culture and entertainment - In a significant move that underscores the growing international appetite for British period dramas, BritBox has acquired the North American streaming rights to 'The Hardacres', the breakthrough serie...
s that made history as Channel 5's most successful new weekly drama launch in October 2024.
The acquisition, negotiated by Banijay Rights' Executive VP Matt Creasey, encompasses both seasons of the acclaimed series, with the first season scheduled to premiere on September 10 in the United States and Canada. This deal represents a major expansion of BritBox's premium content portfolio and further cements its position as the leading streaming platform for British entertainment in North America.
Set against the backdrop of 1890s Yorkshire, 'The Hardacres' tells the compelling story of a working-class family's extraordinary journey from the gritty reality of fish docks to the grand halls of a Yorkshire estate. The series, inspired by C.L. Skelton's novel, explores universal themes of social mobility, family dynamics, and the age-old question of whether wealth can truly buy happiness.
The stellar ensemble cast features Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon as the central couple Mary and Sam Hardacre, with veteran actress Julie Graham portraying Mary's mother. The younger generation is represented by Adam Little, Shannon Lavelle, and Zak Ford-Williams, bringing fresh energy to this intergenerational saga.
The production team brings together some of the industry's most respected names, including executive producers Colin Callender and David Stern from Playground, known for hits like 'All Creatures Great and Small.' The series is a collaborative effort between Playground, Screen Ireland, and Red Berry Productions, demonstrating the increasing trend of international co-productions in premium television.
Channel 5's recent renewal for a second season signals strong confidence in the series' continuing appeal. The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the family's attempts to reshape their new world from their base at Hardacre Hall, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and social transformation in Victorian-era Britain.
The acquisition, negotiated by Banijay Rights' Executive VP Matt Creasey, encompasses both seasons of the acclaimed series, with the first season scheduled to premiere on September 10 in the United States and Canada. This deal represents a major expansion of BritBox's premium content portfolio and further cements its position as the leading streaming platform for British entertainment in North America.
Set against the backdrop of 1890s Yorkshire, 'The Hardacres' tells the compelling story of a working-class family's extraordinary journey from the gritty reality of fish docks to the grand halls of a Yorkshire estate. The series, inspired by C.L. Skelton's novel, explores universal themes of social mobility, family dynamics, and the age-old question of whether wealth can truly buy happiness.
The stellar ensemble cast features Claire Cooper and Liam McMahon as the central couple Mary and Sam Hardacre, with veteran actress Julie Graham portraying Mary's mother. The younger generation is represented by Adam Little, Shannon Lavelle, and Zak Ford-Williams, bringing fresh energy to this intergenerational saga.
The production team brings together some of the industry's most respected names, including executive producers Colin Callender and David Stern from Playground, known for hits like 'All Creatures Great and Small.' The series is a collaborative effort between Playground, Screen Ireland, and Red Berry Productions, demonstrating the increasing trend of international co-productions in premium television.
Channel 5's recent renewal for a second season signals strong confidence in the series' continuing appeal. The upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the family's attempts to reshape their new world from their base at Hardacre Hall, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and social transformation in Victorian-era Britain.