'Prime Suspect USA' to Hit British TV Screens

LONDON – Prime Suspect USA, the American re-imagining of British TV show Prime Suspect, is to be rolled out in the U.K. via the Universal Channel.

our editor recommends

Maria Bello Closing Deal for NBC's 'Prime Suspect' Pilot

MIPTV 2012: Universal Channel U.K. to Air ‘King’ Starring Amy Price-Francis and U.S. Ensemble ‘Breakout Kings’

Universal Channel acquired the exclusive British television rights to the series in a deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

Originally shown on NBC and produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV Studios America and Film 44, Prime Suspect USA will air in June this year.

Transporting the action from London’s Scotland Yard to a New York City homicide department, Prime Suspect USA transforms the central character of no-nonsense British DCI Jane Tennison portrayed by Helen Mirren in the U.K., into tough-as-nails NYPD homicide detective Jane Timoney, played by Maria Bello.

David Ball, channel director, Universal Channel, said: “The series is U.S. procedural crime drama at its very best and we are extremely proud to give it a prime position in our summer line-up of new premium content."

Tobi de Graaff, director global television distribution, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, said: “Prime Suspect USA combines high production values, a fantastic performance from Maria Bello and absorbing storytelling. Prime Suspect is one of the world’s most admired television series and this updated version is proving just as popular with audiences around the world.”     

Prime Suspect USA also stars Aidan Quinn (Unknown), Brían F. O'Byrne (Flash Forward), Tim Griffin (Star Trek) and Kirk Acevedo (Fringe).

The U.S. version is redeveloped and produced by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and Alexandra Cunningham (Desperate Housewives). Cunningham is the executive producer/writer along with executive producer/director Berg and executive producers Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnsen, Paul Buccieri, Lynda La Plante and John McNamara.

The deal was brokered by David Wilcox, senior sales executive U.K., France and Scandinavia for ITV Studios Global Entertainment.