ITV picks up Vampire Diaries and other shows in Warners deal

ITV has acquired US drama series The Vampire Diaries as part of a wide-ranging deal with Warner Bros. The UK free-to-air broadcaster has picked up the scripted vampire series alongside several other TV series including a renewal of Gossip Girl.

A host of movies are also incorporated in the package including animated title Happy Feet , the Batman and Oceans franchises and a range of catalogue titles.

The Vampire Diaries was one of Warners’ shows at this year’s LA Screenings. ITV parted company with its director of acquisitions Jay Kandola ahead of the May Screenings and this deal was announced by Zai Bennett, ITV’s director of digital channels and acquisitions. The UK broadcaster will screen the series on its digital channel ITV2.

The vampire show is produced by Bonanza Productions, Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment with Warner Bros. TV and CBS TV Studios. The series is based on the LJ Smith books about two vampire brothers who are fighting over the same girl. It is from Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek) and is part of US network the CW’s fall line-up.