Seven secures hit UK drama Mr. Bates vs the Post Office
The true story that has rocked the British govt to its core is coming to Seven in February.
- Published by David Knox
- on
EXCLUSIVE:
Seven has nabbed the Australian rights to UK smash hit drama, Mr. Bates vs the Post Office.
The 4 part series was ITV’s biggest new drama in over a decade even beating the Downton Abbey launch.
It is the biggest drama across all UK channels since Line of Duty in 2021, the biggest new drama across all UK channels since Bodyguard in 2018 -and it is ITV’s biggest drama since Broadchurch in 2017.
Including post-7 day viewing, the first three episodes have now all been watched by over 10.6m viewers.
The series drew national headlines, with former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells offering to return her CBE with immediate effect and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak introducing legislation to acquit all those wrongly convicted in the scandal. Anyone who has their conviction overturned will be given an upfront offer of £600,000 (AUS1.16m).
First reported in 2009 by Computer Weekly, the misconduct has drifted in and out of the public consciousness, with a government enquiry beginning in 2020.
But it took linear television to trigger an outpouring of emotion.
Kelly Williams Managing director, commercial, ITV, said, “…it was only when a linear TV drama was broadcast that anyone really sat up and noticed this story. It’s a very timely reminder to our industry of the enduring, unique power of television. Memorable storytelling broadcast to an attentive, mass audience in a trusted, emotionally engaging environment delivers unrivalled effectiveness …”
Reemah Sakaan Chief executive, BritBox International added, “Even in a streaming-led world, little beats the power of linear and live to create a ‘moment’. Rapid groundswells of awareness, simultaneous experiences and reactions are served best by debuting shows on the largest and most easily accessible stage possible.”
Seven plans to screen the series in February.
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13 Responses
I’ve seen this series on itv.It’s a terrific show and very timely.It reminded me very much of the robodebt scandal here in Australia where so many lives were ruined because of major problems with the computer systems.No wonder it was such a big hit in the UK.
i think u should know that seven also is screening vera in february, they have promos out for it on air
David said these are repeats – not new episodes.
Great show and shocking scandal, but I’m not sure it’s had sufficient international news coverage to really do great business here. That said, now they’ve acquired it, I’d imagine 7 News, Sunrise etc will start reporting on
In the current climate, should’ve been fast tracked.
Many have already illegally downloaded the series.
This should help tide them over until new Rookie, Good Doctor and 911 eps arrive from the states. Surely they will be fast tracked.
Great news but a shame it’s not on Britbox or a streaming service. Being on 7 it will have ads galore in it and ad breaks close together breaking up the overall story telling.
… it was made for ITV so “ad breaks” are part and parcel of “the overall story telling” and, given the response in the UK, will be better served on FTA …
Britbox is a ITV/BBC streaming service. Has no consequence in Australia, I’d be surprised by the interest but Seven will push it across Sunrise and so on. It is a great telling and still has legs in the UK.
Strictly speaking Britbox is also Subscription platform available in Australia.
Totally…..also received noticed its subscription costs are rising.
Also received e-mail from Britbox re my subscription fees rising. Surprising, as I’d thought I cancelled 18 months ago. Now I’ve definitely cancelled and will keep the notification for proof.