Sky rides off with Banshee

Sky Atlantic in the UK has acquired HBO drama series Banshee, recently renewed for a second season, for a May debut.

The US cablenet produced the 10×60′ show, about an ex-con and master thief who assumes the identity of the sheriff of the eponymous US town, for sister channel Cinemax.

It is the latest series from exec producer Alan Ball, whose credits include True Blood, Six Feet Under and American Beauty.

Sky Atlantic will air Banshee as part of the exclusive five-year distribution deal parent BSkyB signed with HBO in 2010.