ABC Signature investigates French series ‘HIP’ for English-language adaptation

HIP (High Intellectual Potential)

Disney-owned ABC Signature has acquired English-language adaptation rights to TF1 detective series HIP (High Intellectual Potential), following a deal with distributor Newen Connect.

Work has begun on adapting the scripts of the French scripted series, with the showrunner, writing team and cast still to be announced.

The US version joins upcoming Czech and Slovakian adaptations, which have already been filmed for Nova and Markiza respectively and are expected to launch soon.

The original TF1 series, known locally as HPI (Haut Potentiel Intellectuel), is produced by Mediawan-owned Septembre Productions and Itinéraire Productions, a UGC company, and is created by Alice Chegaray-Breugnot, Stéphane Carrié and Nicolas Jean.

Starring Audrey Fleurot and Mehdi Nebbou, the series follows a smart housekeeper, who becomes a police consultant, using her incredible intellect to help them solve crimes.

Rodolphe Buet, MD, Newen Connect said: “HIP has been an incredible international success as a French-language title and has won over audiences worldwide, so we are not surprised that there is an appetite for an English-language adaptation.

“We were simply blown away by the enthusiasm of the ABC Signature creative teams and their sense of collaboration in meeting with the French producers. Their desire to build on the tricolore DNA of the original while also adding some additional anglophone flavor immediately convinced us that they were the right partners to develop our hit show for an English-language audience.”