Britobox has won the North American streaming rights to “The Hardacres,” an era drama that premiered in October 2024, marking the release of the best new weekly dramas on British broadcaster Channel 5.
Banijay’s rights negotiated contracts for both the Playground-produced series and two seasons, with Season 1 resigning on September 10th in the US and Canada. Matt Creacy, executive VP’s sales, acquisitions and collaboration on Bannijay’s rights handled the negotiations.
The series follows working-class hard acreslan as it moved from a dirty fish dock to a vast Yorkshire country grounds in the 1890s. Channel 5 updated its show for last month’s second season. This records the family’s efforts to rebuild a new world from the hard cacre hall.
“‘The Hardacres” is a wide rag to Riches Family Saga, which proved to be a huge hit with both international buyers and audiences,” Creasey says. “We are confident that Britobox’s US audience will make an extraordinary journey into this family’s heart.”
The ensemble cast features Claire Cooper (“Continental”, “Vertical”) and Liam McMahon (“Hanger”, “Secret”, “Warrior Nun”) as married couples Mary and Sam Hardcole, and Julie Graham (“Time”, “Ridley”, “Pennins”). The trio’s children – Joe, Liza and Harry – are played by Adam Little (Ackley Bridge, Coronation Street), newcomers Shannon Lavelle and Zak Ford-Williams (Better, Bridgerton).
Playground will be produced in conjunction with Screen Ireland and Channel 5’s Redberry Productions. The series is inspired by the novels of CL Skeleton and explores whether money can buy true happiness.
“From its debut in 5, “The Hardacres” hit deep chords with British viewers, offering an unusual blend of humor, drama and warmth. This reminds us of the enduring power of hope.” “We are convinced that Britbox viewers will be equally fascinated by the extraordinary journey of the hard car family as they continue to evolve and discover in society.”
Executive producers include Colin Callender (“All creatures are big and small”, “Undeclared War”) and playground Stern, Leslie McKim (“My Name is Emily”, “Sunlight”), Kathy Payne and Simon Cox of Redbury Productions, and Kate McColgan of Screen Ireland. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton (“Miracle Club”, “Atomic Hope”) has returned with Rachel Carrey (“Obijure” Season 2) as lead director.
The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, assistant chief content director and director of scripts at Paramount UK, along with Channel 5 editor Paul Tester.
Currently, fully owned by BBC Studios, Bridbox operates in the US, Canada, Australia and Scandinavian Europe.
