A trio of new 'Sherlock' films coming to PBS in 2017

BEVERLY HILLS - A roundup of news from the Television Critics Association summer meeting, at which TV networks and streaming services are presenting details on upcoming programs.

___

THE GAME'S AFOOT, AGAIN

Send up three cheers: a trio of new "Sherlock" movies, with Benedict Cumberbatch back as the sleuth, will air on PBS' "Masterpiece" in early 2017.

"I can promise you, having seen the first one, you will be shocked," ''Masterpiece" executive producer Rebecca Eaton said Thursday. The air dates have yet to be set.

A production of the Tony-nominated play "King Charles III" also is coming, she said. The drama imagines that Prince Charles has ascended to the British throne and "everybody is there: Camilla, William, Kate and Harry," Eaton said, listing his close family members.

Tim Pigott-Smith, part of PBS' "The Jewel in the Crown" drama series, plays Charles. An air date was not announced.

Also new to "Masterpiece" is "Victoria," starring Jenna Coleman as the young Queen Victoria and set for 2017.

The second season of "Poldark," a remake of the 1970s drama series about a 19th-century swashbuckling hero (Aidan Turner) and his two loves (Eleanor Tomlinson, Heida Reed), returns Sept. 25.

___

'HAMILTON' CREATOR TURNS HOST

"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda will host PBS' fall arts festival, which will open with a behind-the-scenes look at the birth of his Broadway smash musical.

"Hamilton's America" will air Oct. 21 as part of PBS' "Great Performances" showcase, the public TV service said. The documentary details the creative process that resulted in the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning work.

PBS has a history with Miranda. In 2009, it aired a documentary about him and other cast members of his Tony winning musical "In the Heights."

Other shows that will be part of the Friday night festival, with air dates to be announced, include:

- The London revival of the musical "Gypsy," starring Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton ("Vera Drake").

- "Shakespeare Live! From the Royal Shakespeare Company," including appearances by Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren and Benedict Cumberbatch in a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's April birth and death.

- "Lang Lang's New York Rhapsody," a classical and pop music tribute to New York by pianist Lang, with guest stars Rufus Wainwright, Suzanne Vega, Regina Spektor and Andra Day.

- "Joshua Bell's Seasons of Cuba," with violinist Bell in performance with the Chamber Orchestra of Havana.

- "Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater," featuring a series of works from the company and presented as part of "Lincoln Center at the Movies."

- "Bill Murray: The Mark Twain Prize," a celebration of the actor and comedian as he becomes the 19th recipient of the American humor honor.

- "Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs," a cabaret performance from the Broadway and TV ("The Good Wife") actor.

___

PBS AND THE ABCs

"Spotlight Education," a week-long examination of American education that will include 11 films and documentaries, will air on PBS stations in September.

The programming initiative will include special editions of "Frontline, "Nova" and "PBS NewsHour" and will conclude with the fifth annual "American Graduation Day," which highlights individuals and organizations helping students stay on the path to graduation.

"One of the most important issues that has gone relatively unexamined in the political conversation is the state of our education system in America," PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said.

"Spotlight Education," airing Sept. 12-17 (check local listings) also is the kickoff for a year-long teacher support group named Teach Boldly and led by PBS and member stations nationwide, PBS said.