UKTV crime channel Alibi could soon be making its next move into coproducing original drama, and the network is actively seeking copro proposals.

Since its launch in November, Alibi, formerly UKTV Drama, has been home to several UK and US archival crime series, such as Taggart, Silent Witness and Murder She Wrote.

^[1]Its first foray into coproduction was the second season of period crime drama Murdoch Mysteries, with Canada’s CityTV, ITV Global Entertainment and producer Shaftesbury Films. The first season of Murdoch aired on UKTV Drama.

Such was the popularity of the series, Steve Hornsey, Alibi’s channel head, today told C21 the network is seeking more coproductions.

“We are specifically looking, in terms of coproductions, for contemporary settings. Murdoch gives us a period setting, but we’re looking for a contemporary, edgy narrative,” he said. “Discussions are ongoing and we’re hopeful something will come up for 2010.”

Hornsey said the network is also set to air two acquired crime series later this year in the form of BAFTA-winning Wallander and Inspector George Gently.