BBC America orders first original drama series

US cable channel BBC America has ordered its first ever original drama series, Copper. The scripted show will be produced by Cineflix Studios and will follow a young Irish cop in 19th century New York.

The show comes from Tom Fontana (OZ, Homicide: Life on the Street, St. Elsewhere) and Will Rokos (Monster’s Ball, Southland). Both will executive produce the show alongside Barry Levinson.

The show will air on the BBC Worldwide-operated channel in summer 2012.

 
“Copper is a great fit for BBC America, capturing the early American multicultural experience in provocative, ground-breaking fashion,” said Perry Simon, general manager at the cable channel. “In the spirit of great BBC drama it’s brimming with fascinating and complex characters giving us the opportunity to cast the best actors from both sides of the Atlantic.”