BBC Two Swoops For 'Versailles' Season 2, Amazon Prime Video UK Takes SVOD Rights – TVWise

BBC Two has inked a new deal with Zodiak Rights to secure the UK broadcast rights to the ten episode second season of lavish Canal+ period drama Versailles, TVWise has learned.
Despite some faux outrage in the tabloids, Versailles was a hit for BBC Two when it aired on the channel earlier this year. Across its first season, the series averaged two million viewers; performing above the 12 month slot-average and making it one of the channel’s best performing drama acquisitions in several years.
Versailles follows the life of King Louis XIV, a 17th century rock star. Versailles season two shows us the dark underbelly of power, as Louis sees the dream of his grand Versailles palace crumbling before his eyes. The drama series, which has already been renewed for a third season, is produced by Zodiak Fiction and stars George Blagden (Vikings), Alexander Vlahos (Merlin) and Anna Brewster (Star Wars: The Force Awakens).
Additionally, Amazon Prime Video UK has secure SVOD rights to Versailles season two, and will make it available to subscribers shortly after the linear broadcast window on BBC Two. Zodiak Rights is shopping the new season at MIPCOM and has secured further pre-sales with C More across Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland; DIRECTV in Latin America; Movistar+ in Spain; RTBF in French speaking Belgium; RTP1 in Portugal); and and Universal has a worldwide pan-entertainment deal.
“Versailles has proved a resounding success on the international stage, offering a breath-taking and ambitious primetime drama that generates a real buzz wherever it airs”, said Caroline Torrance, Head of Scripted at Zodiak Rights. “Its acclaimed creative team and cast have vividly brought to life this landmark moment in history, redefining period drama for today’s audiences, and we’re looking forward to delivering this exciting new chapter to our global broadcasters.”