Hulu picks up Australian drama Critical Incident for US in All3Media deal

Critical Incident premiered on Stan in Australia in August

MIPCOM: Disney-owned Hulu has acquired US streaming rights to Critical Incident (6×60’), a psychological crime thriller from Australian prodco Matchbox Pictures, following a deal brokered by All3Media International.

The six-part drama, which premiered on Stan in Australia in August, is set to launch on Hulu later this year as part of its global roll-out. In addition to Hulu, the series has been picked up by New Zealand’s public broadcaster TVNZ.

Produced by NBCUniversal-owned Matchbox in association with All3Media International, Critical Incident received major development and production investment from Screen Australia and Stan, with further support from Screen NSW.

Inspired by creator Sarah Bassiuoni’s real-life experiences as a lawyer in Western Sydney’s juvenile justice system, Critical Incident delves into the complexities of policing and criminality in urban settings. The plot centres on a police officer, played by Akshay Khanna, whose routine patrol goes awry, leading to a bystander being critically injured.

Jennifer Askin, senior VP for North America at All3Media International, described the series as “an authentic, nuanced portrayal of the realities of policing and criminality in the suburbs of a major city,” adding that while the drama is set in Western Sydney, its themes are globally relevant.

“Brought to screen by an acclaimed creative team, and with outstanding performances from a cast of new and established talent, this is a powerful and provocative drama that will enthrall audiences, and we’re very pleased to start its international journey,” she said.

Alongside Khanna (Polite Society, The Doll Factory), the cast features Zoë Boe (Total Control), Roxie Mohebbi (Shortland Street) and Hunter Page-Lochard (The Newsreader). The series is directed by Neil Sharma (Heartbreak High) and Daniel Nettheim (The Tourist, Line of Duty).

Critical Incident was created and written by Sarah Bassiuoni, alongside writers Ruth Underwood, Hannah Fitzpatrick and Natasha Henry. Executive producers include Sheila Jayadev and Debbie Lee for Matchbox, alongside Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie for Stan, while the producer is Bree-Anne Sykes.

All3Media International is handling global sales and announced the US and NZ deals today at Mipcom in Cannes. Critical Incident is one of several new titles on the distributor’s slate, which also includes crime drama The Gold and Sophie Turner-led rags-to-riches drama Joan.