Watch Acquires Uk Rights To The Cws Beauty And The Beast
UK channel Watch has secured British broadcast rights to The CW’s reimagined series Beauty and the Beast, bringing the American fantasy-drama to UK viewers for the first time. The deal expands Watch’s imported drama slate and adds a contemporary adaptation of the classic fairytale to its schedule.
Beauty and the Beast originally launched on The CW and combines elements of police procedure with supernatural romance. The series stars Kristin Kreuk as NYPD detective Catherine Chandler and Jay Ryan as Vincent Keller, anchoring the show in a modern New York setting while maintaining the story’s central themes of mystery and forbidden connection.
The programme’s narrative focuses on the evolving relationship between Chandler and Keller as they confront criminal investigations and hidden dangers linked to Vincent’s past. That central partnership provides the series’ emotional throughline, with character development and interpersonal tension driving much of the drama.
Alongside its romantic storyline, the series incorporates crime-solving, conspiracy elements and action set-pieces, giving it cross-genre appeal. That combination of procedural structure and fantastical elements has helped the show build an audience in the United States and positions it to attract a range of viewers in the UK.
Watch has continued to add US imports to its catalogue in recent seasons, a strategy reflected in earlier acquisitions such as The Strain season 2 and previous pickups like Resurrection. Bringing Beauty and the Beast to UK screens aligns with that approach and broadens the channel’s appeal among viewers seeking both genre and character-led drama.
Industry observers say the title’s mix of romance, suspense and supernatural elements could generate strong ratings and online discussion, particularly among viewers familiar with the fairytale premise. Watch will aim to capitalise on that recognition while positioning the series alongside other US dramas in its scheduling.
As the channel prepares for the UK premiere, promotional activity is expected to highlight the show’s lead performances and its hybrid genre identity. The acquisition adds a nationally known American title to Watch’s lineup and gives UK audiences access to a recent US network drama with established international appeal.