ESQUIRE NETWORK SHEDS LIGHT ON THE DARK AGES WITH SECOND ORIGINAL SCRIPTED SERIES, "BEOWULF"

On the Heels of Its Second Anniversary, One of the Fastest Growing Channels in Cable Orders the Scripted Series "Beowulf"

Lead Actor Kieran Bew Stars as "Beowulf" Alongside Supporting Cast William Hurt, Joanne Whalley, Ed Speleers and David Ajala

LOS ANGELES- SEPTEMBER 30, 2015- Esquire Network continues its bold venture into original scripted programming and will bring the epic tale of "Beowulf" to the small screen in 2016. The inspiration for countless books, movies and comics worldwide, this grand and unparalleled rendition will bring 13 adventure-clad episodes illuminating the supernatural anecdote of Beowulf, a prodigious but troubled warrior who experiences love and loss yet shares a deep binding comradery with his fellow kinsmen. Reimagined for television, the series was filmed throughout England's vast and breath-taking countryside to set the stage for the story's fantastical land inhabited by heroes and beasts. "Beowulf" is produced by ITV Studios with Tim Haines and Katie Newman serving as Executive Producers along with James Dormer (STRIKE BACK), who writes the series. It is distributed internationally by ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

Matt Hanna, Executive Vice President of Development and Production for Esquire Network said, "'Beowulf' exemplifies our commitment to delivering well-produced, vivid and engaging programming to our audiences. We're thrilled to bring an impressive assembly of artists and visionaries to our lineup when the series unveils later next year."

Based on the complex protagonist of a classic poem written between the eighth and tenth century, the story takes place in a mythological place, The Shieldlands, and challenges the notions of good and evil, heroes and villains, and the rule of law against one's moral code. Balancing the light and dark of the characters' inner and outer worlds, "Beowulf" celebrates the warmth and humor of a community pulling together despite the adversities that threaten their existence. The drama stars Kieran Bew (Da Vinci's Demons), in the lead role Beowulf; multi-award-winning actor William Hurt (DAMAGES); acclaimed actress Joanne Whalley (WOLF HALL); Ed Speleers (DOWNTON ABBEY) and David Ajala (BLACK BOX). This announcement comes ahead of the premiere of the channel's first original scripted series "Spotless" which commences Saturday, November 14th at 10pm ET/PT.

Since its September 2013 launch, Esquire Network continues to grow. With 26 originals to date, the network's growth has been accelerated with a marked spike in ratings making it one of the fastest growing entertainment cable networks for adults 18-49. Esquire continues to experience remarkable development, achieving double-digit increases across all key demographics year to year. A key factor of Esquire Network's success has been the steady increase amongst its target demographic (the upscale, affluent, educated man). The channel is up +22% Adults 18-49, +11% Men 18-49 and +25% in Total Viewers (2014 vs 2015).

About Esquire Network

Esquire Network champions the pursuit of a well-played life. The lifestyle and entertainment network, which debuted in September 2013, features programming that speaks to classic and contemporary passions and interests, from fashion and style to food and drink, travel, family and relationships. Building on Esquire magazine's 80 years of insight into what makes men tick, Esquire Network is available wherever viewers are watching: in 75 million homes nationwide, online at http://esquiretv.com, On Demand, via mobile with the Esquire TV Now app and other platforms. Esquire Network is a unit of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal. To find Esquire Network, visit: http://esquiretv.com/channelfinder.

About ITV Studios Global Entertainment

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) is one of the world's leading international TV distribution, home entertainment, publishing, merchandising and licensing businesses. ITVS GE distributes celebrated content across all genres from both its in-house production business, ITV Studios, and in collaboration with leading producers from around the world. Part of ITV PLC, which includes the UK's largest commercial broadcaster, ITV Studios Global Entertainment has offices in London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Sydney.