At this year’s LA Screenings, the annual Los Angeles event where the US studios unveil their new pilots to international buyers, both Channel 4 and Channel 5 looked notably less bullish about American content than in years gone by.
For Channel 4, the shift is a question of emphasis. The broadcaster remains home to big US titles such as Homeland, but its acquisitions team appears to be treading more carefully around the latest wave of American drama and comedy, wary of overpaying for shows that may not land with UK audiences.
Channel 5, then under Richard Desmond’s ownership, has been more explicit about the change. Director of Programming Ben Frow has signalled a move away from leaning so heavily on American imports, looking instead to drama from countries such as Canada, Ireland and Australia to freshen up the schedule.
Taken together, the more measured approach from both broadcasters points to a wider rethink among UK buyers, who are increasingly weighing US pick-ups against original commissions and acquisitions from further afield.