UKTV acquires US studio series

British thematic channel operator UKTV is ramping up its acquisition of first-run US series and has purchased JJ Abrams’ forthcoming drama Alcatraz and teen drama Hart of Dixie.

Alcatraz, which is set for a midseason debut on Fox in the States, will air on Watch, the company’s general entertainment channel, after the broadcaster struck a deal with Warner Bros International Television Distribution, while Hart of Dixie will air on Really.

This follows Watch’s purchase of hit supernatural drama Grimm from NBC Universal and comes after sister network Dave bought legal drama Suits and Really acquired CIA cable drama Covert Affairs.

Alcatraz, which is produced by Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and Bonanza Productions in association with Warner Bros, centres around a mystery disappearance at the infamous prison.

Hart of Dixie, meanwhile, stars The OC’s Rachel Bilson as a young doctor who moves from the big city to the countryside. It is produced by Fake Empire and Warner Bros.