Harlots, Poldark head to Viasat World

A second season of Harlots is in the works

European pay TV operator Viasat World has acquired a substantial drama package from distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment, taking such shows as Harlots and Poldark.

The 250-hour content deal, which is largest between the two companies, focuses specifically on period drama and will see series run first exclusively on Viasat World’s new flagship genre channel and SVoD proposition Epic Drama.

Viasat World has picked up seasons one and two of Monumental Pictures-produced Harlots and Mammoth Screen’s Poldark respectively, and seasons one to four of Mr Selfridge, produced by ITV Studios (ITVS). Other series included in the deal are Beowulf – Return to the Shieldlands and Lightfields, both from ITVS, plus seasons one to five of Mammoth Screen and Masterpiece’s Endeavour.

Epic Drama will premiere the shows in key international markets including numerous countries in Central and Eastern Europe such as Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Viasat World has pay TV, catch-up and SVoD rights for the series.