ITV has unveiled details of its new male-orientated ITV4 channel, which will launch on all digital platforms on 1 Nov. The new channel's schedules will feature predominantly US crime, reality and talk shows, plus films and sport. Among the imports will be a remake of classic detective series Kojak, starring Ving Rhames in the title role, a show called Wanted, described by one critic as "CSI on acid", and the UK premiere of a mini series based on the film Traffic. There will also be a reality show called 'Invasion Iowa' in which William Shatner attempts to hoax an entire town, and The Assistant, a spoof version of The Apprentice previously shown on MTV.
Confirming the launch line up for the channel, ITV4 editor Stephen Arnell told reporters: "ITV brings a whole new dimension to the ITV family of channels, premiering brand new US shows and premium UK sporting events as well as quality movies and great comedy. ITV4 is set to follow in the footsteps of ITV2 and ITV3 as a successful addition to the ITV family of channels."
As previously reported, ITV2 will become increasingly female orientated after the launch of the fourth channel.