Wolf Hall producer slams Disney+ hit Rivals: ‘Not something I would make’

Wolf Hall producer slams Disney+ hit Rivals: ‘Not something I would make’

As a seasoned television critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must admit that the current landscape of TV is more diverse and captivating than ever before. However, when it comes to the recent spat between Colin Callender and the hit series Rivals, I find myself torn between the old and the new.


There appears to be a growing competitive tension in real life, and interestingly enough, it’s all centered around the television series titled “Rivals.

With the arrival of “Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light” on screens, almost a decade since its initial airing, executive producer Colin Callender took a moment to ponder the current TV landscape. In doing so, he expressed that he wasn’t particularly enamored with the popular Disney Plus series titled “Rivals.

At a gathering organized by the Broadcasting Press Guild in London (as initially mentioned by The Times), Callendar expressed: “Simply because something is successful doesn’t automatically mean it’s the only factor I’d consider when deciding whether I’d like to create it or not.

Are there specific elements you seek in a program? Does it carry a significant theme that resonates with today’s viewers, making it thought-provoking and engaging? Does it offer insight or provoke discussion?

“Is the portrayed emotion and dramatic presentation accurate and genuine, or does it rely on stereotypes for entertainment? These are the types of questions I’d pose about a show, and [Rivals] is not a production I’d create with such characteristics.

Wolf Hall producer slams Disney+ hit Rivals: ‘Not something I would make’

In response to being queried about the show’s success, Callendar expressed, “I can’t claim to know exactly why it’s been so popular. To me, not ignoring difficult situations isn’t a goal or ambition, but rather a necessary approach.

In essence, although both Wolf Hall and Rivals share the genre of historical drama and are adapted from books, they differ significantly in their themes and cast. Wolf Hall delves into the political intrigues surrounding Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor era, featuring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis in pivotal roles.

Simultaneously, the series “Rivals” features actors like David Tennant, Alex Hassell, and Aidan Turner, among others. The story revolves around a heated personal rivalry that escalates into a professional one, particularly set within the TV industry during the 1980s.

Both shows have received overwhelming praise from reviewers, and although Wolf Hall is poised to conclude following its second season since all three of Hilary Mantel’s novels have been adapted, enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating more of Rivals, as it concluded on a suspenseful note with unresolved plotlines.

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light comes to BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday 10th November. Rivals is available to stream now on Disney Plus.

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2024-11-10 14:33