BBC Studios and the ABC have renewed their long-standing partnership through a substantial multi-year agreement covering key titles in drama, comedy, children’s and entertainment. The deal ensures Australian audiences continue to enjoy many of the UK’s best-loved shows across ABC channels and its streaming service, ABC iview.
Under the renewed agreement, ABC will premiere popular returning series including the third and fourth seasons of Alan Carr’s coming-of-age drama Changing Ends and the forthcoming stand-up showcase Live At the Apollo. In the children’s segment, ABC will debut several first-run shows for the first time, such as the beloved Hey Duggee, Andy’s Global Adventures featuring British kid’s presenter Andy Day, along with new series of Supertato, Deadly 60, and Horrible Histories.
Alan Carr’s coming-of-age drama Changing Ends.
Director of content partnerships and sales, Deborah Tod, said: “We’re proud to have such a long-standing partnership with the ABC, founded on our common public service sensibilities, that has helped drive the growth of both our businesses over many years. Our relationship has evolved as the industry changes, but what has remained unchanged is how our content continues to resonate with Australian audiences.”
The partnership also secures ongoing access to second-run content from highly popular series including Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, Call The Midwife, Silent Witness, Father Brown, Antiques Roadshow, and The Cleaner. Additionally, ABC is set to premiere the sixth season of the cold case crime series Unforgotten and the second series of Nottinghamshire-based crime drama Sherwood.
Sherwood.
In a notable addition, the broadcaster will also launch a re-imagined version of the iconic Walking With Dinosaurs in Australia. The series promises to take viewers on a journey back in time by combining cutting-edge visual effects with the latest scientific insights to explore the dramatic stories of six individual dinosaurs.
Head of acquisitions, Dallas Krueger, said: “I’m thrilled that ABC audiences of all ages will be treated to a great line-up of continuing favourites and thrilling new launches such as the highly anticipated Walking with Dinosaurs series. This deal between the ABC and BBC Studios reflects our long-standing collaboration and I look forward to achieving more success together.”
This comprehensive agreement highlights both parties’ commitment to delivering premium international content to Australian audiences while reinforcing ABC’s position as a key player in the competitive trade and advertising landscape.
ABC head programming, acquisitions and streaming, Roberta Allan, said: “The renewal of our long-standing relationship with BBC Studios ensures that so many beloved British drama, comedy, children’s and entertainment titles are available to Australian audiences across ABC channels and ABC iview. We look forward to continuing this incredibly exciting partnership.”