- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Flipboard
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Tumblr
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
LONDON – U.K. broadcaster Channel 5 has acquired ABC Studios drama Betrayal, set to launch on ABC in the U.S. this fall, from Disney UK & Ireland.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
The network has previously also acquired such U.S. shows as Under the Dome, Dallas and Mark Burnett‘s The Bible.
Chicago-based Betrayal is set to start airing in the U.S. in the new TV season before hitting British shores “shortly afterwards,” Channel 5 said Thursday without providing timing details.
The show starts with a chance encounter between photographer Sara, played by Hannah Ware (Shame, Boss), and attorney Jack, portrayed by Stuart Townsend (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen). There is instant attraction between the two married people. Just as their affair is starting, “the lovers find themselves in an impossible situation – on opposite sides of a murder investigation,” according to a show description.
Katie Keenan, Channel 5’s head of acquisitions, said: “We have high hopes for Betrayal becoming an unmissable drama event for Channel 5 viewers. The themes of sex, love, loyalty and treachery all combine to make this a compelling and gripping drama.”
Dayna Donaldson, executive director, media distribution at Disney UK & Ireland, added: “This hot new drama will be sure to have viewers on the edge of their seats at all times as they watch Sara and Jack’s affair develop whilst being on opposite sides of a murder investigation. Channel 5 is the perfect U.K. home for Betrayal.”
The network also acquired the final season of ABC Studios’ medical drama Body of Proof, starring Dana Delaney.
Betrayal is written by David Zabel (ER) and directed by Patty Jenkins (The Killing, Monster). Executive producers are Zabel, Lisa Zwerling (ER, FlashFoward), Alon Aranya and Rob Golenberg.
E-mail: Georg.Szalai@THR.com
Twitter: @georgszalai
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day