14-hour package also includes A Remarkable Place to Die season 2 as well as library titles
UKTV has acquired the UK premiere rights to both Series 1 and Series 2 of a new imagining of classic French detective Maigret (12 x 45') for its free streaming service U and linear channel U&DRAMA as part of a wider 114-hour content deal with Banijay Rights. The deal is the latest between UKTV and Banijay Rights and was brokered by Sophie Judge, Senior Global Acquisitions Manager for UKTV.
Based on Georges Simenon's iconic detective and produced by Playground, Maigret reimagines Chief Inspector Jules Maigret for a contemporary audience. Starring Benjamin Wainwright as Chief Inspector Jules Maigret, Stefanie Martini as Madame Louise Maigret and Blake Harrison as Joseph Torrence, the adaptation presents its own vision one of the world's most widely read crime series for UK viewers in this latest adaptation.
The deal forms part of a 114-hour package agreement between UKTV and Banijay Rights and also includes the territory premiere of the second season of A Remarkable Place to Die (12 x 45’), from Screentime New Zealand, a Banijay Entertainment label, in co-production with ZDF and Real Film Berlin, alongside a selection of factual and library titles.
Karin Marelle, Global Head of Acquisitions, UKTV and BBC Studios, said: “Maigret is one of the most recognisable detective brands in the world, so we are delighted to be bringing this brand-new adaptation to viewers on U and U&DRAMA. Alongside the return of A Remarkable Place to Die and a range of high-quality factual titles, this deal reflects our continued commitment to acquiring distinctive and compelling content for our audiences.”
Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, who led on the acquisition of the series for Banijay Rights, said: “We are thrilled to partner with U and U&DRAMA to bring Maigret to the UK. The series combines gripping mysteries and rich character storytelling all centred around one of crime fiction’s most iconic and enduring detectives.We couldn't think of a better or more natural home for the UK premiere and look forward to introducing viewers to this series.”
Series 1 of Maigret premieres on U and U&DRAMA in December and Series 2 will follow in 2027. In series 1, Chief Inspector Maigret and his team of maverick but loyal detectives, Les Maigrets, solve a series of complex crimes in Paris. Maigret’s unconventional methods and unique sense of justice put him at odds with his superiors and the judicial system he is supposed to represent.Maigret must outwit some of Paris’s most cunning and violent criminals, while dealing with his own troubled past.
Additional titles included in the wider package comprise A Remarkable Place to Die Series 2 (set to TX in November) and Agatha & The Midnight Murders, Ambulance (Series 12 and 13), Lost and Found in the Lakes, Saving Lives at Sea (Series 9 and 10) and Tribe with Bruce Parry joining U over the coming months.
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For more information please contact:
Rebecca Ferris, Corporate Communications Manager, UKTV
NOTES TO EDITORS
Maigret is a Playground co-production for Masterpiece in association with Banijay Rights Limited and Windhover Films. Executive producers are Hilary Strong and Patrick Harbinson, with David Stern and Colin Callender for Playground. Executive producer for Masterpiece is Susanne Simpson. Executive producers for Banijay Rights are Cathy Payne and Simon Cox. The series is produced by Tim Whitby and created for television and written by Patrick Harbinson. The series is directed by Patrick Harbinson, Faye Gilbert and David Evans. Maigret airs on PBS Masterpiece in the US.
About UKTV
UKTV has been at the forefront of branded television for over 30 years, entertaining the nation with programmes they love. Its leading brands – U&Dave, U&DRAMA, U&W, U&YESTERDAY, U&eden, U&GOLD and U&alibi - span comedy, entertainment, natural history, factual and drama, and are delivered to UK viewers through free streaming service U, Sky, Virgin Media, NOW, Freeview, Freesat and Freely; and to Irish viewers through Sky, Virgin Media, Eir, Vodafone and NOW. Channel & content availability varies by platform. UKTV’s content is also available to UK viewers via dedicated FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee, Pluto TV and Virgin Media.
UKTV is a significant investor in British creativity and is committed to working with new and established writers, directors and programme-makers. The broadcaster is part of BBC Studios, the UK's most-awarded production company, a world-class distributor with international branded services, and a commercial subsidiary of the world's leading public service broadcaster, the BBC.
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About Banijay Rights
Leading global distributor, Banijay Rights, represents a world-class, multi-genre portfolio of more than 265,000 hours of standout programming. Handling the distribution for media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment, the division specialises in the exploitation of premium scripted and non-scripted brands to broadcasters worldwide.
Representing quality, excellence and experience in the business of linear and non-linear television and ancillary activity across all platforms, Banijay Rights’ catalogue encompasses a host of top titles from Banijay Entertainment’s 170+ in-house labels, and a number of third-party producers, spanning drama, comedy, entertainment, factual, reality, family, formats and theatrical.
Delivering high-quality IP, which was born locally and travels globally, the distributor offers the best stories told the best way. Its landmark brands include Survivor, Big Brother, MasterChef, The Traitors, Peaky Blinders, Midsomer Murders, Rogue Heroes, Marie Antoinette, Grantchester, Deal or No Deal, Home and Away, Mr Bean, Black Mirror and Race Across the World.
Built on independence, creative freedom, entrepreneurialism and commercial acumen, Banijay Rights operates under the direction of Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Payne.