Sky returns to crime with Coben

The Five was Coben’s first original story for TV

UK satcaster Sky1 has ordered a crime drama from author Harlan Coben and Happy Valley producer Red Production Company.

The Four is an eight-part thriller that tells the story of an idyllic family community irrevocably shattered by secrets, lies, suspicions and misguided trust. It was commissioned by Sky’s head of drama Anne Mensah, commissioning editor Cameron Roach and director of Sky1 Adam MacDonald.

The series follows on from Coben’s first original story for TV, The Five, which debuted in April on Sky1. It is again being written by Danny Brocklehurst with Coben, Brocklehurst and Red’s Nicola Shindler exec producing.

It joins 12 original drama series already on air or set to air on Sky networks including The Young Pope, Hooten & The Lady, Guerrilla, Tin Star, Delicious, Riviera, Jamestown and The Last Dragonslayer, as well as returning series including Fortitude and Agatha Raisin.

Harlan Coben

Shindler said: “When Harlan told me about the premise for his latest story many months ago I knew that it would be just as addictive viewing as The Five. As with all his work, it is utterly intriguing, totally immersive and completely character-driven.”

Coben, who launched joint venture Final Twist Productions with Red, added: “I never wanted to make a sequel to The Five – that story has now been told – but rather, to start afresh and bring a whole new crime drama to the screen. Working with Nicola and Sky again was essential to ensure that, creatively, The Four is brought to life in the way that we have imagined.”

Red parent StudioCanal will distribute the series.