The BBC’s hit drama series Happy Valley has been acquired by US streaming giant Netflix. The company will have the rights to make the series available to their subscribers, effectively making it a ‘Netflix Original’ for the US market.
Happy Valley, which aired on BBC One earlier this year, has been one of the biggest drama successes in 2014. Succeeding in both ratings and critical acclaim, the series stars Sarah Lancashire as a forthright, though emotionally bruised, police officer. Her character’s world takes a very dark turn when the man who raped her daughter is released from prison and becomes involved in an abduction plot. The show also stars Steve Pemberton and James Norton, and was written by celebrated screenwriter Sally Wainright, the creator of Scott & Bailey and Last Tango in Halifax.
Elizabeth Bradley, Netflix’s Vice-President of Content Acquisition, said: “We’re proud to add this highly lauded, masterfully crafted and brilliantly acted British series to the exclusive offerings Netflix viewers in the US and Canada can enjoy. […] Already recognized as one of the top dramas of 2014, Happy Valley is sure to keep our viewers on the edge of their seats.”
This acquisition follows what is becoming a trend in Atlantic-crossing drama. British series The Fall and Line of Duty, both BBC commissions, have been snapped up as streaming ‘originals’ by Netflix and Hulu, respectively.
The show will premiere on Netflix on 20th August. Discussions are currently in progress regarding a second series.
