HBO seems to be doubling down on its support for highly controversial authorJ.K. Rowling, who continues tospreading anti-trans rhetoric. Unfortunately, her controversial nature is not enough to deter Hollywood corporations from continuing their partnerships with her. HBO hasdebuted the first trailer for the upcoming sixth seasonof the crime drama seriesC.B. Strike, in addition to revealing its premiere date. The show is based on Rowling’s “Cormoran Strike” detective novels, which she writes under the male psudonymRobert Galbraith.
Thefour-episode serieswill debut on January 23on HBO and Max. The latest season is based on Galbraith’s 2022 novelThe Ink Black Heartand features a returningTom Burkein the titular role of the burly private investigator, andHolliday Graingeras his assistant and business partner, Robin Elacott. The minute-long trailer introduces the new mystery that Strike and Robin attempt to solve while navigating their personal relationship. As per the new season’s official logline, “Strike and Robin are hired to investigate a murder involving a creator of a cult TV cartoonand an anonymous online troll known as ‘Anomie.’ With a complex web of online aliases, business interests and family conflicts to navigate, our heroic pair find themselves in a case that stretches them to their limit with the threat of this mysterious killer around every corner.”
All four episodes of the sixth season were directed bySue Tullyand were written byTom Edge. A co-production with the BBC, the new season debuted in the United Kingdom in December tomixed reviews. On the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes,The Ink Black Heartholds a borderline “fresh” 60% rating.Six of the seven Strike novels have now been adapted for television. The series began in 2017 in the U.K., with a three-episode adaptation ofThe Cuckoo’s Calling. This was followed byThe Silkwormlater that same year,Career of Evilin 2018,Lethal Whitein 2020, andTroubled Bloodin 2022.
Watch the Season 6 Trailer for ‘C.B. Strike’ Here
HBO and the BBC previously partnered in 2015 on an adaptation of Rowling’s standalone novelThe Casual Vacancy. In addition to that, HBO is currentlyputting togethera hugely anticipated seven-season adaptationof the Harry Potter books. The bestselling fantasy series was previously adapted into a blockbuster eight-film franchise, which spawned three spin-off movies. There has beencontroversy surrounding Rowling’scontinued involvement in the show, with protests from a large section of the fans.
The Harry Potter series is expected to debut in 2026, butC.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heartwill premiere on January 23. Previous episodes are available to stream on Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
C.B. Strike
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