Watch acquires right to Believe

UKTV channel Watch has acquired first-run UK broadcast rights to NBC’s upcoming JJ Abrams supernatural thriller Believe.

The network bought the 13×60’ series from Warner Brothers International Television Distribution and it is scheduled to air in early 2014.

Believe is produced by Bonanza Productions in association with Abram’s Bad Robot Productions and Warner Brothers Television.

It follows a young girl with supernatural powers who is placed under the protection of an escaped Death Row inmate who must shield her from mysterious forces trying to hunt her down.

The deal was brokered by UKTV director of programme acquisitions Catherine Mackin, who said Believe was a “standout show” at the LA Screenings earlier this year.

It follows UKTV’s purchase of Abrams’ supernatural prison drama Alcatraz. Despite being cancelled by Fox, it was a ratings hit for the UK network.

Believe joins the channel’s growing slate of US acquisitions including Grimm, Perception and Beauty and the Beast.