MAIGRET: UKTV ACQUIRES REBOOT OF CLASSIC FRENCH DETECTIVE DRAMA

UKTV has acquired the UK premiere rights to both Series 1 and Series 2 of the reboot of classic French detective Maigret (12 x 45') for its free streaming service U and linear channel U&DRAMA as part of a wider 114-hour content deal with Banijay Rights.

Based on Georges Simenon's iconic detective and produced by Playground, Maigret reimagines Chief Inspector Jules Maigret for a contemporary audience. Starring Benjamin Wainwright as Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, Stefanie Martini as Madame Louise Maigret and Blake Harrison as Joseph Torrence, the adaptation reinvents one of the world's most recognisable crime brands for UK viewers in this latest adaptation.

The deal forms part of a 114-hour package agreement between UKTV and Banijay Rights and also includes the territory premiere of the second season of A Remarkable Place to Die (12 x 45’), from Screentime New Zealand, a Banijay Entertainment label, in co-production with ZDF and Real Film Berlin, alongside a selection of factual and library titles.

Karin Marelle, Global Head of Acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios, said: “Maigret is one of the most recognisable detective brands in the world, so we are delighted to be bringing this brand-new adaptation to viewers on U and U&DRAMA.  Alongside the return of A Remarkable Place to Die and a range of high-quality factual titles, this deal reflects our continued commitment to acquiring distinctive and compelling content for our audiences.”

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, who led on the acquisition of the series for Banijay Rights, said: “We are thrilled to partner with U and U&DRAMA to bring Maigret to the UK. The series combines gripping mysteries and rich character storytelling all centred around one of crime fiction’s most iconic and enduring detectives.  We couldn't think of a better or more natural home for the UK premiere and look forward to introducing viewers to this series.”

Series 1 of Maigret premieres on U and U&DRAMA in December and Series 2 will follow in 2027. In series 1, Chief Inspector Maigret and his team of maverick but loyal detectives, Les Maigrets, solve a series of complex crimes in Paris. Maigret’s unconventional methods and unique sense of justice put him at odds with his superiors and the judicial system he is supposed to represent.  Maigret must outwit some of Paris’s most cunning and violent criminals, while dealing with his own troubled past.

Additional titles included in the wider package comprise A Remarkable Place to Die Series 2 (set to TX in November) and Agatha & The Midnight Murders, Ambulance (Series 12 and 13), Lost and Found in the Lakes, Saving Lives at Sea (Series 9 and 10) and Tribe with Bruce Parry joining U over the coming months.