What's Happening?
Beta Film has successfully expanded the international reach of the British series 'Patience,' originally aired on Channel 4, by securing distribution deals in 100 territories worldwide. The series, produced by Eagle Eye Drama in association with Beta Film,
has been sold to major networks including AMC Networks for Latin America, ABC for Australia, and BBC Brit across Africa. In Europe, the series has been acquired by RAI in Italy, ProSiebenSat.1 in Germany, VRT in Belgium, TET in Latvia, and Telia in Estonia. In Asia, NOW TV in Hong Kong and NHK in Japan have picked up the series, along with Ajara TV in Georgia. 'Patience' has been a significant success on Channel 4, becoming the most-watched show on the network across both linear and streaming platforms since its return. The first episode of Season 2 attracted a 28-day audience of 4.2 million, with streaming viewing minutes increasing by 38% year-on-year.
Why It's Important?
The global expansion of 'Patience' underscores the increasing demand for British television content worldwide, highlighting the series' broad appeal and the effectiveness of Beta Film's distribution strategy. This move not only enhances the visibility of British productions on the international stage but also strengthens the economic prospects for the producers and distributors involved. For PBS in the U.S., which holds the North American rights, the series' popularity on digital platforms in 2025 indicates a strong market for international crime dramas. The success of 'Patience' could encourage further investment in similar content, benefiting the broader television industry by fostering cross-cultural exchanges and collaborations.
What's Next?
With 'Patience' recently greenlit for a third season, production is set to begin in Belgium and York this spring. The continuation of the series promises to maintain its momentum and potentially expand its audience further. The involvement of returning cast members and directors, along with new additions, suggests a commitment to maintaining the quality and appeal of the series. As the show continues to grow, it may influence programming decisions and inspire similar international distribution strategies for other British series.
