Black Sails is following in the foot steps of Vikings in getting a linear broadcast on History UK.
The A+E Networks UK owned and operated channel has taken the linear broadcast rights to the Starz pirate drama after agreeing a deal with Starz Worldwide Distribution, TVWise has learned. The series, which like Vikings is already available to view on Amazon Prime Instant Video UK, is eyed for a Summer premiere on History.
Created by Jonathan Steinberg, Black Sails is set 20 years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island and tells the story of Captain Flint, the most brilliant and most feared pirate captain of his day, and his men. The drama series stars Toby Stephens, Luke Arnold, Zach McGowan, Toby Schmitz, Hannah New, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Mark Ryan, Clara Paget and Tom Hopper.
The acquisition of Black Sails comes after History UK successfully launched Vikings on the channel last year. Despite the fact that the show was already available to UK audience on Amazon Prime Instant Video, Vikings, proved to be a ratings hit, drawing a total audience reach of 2.1 million viewers. No doubt History UK is hoping Black Sails will prove to be equally popular when it premieres this July.
“Black Sails is a thrilling drama with a treasure trove of colourful characters that really brings to life a remarkable and provocative period of history”, said Rachel Job, History UK’s Director of Programming. “Following the huge success of Vikings, we are really pleased to bring viewers another premium drama to History.”