Dutch Spike calls out UK rescue series

Spike’s acquisitions include Air Television’s Helicopter ER

Viacom-owned Dutch network Spike has picked up almost 200 hours of UK-produced programming from distributor DRG.

Spike has acquired six seasons (60×60’) of Brown Bob Production’s Inside the Ambulance, 45×60’ of Air Television’s Helicopter ER and 20×60’ of Trauma Rescue Squad, which follows the elite paramedics of the Hazardous Area Response Teams.

MiddleChild and Motion Content’s The Dog Rescuers

The remainder of the 196-hour volume deal comprises two series focused on helping animals as opposed to people.

MiddleChild and Motion Content Group’s long-running series The Dog Rescuers, hosted by comedian Alan Davies, follows rescues, recoveries and tales of rehoming dogs that have been neglected and abused. Spike has acquired the most recent two seasons (32×60’).

The Dutch broadcaster has also licensed four seasons of The Yorkshire Vet, totalling 39 hours. The series, produced by Daisybeck and Motion Content, centres on the modern-day veterinary practice that was once home to vet James Herriot. His best-selling book All Creatures Great and Small was adapted as a TV drama series in the 1970-80s and is set to be remade.