UKTV's Yesterday Channel Acquires CNBC's 'Treasure Detectives' – TVWise

UKTV has closed a deal with Endemol Worldwide Distribution to acquire CNBC’s reality series Treasure Detectives for its Yesterday Channel.
Treasure Detective follows Curtis Dowling, a world-renowned fakes and forgeries detective who has previously been enlisted by Christie’s and Tiffany, and his hand-picked team of investigators as they dig into the history and the science of potentially counterfeit items on behalf of real collectors who may have been scammed. They trace not just where an item came from, but how it was made and in many cases how it was faked. Every investigation uncovers astounding information, and has the potential to re-write history. The series is produced by Endemol USA with Amber Mazzola serving as the executive producer.
The acquisition of the series comes after Yesteday has seen big gains in ratings for the first half of 2013; with their factual series Black Ops averaging an opening audience of 0.39 million viewers, up 172% on the slot average. The deal to acquire Treasure Hunters was brokered by UKTV’s Acquisitions Executive Emma Sparks and Endemol Worldwide Distribution’s Sales Director for UK and Eire, Gisela Asimus-Minnbergh.
“Treasure Detectives is an exciting and dynamic reality series, which combines the best elements of CSI, Antiques Roadshow and Storage Hunters, which is a big hit on Dave”. said Adrian Wills, General Manager of Yesterday. “This show makes you wonder if there are any surprisingly high-value items gathering dust in forgotten corners of your cupboards or loft.”
UKTV Acquisitions Executive Emma Sparks commented: “In each episode of Treasure Detectives there is an anxious and tense wait for either a triumphant or devastating result, as Dowling reveals the results of his investigations. This series will appeal to both history lovers and those looking for an entertaining and compelling watch.”
While Cathy Payne, Chief Executive of Endemol Worldwide Distribution, added: “We are extremely happy that UK audiences will soon be able to watch Treasure Detectives on Yesterday. I am sure that viewers will enjoy picking the fakes and forgeries and gain some insightful knowledge from our experts.”