Virgin draws Blood for second season
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Editor
| 19 August 2019

Virgin Media Television in Ireland has commissioned six new one-hour episodes of family-centred psychological thriller Blood.

Written once again by Sophie Petzal (The Last Kingdom, Riviera), the new season sees patriarch Jim Hogan (Adrian Dunbar) stripped of his medical licence and return to Ireland from abroad to find his family in conflict. Tensions are rife and trouble is brewing, leading to a horrendous tragedy, the cause and origins of which will be pieced together as the series progresses. As in season one, the new season of Blood is more than a thrilling mystery, it’s a story about truth and perspective, how our understanding of events and people can colour our beliefs, and how love – and grief – can so often blind us to reality.

The new season is produced by West Road Pictures, helmed by Jonathan Fisher, in association with Element Pictures and all3media international. Channel 5 is also onboard as UK broadcaster with streaming service Acorn TV and its development arm Acorn Media Enterprises returning as co producer for English language territories ANZ/ UK, Eire, US and Canada.

Blood’s first season premiered in October 2018 on Virgin Media Television in Ireland, outperforming the channel’s slot average share by 43%. It also proved popular around the world with all3 media international securing licences with various European platforms including NRK (Norway), Cirkus (Norway/Denmark), HRT (Croatia), RUV (Iceland) and VRT (Belgium) as well as the Middle East via BBC World.

“We’re very pleased to confirm that Blood’s incredibly talented cast and crew will be returning to delve deeper into the intriguing secrets of the Hogan family,” commented David Swetman, VP acquisitions at all3media international. “The gripping first season was one of our stand-out dramas for 2018 – winning impressive ratings and acclaim around the world and a second instalment can only add to its global appeal, with broadcasters keen to secure scripted drama that has the potential to build a strong following across multiple seasons.”

Added West Road Pictures managing director Jonathan Fisher: “We are delighted to be returning to Blood following its terrific reception last year. The second series has a compelling new mystery at its heart, which we feel sure will keep viewers hooked once again. We’re excited to see familiar faces returning, whilst also welcoming some wonderfully talented new additions to the team.”