BritBox Acquires ‘The Hardacres’ From Banijay Rights for North America

BritBox Secures North American Streaming Rights for “The Hardacres”

BritBox has recently acquired the North American streaming rights for the popular period drama series, “The Hardacres.” Originally premiering on U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 in October 2024, the show quickly became a fan favorite and was hailed as Channel 5’s best new weekly drama launch.

Banijay Rights, the distributor, successfully negotiated the deal for both seasons one and two of the series, which is produced by Playground. Season one is scheduled to debut on BritBox in the U.S. and Canada on September 10. Matt Creasey, executive VP of sales, acquisitions, and co-productions at Banijay Rights, led the negotiations for the rights.

“The Hardacres” follows the Hardacre family as they navigate a significant change in their lives, transitioning from a gritty fish dock to a sprawling Yorkshire country estate in the 1890s. The show’s second season, recently renewed by Channel 5, will continue to delve into the family’s journey as they settle into their new surroundings at Hardacre Hall.

The ensemble cast of the series includes Claire Cooper, Liam McMahon, Julie Graham, Adam Little, Shannon Lavelle, and Zak Ford-Williams. The show, inspired by C.L. Skelton’s novel, explores themes of wealth, happiness, and societal acceptance.

Playground produces “The Hardacres” in collaboration with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions for Channel 5. The series has received praise for its blend of humor, drama, and warmth, resonating with audiences in the U.K. and beyond.

Executive producers Colin Callender, David Stern, Lesley McKimm, Cathy Payne, Simon Cox, and Kate McColgan bring their expertise to the production. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton produces the show, with Rachel Carey returning as the lead director for the upcoming season.

Commissioned by Paramount U.K. and Channel 5, “The Hardacres” promises to captivate viewers with its engaging storyline and compelling characters. BritBox, now under the ownership of BBC Studios, will bring this captivating series to audiences in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the Nordics.

With its engaging narrative and talented cast, “The Hardacres” is set to become a must-watch series for fans of period dramas and family sagas. Stay tuned for the premiere of season one on BritBox and follow the Hardacre family’s journey of self-discovery and societal evolution.