Deal Also Includes Six Seasons of Death in Paradise
Los Angeles, CA: Ovation TV, America’s only arts network, has signed a deal with BBC Studios for non-exclusive linear rights of two beloved detective series: the Idris Elba-led series Luther (16 x 60’) and fish-out-of-water series Death in Paradise (48 x 60’). The deal, which provides Ovation with a deep library of premium scripted programming, covers four seasons of Luther and six seasons of Death in Paradise. Both titles will be available to Ovation viewers in Q4 2020.
“With their consistent offering of high-quality programming, Ovation is always happy to partner with BBC Studios on acquisitions,” stated Scott Woodward, EVP of Programming and Production, Ovation TV. “Luther and Death in Paradise are two standout titles that will fit in perfectly with our other premium mystery programming like Riviera and Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime.”
Idris Elba stars as maverick detective Luther in this gripping, smart and entertaining thriller. A detective working for London’s Serious Crime Unit, John Luther is a dedicated policeman, an inspired maker of connections and a whirlwind genius. He is dazzling, obsessive and sometimes dangerous in the violence of his fixations. Throughout the series, Luther faces a succession of psychological duels between hunter and hunted, predator and prey. But as the stakes get ever higher and more personal, Luther’s lonely path pulls him towards the very edge of temptation. Luther is a BBC Studios and BBC America co-production for the BBC and distributed internationally by BBC Studios.
Death in Paradise follows Richard Poole (Ben Miller), a detective inspector in the UK Police, as he is transferred to the fictional Caribbean island Saint-Marie’s police department; however, he hates the sun, sea and sand. The series follow his investigations into murders on the island. Kris Marshall joins the series as detective Humphrey Goodman in seasons 3-6; Ardal O’Hanlon joins as Jack Mooney in season 6. Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC and distributed internationally by BBC Studios. Produced with the support of the Guadeloupe Regional Council.
For more information about Ovation TV, visit https://ovationtv.com.
About OVATION TV America’s Only Arts Network
As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically-acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Murdoch Mysteries, Riviera, Frankie Drake Mysteries, The Wine Show, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Versailles, Grand Designs, Amazing Hotels, Chasing the Sun, and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. In 2019, Ovation became the official home for the 18-time Emmy nominated series Inside the Actors Studio, a symbiotic partnership with The Actors Studio that explores the craft and art of acting and storytelling. Ovation also powers JOURNY, the dedicated streaming service where art, culture, and travel intersect. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 60 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art’s positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV/AT&T U-verse, SPECTRUM, Verizon FiOS, as well as on demand. You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, OvationTV.com, and through our App, OVATION NOW.
About BBC Studios
BBC Studios, a global content company with British creativity at its heart, is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC. Formed in April 2018 by the merger of BBC Worldwide and BBC Studios, it spans content financing, development, production, sales, branded services, and ancillaries. BBC Studios’ award-winning British programs are internationally recognized across a broad range of genres and specialties. It has offices in 22 markets globally, including seven production bases in the UK and production bases and partnerships in a further nine countries around the world. The company, which makes over 2,500 hours of content a year, is a champion for British creativity around the world and a committed partner for the UK’s independent sector.
In the Americas, BBC Studios’ operates two production units – one in Los Angeles, responsible for ratings juggernaut and Emmy®-nominated Dancing with the Stars and multi-award-winning Life Below Zero, and the other in Brazil, where local productions Dancing Brasil and Bake Off Brasil have become breakout hits. The company manages joint venture relationships with AMC Networks for flagship channel BBC AMERICA (U.S.) – home of original series Killing Eve and global brands Dynasties, Doctor Who, and Top Gear – and with ITV for SVoD service BritBox (U.S./Canada), as well as strategic partnerships in Canada with Blue Ant Media for BBC Earth Channel and Corus for BBC Canada. The company also boasts a franchise management business and a robust linear and digital content sales and co-productions operation.