BBC Two has acquired crime drama Vienna Blood after striking a deal with international distributor Red Arrow Studios International. The series is set to premiere on BBC Two later this year.
Vienna Blood is set in 1900s Vienna and follows Max Liebermann, a brilliant young English doctor, studying under the famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. When Max comes into contact with Oskar Rheinhardt, an Austrian Detective Inspector struggling with a strange case, he offers his assistance. Max’s extraordinary skills of perception and forensics, and his deep understanding of human behaviour and deviance, help Oskar solve some of Vienna’s most mysterious and deadly cases.
The three-part series, which was filmed in English on location in Vienna, was penned by Sherlock scribe Steve Thompson and is based on the Liebermann novels by Frank Tallis. It is produced by Endor Productions and stars Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game), Juergen Maurer (Vorstadtweiber), Conleth Hill (Game of Thrones), Charlene McKenna (Ripper Street), Amelia Bullmore (Gentleman Jack), Jessica De Gouw (Dracula) and Luise Von Finckh (Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten). The executive producers are Steve Thompson, Klaus Lintschinger, Wolfgang Feindt, Bo Stehmeier and Carlo Dusi.
“Vienna Blood is a unique, ambitious and compelling crime drama, set in glorious Vienna during an extraordinary period in its history”, said the BBC’s Head of Programme Acquisition Sue Deeks, who brokered the deal with Red Arrow Studios International. “We are excited to be bringing it to BBC Two.”
“We are delighted BBC Two has acquired Vienna Blood. We are proud to have brought Frank Tallis’ outstanding novels to life in the historic and beautiful city of Vienna”, added Hilary Bevan Jones, Managing Director of Endor Productions. “The chemistry between the lead actors Matthew Beard and Juergen Maurer creates a fresh and unique TV partnership which is wonderfully complemented by an exceptional international cast.”
While Bo Stehmeier, President of Red Arrow Studios International, added: “Vienna Blood is a great example of the kind of bold, ambitious drama we are passionate about at Red Arrow Studios International. With its combination of gripping storylines, compelling cast and talented creative team, I’m sure the series will be a hit with viewers in the UK.”
