Will & Grace is returning to the UK. Channel 5 has secured the exclusive UK rights to the revival series after striking a deal with international distributor NBCUniversal International Distribution. The sixteen episode revival, also known as the ninth season of Will & Grace, will premiere on Channel 5 on Friday January 5th at 10pm.
The deal with NBCU is something of a coup for Channel 5, who have a generally small foot-print in scripted comedy. Multiple UK buyers were chasing the show; with both Netflix UK and Channel 4 (who aired the original 8 seasons on this side of the pond) being amongst those broadcasters who I understand were interested. The agreement give C5 rights to both seasons of the revival.
“Will & Grace is one of the greatest comedy shows of our time, so we’re thrilled to see it return to TV screens. With the hugely talented cast reprising their roles and tackling the issues of today with their razor-sharp wit, Will & Grace will become ‘must-see’ television in 2018″, said Katie Keenan, Vice-President of Acquisitions for Channel 5 and VIMN UK. “This deal follows the confirmation that The X-Files will return in early 2018, demonstrating our appetite for the best content across the world.”
Check out Channel 5’s trailer for Will & Grace below:
