ART DETECTIVES: UKTV ACQUIRE UK PREMIERE OF CRIME DRAMA

UKTV has acquired the UK premiere of Art Detectives, the compelling new crime and artwork drama starring and executive produced by Stephen Moyer (True Blood, Sexy Beast).

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.

Art Detectives follows Mick and Shazia as they navigate a rich and colourful world driven by greed, obsession, lust and revenge. Throughout the season, the artfully astute detectives encounter a fake Vermeer, Viking gold, a rare Chinese vase and items rescued from the Titanic.

Mick navigates these demanding cases while managing a budding romance with museum curator Rosa (Sarah Alexander – Coupling, Green Wing) and the sudden reappearance of his charismatic father, Ron (Larry Lamb – Gavin & Stacey, EastEnders), who just happens to be one of Britain’s most notorious forgers.

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, said: “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,” said 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 is written by Dan Gaster, Will Ing, Paul Powell, Emma Goodwin (Ep 3) and Kitty Percy (Ep 4) and directed by Jennie Paddon. The series is executive produced by Gaster, Ing and Powell for Black Dog Television, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer for Acorn TV/Acorn Media Enterprises, Daniel March and Klaus Zimmerman for Dynamic Television and Stephen Moyer. Candida Julian-Jones produces. Art Detectives is an Acorn TV Original Series produced by Black Dog Television, Acorn Media Enterprises, Dynamic Television and Northern Ireland Screen. Dynamic Television is the worldwide distributor, and Acorn TV holds North American rights.

Literature professor Harriet "Harry" Wild (Jane Seymour) is adjusting to retirement when she's mugged. While recovering at the home of her son (Kevin Ryan), a detective in the Dublin police, Harry gleans a clue for his current case. But when she's rebuffed, Harry decides to solve the crime herself. Recruiting an unlikely young sidekick (Rohan Nedd), she finds a new path as a private investigator in Harry Wild.

Harry Wild is produced by Dynamic Television. Acorn Media Enterprises co-produces alongside ZDF. Season Five is created and written by David Logan, along with writer Jo Spain, and executive produced by Logan, Spain, Jane Seymour, Daniel March, Klaus Zimmermann, James Gibb, David McLoughlin, Catherine Mackin and Bea Tammer. Frank Seyberth and Claus Wunn executive produce for ZDF.

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.