Christina Ricci to star in "Yellowjackets"

Surviving pilot season: If you're a fan of survival-themed shows — think "Lost" or even "The Wilds" on Amazon — you'll probably be interested in a new Showtime drama that was recently handed a full series order.

From writers Ashley Lyle ("The Originals") and Bart Nickerson ("Dispatches From Elsewhere"), "Yellowjackets" is described as "equal parts survival epic, psychological horror story and coming-of-age drama." It's the saga of a high school team of female soccer players who survive a plane crash in the remote wilderness (reportedly set in Ontario, Canada), and consider yourself warned: don't expect it to be an inspiring tale of survival.

The series will chronicle the teens' descent into "Lord of the Flies"-esque chaos. It will also fast-forward 25 years into the future to track how the former teammates have attempted to piece their lives back together and put the past behind them.

New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey ("Castle Rock") was the first person cast last fall. Lynskey will play the grown-up version of survivor Shauna Sheridan, while the teen version will be played by Sophie Nélisse ("The Book Thief," 2013). Juliette Lewis ("Natural Born Killers," 1994) stars as the older and wiser Natalie who, as a teen (played by Sophie Thatcher, "Chicago Med"), seemed to be the unlikeliest member of the team due to her punk-rock spirit. Christina Ricci ("The Addams Family," 1991) and Sammi Hanratty ("Shameless") will play the adult and teen versions of Misty, the team's equipment manager, respectively.

"Yellowjackets" first came to Showtime's attention in 2018 and was picked up to pilot last year. It's reportedly on track to premiere later this year.

Out with a bang: "Peaky Blinders" is currently filming its sixth season, and while that's good news for fans, it looks like the BAFTA-winning BBC/Netflix series will bow out after that — at least, on TV.

The story of a crime family's rise to power in 1920s Birmingham, England, stars Cillian Murphy ("28 Days Later," 2002) as leader Tommy Shelby. Season 5 pulled in huge audiences for BBC One last summer and possibly the highest ratings for the series yet (Netflix doesn't provide detailed viewing data). And given that the season ended on a cliffhanger, anticipation is running high for the sixth — and now final — season.

"'Peaky' is back and with a bang," promised creator Steven Knight, while also announcing the series' end. "After the enforced production delay due to the COVID pandemic, we find the family in extreme jeopardy and the stakes have never been higher. We believe this will be the best series of all and are sure that our amazing fans will love it. While the TV series will be coming to an end, the story will continue in another form."

In an interview with Deadline, Knight continued to sow seeds of hope. "COVID changed our plans," Knight said, regarding the TV series. "But I can say that my plan from the beginning was to end 'Peaky' with a movie. That is what is going to happen."

It's worth noting that no movie plans have been formalized yet so, for now, all eyes are on the upcoming season. "Thank you to all the 'Peaky' fans who have been so unwaveringly supportive and patient," executive producer Caryn Mandabach said. "Steve's scripts are incredible and mark the end of an epic story that has entranced audiences since it first started in 2013, but the world of 'Peaky Blinders' will most definitely live on."

Saved by the views: The cast of "Saved by the Bell" is heading back to Bayside High — again.

Peacock's reimagining of the '90s NBC sitcom became an instant hit when it dropped on Nov. 25 last year. It's still the streamer's most-watched show and it garnered plenty of media attention, though some of it was for a controversial joke that was made at the expense of pop singer Selena Gomez.

Still, it makes sense for Peacock to bring this updated version back for a second season, which will consist of 10 episodes.

"I'm thrilled that 'Saved by the Bell' has been renewed," writer/executive producer Tracey Wigfield said. "I've been blown away by all the love for the show and can't wait to go back and make more episodes. Hopefully we stay on Peacock for many more seasons, and then in 30 years somebody does a reboot of our reboot and invents the threeboot."

"'Saved by the Bell' brought a fresh and modern take to the beloved original series that resonated with viewers of all ages," Lisa Katz, president of scripted content at NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, said. "Season 1 tackled topical, relevant issues with wit, heart, humor and just the right amount of nostalgia. And we look forward to bringing fans back to Bayside next season."

Part of the series' success is the way it managed to strike the right balance between familiar and fresh. Original cast members Elizabeth Berkeley Lauren (Jessie Spano) and Mario Lopez (A.C. Slater) reprised their roles, but this time around they're employees at the school (both also serve as executive producers), while Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen and Lark Voorhies put in guest appearances. But aside from a few (a lot) of nods to the original series, the updated version of "Saved by the Bell" largely centered on the new class and the topics of today, including racism, class divide and inclusion. And that's exactly what fans, critics and even network executives are hoping to see more of in Season 2.