TVNZ, Yes to put on The Watch

The Watch was ordered by BBC America

TVNZ in New Zealand, Yes in Israel and Cosmote TV in Greece are among international broadcasters to have picked up drama series The Watch.

The 8×45’ series, produced by BBC Studios and inspired by Sir Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels, was originally commissioned by BBC America.

The show blends fantasy, comedy and crime in the story of a group of misfits who are forced to save the world. It is executive produced by Hilary Salmon (Luther), Ben Donald (The Mallorca Files), Richard Stokes, Rob Wilkins (Good Omens), Simon Allen and Craig Viveiros (The War of the Worlds).

Deals have also been secured with M-Net across sub-Saharan Africa, Telefonica in Spain and Viasat World in Russia and the CIS, while airline passengers will be able to view the series on Emirates.

The Watch has already been sold to and premiered in Stan in Australia, Bilibili in China and Kinopoisk in Russia. BBC First has also started to air the series in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Stokes, executive producer at BBC Studios Production, said: “With a bold cast of characters, The Watch really breaks the mould for the fantasy genre. The fantastic scripts, combined with the direction and the extraordinary cast performances have created a series that will engage fantasy and sci-fi audiences who enjoy immersive worlds and rich storytelling.”