Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Bergerac is reimagined by BlackLight TV in a brand-new series for UKTV's free streaming service UKTV Play and free-to-air channel Drama

12/04/2024

Detective Jim Bergerac will be returning to the iconic setting of Jersey, as UKTV announces the commission of a re-imagined series of Bergerac (6x60) for free streaming service UKTV Play and free-to-air channel Drama.

The six-part UKTV Original series is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, and written by Toby Whithouse (The Red King, Being Human), alongside Brian Fillis (Trust, Sirens), Catherine Tregenna (The One That Got Away, Three Pines) and Polly Buckle (Love Rat, A Discovery of Witches). Filming will begin this summer, with locations including the Channel Island of Jersey. Casting to be announced in the coming months. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution for the series.

Its a rare honour to bring back a show as beloved and iconic as Bergerac

Toby Whithouse said: "Its a rare honour to bring back a show as beloved and iconic as Bergerac. Our mission was always to respect the shows history and legacy, while making it impactful and relevant for a modern-day audience. Well be bringing back other beloved supporting characters, as well as introducing new friends and foes. Just like his predecessor, our Bergerac is complex, driven, brilliant and flawed."

Bergerac will be based on the original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which starred John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. The modern re-imagining will honour the iconic detective drama, but with a contemporary twist, as Bergerac is thrown into a knotty, high-stakes police investigation and challenged to his very core. He will be forced to confront his demons, while trying to save his family and career.

Unlike the original hit from the 80s, the new series will see one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode.

Bergerac has been commissioned by Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning for UKTV, and ordered by Paula Fitzgerald, head of digital content for UKTV Play, and Emma Ayech, channel director for Drama. Executive producers for BlackLight TV are Ben Bickerton, Philip Trethowan and Toby Whithouse. Brian Constantine is executive producer for Westward Studios. Helen Perry, head of drama, will be executive producer for UKTV.

Paula Fitzgerald added: "Its an incredibly exciting time for UKTV Play, as we gear up for the launch of our masterbrand U in the summer. Drama content is a key driver for audiences of our free streaming service, so I cant wait to add this brilliant new series to our content offering."

Hilary Rosen said: "We are delighted to be working with BlackLight TV and Banijay on this re-imagining of a much-loved classic British drama. There is a keen appetite for UKTV Original dramas, as seen by the stellar performance of The Marlow Murder Club, and Bergerac will help us to build off the back of such a successful start to our commissioning journey for Drama and UKTV Play."

Emma Ayech said: "The Marlow Murder Club, our first UKTV Original commission for Drama, has been incredibly well received by our audience so Im looking forward to adding this brilliant new series to our offering."

BlackLight TV commented: "We are thrilled to be working with UKTV to bring Jim Bergerac back to the small screen where he belongs. Toby Whithouse has created a propulsive contemporary crime story that delves into Bergeracs rich and complex character, and will keep audiences guessing until the end. Were sure it will delight old and new fans alike."

Bergerac is a brand-new UKTV Original commission and will stream for free on UKTV Play and air on Drama in 2025. Other original series include the TV adaptation of Robert Thorogoods hit novel, The Marlow Murder Club, starring Samantha Bond, Jo Martin, Cara Horgan and Natalie Dew, which has become Dramas best performing title of all time, reaching over 1.9million viewers since its launch earlier this month.

UKTV will launch U - a new masterbrand, which will unite its family of free-to-air channels and its free streaming service this Summer. UKTV Play will transition to U and UKTVs free-to-air channels will become U&DAVE, U&DRAMA, U&YESTERDAY and U&W.

For more information, please contact:Kelly Phelps, Publicity Manager, UKTV

About UKTV Play

UKTV Play is an on-demand TV service providing instant access to shows from UKTVs free-to-air channels - Dave, W, Yesterday and Drama. With the easy-to-use UKTV Play app you can browse and stream hundreds of shows for free via your computer, tablet or smart phone. You can also watch on the telly thanks to Freeview Play, Amazon Fire TV, YouView, Samsung TV, Apple TV, Freesat, NOW and Roku.

