OVATION TV SIGNS DEAL WITH BBC STUDIOS FOR "DEATH IN PARADISE" AND "SHAKESPEARE & HATHAWAY: PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS"

Los Angeles, CA - April 26, 2023 Ovation TV, America's premier arts network, has signed a deal with BBC Studios for non-exclusive linear rights of two beloved detective series: the fish-out-of-water Death in Paradise (88 x 60') and the quirky Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators (40 x 60'). The deal, which provides Ovation with premium mystery programming, covers eleven seasons of Death in Paradise and four seasons of Shakespeare & Hathaway. New episodes of Death in Paradise began airing on April 7th; Shakespeare & Hathaway will begin airing in July 2023. The announcement was made today by Scott Woodward, EVP Programming and Production, Ovation.

"Death in Paradise and Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators are excellent titles that will complement our other mystery programming like Murdoch Mysteries and Midsomer Murders perfectly," stated Woodward. "Ovation is once again pleased to partner with BBC Studios on such outstanding acquisitions."

A global hit and sold to over 200 territories and counting, Death in Paradise follows Richard Poole (Ben Miller), a detective inspector in the UK Police, as he is transferred to the fictional Caribbean island Saint-Marie's police department; however, he hates the sun, sea and sand. The series follow his investigations into murders on the island. Kris Marshall joins the series as detective Humphrey Goodman in seasons 3-6; Ardal O'Hanlon joins as Jack Mooney in season 6; Ralf Little takes over as Neville Parker in season 9. Death in Paradise is a Red Planet Pictures production for the BBC, distributed internationally by BBC Studios. Produced with the support of the Guadeloupe Regional Council.

Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators stars Mark Benton as the hard-boiled Frank Hathaway and Jo Joyner as his rookie sidekick Lu Shakespeare and is created by Paul Matthew Thompson and Jude Tindall. The unlikely pair forms a partnership as they investigate extramarital affairs, murderous magicians, abducted au pairs, and more in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire. Despite their constant disagreements, the duo makes a good team in the action packed, fun-filled drama. Shakespeare & Hathaway is a BBC Studios production for the BBC, distributed internationally by BBC Studios.

For more information about Ovation TV, visit https://ovationtv.com.

About OVATION TV America's Premier Arts Network

As an independent television, production, and digital media company, OVATION TV has an unparalleled commitment to the arts, culture, and captivating entertainment. Showcasing a lineup of critically acclaimed premium dramas, specials, documentaries, and iconic films, OVATION TV salutes innovative storytelling with popular programming that includes Inside the Actors Studio, Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries, Arts Engines, The Fall, Midsomer Murders, The Art Of, Celebrity Conversations, and The Sound of New York. Ovation also powers JOURNY, the dedicated streaming service where art, culture, and travel intersect. The company has provided more than $15M in contributions and in-kind support to arts institutions and arts education. Its signature advocacy platform, STAND FOR THE ARTS, includes a coalition of over 150 arts organizations, cultural institutions, and arts leaders throughout the country raising awareness about art's positive impact, protecting access for everyone, and encouraging action on behalf of the arts. OVATION TV is available on major providers via cable, satellite and telco systems including Comcast Cable/Xfinity, DIRECTV, Charter/Spectrum, Verizon FiOS, as well as on demand. You can follow OVATION TV on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, OvationTV.com, and through our App, OVATION NOW.

About BBC Studios

BBC Studios is a commercial subsidiary of the BBC Group with sales of £1.6bn (21/22). Able to take an idea seamlessly from thought to screen and beyond, the business is built on four pillars: a global Content Studio (producing, investing and distributing content globally); Channels & Streaming platforms in the UK and across the world; a Brands & Licencing operation which seeks to amplify the impact of IP; and the successful UK-based multi-channel network UKTV. Around 2,400 hours of award-winning British programmes made by the business every year, with three-quarters of its revenues from non-BBC customers including Discovery, Apple and Netflix. Its content is internationally recognised across a broad range of genres and specialisms, with brands like Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing with the Stars, Top Gear, Bluey and Doctor Who. BBC.com, BBC Studios' global digital news platform, has 139 million unique browser visits each month. BBC Studios | Website | Press Office | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram |