Watch puts fai in new drama Believe

UKTV's flagship entertainment channel Watch has landed the UK premiere of one of the most hotly anticipated US dramas of the year. Believe, from acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuar n (Children of Men, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the upcoming Gravity) and J.J. Abrams Bad Robot Productions (Lost, the Mission: Impossible and Star Trek films), has been acquired from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution and is scheduled to air on Watch in early 2014, bolstering the channel's impressive slate of intriguing and out-of-the-ordinary shows.

In this gripping new series (13x60'), a young girl with supernatural powers is placed under the protection of an escaped Death Row inmate who must shield her from the mysterious forces out to hunt her down.

Watch's General Manager Steve Hornsey, said:

Believe is packed full of mystery, intrigue and suspense, and comes from the extremely talented Alfonso Cuar n and J.J. Abrams, who are masters of their craft. The series, laced with intricate twists and turns, perfectly embodies Watch's brand position of showcasing compelling, out of the ordinary programming.

Believe follows the bright and feisty Bo (Johnny Sequoyah), a girl whos lived with foster parents all her life. She also has emerging supernatural powers. A mystery to everyone, including herself, she is sought by those who want to protect her, as well as those who seek to exploit her gift. Enter Death Row inmate Tate (Jake McLaughlin - Savages, Safe House), who is slated for execution for a crime he did not commit.

Tate is rescued by the resourceful and ideological Winter (Delroy Lindo - Gone in 60 Seconds), but in return for his freedom, Tate is tasked with looking after Bo, whose untested powers have a transformative effect on everyone she meets - even the jaded Tate. Bo is in danger, however, because the unlimited wealth and resources of multinational businessman Skouras (Kyle MacLachlan - Blue Velvet, Sex and the City) are focused on acquiring the gifted girl and harnessing her powers. Endlessly on the run, the fugitive Tate and Bo travel from city to city, evading their relentless pursuers, transforming the lives of those they encounter and growing closer as they discover more about themselves and what they truly believe.

The deal was brokered by UKTV's Director of Programme Acquisitions Catherine Mackin.

Mackin added

Believe was a standout show at the LA Screenings earlier this year and we are thrilled to have secured it for Watch and to be bringing such acclaimed industry talent as Alfonso Cuar n and J.J. Abrams to the channel.

Jeffrey Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution, commented:

From the creative auspicious to the writing to the performances, Believe is a terrific series and we are pleased that it will have a great home on Watch in the U.K.

Jamie Chung (Once Upon a Time) and Arian Moayed (The Following) also star in the series, which is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television. Believe was created by Alfonso Cuar n, who directed the pilot episode and serves as executive producer on the series, along with J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk (Lost, the Star Trek movies, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol), Dave Erickson (Sons of Anarchy) and Hans Tobeason (Damages). Kathy Lingg (Person of Interest, Revolution, Fringe) is co-executive producer. Believe debuts in midseason on NBC in the US.

Believe is scheduled to air on Watch early next year and joins the channel's growing slate of successful US acquisitions including Grimm, Perception and Beauty and the Beast.

END

For more information please contact: Kerry Parker, Senior Corporate Communications Manager

Laura McTurk, Entertainment Publicity Manager

About Watch HD (Sky 109/155, Virgin 124, HD: 125) Watch is an entertainment channel that promises to surprise with out of the ordinary programming. Premiering hit fantasy and science-fiction dramas such as Grimm, Beauty and the Beast, Primeval: New World, Perception and Sanctuary, it also showcases a selection of distinctive series like Doctor Who, Torchwood andParanormal Witness. Watch is the exclusive home of Dynamo: Magician Impossible, a multi-award winning original commission from UKTV, plus brand new commission The Incredible Mr. Goodwin featuring professional danger man Jonathan Goodwin. www.watchchannel.co.uk

About UKTV UKTV is the multi-award winning media company that reaches over 42 million viewers per month.

UKTV's ten imaginative channel brands - Watch, Dave, Gold, Alibi, Eden, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home and Good Food - include the number one channel in the Factual genre, the number one channels in the Lifestyle genre (pay and free) and the most famous channel and programmes in the Entertainment genre.

UKTV has a truly innovative model, curating brand-defining commissions, high-profile acquisitions and the very best of BBC and Channel 4 content, and embracing technology to deliver inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, YouView, TalkTalk on YouView, plus direct On Demand digital services. The network distributes its highly valued programmes to 200 territories around the world.

Now celebrating its 21st year at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) - is proud to be the only British broadcaster to be recognised by Best Companies.

corporate.uktv.co.uk / @uktv_press

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