America finally gets IT
C4 sitcom sold to the States
The original British series of The IT Crowd, Modern Toss and Look Around You have all been sold to America.Cable network The Independent Film Channel has bought all three series of Graham Linehan’s Channel 4 sitcom as well as the award-winning Modern Toss, which combines live action sketches with animation and cartoons,
The broadcaster will air The IT Crowd from September 29, and launch Modern Toss early in 2009.
Meanwhile, Adult Swim has brought the rights to Peter Serafinowicz and Robert Popper’s and spoof Seventies science series Look Around You.
The deals were struck by Brtain’s Freemantle Media Enterprises, whose boss David Ellender said: ‘We own the rights to some of the best UK comedy programming in recent years. Comedy is a key genre for us and we are making substantial investments to ensure we attract the best talent.’
The company’s Lisa Honig, added: ‘We are finding there is an increasing appetite for British comedy shows in the US as cable channels acknowledge the growing appeal with young American audiences.’
The deals follow the sale of BBC Three series Pulling, which launches on America’s Sundance Channel in October, and That Mitchell and Webb Look, which has been acquired by BBC America.
Published: 12 Aug 2008
