New York, NY —BritBox, the streaming service from UK powerhouses BBC Worldwide and ITV with the largest collection of British TV in the U.S., today announced a densely packed 2018 programming slate featuring its first original drama series, The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco, produced by Omnifilm Entertainment in association with BritBox and World Productions, the original producers of The Bletchley Circle, and the U.S. debut of Rowan Atkinson’s first lead role in a drama, Maigret. Additionally, BritBox unveiled a broad mix of new and returning critically-acclaimed and star-studded series – several of which will be presented in the platform’s “Now” feature, which brings UK shows to the U.S. within hours of their UK premiere including many simulcast live events, such as the celebration of the Queen’s official birthday, Trooping of the Colour, and other royal coverage. These announcements were made by BritBox President Soumya Sriraman as the centerpiece of the service’s presentation to attendees of the Television Critics Association (TCA) winter press tour in Pasadena, CA.

Over the next several months, BritBox subscribers will gain access to some of the most popular current and classic UK shows as the streaming service continues to expand its deep roster of content. From BBC’s contemporary hit and critically-acclaimed comedy Mum, starring Lesley Manville, to ITV’s highly-anticipated thriller Trauma, starring Adrian Lester and John Simm – both presented during TCA today – BritBox offers something brand new and intriguing for fans of all entertainment genres.

Sriraman also underscored BritBox’s key programming initiatives for the first half of 2018 including:

Vera — Oscar® nominee Brenda Blethyn stars as Detective Chief Vera Stanhope as she tries to crack some of the toughest cases in Northumberland, England in this eight-season hit UK series making its American debut.  As Vera investigates cases alongside her trusted companions (played by David Leon and Kenny Doughty), she deals with the demons and skeletons in her own closet. Premiere: January 8, 2018 in “Now,” with all episodes day and date with ITV broadcast

Maigret – Starring Rowan Atkinson, ITV’s critically-acclaimed drama series and an adaptation of the books by Georges Simenon, will be hitting BritBox in February.  Atkinson, the detective solving all the crimes, leads the cast in the title role alongside Douglas Hodge, Shaun Dingwall, and Sebastian de Souza. Premiere: February 1, 2018

Trauma — A tense, edge-of-your-seat thriller from Mike Bartlett, creator of smash hit Doctor Foster, Trauma centers on two fathers – Dan and Jon — whose lives intersect when Dan’s teenage son tragically dies under Jon’s care in a Central London hospital. Heartbroken, working-class Dan believes Jon is responsible for his son’s death and, as he strives for justice, Dan begins to unpick the fabric of Jon’s distinctly affluent lifestyle. An intricate, fast-paced thriller that explores what happens when the very institutions established to protect us let us down, Trauma stars Adrian Lester, John Simm, Lyndsey Marshal, and Rowena S. King. Premiere: March 14, 2018

The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco – In BritBox’s very first original series, this follow-up to The Bletchley Circle (2012-14) – which was chosen by Stephen King as one of the hit top 10 television series of 2013 and was critically acclaimed in both the UK and North America, picks up in 1956. The series follows two of the original lead characters, Millie (Rachel Stirling) and Jean (Julie Graham), as they travel to America and join forces with two U.S. codebreakers to tackle a string of new murder cases. Using their unique skills and intellectual abilities, the four women solve complex mysteries that baffle local law enforcement. The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco is formatted as four stories, each unfolding and resolving over two episodes. Premiere: TBA

Mum – Mum is a family comedy as seen through the eyes of Cathy (Lesley Manville), a mother on the verge of 60 finding her footing following the premature death of her husband. Offering a refreshingly funny and modern perspective on an often-overlooked life stage, Mum is the story of a woman rediscovering herself with the help of family and friends including Michael (Peter Mullan). The show’s first season won wide spread praise and numerous industry accolades including Best Comedy Award at the 2017 Broadcast Awards; the BAFTA Television Craft Award for Best Comedy Writing for the show’s creator, Stefan Golaszewski; and a BAFTA Television Award nomination for Manville for Female Performance in a Comedy. Produced by Big Talk Productions of Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead fame, the show was recognized with a nomination for Best Sitcom at the 55th annual Rose d’Or Awards. Mum is produced for BritBox by BigTalk Productions. Premiere: Spring, 2018

Soumya Sriraman, President of BritBox, said, “During our first year, BritBox was able to bring some of the most in-demand British programs ‘on demand’ to U.S. fans, some within hours or near simulcast, letting them see shows they have never been able to watch or have not seen in years.  In 2018, BritBox will up the ante with our first commission, more co-productions, and more popular programming and star power from all genres appealing to new subscribers along with our very loyal existing members.”

BritBox is now available for $6.99 per month in the U.S. —after an introductory free trial period—on Roku®, Apple TV 4^th Gen, all iOS and Android devices, AirPlay, Chromecast, and online at www.britbox.com. BritBox is also offered as an Amazon Channel available for Prime members on all Amazon Video capable devices and platforms including Amazon Fire TV and tablets, as well online at www.amazon.com/channels/britbox. BritBox is available in the U.S. and launching soon in Canada.

*“Now” titles denote new episodes will be available shortly after UK debut. Exact dates vary by title.