It is set to be a tumultuous week in television, with British soaps delivering high-stakes drama ranging from double murder charges to devastating health diagnoses. While viewers of the major terrestrial serials brace for impact, the streaming landscape is also shifting, with a significant content expansion announced by waipu.tv in partnership with Sony Pictures.

Crisis in the Village

In Emmerdale, the Dales are about to be thrown into disarray as Moira and Cain Dingle face a public nightmare. The couple are left stunned when they are arrested for murder in full view of their children, a spectacle that sends shockwaves through the community. The gravity of the situation intensifies when DS Walsh confirms that one of the bodies discovered is that of Celia.

While Cain is eventually released without charge, the reprieve is short-lived for the family. A fresh discovery leads authorities to charge Moira with the murders of both Celia and Anya, leaving her facing a grim future. For Cain, however, the turmoil is not confined to the police station. Following a consultation regarding his recent health concerns, he receives a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The consultant recommends a radical prostatectomy, news that leaves Cain reeling. In a daze, he flees the appointment and, unable to process his vulnerability, lashes out at those around him. His anger is misdirected at Liam and Sarah, a reaction that ultimately leaves him isolated and battling his demons alone during one of the darkest periods of his life.

Turmoil on the Cobbles and Albert Square

Elsewhere in soapland, the tension is equally palpable. Coronation Street sees Kevin Webster spiralling out of control, while Debbie Webster faces a court appearance that precipitates a major confession to a fellow resident. The drama doesn’t end there, as Bernie Winter and Todd Grimshaw are both harbouring secrets, and Carl’s thirst for revenge threatens to boil over.

In Walford, EastEnders introduces friction in the form of newcomer Bea, who is set to cause significant trouble for Honey. The residents are also bracing for a bombshell revelation, while Patrick Trueman is left struggling to cope in the emotional fallout of Anthony’s death. Meanwhile, Hollyoaks sees multiple characters reaching their breaking point as they search for answers, and Home and Away bids farewell to one character while a former couple are left in conflict.

Sony Partners with waipu.tv for Massive Expansion

Away from the immediate fictional drama, there is significant news on the business side of the entertainment industry. Streaming provider waipu.tv has secured a fresh content partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment Germany, resulting in the immediate launch of three new linear channels: Retro Serien, Series Universe, and Movie Universe.

This collaboration brings a substantial injection of content to the platform, comprising over 250 films and 30 series spanning more than 100 seasons from the vast Sony Pictures catalogue.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

For those with a penchant for nostalgia, the ‘Retro Serien’ channel is likely to be a highlight. The programming schedule features 1960s sitcom classics such as Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, alongside 1970s cult favourites like Charlie’s Angels and The Partridge Family. The channel also caters to fans of 90s television, offering the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, the Pamela Anderson action vehicle V.I.P., and the cult comedy Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.

For viewers seeking more contemporary storytelling, the ‘Series Universe’ channel focuses on modern crime, action, and drama. The line-up includes acclaimed titles such as Justified, The Shield, Masters of Sex, Damages, and Absentia, ensuring a robust selection of prestige television.

Finally, as the name suggests, ‘Movie Universe’ provides access to over 250 film classics from the Sony archive, ranging from high-octane action to family entertainment. All three channels are available immediately to waipu.tv customers. In addition to the linear streams, the content is accessible on-demand via the ‘waiputhek’, allowing flexible viewing on TVs or wireless devices via the platform’s app.