Netflix acquires exclusive global rights to The Returned remake

The Returned

Netflix has acquired exclusive global rights to The Returned, the US remake of French drama Les Revenants, from FremantleMedia International. The deal marks the first time the US-listed streaming service will have premiere rights an acquired drama on its services around the world.

The series has been commissioned by US cable net A&E, which will debut it on March 9. Netflix will then launch it a day later on all of its international services except the US. In the States A&E has a one-year holdback on the show.

The original French series, which was distributed by Zodiak Rights, series was an international success, selling to over 70 territories with buyers including Channel 4 in the UK and Sundance in the US. It follows the residents of a small mountain town that is turned upside down when several local people, who have been long presumed dead suddenly reappear.

Last year A&E ordered a ten-episode US version of the show, with its fledgling drama production unit A+E Studios, on production duty alongside Fremantlemedia North America and Haut et Cort, which made the original French show. Lost writer Carlton Cuse has penned and exec produced the US version alongside Raelle Tucker (True Blood).

FremantleMedia International is selling the US series. CEO Jens Richter said: “Netflix is a ground-breaking platform, synonymous with high-quality, character-driven content that really pushes at the boundaries. The internet television network is the perfect home for The Returned.”

Erik Barmack, vice president of global independent content at Netflix added: “We can’t wait for our global audience to see Carlton and Raelle’s interpretation of The Returned, a sensation in its own right that we think is perfect for Netflix.”