Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Bodyguard entertains new audiences during lockdown

02/06/2020

Bodyguard entertains new audiences during lockdown

Second Window rights to BBC One's Most-Watched Drama Since Records Began Snapped Up by Worldwide Buyers

2 June 2020 - Created by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions for BBC One and Netflix, the Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning Bodyguard is making its way around the world for a second time following a flurry of deals with international broadcasters brokered by ITV Studios.

Applauded by critics the world over, second window rights to the six-part event TV series have been acquired by Seven Network in Australia, Vision TV in English-speaking Canada, Telequebec in French-speaking Canada, TVB in Hong Kong, Tohokushinsha Japan, Cineplex Thailand, CJ&M South Korea, TVNZ in New Zealand, France 2, ZDF and Edel Germany, RAI Italy, Paramount Network Spain, Friday! TV Channel Russia, RTS for French-speaking Switzerland, Virgin Media Ireland, HRT Croatia, RTV Slovenia, Latvian TV and Lithuanian Radio and Television. Sitting outside of Netflix's global footprint, China's Huanxi acquired the show in May last year.

Ruth Berry, Managing Director, Global Distribution at ITV Studios, said:

Bodyguard is a drama which needs little introduction, we're honoured to represent one of the UK's most phenomenal hits thanks to the brilliance of Jed Mercurio and World Productions and are delighted that it is being enjoyed by an even wider audience as a result of these additional sales.

ITV Studios has sold a range of its new, returning and classic scripted titles to international broadcasters in recent months. Sony Liv in India has acquired the BBC One dramas World on Fire, Noughts + Crosses (Mammoth Screen), The War of the Worlds (Mammoth Screen and Creasun), Oscar-nominated Jeff Pope's A Confession (ITV Studios Factual Drama for ITV), as well as all seasons of Agatha Christie's Poirot (a co-production of ITV Studios and WGBH Boston in association with Agatha Christie Ltd.) and Miss Marple (ITV Studios for ITV).

Seasons 1 - 5 of Mammoth Screen's Poldark have been picked up in China (AMC Encore), Russia (Yandex) and Greece (ERT); and seasons 1 - 6 of Endeavour in Korea (KTH) and South East Asia (BBC Player). Calamity Films' hit comedy for Sky, Brassic has been acquired in Russia (Yandex), Spain (Filmin), South East Asia (BBC Player), Korea (KTH) and Australia (ABC Comedy). Seasons 1-6 of the multi award-winning comedy from Eugene Levy and Daniel Levy Schitt's Creek (Not A Real Company Productions Inc. for CBC and Pop) have been sold to Scandinavia in a pan-regional deal with CMORE/TV4. Isolation Stories, a collection of four stories produced by Jeff Pope Drama during lockdown, has been acquired in Israel (DBS), Belgium (VRT) and Korea (KT Corp.)

The recipient of more that 15 prestigious awards globally and the BBC's biggest drama launch in more than a decade, the finale of Bodyguard consolidated to 15.2m (including non-TV viewing) making it the most watched drama since current records begun.

Bodyguard tells the fictional story of David Budd (Richard Madden), a heroic but volatile war veteran now working as a Specialist Protection Officer for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch of London's Metropolitan Police Service. When he is assigned to protect the ambitious and powerful Home Secretary Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), whose politics stand for everything he despises, Budd finds himself torn between his duty and his beliefs. Responsible for her safety, is he actually her biggest threat?

Bodyguard was created and written by Jed Mercurio (Line of Duty) who also serves as executive producer alongside Simon Heath (Line of Duty, Save Me). It is directed by Thomas Vincent (The Tunnel) and John Strickland (Line of Duty, Bodies) and produced by Priscilla Parish (Line of Duty) and Eric Coulter (Shetland, Our Girl).

[end]

About ITV Studios

ITV Studios is a creator, producer and distributor of world-leading programmes that people can't get enough of. We connect millions of people every day and shape and reflect the world they live in, we are More Than TV.

