AV Content Update: Your Sizzling Summer Line-Up

This week as a heatwave sizzles across the UK, AV Media Executive Aneesah Khalid takes us through the standout shows making waves this summer—across both linear and streaming platforms—offering insights into what’s trending, who’s tuning in, and where the biggest opportunities lie for brands and audiences alike.

Here’s your essential guide to what’s lighting up linear and streaming platforms right now.

Maya Jama is back, and so is the drama. The UK’s favourite villa returns with Love Island Series 12, bringing 8 weeks of fiery romance, brand aspirations, and viral moments. Premiering exclusively on ITV2 this year, the launch episode clocked in at 1.1 million adult impacts (unconsolidated)—with a further 400K predicted from ITVX streaming once figures are final.

Despite a slight YOY dip, Love Island continues to dominate with younger audiences and remains ITV2’s crowning jewel. Incentivised CPMs are still available, making this a smart move for brands seeking Gen Z gold.

If you haven’t heard about Virgin Island, where have you been? This provocative new reality format burst onto Channel 4 in May and is smashing records. With 8M+ streams and a premiere episode nearing 2M views, it’s officially the top-performing commercial BVOD show for 16–34s in 2024.

Episode 6 alone captured an impressive 47% share of Ad1634s—a feat matched by only 7 other shows in the last five years. This is Channel 4’s best new linear launch for Ad1634 volume since 2022, and season 2 is already commissioned…

She’s bold, she’s brilliant—and she’s back. Olivia Attwood returns with a second season of The Price of Perfection, delving deeper into the science, psychology, and social media behind our collective pursuit of beauty.

With nearly 8 million streams across both seasons, this docu-series was ITVX’s biggest factual entertainment launch and continues to spark meaningful conversations. The new series explores themes from weight loss and skin care to male cosmetic trends and mummy makeovers.

📅 Catch new episodes Thursdays at 10pm on ITV2 or stream all episodes now on ITVX.

The wait is over. Squid Game returns for its final chapter, with Gi-Hun at his lowest and most dangerous turning point yet. As deadlier games unfold, alliances fracture and stakes skyrocket.

Expect massive streaming figures for the highly-anticipated finale. All six episodes drop at once—so make plans to binge or beware the spoilers.

🎥 [Watch the Trailer here]

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand with Ironheart, a new six-part series following Riri Williams—first introduced in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Back in Chicago, Riri battles dark tech forces and confronts her destiny as a new kind of hero.

The premiere launched with a triple-episode drop, setting the stage for high-impact viewing. Remaining episodes are on the horizon, and Marvel fans won’t want to miss a beat.

🎥 [Watch the Trailer here]