Honey, the darkly comedic Cold War thriller from Sid Gentle Films, will have its world premiere at MIPCOM Cannes, the market and global film and TV studio FIFTH SEASON announced on September 15. The series is the latest world premiere confirmed for the event’s 2026 edition, which organizers bill as the world’s largest market for television and streaming content. Sid Gentle Films Ltd, part of BBC Studios, made Honey for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and ZDF in association with FIFTH SEASON, which will handle global distribution.
Ann Skelly and Emma Moran to Attend Q&A Following October 12 Screening
The world premiere will be held on Monday 12 October at 18.00 in the Grand Auditorium. Open to registered delegates, the screening will offer international buyers the first look at the new BBC and ZDF series that goes deep undercover in 1980s East Berlin to explore a shadowy world of counterespionage and risky but irresistible relations. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with actor Ann Skelly (The Nevers, The Wheel of Time); Sally Woodward Gentle, Executive Producer at Sid Gentle Films; Emma Moran, Lead Writer and Executive Producer; and Jennifer Ebell, Executive Vice President, Television Distribution, FIFTH SEASON. Honey is a smart, deadly but irresistible Cold War tale of an MI6 agent drawn into a dangerous love triangle. Martha (pronounced Marta), 24, is a deep cover agent for MI6 in East Berlin, 1982, where she explores a shadowy world of counterespionage and finds herself blindsided by desire in a Cold War ménage-à-trois. The cast of Honey is led by Ann Skelly (House of Guinness, The Nevers), Nate Mann (Masters of the Air, ‘Licorice Pizza’), Jannis Niewöhner (‘Munich: The Edge of War’, ‘Napoleon’), and Rory Kinnear (The Diplomat, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power).
The series runs six episodes of 60 minutes each. Emma Moran is lead writer, working alongside writer Emme Hoy, and Toby MacDonald and Michelle Savill direct. Christopher Hall produces, while Moran also executive produces with Sally Woodward Gentle and Lee Morris.
Jennifer Ebell, EVP of Television Distribution at FIFTH SEASON, said:
“Honey has everything you want from a great series; a completely original voice, brilliant characters, sharp wit and real emotional depth, all wrapped up in a Cold War story that keeps you guessing. Emma, Sally and the team have created something that feels genuinely fresh and surprising. It’s smart, funny and incredibly hard to resist, and I’m confident audiences around the world will fall for it. We’re delighted to premiere Honey at MIPCOM and bring this exceptional series to the international market.”
Lucy Smith, Director of MIPCOM CANNES and MIPJUNIOR, added:
“We couldn’t be more delighted to welcome Honey to Cannes for its world premiere. It’s smart, surprising and hugely entertaining, with an exceptional creative team and calibre of talent behind it. Bringing the international industry together to discover standout new series is at the heart of MIPCOM, and we’re thrilled that Honey will be one of those special moments this October.”
The world premiere screening of Honey is open to all registered MIPCOM CANNES delegates.
Read more: YouTube and Merzigo Team Up for MIPCOM 2026
