British detective drama “Bergerac” is heading to the U.S. with PBS Distribution following a deal with Banijay Rights.
The acquisition comes ahead of next week’s London TV Screenings, with PBS securing the first two seasons of the show with plans to launch later this year.
Set in Jersey, “Bergerac” stars Damien Molony (“The Split,” “Brassic”) as detective Jim Bergerac and is based on the iconic original series created by Robert Banks Stewart, which was led by John Nettles and ran for nine series on the BBC between 1981 and 1991. Billed as a “modern re-imagining,” the new “Bergerac” sees one character-led murder mystery run across all six episodes, in place of a new storyline each episode. It’s produced by BlackLight TV, part of Banijay UK, Jersey-based Westward Studios and supported by Visit Jersey for free-streaming service, U and U&DRAMA in the U.K.
The reboot proved to be a hit, with the first season watched by 2.4 million viewers across U and U&DRAMA, making it the highest-rating show on UKTV’s network in 2025. A second season is set to launch early this year.
“Stylish, enthralling and an edge-of-your-seat detective drama, ‘Bergerac’ is destined to be huge draw for U.S. audiences, so we couldn’t be more pleased with this deal,” said Matt Creasey, vice-president sales, co-productions and acquisitions at Banijay Rights, who helped negotiate the deal. “Featuring Jim Bergerac’s iconic Triumph Roadster car and set against the stunning backdrop of Jersey, this is a series that continues to generate worldwide attention as we head into next week’s London TV Screenings.”
“Bergerac” is written by Toby Whithouse (“The Red King,” “Being Human”), alongside Brian Fillis (“Trust,” “Sirens”), Catherine Tregenna (“The One That Got Away,” “Three Pines”), Polly Buckle (“Love Rat,” “A Discovery of Witches”) and Emilie Robson (“War,” “The Case”), and Ashley Sanders and Faebian Averies who joined the writing team for series two.
Alongside Molony, the drama also stars Zoë Wanamaker (“My Family,” “Shadow and Bone”) as Charlie Hungerford, Philip Glenister (“Steeltown Murders,” “Life on Mars”) as Arthur Wakefield, Chloé Sweet Love as Jim’s daughter, Kim, Robert Gilbert (“Big Boys,” “Killing Eve”) as Barney Crozier, Lesley Sharp (“Red Eye,” “The Full Monty”) as Monica Barton and Adrian Edmondson (“Alien: Earth,” “Death In Paradise”) as Charlie’s new flame, Nigel.
“This smart re-imagining of the iconic detective series is sure to capture the attention of audiences in the U.S.,” said Germaine Sweet, head of content aquisition and sales at PBS Distribution
“We are thrilled that ‘Bergerac’ will find a new audience in the U.S.,” added Ben Bickerton and Philip Trethowan, executive producers at BlackLight TV. “With its gripping stories, stellar cast and stunning locations, we are sure they will be hooked.”
The agreement with PBS follows previously announced international sales to broadcasters including WOWOW in Japan, NPO in Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SVT in Sweden, YLE in Finland, NRK in Norway, DR in Denmark, BBC First in Poland, TVNZ in New Zealand and ABC in Australia.