In Depth
BBC Worldwide, U.S. Public Stations Make Syndie Deal for ‘MI-5’
BBC Worldwide America and U.S. public broadcasters have inked a syndication that will bring the U.K. drama “MI-5” to U.S. public TV stations.
The drama has sold upfront in 64% of U.S. markets, representing the largest upfront syndication deal thus far for BBC Worldwide America, with 26 episodes from the first three seasons available.
“MI-5,” formerly titled “Spooks,” will premiere across the U.S. during January and February in its original, uncut form. Eighty-five markets will begin airing the series in January, including WLIW in New York, KCET in Los Angeles, WTTW in Chicago, WHYY in Philadelphia, WGBH in Boston, KERA in Dallas, KCTS in Seattle, WPBA in Atlanta, KUHT in Houston and WTVS in Detroit.
“‘MI-5’ is nothing short of brilliant. It has all the makings to be the lynch-pin of the primetime schedule for 2009. The series will definitely go a long way not only to attract new audiences to public television, but will continue to provide a series with the writing and production value that long-time viewers have always demanded and enjoyed on KERA and public television,” Bill Young, VP of television broadcasting for KERA in Dallas, said in a statement.
Matthew Macfadyen stars in the series about a clandestine security service, which is a Kudos production for the BBC and A&E.
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Comments 9
Ben's Twin
Forget the first 3 seasons, when is BBC or PBS going to air the current season (7) with Richard Armitage?
Jeanie M
I'm so glad to hear that the U.S. is going to get to see how wonderful Matthew MacFadyen is as an actor and how hot he is, as a man! Yummy!!! I just wish he had stayed longer on the series................but I've got the DVDs to keep playin' over & over again!
Mimi
Is the MI-5 series going to be available on Rochester, NY PBS (wxxi)? Really hope so. Second choice would be a Buffalo NY channel. Please let us know. thanks.
Ellie
When will we see seasons 5, 6, & 7? Isn't there currently a season 8 happening now?
Joan Belviso
I am so glad you are airing this show. I am finally able to view the show and find out what happened to Tom and now understand the new cast additions.
Thanks
pat
Mi 5 is the best show on TV. I hope America is able to see all the seasons and all the episodes. Have the PBS stations planned to schedule this show for next season? I hope so.
Kathleen Nielsen
Yes, it's a great series. I've seen it on BBC in the past. problem: KCET in Los Angeles is showing one episode and then one to two months before another is given to us. In Sept two are scheduled for the first two Sundays. We'll see. Others have been scheduled and then never shown. My friends are disgusted.
One refuses to watch any more.
Carol
You can get MI-5 on Netflix, and go at whatever speed you like until the current releases are exhausted. We are totally hooked on this show and CAN NOT wait for the next series year to be released..
Kathleen Nielsen
Yes, it's a great series. I've seen it on BBC in the past. problem: KCET in Los Angeles is showing one episode and then one to two months before another is given to us. In Sept two are scheduled for the first two Sundays. We'll see. Others have been scheduled and then never shown. My friends are disgusted.
One refuses to watch any more.