Britbox acquires ‘The Hardacres’ from Banijay -Rights for North America
Britbox has acquired North -American streaming rights on ‘The Hardacres’, the historic drama that became the best new weekly drama launch of UK Broadcaster Channel 5 when it premiered in October 2024.
Banijay rights negotiated the deal for both seasons one and two of the playground-produced series, with season one set for September 10 in the US and Canada. Matt Creasey, Executive VP sales, acquisitions and co -productions on Banijay -Rights, negotiations dealt with.
The series follows the working class Hardacre-Clan while in the 1890s they switched from a grim fishing dock to a vast estate from Yorkshire. Channel 5 renewed the show last month for a second season, which will describe the family’s efforts to reform their new world from Hardacre Hall.
“‘The Hardacres’ is a major rags for Riches Family Saga that has been a huge hit with both international buyers and the public,” said Creaseey. “We are sure that the American viewers of Britbox will take the extraordinary journey of this family to their hearts.”
The cast of the ensemble contains Claire Cooper (‘The Continental’, ‘The Perifere’) and Liam McMahon (‘Hunger’, ‘The Secret’, ‘Warrior Nun’) as married couple Mary and Sam Hardacre, with Julie Graham (‘Time’, ‘Ridley,’ Penance ‘) as Mary’s)) as Mary. The children of the Trio-Joe, Liza and Harry-Words played by Adam Little (“Ackley Bridge”, “Coronation Street”), newcomer Shannon Lavelle and Zak Ford-Williams (“Better”, “Bridgerton”).
Playground produces in collaboration with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions for Channel 5. The series is inspired by the novel of CL Skelton and investigates whether money can buy happiness.
“From his debut on 5, ‘The Hardacres’, a deep agreement with the British audience, with a rare mix of humor, drama and warmth – a memory of the lasting power of hope,” said David Stern, joint director of the playground. “We are convinced that Britbox viewers will be fascinated by the extraordinary journey of the Hardacre family while they continue to evolve and discover their place in society.”
Executive producers include Colin Callender (“All Creatures Great and Small”, “The Undelared War”) and Stern for Playground, Lesley McKimm (“My name is Emily”, “Sunlight”) for Red Berry Productions, Cathy Payne and Simon Cox for Banijay -Rechts. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton (“The Miracle Club”, “Atomic Hope”) produces, with Rachel Carey (“Obitarian” season 2) who returns as the main director.
The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy Chief Content Officer and Head of Scripted in Paramount UK, in addition to Paul Testar, commissioning editor for Channel 5.
Britbox, now fully owned by BBC Studios, is active in the US, Canada, Australia and the Nordics.
