Sky One Snatches Hit US Thriller From BBC
Sky One has secured the rights to screen the American drama series, 24, after the BBC pulled out of negotiations due to spiralling costs.
It is understood that the satellite broadcaster outbid Channel 4 for the exclusive rights to show the hit Kiefer Sutherland series in a £7 million deal that will guarantee the channel first refusal on all future series.
The counter-terrorism series attracted an average audience of around 2.5 million viewers to BBC Two and achieved cult status due to the unique way in which it dramatises the life of agent Jack Bauer in real time.
Commenting on the acquisition, Sky One’s controller, James Baker, said: “We are enormously excited about the acquisition of 24. It is a truly ground-breaking series and alongside our other quality shows from the US, Sky One is without doubt the destination channel for outstanding drama this winter.”
Sophie Turner Laing, director of film channels and acquisitions, added: “By buying all future series of 24, we are underlining our commitment to show the best American product first in the UK on Sky One.”
Sky One is launching a concerted effort to challenge terrestrial entertainment channels using US imports. Next year the channel will screen Nip/Tuck, a drama set in the world of plastic surgery, as well as other American shows including The Handler, Cold Case and Las Vegas.
Earlier this week BSkyB’s long running monopoly over top-flight English football was brought to an end by a new deal with the European Commission designed to bring live Premiership matches back to terrestrial channels (see BSkyB Loses Premiership Monopoly In Football Shake-Up).
BSkyB: 0207 705 3000 www.sky.com
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