BBC to premiere first drama series exclusively on iPlayer

The BBC has announced the launch of a drama series to appear on iPlayer before any of its traditional broadcast channels.

BBC One Daytime’s Moving On will become the first series to premier on the corporation’s online platform as part of the BBC Trust’s approved trial to explore the role of online premiering.

“Moving On has firmly established itself as a favourite with the daytime audience and we’re delighted to be able to offer new episodes exclusively on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Daytime this autumn,” said Damian Kavanagh, controller of BBC Daytime.

“Viewers will be able to enjoy gripping drama performed by a stellar cast and written by talented storytellers.”

The first series of Moving On aired in May 2009 and all four series have proved to be popular with the Daytime audience. The new series will also include two films directed by Johnny Vegas and Robery Glenister.

Victoria Jaye, head of TV content at BBC iPlayer, added: “The series premiere on BBC iPlayer will be both a gift to loyal viewers and an unprecedented opportunity for a wider audience to enjoy these five stand-alone films across multiple devices, and at a time that suits them.”

Over the last year, the BBC has recorded a 43% growth in iPlayer usage across mobile and tablet, with drama programmes driving almost one third of total viewing.

The news follows director general Tony Hall’s ambitions revealed in a major speech earlier this month to create a ‘next generation’ iPlayer, which hopes to “transform [the BBC’s] relationship with audiences.”