British detective drama ‘Bergerac’ bought for the US by PBS Distribution
British detective drama ‘Bergerac’ heads to the US with PBS Distribution after a deal with Banijay Rights.
The acquisition comes ahead of next week’s London TV Screenings, with PBS securing the first two seasons of the show with plans for launch later this year.
Set in Jersey, “Bergerac” stars Damien Molony (“The Split,” “Brassic”) as detective Jim Bergerac and is based on the iconic original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which was led by John Nettles and ran in nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. Billed as a “modern retelling,” the new “Bergerac” sees one character-led murder mystery running through all six episodes, rather than a new storyline each time. episode. It is produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey for free streaming services, U and U&DRAMA in the UK
The reboot proved to be a hit, with the first season being watched by 2.4 million viewers across U and U&DRAMA, making it the highest-rated show on the UKTV network in 2025. A second season will start early this year.
“Stylish, compelling and an edge-of-your-seat detective drama, ‘Bergerac’ is destined to have broad appeal to American audiences, so we couldn’t be more pleased with this deal,” said Matt Creasey, vice president of sales, co-productions and acquisitions at Banijay Rights, who helped negotiate the deal. “Featuring Jim Bergerac’s iconic Triumph Roadster car and set against the stunning backdrop of Jersey, this is a series that continues to generate global attention as we head into next week’s London TV screenings.”
“Bergerac” was written by Toby Whithouse (“The Red King,” “Being Human”), along with Brian Fillis (“Trust,” “Sirens”), Catherine Tregenna (“The One That Got Away,” “Three Pines”), Polly Buckle (“Love Rat,” “A Discovery of Witches”) and Emilie Robson (“War,” “The Case”), with Ashley Sanders and Faebian Averies joining the writing team for series two.
In addition to Molony, the drama also stars Zoë Wanamaker (“My Family,” “Shadow and Bone”) as Charlie Hungerford, Philip Glenister (“Steeltown Murders,” “Life on Mars”) as Arthur Wakefield, Chloé Sweet Love as Jim’s daughter, Kim, Robert Gilbert (“Big Boys,” “Killing Eve”) as Barney Crozier, Lesley Sharp (“Red Eye,” “The Full Monty”) as Monica Barton and Adrian Edmondson (‘Alien: Earth’, ‘Death In Paradise’). as Charlie’s new flame, Nigel.
“This clever reinterpretation of the iconic detective series is sure to capture the attention of American audiences,” said Germaine Sweet, head of content acquisition and sales at PBS Distribution.
“We are thrilled that ‘Bergerac’ will find a new audience in the US,” said Ben Bickerton and Philip Trethowan, executive producers at BlackLight TV. “With its gripping storytelling, incredible cast and stunning locations, we’re sure they’ll be hooked.”
The agreement with PBS follows previously announced international sales to broadcasters including WOWOW in Japan, NPO in the Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SVT in Sweden, YLE in Finland, NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, BBC First in Poland, TVNZ in New Zealand and ABC in Australia.
