I didn't see this coming! After axing Primeval for budgetary reasons after its third series in June, ITV1 have agreed to greenlight two new series for 2011, thanks to a unique co-production deal with UKTV...
Under the agreed terms, Primeval will return to ITV1 in early-2011 for a fourth series, to be shown on digital channel Watch shortly after. Then, in late-2011, Watch will get the UK premiere of series 5, with ITV1 showing it afterwards. Both series will comprise a standard 13 episodes, meaning each series is effectively half the normal length.
This new deal actually makes BBC Worldwide the show's biggest co-producer, along with BBC America and ProSeiben (a broadcaster in Germany, where the show is very popular), who have both greed to contribute funding.
It's an extraordinary reversal from ITV, but a solution that's not a million miles away from Impossible Pictures' idea to finance a fourth series by co-producing with The Sci-Fi Channel, which fell through.
Tim Haines, Impossible Pictures founder and Primeval producer:
"I am thrilled that ITV has agreed to this new deal which will allow Impossible Pictures to produce another 13 episodes of Primeval. The confidence demonstrated in the programme’s continued success here and abroad will help us bring more big screen action and a whole host of new creatures roaring back into people’s living rooms."Helen Jackson, BBC Worldwide's Director of Independents:
"There was a real desire between all partners to make this project succeed and to bring Primeval back from the brink of extinction. BBC Worldwide’s increased investment in the title is a reflection of our belief in the quality of the whole production and its international appeal."Laua Mackie, ITV Director of Drama:
"The innovative nature of this partnership will allow the show to maintain its high production values and deliver the fantastic programme that our viewers know and love."
