US arts network Ovation buys Frankie Drake Mysteries

Kew Media Distribution has sold CBC drama Frankie Drake Mysteries into US arts network Ovation.

Ovation has signed on for two series (21 x 60 minutes) of the Canadian drama, which is set in 1920s Toronto and follows the city’s only female private detectives.

The show is an original for the Canadian public broadcaster. It is produced by Shaftesbury, in association with CBC and UKTV, which airs the show on its Alibi channel and is a co-production partner.

Both channels ordered a second series of the drama in April.

The second, 10-part season has also been acquired by Viasat (Central and Eastern Europe), Globosat (Brazil), Sky (New Zealand), YLE (Finland) and Dazzler for home video and download-to-own (UK).

Ovation will launch the show in June 2019.

Frankie Drake Mysteries leads Kew’s drama slate, which also includes Care (LA Productions/BBC One), The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco (Omnifilm Entertainment/BritBox) and Line Of Duty (World Productions, BBC One).

Scott Woodward, executive VP of programming at Ovation, said: “Frankie Drake Mysteries is the embodiment of artfully-told and executed storytelling. From the brilliant costume and set design to the jazz-infused soundtrack, this series’ artistic elements enhance the good fun of this engaging mystery series.”

Jonathan Ford, executive VP of sales at Kew Media Distribution, added: “Evoking the thrilling atmosphere of an era that saw real revolution, Frankie Drake Mysteries focuses on themes that are as relevant today as they were then. Alongside its fantastic critical acclaim and overwhelmingly positive response on social media, ratings statistics prove that the first series offers broad audience appeal – and we’re confident that the new season will continue to be in strong demand.”