If youre a Sky, Virgin Media or BT TV customer, shows from other great UKTV channels - Gold, W, Alibi, and Eden - are also on the menu.

uktvplay.co.uk | Ways to Watch

About Drama

Sky 143, Virgin Media 130, Freeview 20, Freesat 158 +1 Sky 243, Virgin Media 226, Freeview, 60

On demand on Sky, Virgin Media & UKTV Play

Free-to-air channel Drama is passionate about bringing Britain the best quality drama. From period to contemporary, family to comedy, the channel is a treasure trove of well-loved classics and modern drama which showcases the greatest stories ever told. With programmes including familiar favourites Call the Midwife, Pride and Prejudice, New Tricks and Silent Witness, and brand new and exclusive hits Sister Boniface Mysteries and The Brokenwood Mysteries, this is the channel where viewers can escape and indulge in a handpicked range of the nations most celebrated TV dramas.

About UKTV

UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands - Dave, Gold, W, Drama, Alibi, Eden and Yesterday - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to audiences through UKTV Play, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk, YouView
LINK: https://corporate.uktv.co.uk/news/article/bergerac-reimagined-blacklig...
See more stories from uktv

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...

06/09/2026

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

14/07/2026

Bowling Green State Upgrades Doyt Perry Stadium With New Daktronics LED Display

South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...

14/07/2026

Mizzou Athletics Launches Connected Digital Platform

Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...

14/07/2026

DePaul Athletics, Playfly Sports Agree to Multimedia Rights Partnership

Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...

14/07/2026

American Association Expands Broadcast Reach Through FanDuel Sports Network Partnership

Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...

14/07/2026

Euroleague Basketball Introduces Euroleague Basketball+ Digital Ecosystem Initiative

New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...

14/07/2026

Professional Fighters League, ESPN Reach Multi-Year Media Rights Deal for Brazil

ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...

14/07/2026

TEGNA Names Scott Gill VP of Technology and Operations

Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...

14/07/2026

Guest Post: Dynamic Media Facilities Could Reshape the Future of Broadcast Workflows

Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA) As broadcasters con...

14/07/2026

Bayerischer Rundfunk Debuts Fully Software-Defined SMPTE ST 2110 Radio OB Van Built Around Lawo Technology

Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...

14/07/2026

Scripps Sports, ION Secure U.S. Rights to 2027 FIVB Womens Volleyball World Cup

Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...

14/07/2026

FloSports Lands Exclusive U.S. Rights to IIHF Mens World Championship Beginning in 2027

FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...

14/07/2026

Minnesota Lynx Add Three Games to KARE 11s Over-the-Air Schedule

Victory+ telecasts to be simulcast on TEGNA-owned station, expanding free local distribution...

14/07/2026

Avalanche Tones debut with Chainsaw Suite

Plug-ins for heavy music Avalanche Tones is the brainchild of Ava Toton, a 17-year-old musician and developer who says her goal is to make the lives of gui...

14/07/2026

IK Multimedia introduce ReSing Voices Brazilian Pack

Launched alongside new Singer Showcase purchase model IK Multimedia's innovative vocal-synthesis software has just gained its latest voice add-on, the R...

14/07/2026

MIDI Innovations Awards 2026

Registration open until 1 September 2026 The MIDI Association have revealed that the registration deadline for this year's MIDI Innovation Awards has no...

14/07/2026

Launchkey MK4 88 joins Novation line-up

88-note model completes MK4 range Novation have just introduced the final model in their flagship MIDI controller keyboard range, the Launchkey MK4 88. Roun...

14/07/2026

CBS Atlanta Adds a Noon Newscast

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

Tegna Names Scott Gill VP, Technology and Operations

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

Colorado Wildfires Bring Close Call for Broadcasters

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

IBC2026 sets conference agenda

IBC2026 has unveiled a powerful Conference programme bringing together global media leaders, technology innovators, creators, sports organisations, broadcasters...

14/07/2026

Nominations for Best of Show Awards at IBC2026 Now Open

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

Broadcast Solutions delivers industry-first software-defi...

Broadcast Solutions, a leading systems integrator and provider of innovative solutions for the broadcast media industry, has delivered two highly capable outsid...

