TCA: BBC America, AMC To Develop Scripted Series

BBC America will air two new scripted series co-produced by BBC Worldwide and AMC Networks, the network announced during its Television Critics Association tour session Friday. AMC Networks paid $200 million last year to buy 49.9% of BBC America (BBC Worldwide retains the rest) and has operational control of the network.

The two shows include Undercover, a six part limited series from writer Peter Moffat that stars Sophie Okonedo (Criminal Justice) who is about to become the first black woman to hold the highest ranking public prosecutor role in England, and Thirteen, a five-part mystery thriller from writer Marnie Dickens which follows the life of a woman on the day she escapes from the cellar that had been her prison for the last 13 years.

“The BBC is a creative powerhouse and we’re delighted to partner with them on these provocative contemporary stories,” said Sarah Barnett, president and general manager for BBC America. “Peter Moffat is one of the UK’s most vibrant and acclaimed screenwriters, while new talent Marnie Dickens brings a singular voice and perspective to her first original series. We can’t wait to launch these shows on the network.”

The network also unveiled a scripted programming slate that includes Dirk Gently, an adaptation of Douglas Adams’ comic novel, Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency; Moths, which follows a young American woman immersed in a Tokyo’s Shibuya subculture scene; The Greater Good, which follows a fictional survivor of the Jonestown massacre; an untitled projects from filmmakers Sebastian Silva, Anders August and Anna Winger.

 “The scripted TV explosion in recent years has affirmed over and over that strong visionaries are the heart of creative and commercial success,” Barnett said. “At BBC America we’re doubling down on extraordinary creator-led projects.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.