UKTV acquires hit Aussie medical drama from FremantleMedia International
The Heart Guy
Thursday 5 April, 9pm
New and exclusive to Drama
Also available on UKTVPlay.co.uk
“A winner!” The Daily Mail (Australia)UKTV, Britain’s biggest multichannel network today announced it has acquired series one and two of The Heart Guy (10×60) for its leading non-PSB channel, Drama, following a deal with FremantleMedia International. The smash-hit Australian medical drama, which aired first on Nine Network in Australia, stars Rodger Corser (Glitch, Doctor Blake Mysteries), Nicole da Silva (Wentworth Prison, Rush) and Ryan Johnson (Home and Away) and will premiere in the UK on Thursday 5 April, 9pm on Drama.
The series follows Doctor Hugh Knight (Corser), a rising star in the Sydney heart surgery ranks, who is gifted, charmed, hedonistic and infallible, until his world comes crashing down. Banned from surgery and forced to work as a local doctor, he retreats to his hometown but finds that it is not the country escape he had in mind. And that is before he even starts seeing patients.
The Heart Guy premiered in Australia on Nine Network where it is titled Doctor Doctor and has recently been renewed for a third series. The series is produced by Easy Tiger, in which FremantleMedia own a majority stake, with support of Screen Australia and Screen NSW. The series is distributed internationally by FremantleMedia International (FMI).
Emma Sparks, UKTV’s head of acquisitions, said:
We are delighted to extend our relationship with Fremantle. The Heart Guy launched to an outstanding reception in Australia and we are excited to be bringing the charming characters of Whyhope to the UK.
Jamie Lynn, Executive Vice President, Head of Sales and Distribution, EMEA, FremantleMedia International, added:
We are excited to be partnering with UKTV and its leading Drama channel on this international hit series. Not only is it a huge domestic success in its native Australia, but The Heart Guy has become a global hit for FremantleMedia International. I have no doubt it will find a big dedicated audience and make a lasting impression on UK viewers.
In 2017, Drama also premiered The White Princess, an epic historical drama set after the War of the Roses which has been watched by 1.06 million people since launch. The channel premiered The Brokenwood Mysteries, a crime drama set in New Zealand which is also breaking viewing figure records for the channel. The Brokenwood Mysteries has been watched by an audience of 823k since launch. This marked an already standout year for Drama.
Emma Ayech, general manager for Drama, commented:
This is a perfect addition to our growing slate of exciting new and exclusive shows on Drama such as The White Princess and Mercy Street. With gripping story lines set against the beautiful outback scenery, it is sure to be a hit with Drama fans. (UKTV)
Susan says
This is old information! It is now 2020, has The Heart Guy been renewed for a 5th season?