Jekyll & Hyde, Beowulf – Future Seasons Hinge On Global Sales

Future seasons of ITV’s new drama series’ Jekyll & Hyde and the upcoming Beowulf hinge heavily on global revenue and reach, per The Guardian:

When its 10-part run is over Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, a swords and dragons epic with a warrior hero, will take over the baton for 13 episodes in January. Jekyll and Hyde and Beowulf are among the most expensive dramas ITV has ever committed to, costing £14m and £17m respectively.

ITVSGE saw in Jekyll and Hyde and Beowulf the potential for lucrative global franchises. Managing director Maria Kyriacou says they are “big productions. The deficit on every drama is getting bigger, as they become more global in their scale and ambition. Higher end dramas can’t rely on local success.” In terms of financial returns, she says: “You have to think 10, 15, 20 years out.