ITV saves Primeval from extinction

British commercial broadcaster ITV has saved its sci fi drama Primeval after striking an investment deal with distributor BBC Worldwide, BBC America, German net ProSiebenSat.1 and UK pay TV channel Watch.

ITV had originally cancelled the Impossible Pictures-produced series because of the production costs. However, the new deal will mean that 13x1hour episodes will be launch in 2011.

Original coproduction partners ITV, ProSieben and BBC Worldwide are funding the series with US cable network BBC America becoming a full coproduction partner for the first time. UKTV-owned network Watch has also become involved, pre-investing in two new series with season five receiving its premiere on Watch ahead of its launch on ITV.