Adolescence Producer Matriarch Sign Disney+ First-Look Deal

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Disney+ Signs First-Look Deal with Matriarch Productions

Disney+ has recently announced a first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, a U.K.-based company founded by award-winning acting and producing husband-and-wife duo Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters. Known for their work on “Adolescence” and “A Thousand Blows,” the two-year deal will cover both original scripted and unscripted series.

Following the success of the second season of “A Thousand Blows” on Disney+, produced by Matriarch in collaboration with The Story Collective and Water & Power Productions, the partnership with Disney+ is a significant step for the emerging production company.

Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters expressed their excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining, and thought-provoking storytelling.”

Despite only launching in 2020, Matriarch Productions has quickly made a name for itself in the industry. Their achievements include a BAFTA nomination for “Boiling Point,” a spin-off series for the BBC, and the critically acclaimed “Adolescence” on Netflix. The groundbreaking series has received numerous accolades, including Primetime Emmys and Golden Globe wins.

One of Matriarch’s key principles is promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry, providing opportunities for underrepresented voices. Disney+ EMEA’s head of content, Angela Jain, emphasized the alignment of values between the two companies, stating, “Distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences are what Disney+ is committed to championing, making Matriarch the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the U.K.”

VP of Scripted at Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason, praised Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters as storytellers with a purpose, committed to discovering and nurturing new talent. The upcoming projects from the partnership include the second season of “Rivals,” “Alice and Steve,” and reality format series like “Jamie and Sophie: Raising Chelsea (w/t),” “The Rooney’s,” and “Blind Date.”

The collaboration between Disney+ and Matriarch Productions is set to bring exciting and diverse content to audiences, showcasing the talent and vision of Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters in the world of streaming entertainment.