CEE nets detect ITV Studios crime series

Broadcasters in Russia and Lithuania have secured major package deals totaling 164 hours of detective dramas with distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

Russia’s TV Centre has bought a 48-hour package comprising the thirteenth and final series of Agatha Christie’s Poirot; season six of Agatha Christie’s Marple; and the three most recent seasons of Lewis, all of which ITV Studios produces. The channel has also bought Mammoth Screen’s Endeavour.

The 116-hour package Lithuanian net LRT has bought comprises Poirot, Marple and Lewis.

“ITVSGE is the home of respected and long-running crime franchises,” said ITVSGE’s VP, sales, SE EMEA Jennifer Ebell. “These sales packages are testament to the continued popularity of these titles in CEE, where they have become a staple of broadcasters’ schedules.”

In further news, Czech channel Prima has recommissioned Real TV to create a new, 90-episode run of Come Dine With Me, which will launch in August.

Poland’s TVN has commissioned a 15-episode fifth season for September, while Slovakia’s Markiza has tapped Pro Media to create a fifth season, which launches this month.

The show, which research has shown was the most screened format in Europe last year, is also set for a fourth season in Serbia on Prva, with Constantine Productions producing.