Prime BBC Deal Lands Big Fry

The news keeps getting better for Prime viewers, with the channel soon to launch a documentary strand compiled from its newest BBC deal that also includes dramas like The Durrells.

Prime, which went HD on the Sky platform in February, has snared a range of exotic titles for its pending Prime Planet slot.

They include The Story of China, Stephen Fry in Central America, the second series of Coast Australia, Rick Stein’s Long Weekends, and new series Greece and Ireland with Simon Reeve.

They should look fabulous in HD and will add impressive heft to Prime’s schedule, which can be a tad schizophrenic because of its output deal with CBS Television Studios International.

“Prime viewers love to find out about other countries and civilisations, so we felt it was time to dedicate a slot to these fascinating stories,” Karen Bieleski, Head of General Entertainment and Prime, said in a statement.

“And who better to provide the initial impetus for Prime Planet than the BBC, with their unrivalled production values, impeccable research, and great presenting talent.”

“We’re also thrilled to have secured the new BBC drama series The Durrells, based on the delightful memoirs of naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell and his childhood in Greece, as well as Dr Michael Mosley’s blockbuster new documentary series Nine Months That Made You, and the ‘extreme fishing’ series Fishing Impossible.”

Bieleski’s sister, Lisa Clements, who is Prime’s acquisitions boss, negotiated the deal, having already secured the new-look Top Gear and continuing access to Doctor Who and Antiques Roadshow.

“This package showcases the very best in factual storytelling together with an unmissable drama, which will sit alongside some of our biggest brands already at home on the channel,” Deborah Tod, BBC Worldwide ANZ, Sales Manager, said.