Discovery Takes Investigation Channel Abroad

Discovery Networks International Thursday said it will launch its Investigation Discovery channel in the United Kingdom on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

A division of Discovery Communications, Discovery Networks International hopes to copycat the success of the U.S. version of Investigation Discovery, which debuted in January 2008, with a 24-hour channel dedicated to “fact-based storytelling to provide in-depth analysis of investigations along with first-hand testimony from the experts who uncover the evidence, methods and motives,” network officials said.

Investigation Discovery in the U.S. is the fastest-growing network among women 25-54 with series including Call 911, Dateline On ID, Solved and Extreme Forensics.

“International consumer interest in investigative programming is robust and growing,” Greg Ricca, president and CEO of Discovery Networks International, said in a statement. “Investigation Discovery will strengthen our best-in-class portfolio of international networks by engaging new audiences with intriguing, quality content that only Discovery can provide with credibility and remarkable storytelling.”

Investigation Discovery’s U.K. programming lineup kicks off on Jan. 20 with original content including the new series Serial Killers. The nine-part series uses police video material, archive news footage, dramatic reconstructions and interviews to tell the stories behind some of the world’s most infamous killers, including the Yorkshire Ripper, Dennis Nilsen, Steven Wright, Aileen Wuornos and Alexander Pichushkin—the Chessboard Killer.

Other series in the works include Deadly Women, Crime Museum UK With Martin Kemp and the feature documentary, Gold Diggers: World’s Biggest Bank Robbery.