UKTV has acquired the UK premiere of Art Detectives, the new crime and artwork drama starring and executive produced by Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast). The series will launch exclusively on UKTV’s streaming service U and free-to-air drama channel, U&DRAMA, following a deal with Dynamic Television.
Art Detectives (6 x 45’), which became Acorn TV’s most-watched series premiere of all time when it launched in North America this June, is centred around the Heritage Crime Unit, a police department consisting of art-loving DI Mick Palmer (Moyer) and straight-talking DC Shazia Malik (Nina Singh – Virdee, The Lazarus Project). Together, they solve murders connected to the world of art and antiques, from Old Master paintings to Banksy street art, medieval manuscripts and collectible vinyl.
The agreement between UKTV and Dynamic Television will also bring seasons 1 – 4 of Acorn TV’s hit Irish mystery series Harry Wild (30 x 45’), starring Jane Seymour (The Kominsky Method, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) as the titular amateur detective, to U and U&DRAMA for the first time including the free-to-air UK premiere of seasons 3 and 4. The current season of Harry Wild ranks among Acorn TV’s Top 10 most watched seasons of all time, and the series was recently renewed for a fifth season, currently in production in Dublin, Ireland.
Steve North, Chief Programming Officer, UKTV, commented: “Art Detectives has been a breakout success with US audiences and critics since its debut on Acorn TV this summer, and we’re thrilled to be bringing the UK premiere to U and U&DRAMA. It’s exactly the kind of intelligent, engaging drama – combining mystery, history and human stories – that we know our audiences will embrace.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with UKTV to bring Art Detectives to audiences in the UK,” added Dan March, Managing Partner, Dynamic Television. “The series combines gripping mysteries with the fascinating world of art and history, anchored by standout performances from Stephen Moyer and the cast. We’re also delighted that UKTV’s viewers will be able to enjoy Harry Wild, which has become a global fan favorite led by the incomparable Jane Seymour.”
The deal was negotiated by UKTV and BBC Studios’ Global Acquisitions Manager, Imogen Keen, overseen by Senior Global Acquisitions Manager, Sophie Judge, alongside Managing Partner, Dan March for Dynamic TV, and also secures the premieres of Art Detectives and Harry Wild season 5 for SVoD drama channel BBC First and multi-genre SVoD service BBC Player in Asia, BBC First in Belgium & BBC NL in the Netherlands, and BBC First in Poland & Central and Eastern Europe.
Art Detectives and Harry Wild will both be available on U and U&DRAMA in October.
