations this epic documentary series will draw on the most spellbinding and dramatic stories from all corners of the globe.”

A Murder In the Family promises a “new true crime series that investigates three shocking murders, where the victim and perpetrator are family, telling stories of ordinary relationships that take extraordinary and ultimately tragic turns.”

Laura Whitmore Investigates will see the former Love Island host investigate different real life fascinating subjects in a series of films.

Executive Producer is Jonathan Stadlen and Series Producer is Cathy Durbin. 

Laura Whitmore Investigates takes on a series of controversial issues in immersive, investigative films for ITVX, which will see her using her journalism skills to reveal new insights on each subject. a new side of Laura as she travels within the UK and further afield to delve into subjects that fascinate her and have an impact on our lives.

Laura Whitmore said of the commission: “It’s a dream come true to have this platform and work with a brilliant team at ITV through this series of investigative films. Getting back to my journalistic roots, I hope we can shine a light on some really important topics and issues, and delve into a variety of serious and interesting real-life subjects.”

Social Media Murders returns and Olivia Attwood returns with more true crime series exploring shocking cases.

Following the success of the first series on ITV2, ITV Factual Entertainment have recommissioned a new series of Social Media Murders for ITVX.