Beta Film, ZDF Studios’ The Swarm and Librarians spin-off to land on The CW

Schwarm TV Productions’ eco-thriller The Swarm

US broadcast network The CW has added to its programming line-up for 2024, with imports including European eco-thriller The Swarm from Beta Film and ZDF Studios.

From Game of Thrones executive producer Frank Doelger, The Swarm (8×60′) is based on Frank Schätzing’s bestselling book of the same name and chronicles the struggle of humankind against an unknown enemy that lives in the depths of the sea.

When the reckless treatment of the oceans threatens the natural habitat of this mysterious collective, it strikes back.

The series is produced by Schwarm TV Productions, a joint venture between Intaglio Films and ndF IP, for ZDF, France Télévisions, Rai Fiction, Viaplay Group, Hulu Japan, ORF and SRF, in coproduction with Bravado Fiction and Beside Production, in co-operation with Athos KG.

Distributors Beta Film and ZDF Studios said the deal, negotiated by The CW’s Jessica Lund and Kevin Levy with Beta’s Jeffrey Engelen and Oliver N Bachert, “marks a milestone for European productions, which are rarely able to cut through in the highly competitive US network market.”

Meanwhile, The CW has also added a spin-off to The Librarians, the TNT series that ran for four seasons from 2014 to 2018 and followed the adventures of the custodians of a magical repository of the world’s most powerful and dangerous supernatural artifacts.

Produced by Electric Entertainment and The CW, The Librarians: The Next Chapter will centre on a ‘Librarian’ from the past, who time-travelled to the present and now finds himself stuck here.

The CW is also on board as a coproducer for forthcoming crime drama Joan, which was commissioned by UK commercial broadcaster ITV for its fledgling streaming service ITVX late last year.

Based on real events and written by screenwriter Anna Symon, it sees Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner play Joan Hannington, a notorious jewel thief who operated in London during the 1980s.

Made by London-based prodco Snowed-In Productions, the six-part drama is being sold internationally by All3Media.

Unscripted series currently in production for The CW next year include Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking (working title), which follows the legendary matchmaker as she helps dating-challenged singles find their ideal mate.

Another is The Force (wt), executive produced by Jersey Shore creator SallyAnne Salsano, which takes viewers for an adrenaline-filled journey alongside members of law enforcement.

The Great American Bakeover (wt), meanwhile, gives much-needed ‘bakeovers’ to struggling small-town bakeries.

Premiere dates and times for the series will be announced at a later date. The CW said these production titles are in addition to over two dozen new series currently in various stages of development at the network.

“The CW is now open for business with everyone. We are developing homegrown shows with award-winning producers and fresh new voices, overseeing original big budget coproductions featuring A-list stars and owning quality content that appeals to broadcast audiences,” said Brad Schwartz, president of entertainment at The CW.

“Joan is a captivating big-swing drama led by a bonafide star in Sophie Turner as she brings the multilayered and dynamic real-life jewel thief Joan Hannington to life.

“We are also thrilled to be the home of a potential new franchise with Librarians: The Next Chapter and we look forward to adding the must-watch global event series The Swaem to our schedule next year.”