ABC Oz lands ABC Studios Int’l’s first series

US broadcaster ABC’s London-based international arm has landed its first series, a crime drama for Australian pubcaster the ABC.

Disney-owned ABC Studios International is working with Australian drama and digital firm Hoodlum Entertainment (Secrets & Lies), the ABC and Screen Queensland on Harrow.

ABC’s former group head of casting, Keli Lee (pictured), has been running the London-based outpost for Patrick Moran’s ABC Studios since November 2015, finding international on- and off-screen talent and developing new formats, scripts and projects.

Lee, who runs ABC Studios International as managing director, international content and talent, said: “As our first foray into international production under ABC Studios International, we’re thrilled to produce Harrow for global distribution. A compelling story and great characters resonate all over the world, and Harrow is a show that global audiences will want to watch.”

Harrow comes from Secrets & Lies writer Stephen M. Irwin, who is writer, and producer Leigh McGrath. Secrets & Lies began life as a Network Ten series in Australia before being adapted for the ABC channel in the US in the 2014-15 season.

Harrow follows a brilliant but unorthodox pathologist whose dark past threatens his family, career and life.

Tracey Robertson and Nathan Mayfield are exec producers for Hoodlum.

“Hoodlum is very excited to partner with ABC Studios International on this thrilling TV series,” Robertson said. “Together we will bring the character of Harrow to life in a series that is set to hook audiences at every turn with unique cases to solve and an intriguing twist on the crime show genre.”