In July 2012, British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) secured the UK broadcast rights to several high-profile American television series, enhancing its entertainment lineup with a diverse range of genres. Among the acquisitions was “Arrow,” a superhero drama from The CW network, which reimagines the DC Comics character Green Arrow.
This series follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen, portrayed by Stephen Amell, who becomes a vigilante archer after being stranded on a hostile island. “Arrow” premiered on Sky1 in the UK, offering viewers a blend of action and intrigue.
Another notable addition was “Elementary,” a contemporary adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories. This CBS series features Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson, set in modern-day New York City.
Sky Living (now known as Sky Witness) aired “Elementary” in the UK, providing audiences with a fresh take on the classic detective duo. The series debuted on October 23, 2012.
BSkyB also acquired “The Following,” a psychological thriller from Fox, starring Kevin Bacon as a former FBI agent tracking a network of serial killers.
Additionally, the broadcaster secured “Vegas,” a period drama set in 1960s Las Vegas, featuring Dennis Quaid as a sheriff maintaining order in the burgeoning casino city. These strategic acquisitions underscored BSkyB’s commitment to delivering a wide array of compelling content to its UK subscribers.