BritBox has acquired North American streaming rights to “The Hardacres,” the period drama that became U.K. broadcaster Channel 5’s best new weekly drama launch when it premiered in October 2024.
Banijay Rights negotiated the deal for both seasons one and two of the Playground-produced series, with season one set to bow Sept. 10 in the U.S. and Canada. Matt Creasey, executive VP sales, acquisitions and coproductions at Banijay Rights, handled negotiations.
The series follows the working-class Hardacre clan as they transition from a grimy fish dock to a vast Yorkshire country estate in the 1890s. Channel 5 renewed the show for a second season last month, which will chronicle the family’s efforts to reshape their new world from Hardacre Hall.
“‘The Hardacres’ is a sweeping rags to riches family saga that has proved a huge hit with international buyers and audiences alike,” said Creasey. “We are sure BritBox’s U.S. viewers will take this family’s extraordinary journey to their hearts.”
The ensemble cast features Claire Cooper (“The Continental,” “The Peripheral”) and Liam McMahon (“Hunger,” “The Secret,” “Warrior Nun”) as married couple Mary and Sam Hardacre, with Julie Graham (“Time,” “Ridley,” “Penance”) as Mary’s mother Ma. The trio’s children — Joe, Liza and Harry — are played by Adam Little (“Ackley Bridge,” “Coronation Street”), newcomer Shannon Lavelle and Zak Ford-Williams (“Better,” “Bridgerton”).
Playground produces in association with Screen Ireland and Red Berry Productions for Channel 5. The series is inspired by C.L. Skelton’s novel and explores whether money can buy true happiness.
“From its debut on 5, ‘The Hardacres’ struck a deep chord with U.K. audiences, offering a rare blend of humor, drama, and warmth — a reminder of the enduring power of hope,” said David Stern, joint managing director at Playground. “We’re confident BritBox viewers will be equally captivated by the Hardacre family’s extraordinary journey as they continue to evolve and discover their place in society.”
Executive producers include Colin Callender (“All Creatures Great and Small,” “The Undeclared War”) and Stern for Playground, Lesley McKimm (“My Name is Emily,” “Sunlight”) for Red Berry Productions, Cathy Payne and Simon Cox for Banijay Rights, and Kate McColgan for Screen Ireland. Kathryn Kennedy Fenton (“The Miracle Club,” “Atomic Hope”) produces, with Rachel Carey (“Obituary” Season 2) returning as lead director.
The series was commissioned by Sebastian Cardwell, deputy chief content officer and head of scripted at Paramount U.K., alongside Paul Testar, commissioning editor for Channel 5.
BritBox, now wholly owned by BBC Studios, operates in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the Nordics.