ITV Studios is home to some of the best creative minds, crafting over 8,400 hours of original programming across 55 production labels. Our global footprint spans 13 countries including the UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, The Nordics, Italy and the Netherlands and our global distribution business sells our catalogue of 46,000+ hours to broadcasters and platforms around the world.

ITV Studios is part of ITV PLC, which includes the UK's largest commercial broadcaster.
LINK: https://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/bodyguard-entertains-ne...
See more stories from itv

More from ITV

15/01/2022

Bagpipes is unmasked as Pat Cash on tonight's The Masked Singer

Tonight viewers watched Bagpipes. Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda and Traffic Cone perform. After all had taken to the stage, Poodle and Bagpipes faced the sing-off...

11/01/2022

Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios

Arjan Pomper named Managing Director, Global Entertainment, ITV Studios Arjan Pomper is today appointed as Managing Director, Global Entertainment ITV Studios,...

11/01/2022

Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire

Adrian Dunbar detective series Ridley starts filming in Lancashire ITV detective drama, Ridley, starring Adrian Dunbar in the title role, has begun filming in ...

10/01/2022

Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet

Oti Mabuse turns musical matchmaker as host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet Oti Mabuse is swapping glitter balls for Cupid's arrows as she takes the re...

08/01/2022

Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer

Lionfish is unmasked as Will Young on tonight's The Masked Singer Tonight viewers watched Firework, Mushroom, Lionfish, Doughnuts and Robobunny perform. ...

02/01/2022

Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener

Chandelier unmasked in The Masked Singer 2022 series' 0pener The Masked Singer is underway for 2022 with six of the 12 brand-new characters making their de...

02/01/2022

Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer

Snow Leopard unmasked in the second instalment of The Masked Singer Tonight viewers met the final six masked celebrities, Bagpipes, Rockhopper, Poodle, Panda, ...

29/12/2021

Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021

Torrin wins ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 Torrin from Oxfordshire was crowned champion of ITV's The Voice Kids 2021 competition. The 14-year-old who was m...

22/12/2021

Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice

Oti Mabuse confirmed as new judge on Dancing On Ice Oti Mabuse is to join the Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub in January 2022. She'...

19/12/2021

Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022

Nominations announced for The BRIT Awards 2022 with Mastercard Adele, Ed Sheeran, Little Simz, Dave up for four BRIT awards - who alongside Sam Fender will bat...

17/12/2021

ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021

ITV Hub on track for most successful year yet in 2021 Figures released today show that 2021 is lining up to be ITV Hub's biggest year yet, thanks to Euro 2...

17/12/2021

ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

ITV release first look for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas ITV released today a first look at festive special, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which ...

11/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 11 December preview (video) All campmates take on the legendary Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Cel...

10/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 10 December preview (video) Mattys in a lather as he takes on todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - ...

09/12/2021

ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win

ITV unveil official trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today their first full length promotional trailer for Ant & Decs Limitless Win. Not only...

09/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 9 December preview (video) Danny and David face the latest Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - Drawbridg...

09/12/2021

ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches

ITV kicks off 2022 with four live FA Cup Third Round matches The Emirates FA Cup 3rd Round returns to ITV with four live matches on its main channel as Premier...

08/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 8 December preview (video) Danny and Simon team up for todays Christmas-themed Trial Santas - Grotty Grotto Wat...

07/12/2021

Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christmas

Starry night- ITV unveils festive line up for Royal Carols: Together At Christma...

07/12/2021

Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France

Thierry Lachkar named CEO, ITV Studios France Paris, London, December 7th 2021 - Thierry Lachkar has today been named as the CEO of ITV Studios France. He take...

07/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 7 December preview (video) Frankie is in a spin in todays Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Trial - The Grim G...

06/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 6 December preview (video) Kadeena and Louise team up to take on Critter-cal Cages in tonights Im A Celebrity... Ge...

