All3 wraps Midsomer deals in France, Iran

All3Media has closed new broadcast deals for long-running ITV police drama Midsomer Murders with broadcasters in France and Iran.

French pubcaster France 3 has bought season 14 (8×60′) of Bentley Productions’ Midsomer, the first to star Neil Dudgeon as the new Inspector Barnaby, the cousin of John Nettles’ original, and relicensed more than 50 hours.

The channel has also acquired another English police drama, taking all three seasons of George Gently (totalling 9×90′) to debut later this year.

France 3 drama acquisitions executive Francesca Dandolo said: “Inspector Barnaby of Midsomer has been a firm favourite with French audiences for over a decade now. George Gently has a different tone, reflects a different era of policing whilst reflecting exceptionally high production values that we believe our audiences will appreciate.”

Additionally, digital channel France 4 has picked up Terry Pratchett-penned drama Going Postal.

Meanwhile, All3 has licensed 120 hours of Midsomer to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB (seasons 1-12). The deal will see the show broadcast in Farsi for the first time from December and also includes Lion Television-produced factual entertainment series Victorian Farm (6×60′).