BBC Studios and Lionsgate Television Announce Partnership to Jointly Create Original Programming and Scripted Formats for U.S. Market

BBC Studios Los Angeles and Lionsgate Television have teamed up to identify, co-develop and co-fund scripted formats and original intellectual property for the U.S. market. As part of the first look agreement, the parties will create original series and draw upon the extensive formats from the prestigious BBC catalog.

The BBC Studios production unit in Los Angeles provides premium content to broadcast, cable and subscription services. It is best known for its successes with scripted formats Getting On (HBO) and the Emmy award-winning The Night Of (HBO), as well as unscripted brands Dancing with the Stars (ABC) and the Emmy award-winning Life Below Zero (National Geographic Channel).

The new deal will extend both companies’ reach as it creates the opportunity to combine the best of British creativity and premium content with Lionsgate Television’s experience and success in delivering scripted programming to multiple platforms in the U.S.

Matt Forde, Managing Director, International Production & Formats, BBC Studios shared, “BBC Studios productions is known for showcasing the best content with British DNA. We’re looking forward to this creative partnership with Lionsgate Television to more readily bring this to the U.S. audiences, and beyond.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with one of the largest and most respected content suppliers in the world,” said Lionsgate Television Group Chairman Kevin Beggs and Lionsgate Television Group President Sandra Stern. “We’re incredibly excited by the opportunity to marshal our complementary resources and expertise to continue to bring the globally renowned BBC brand to the U.S. market.”