Netflix has today given series orders to the original drama The English Game from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and original comedy Turn Up Charlie starring Luther's Idris Elba.
The English Game details the invention of modern soccer from a rudimentary game that grew across class lines into the world's most popular sport with 240 million active players around the world.
Julian Fellowes is writing and executive producing the drama. 42 Productions produces in association with Netflix.
The first season will include six episodes.
Turn Up Charlie will star Elba as Charlie, a struggling DJ and eternal bachelor who is given a final chance at success when he reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friend's problem-child daughter.
Laura Neal, Femi Oyeniran and Victoria Asare-Archer created the comedy. They executive produce with Elba, Gary Reich and Tristram Shapeero. Martin Joyce and Ana Garanito will co-executive produce, while Gil Isles is a producer. Shapeero and Matt Lipsey will direct. Brown Eyed Boy Productions and Green Door Pictures produce.
Production on the eight episode first season will begin in May in the U.K.