14/07/2026

UPDATED: Scripps, DirecTV End Blackout, Ink New Retrans Deal

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

12 States Sue to Block $110 Billion Warner Bros./Paramount Merger

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

Heidi Raphael to Head N.Y. State Broadcasters Association

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

CBS Atlanta Expands Live Local News Programming

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/07/2026

Techtel Successfully Relocates AICD Broadcast Studio to New Sydney Headquarters

Techtel Successfully Relocates AICD Broadcast Studio to New Sydney Headquarters BroadcastBroadcast EquipmentLive StreamingBroadcast Studio2026 14 July Writ...

14/07/2026

First look revealed for Friday the 13th prequel, Crystal Lake, from A24 coming to Sky and NOW in the UK and Ireland this October

Tuesday 14 July 2026 First look revealed for Friday the 13th prequel, Crystal ...

14/07/2026

Surround Is Still the Standard

When immersive audio dominates industry headlines, it's easy to assume that every broadcaster is preparing for an Atmos future. The reality is quite differ...

14/07/2026

Fresh Thinking from MAD//Fest London 2026

Emma and Sophie from ICG's marketing team joined thousands of fellow marketers, brands and agencies at MAD//Fest London 2026, one of the UK's biggest ma...

14/07/2026

Seven paradoxes shaping the next era of media production - Episode 3

Why Trusted and Secure Media Operations Matter In this series, we explore the technologies, architectures and operational realities shaping modern media operati...

14/07/2026

How Merchants Can Prepare for the Next Evolution in Digital Commerce

Pilot Project Shows How Retailers Are Prepared for the Next Step in the Evolution of Digital Commerce Arvato Systems Drives Agentic Commerce Forward G terslo...

14/07/2026

Building a more sustainable future - Our commitment to climate action

As part of this commitment, weve joined the SME Climate Hub, publicly pledging to: measure our greenhouse gas emissions reduce them in line with a net zero p...

14/07/2026

Why Performance per Watt Is the Ultimate Metric for AI Infrastructure Efficiency

Power is AI infrastructure's inescapable constraint. How many tokens an AI factory can generate within a fixed power budget determines its revenue and profi...

13/07/2026

BravesVision GM Jeff Cravens on Launching MLB's Newest Team-Owned Network in 35 Days

The Braves opted to keep production in-house rather than hand it off to MLB...

13/07/2026

Behind The Mic: Adam Schefter Signs Multi-Year Extension with ESPN

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, including new deals, departures, and assignments compiled from press releases and repo...

13/07/2026

Eurovision Sport and European Athletics Bring Live Athletics to More Fans with Multilingual AI Commentary Initiative

Eurovision Sport is making live athletics more accessible to fans than ever befo...

13/07/2026

Milwaukee Bucks Return to Full-Season Over-the-Air Television for First Time in 31 Years

The Milwaukee Bucks will return to full-season over-the-air television for the 2...

13/07/2026

SMPTE Expands Education Offerings with Connected Learning Path for IP Media Workflows

SMPTE has announced an expanded education pathway for media technology professio...

13/07/2026

Vizrt Graphics Power Netflix MVP MMA Event at Intuit Dome

Vizrt has announced that its graphics technology was used by broadcast design agency Girraphic for Netflix's debut MVP MMA event, broadcast live from the In...

13/07/2026

ARRI To Sell Global Rental Business to H2 Equity Partners in Management Buyout

ARRI has announced an agreement to sell its global rental activities in Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America to H2 Equity Partners through a management...

13/07/2026

DAZN and Premier Boxing Champions Announce Global Broadcasting Partnership

DAZN has announced a partnership with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to bring PBC fight nights to DAZN subscribers globally. The partnership begins Saturday, Ju...

13/07/2026

TikTok and WSC Sports Partner To Connect Sports Rightsholders With Content Creators

TikTok and WSC Sports have announced a strategic partnership that gives sports r...

13/07/2026

Ross Video Powers MLB All-Star In-Venue Production for Seventh Consecutive Year

Two new Ross products -Brushback: Full Count and CapGo - are debuting at Citizens Bank Park All-Star festivities...

13/07/2026

MSG Networks Jackie Lyons on Knicks Title Run Coverage, XR Studio Launch, and RSN Production Strategy

MSG Networks' was given exclusive access during the Knicks' unforgettabl...

13/07/2026

Sundance Institute Announces 2026 Producers Labs Fellows

LOS ANGELES, July 13, 2026 - Sundance Institute today announced the 10 producers selected to participate in its annual Producers Labs taking place July 13-18 fo...