Sky Acquires UK Rights To ‘For Life’; Extends Licensing Agreement For ‘S.W.A.T.’, ‘The Blacklist’ & ‘The Good Doctor’
Sky has secured the UK rights to ABC's drama series For Life after striking a wide-ranging deal with international distributor Sony Pictures Television. The series will air on Sky Witness. No word just yet on a premiere date. This wide-ranging deal with Sony Pictures Television also includes extensions to Sky existing licensing agreements for S.W.A.T., The Blacklist and The Good Doctor. S.W.A.T. and The Blacklist air on Sky One, while The Good Doctor airs on Sky Witness.
At their Up Next showcase event at the Tate Modern last night, Sky announced that they would be increasing the volume of originals by 25% in 2020. Additionally, the satcaster has announced plans to boost the amount of U.S. acquisitions they carry by 40%.
Expectation has hired Sky Commissioning Editor Morwenna Gordon to serve as an executive producer in their comedy division. She will work alongside Creative Director of Comedy Nerys Evans. Morwenna Gordon will take up post in March. 
Sky has announced plans to build a 32-acre state-of-the-art TV and film studio at Elstree. Sky Studios Elstree is being built with the backing on Sky's new owner Comcast and in partnership with sister-company NBCUniversal. It will be situated in the borough of Hertsmere. Legal & General are in the process of finalising a detailed design and expect to submit a formal planning application early next year. 
Sky is adding to their portfolio of channels. The satcaster has announced plans to launch a dedicated comedy channel, Sky Comedy, in February 2020. Additionally, they have secured the UK rights to NBC comedy series' A.P. Bio and Sunnyside, both of which will air on Sky Comedy. 
After teaming together on both Chernobyl and the upcoming Catherine The Great, Sky and HBO are re-teaming to co-produce another six episode limited series, The Third Day. The Young Pope and Fantastic Beasts star Jude Law is attached the star. Production begins next month ahead of a 2020 premiere on Sky Atlantic and HBO. 