A&E puts Returned remake into development

US cable channel A&E has put a US version of French drama The Returned (Les Revenants) into development with FremantleMedia North America.

The original series will be a coproduction between A+E Studios and FMNA in association with France’s Haut et Court TV and will rework the French series from Fabrice Gobert that was also produced as the Les Revenants feature film.

It tells the story of a town that is turned upside down after several local people, long assumed dead, return having not aged and apparently unaware of their death.

FremantleMedia will handle international sales of the show, excluding the US and Canada, where A+E Studios holds the rights. FMNA’s Thom Beers and Craig Cegielski are executive producing along with A+E Studios’ Bob DeBitetto.

Beers, FMNA’s CEO, said: “The Returned is a fascinating series with a truly unique premise. Having seen Fabrice Gobert’s original version and the success the series has had in France, we’re thrilled to be partnering with the team at A+E to bring this enigmatic thriller to US audiences.”

The French version, which broadcasted on paycaster Canal+, recently sold to SBS in Australia and Bell Media-owned Canuck speciality channel Space. It has already broadcast on UK net Channel 4.