05/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 5 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gross Vegas. Watch and embed this video on...

04/12/2021

First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win

First Look Promo: Ant & Decs Limitless Win ITV released today the first look promo of Limitless Win, Ant & Decs first new show in over 10 years. Watch and e...

04/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Saturday 4 December preview (video) David, Naughty Boy and Adam tackle todays devilish Trial - Cells of Hell Watch and e...

03/12/2021

ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific

ITV Studios secures pre-sales for a number of new dramas in Asia Pacific 1st December 2021 - ITV Studios has today announced a host of deals in Asia Pacific fo...

03/12/2021

ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multiple Love Island deals

ITV Studios unveils slew of non-scripted sales in Asia Pacific, including multip...

03/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 3 December preview (video) Matty and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial - Gruesome Gargoyles. Watch and embed this ...

02/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 2 December preview (video) Frankie and Naughty Boy take on todays Trial, Castle Scary-Oke. Watch and embed this...

01/12/2021

ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message

ITV launch star-studded Christmas Ad with Britain Get Talking message The UK's most recognised mental health campaign returns ITV and STV's groundbre...

01/12/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 1 December preview (video) Naughty Boy, Adam and Simon take on The Savage Stakeout in tonights Im A Celebrity......

30/11/2021

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows stream on ITV Hub ahead of broadcast

Christmas comes early on ITV Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day shows ...

30/11/2021

ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV documentary, Storming The Capitol

ITV News' Robert Moore wins at two awards ceremonies on one night for ITV do...

30/11/2021

The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service

The Duchess of Cambridge to host community carol service The Duchess of Cambridge will host a Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 8th Dec...

30/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 30 November preview (video) Kadeena and Arlene do tonights Trial (Bed Chamber of Chills) on a brand new Im A Celeb...

26/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Friday 26 November preview (video) Naughty Boy gets a shock as he takes on tonights Im A Celebrity... Get Met Out Of Here!...

25/11/2021

ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand-new second series in Spring 2022.

Kate and Koji ITV's hit studio sitcom Kate and Koji will return for a brand...

25/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Thursday 25 November preview (video) New arrivals Simon and Adam take on Im A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!s Castle Sca...

24/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Wednesday 24 November preview (video) Richard Madeley takes on tonights Trial - Castle Kitchen Nightmares Watch and embed...

24/11/2021

ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as Noele Gordon

ITV commissions Nolly starring academy award-nominated Helena Bonham Carter as N...

24/11/2021

ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lewis & Partners

ITV Launches I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in Fortnite with John Lew...

24/11/2021

ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs

ITV Commercial announces ITV AdLabs ITV announces the launch of ITV Adlabs - a new enterprise and strategy to bring together all of ITV Commercial's innova...

23/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Tuesday 23 November preview (video) The public voted for Snoochie to take part in tonights Trial - Treacherous Traps Watc...

22/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Monday 22 November preview (video) Danny and Snoochie go head to head in tonights hilarious Trial called - The Castles Dre...

21/11/2021

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video)

Im A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Sunday 21 November preview (video) Louise, Naughty Boy, Snoochie and Danny undertake one of tonights challenges - The Plan...

18/11/2021

ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant

Help save and improve up to three lives with just an hour of your time: ITV2's Blood Squad campaign returns to support NHS Blood and Transplant ITV2's ...

18/11/2021

David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios

Executive producer of critically-acclaimed HBO and BBC drama, Industry, David P. Davis to launch new scripted label 5 Acts Productions with ITV Studios 5 Acts ...

17/11/2021

Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK

Angela Jain named ITV Studios first Director of Unscripted in the UK Angela Jain has today been named ITV Studios' first Director of Unscripted in the UK. ...

15/11/2021

ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary

ITV commissions Ghislaine Maxwell documentary from Fremantle UK ITV has commissioned Fremantle UK to produce a new documentary film on Ghislaine Maxwell featur...