Extending the show’s all-important reach, BBC Three has nabbed UK rights to American-Australian-New Zealand drama Cleverman, Broadcast confirms.
The series will air on SundanceTV in the US on June 1 and ABC in Australia on June 2.
BBC press release follows:
BBC Three will broadcast the 6×60’ series to British audiences later this year.
Set in the near-future, Cleverman is a thrilling new high-stakes Australian drama that sees a species from ancient mythology living among humans and battling for survival in a world that wants to silence, exploit and destroy them.
The series is written by Michael Miller, Jon Bell, Jane Allen and based on an original concept by Ryan Griffen.
Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition at the BBC, says: “Cleverman is an incredibly original and ambitious drama which is gripping from the very start.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, says: “I’m so pleased Cleverman is coming to BBC Three, it’s a clever, thought-provoking dystopian drama that will definitely cause a stir.”
At the heart of the story are two estranged brothers, Koen and Waruu West, who are forced together to fight against terrifying enemies, both human and not of this world. But can Koen, a man bestowed with a powerful gift and destined to become the ‘Cleverman’, learn to harness his power before everything around him crumbles?
Directed by Wayne Blair (The Sapphires) and Leah Purcell, an acclaimed ensemble cast includes Scottish actor Iain Glen (Game Of Thrones), Golden Globe nominee Frances O’Connor (The Missing), Logie Award-winner Deborah Mailman (The Sapphires), Hunter Page-Lochard (The Sapphires), Rob Collins (The Lion King) and Stef Dawson (The Hunger Games). Creatures and effects are by the Oscar-winning Weta Workshop (Lord Of The Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy).
Henrik Pabst, Managing Director of distributor Red Arrow International, says: “We are delighted that the BBC is the broadcaster to bring Cleverman to UK viewers. Cleverman is one of the biggest and most ambitious shows to come out of Australia, and speaks to a growing world audience unafraid of adventurous TV. BBC Three is a perfect fit for the show.”
Cleverman is produced by Goalpost Pictures Australia and Pukeko Pictures New Zealand for ABC TV Australia in co-production with SundanceTV and Red Arrow International, with the assistance of Screen Australia, Screen NSW and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant.
Stay tuned as we continue to monitor the status of Cleverman Season 2…
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