Boxed

The BBC and ITV have finally announced a subscription-based streaming service for the USA, to be called Britbox. We won't be told the price until closer to the launch, in the first three months of next year.

AMC Networks, who are partners with the BBC in BBC America, are taking a minority non-voting share in the business; they've already put big money into Acorn TV, which since 2011 has been offering a range of UK-made programmes for $4.99 a month, or $49.99 for a year.

Britbox promises "an array of drama premieres" and box-set premieres of Cold Feet and Silent Witness. The "Now" category will offer soaps and series 24 hours after their UK broadcast, including EastEnders, Emmerdale and Holby City - all spurned by BBC America. The "Classics" will feature Brideshead Revisited, Pride and Prejudice, Inspector Morse, Rosemary and Thyme, Keeping Up Appearances and Fawlty Towers and more.