BBC drama launch in India

BBC Worldwide is launching its BBC First brand in India for the first time, and the drama service will bow as a branded block on the Zee Café network.

BBC First is the drama channel that came out of BBC Worldwide rejigging its international nets in 2015. In Asia it has launched as an on-demand service in Hong Kong, a branded block in Japan and as a linear channel in Singapore and Malaysia.

The deal with Indian media giant Zee marks its first launch in the country. The agreement means BBC drama series will go out on Zee Café in primetime.

Launch titles include Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond, SS-GB (pictured) and Doctor Foster.

“Through this BBC First block, discerning Indian viewers will now have access to top-rated, premium dramas from the BBC,” said Myleeta Aga, BBC Worldwide’s senior VP, South and South East Asia.

“We are confident that the block will be popular with Zee Café’s viewers.”

The block launches on Monday, June 26, and will air weeknights at 10pm.

“Availability of premium British content has been limited thus far in India,” said Aparna Bhosle, business bluster head, premium & FTA GEC Channels, Zee Entertainment Enterprises.

“The addition of the BBC First block will strengthen the channel’s proposition of the best of English language television programmes to its fans.”