Acquisitions Buzz: ‘Hannibal’, ‘L.A. Noir’, ‘Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome’ & ‘Revolution’

EXCLUSIVE: As we head into the New Year, a number of UK broadcasters are eyeing a number of new acquisitions. Just as we did in the wake of the LA Screenings in May, TVWise presents a rundown of a number of US shows that, according to our sources, will be winging their way to the UK in the not too distant future. Below you will find our latest round of intel on NBC’s Hannibal, TNT’s L.A. Noir, Syfy’s Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome and NBC’s Revolution.

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BBC One Orders 1970’s Spy Drama, ‘Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell’ Series, Jason Byrne Sitcom & More

Following on from BBC One announcing five new drama’s for 2013, the broadcaster has announced a further four commissions to compliment the channel’s original line up next year. Amongst the new commissions is two new drama series, one romantic-drama serial and a new sitcom created by and starring stand up comedian Jason Byrne.

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Syfy UK Picks Up Rights To ‘Continuum’ Season 2

EXCLUSIVE: I have just learned that Syfy UK has picked up the exclusive first run UK broadcast rights to the 13 episode second season of Canadian science-fiction series Continuum from international distributor GK-tv. My sources tell me that the show’s second season is set to premiere on Syfy UK next Autumn. The move to pick up the rights to season 2 comes just as the show’s 10 episode first season is wrapping its run on the channel. The pick up had been expected for some time, with TVWise reporting last week that the move was likely, given the ratings performance of the series. New episodes of Continuum have been averaging an impressive 0.4 million viewers in its Thursday night 10pm time-slot (significantly above the slot average), according to consolidated figures.

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David Hasselhoff Set To Appear On ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Pantomime’ Special

David ‘The Hoff’ Hasselhoff is set to appear on a special themed episode of quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? which will air on ITV1 on Sunday December 9th at 6:40pm. The pantomime themed special, titled Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Pantomime, will see the contestants dress up as characters from fairy tales and folk legends. In addition to Hasselhoff, Denise Welch, Tim Vine, Cheryl Fergison, John Partridge and Alison Hammond will be competing to win as much money as possible for their chosen charities. The special will be hosted by Chris Tarrant with the money won by the contestants shared 50/50 between their charities and one lucky viewer at home.

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Channel 5 Acquires UK Rights To A&E’s Mini-Series ‘Stephen King’s Bag Of Bones’

Channel 5 has closed a deal with Sony Pictures Television to acquire the exclusive first run UK broadcast rights to Stephen King’s Bag of Bones, the four hour mini-series adaptation of the Stephen King novel which aired on A&E in late 2011. Bag of Bones is set to air on Channel 5 this December and forms part of the broadcaster’s Christmas line up.

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‘Mayday’ Helmer Brian Welsh To Direct BBC One’s ‘The Escape Artist’

EXCLUSIVE: I’ve learned that Brian Welsh has signed on to direct BBC One’s upcoming serial drama The Escape Artist. Welsh, who started in the industry as an editor, has most recently helmed the five part drama series Mayday for BBC One and Kudos Film & TV. Welsh’s previous directing credits include Kin, In Our Name and Channel 4’s Black Mirror.

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Acquisitions Roundup: UK Broadcasters Renew Deals For ‘Psych’, ‘Destination Truth’, ‘Braquo’ & More

EXCLUSIVE: Universal Channel is sticking with two of its imports from USA Network. My sources are telling me that the broadcaster has renewed its licensing deals with NBCUniversal International Television Distribution for both Psych and medical drama Royal Pains. I hear that the sixth season of Psych is currently scheduled for a mid January premiere, while the fourth season of Royal Pains – which will include the two hour Christmas TV Movie which airs on USA Network on December 16th – is slated for a late Spring 2013 launch. Universal Channel, as part of an earlier deal, holds the rights to the recently ordered fourth season of Rookie Blue, with season 4 slated for a late summer 2013 premiere.

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