EXCLUSIVE: Kelsey Grammer’s new TV project has found a UK home. Universal TV has acquired the exclusive UK rights to legal drama Proven Innocent after striking a deal with international distributor Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. The series is set to premiere on Universal TV in March.
Proven Innocent follows Madeline Scott, a fierce and uncompromising lawyer with a hunger for justice who leads an underdog criminal defence firm. There is no one who understands the power of setting an innocent person free more than Madeline. At age 18, she was wrongfully convicted, along with her brother, in a sensational murder case that made her an infamous media obsession, a household name and a national cause célèbre.
Madeline’s bold and bullish tactics earn her a number of enemies, but she continues to defend others, even as she fights to maintain her innocence. The drama series, which was created by David Elliot, is produced by 20th Century Fox Television in association with Danny Strong Productions and stars Rachelle Lefevre, Riley Smith, Russell Hornsby, Vincent Kartheiser, Nikki M. James and Kelsey Grammer.
The acquisition stems from a larger deal between Universal TV parent NBCUniversal International Networks and Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution that also gives them rights to the series in Africa. “We’re delighted that Proven Innocent will be on Universal TV in the UK and Africa,” said David Smyth, Senior Vice President of Sales and UK Managing Director for Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. “Viewers are certain to be captivated by this unique new courtroom drama with a standout cast, led by Rachel Lefevre and Kelsey Grammer.”
At Universal TV in the UK, Proven Innocent joins a slate of first run imports that includes: Chicago Med, Condor, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Resident, Coroner, Burden Of Truth and Private Eyes. This deal also further extends the relationship between Universal and Fox after the two previously pacted together to bring such shows as The Finder, The Resident, Chance and Sleepy Hollow to the UK. I understand that Universal TV is also in the process of securing the UK rights to another major U.S. scripted drama from one of the big six studios. No word just yet on the show in question.
“Proven Innocent is an emotional legal drama with justice at the heart”, added Lee Raftery, Managing Director UK & Emerging Markets and Chief Marketing & Content Officer for NBCUniversal International Networks. “Universal TV viewers will be instantly gripped by the strong characters played by Rachelle Lefevre, cast in the role of hero and victim, standing boldly up against hard-as-nails attorney played by award-winning Kelsey Grammer. The subject matter is intriguing and will make exciting TV to watch.”
