Much-loved UK shows will continue to be shown on Australian TV with BBC Studios and the ABC renewing their long-standing partnership.
The deal is a substantial multi-year agreement across a range of key titles in drama, comedy, children’s and entertainment, and will provide Australian audiences with many of the best-loved shows from the UK across ABC channels and streaming service ABC iview.
Premieres of popular returning shows, including the third and fourth series of Alan Carr’s “Changing Ends” and forthcoming stand-up showcase “Live At the Apollo”, will return to the ABC. A number of children’s shows will get a first-run for the first time including “Hey Duggee”, “Andy’s Global Adventures” featuring popular British kids presenter Andy Day, as well as the new series of “Supertato”, “Deadly 60” and “Horrible Histories”.
The deal also ensures the ABC retains access to the second-run of popular British series such as “Death in Paradise”, “Beyond Paradise”, “Call The Midwife”, “Silent Witness”, “Father Brown”, “Antiques Roadshow” and “The Cleaner”.
In addition, the ABC will premiere the sixth season of popular cold case crime series “Unforgotten” and the second series of the Nottinghamshire-based crime drama “Sherwood”. The broadcaster is also premiering the ground-breaking re-imagining of the iconic “Walking With Dinosaurs” in Australia. This series will take viewers on a unique journey back through time, combining the latest science with state-of-the-art visual effects to tell the dramatic stories of six individual dinosaurs.
“I’m thrilled that ABC audiences of all ages will be treated to a great line-up of continuing favourites and thrilling new launches such as the highly anticipated “Walking with Dinosaurs” series,” ABC’s Head of Acquisitions Dallas Krueger said. “This deal between the ABC and BBC Studios reflects our long-standing collaboration and I look forward to achieving more success together.”
BBC’s Director of Content Partnerships and Sales Deborah Tod said the broadcaster was “proud to have such a long-standing partnership with the ABC, founded on our common public service sensibilities, that has helped drive the growth of both our businesses over many years.”
“Our relationship has evolved as the industry changes, but what has remained unchanged is how our content continues to resonate with Australian audiences.”