C4, Nat Geo link up for ISIS drama

UK broadcaster Channel 4 (C4) is teaming up with National Geographic Channel for a drama about militant Islamic group ISIS, written by Peter Kosminsky (Wolf Hall).

Peter Kosminsky

The as-yet untitled 4×60’ series is based on the first-hand accounts and experiences of four British men and women who left their lives behind to join ISIS in Raqqah, Syria.

Produced by UK drama indie Archery Pictures, the drama will premiere on C4 next year and on Nat Geo for the rest of the world.

“After a year of extensive research, Peter has written a fascinating fictional story that sheds light on an unknown and unimaginable world,” said C4 head of drama Beth Willis.

“This is a deeply authentic drama through which we are able to question and confront an incredibly complex, divisive and urgent global issue.”

The drama was commissioned by Willis and Piers Wenger, who was recently named as Polly Hill’s replacement as controller of drama commissioning at the BBC.

Kosminsky’s most recent drama, the BBC’s Wolf Hall, won a Golden Globe for Best Television Series and a Bafta for Best Drama Series.

He used his Bafta acceptance speech to defend the BBC, saying it was “under threat.”