THE APEX TIMES
ITV taps Jeff Pope and Lauren Cowell for drama exploring social media’s impact on children
The as-yet-untitled series, from Oscar-nominee Jeff Pope and Simon Cowell’s partner Lauren Cowell, will follow multiple families and campaigners, including Ellen Roome, as it examines alleged harm linked to social media use by minors.
ITV has greenlit an as-yet-untitled drama that will examine the “devastating” impact of social media on children, according to an exclusive report by Deadline published July 15, 2026.
The project pairs ITV with Oscar-nominated producer Jeff Pope, who is developing the series alongside Lauren Cowell, the partner of entertainment executive Simon Cowell. Deadline reports that the idea for the show came to ITV from Cowell.
Deadline says the drama will follow the story of multiple families and campaigners, indicating the production will move beyond a single household and instead depict how social media-related consequences can ripple through communities.
The report also identifies Ellen Roome as one of the campaigners whose perspective will be included. Deadline ties Roome to a belief connected to the alleged tragedy involving a child or children, describing it as a “tragic death” that Roome associates with the wider issue the series is set to explore.
ITV has not yet publicly detailed casting, episode count, production start date, or a release window for the new drama. Deadline characterizes the series as ongoing and still without a title, reflecting that development is at an early stage.
For viewers and families, the project arrives amid continuing public debate in the United Kingdom and elsewhere about how online platforms influence minors, including questions about content exposure, peer pressure, and the visibility of harmful material.
As the series moves from development toward production, additional information is likely to be released by ITV and the production team, including the final creative approach, the extent to which real-world campaign activity will be reflected on screen, and how the show will be handled in terms of distribution and ratings once a broadcaster confirms a schedule.
Why It Matters
- A major UK broadcaster is putting an issue centered on minors and online harm into a prime-time drama format, which could shape how audiences understand the risks and consequences discussed publicly.
- The series’ focus on multiple families and campaigners suggests the production may reflect a range of real-world viewpoints rather than a single-case narrative.
- Development timelines for new commissioned dramas can involve additional compliance and safeguarding considerations, especially when content relates to child welfare and sensitive real-life events.
- If ITV proceeds to commissioning and production, the program may influence ongoing policy and platform accountability debates by bringing public attention to campaign efforts through storytelling rather than legislation or hearings.
- For families, the show’s eventual ratings and content guidance will be relevant as broadcasters balance public interest with protections for younger viewers.
Key Facts
- ITV is developing an as-yet-untitled drama about the impact of social media on children, Deadline reported on July 15, 2026.
- The project is being developed with Oscar-nominee Jeff Pope.
- Deadline reports that Lauren Cowell, Simon Cowell’s partner, originated the idea for the drama that went to ITV.
- The series will follow multiple families and campaigners.
- Deadline includes Ellen Roome among the campaigners whose experiences will be featured and links her to the context of a “tragic death.”
- The report does not yet provide a confirmed title, cast, episode count, or release date.