BBC Two Programming to Spotlight Cold War

LONDON: BBC Two’s new lineup includes a number of scripted and unscripted titles focused on the Cold War and its effects on Britain.

Headlining the slate is Legacy, which follows the life of a young spy during the conflict in 1970s London. The 90-minute thriller, based on Alan Judd’s book, is produced by Slim Film + Television. It is being globally distributed by BBC Worldwide.

Other Cold War-themed programming to air on the network includes Strange Days, a three-part factual series hosted by Dominic Sandbrook; The Silent War, which is about the underwater battles between the U.S., U.K. and Soviet submarines; Jets in the Cold War, revolved around the impact of the jet engine; and The Secret Life of Uri Geller, a documentary on the controversial paranormal expert who worked secretly as a psychic spy.

Writer and executive producer Paula Milne remarked: "Legacy falls well within the genre of the British spy thriller but has an extraordinary personal twist to it which made it really irresistible for me. For what is espionage if not betrayal at the most fundamental level of human interactions? When that occurs within a family… it’s dynamite!"

BBC Two controller Janice Hadlow added: "BBC Two enjoys taking a fresh look at important moments in history and the Cold War is ripe for a reappraisal. I’m thrilled that talent of the calibre of Paula Milne and Dominic Sandbrook are leading a collection of programs that will reinvigorate the Cold War genre for a new generation."