Ten and Channel Five co-fund new series, Breathless, post Viacom and CBS merger
Ten and sister broadcaster, the UK’s Channel Five, have teamed up to co-fund Breathless, the first project since the Viacom and CBS merger was completed. CBS is also the owner of Ten.
Breathless will be a four episode mini-series, with each episode an hour long. It will star former Eastenders actor Charlie Brooks and Australian actor Brett Tucker, from Neighbours and US series The Americans, with production commencing in Melbourne in early 2020.
Charlie Brooks will star in the drama
The series tells the tale of a British woman and her husband who move to Australia for a fresh start, after infidelity threatened their marriage, and hire a local nanny who isn’t who she appears to be.
Channel Five and Ten have worked together before, recently collaborating on Neighbours spin-off series, Neighbours: Erinsborough High.
“Having worked with Channel Five on a number of projects previously, we’re really excited to be working with them once again to bring this captivating new drama to Australian audiences, this time as a sister company,” Ten’s chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said.
“It’s a great example of the opportunities the Viacom CBS merger can bring to markets around the world.”
Ben Frow Viacom CBS’ director of programmes for its UK networks, including Channel Five, added that Breathless will be a compelling addition to its suite of drama content.
“At the same time, it’s a great way of extending our partnership with Network Ten – with a shared language and such strong cultural connections between the UK and Australia, there is obvious potential to explore further opportunities for content sharing now Channel Five and Network Ten are part of the same family,” Frow said.
Australia’s Brett Tucker has been announced as a cast member
Further casting announcements will be made in the new year, with the series produced by Fremantle.
“Jason Herbison has created a fantastic world of deceit, thrills, twists and turns that will keep the audiences in both the UK and Australia guessing,” Chris Oliver-Taylor, Fremantle’s Asia Pacific CEO, said.
“Jason, Jo Porter and I are delighted to be cementing the incredible long-standing relationship that Fremantle has had with Viacom CBS over many years by bringing this new exciting series to a truly global audience.”
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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