The big news in British TV yesterday was that Torchwood will be returning for a new fourth season in Summer 2011. What’s interesting about it is who is involved.
The BBC have partnered with the US cable network Starz, who will co-produce a 10 episode series that will air on the Starz network in summer 2011.
Former Doctor Who showrunner and creator of Torchwood, Russell T. Davis will return to run the new series, so that much is good.
Here are the details from the BBC press release:
BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Worldwide and US premium entertainment network, Starz Entertainment, have today announced a three way co-production partnership that will develop a new series of the hit BBC sci-fi drama Torchwood. BBC Worldwide will also distribute the series to broadcasters globally.
The 10-episode installment will be written by a team led by Torchwood creator, Russell T Davies, and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ SVP Scripted, Julie Gardner, return as executive producers with BBC Worldwide Productions EVP Jane Tranter. The series has been commissioned by Controller BBC ONE, Jay Hunt, Controller BBC Drama, Ben Stephenson, and Starz President and CEO, Chris Albrecht.
While previous series were based on location in Cardiff, Wales, this new instalment will see storylines widen to include locations in the U.S. and around the world. John Barrowman and Eve Myles will return in their roles as Captain Jack and Gwen respectively, along with new faces.
Honestly, I’m not quite sure what to think of this development. At least Fox dropped their interest, I can only imagine what they would have done to the show. Starz is such a strange choice for a network. I don’t understand why BBC America didn’t underwrite it.
It’s clear they’re going to try and ‘Americanize’ the show to make it appeal to an American audience. Lame. One thing is for sure – Torchwood will never be the same again – this will not be the show we love and remember. Whether that’s a good thing, remains to be seen.
Stay tuned to Anglotopia for the latest Torchwood Series 4 updates.
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Anglotopia was founded by Jonathan and Jackie Thomas for people who love Britain - whether it's British TV, Culture, History or Travel - we cover it all. Anglotopia was started to get us back to the UK for a trip and it did that in 2009. Now, the goal is for Anglotopia to make our dreams of traveling to the UK whenever we want a reality.
Yes, I know what you mean, Jonathan. Such a long time between last year’s (brilliant) mini-series and next year’s full series too. Can’t help thinking that Russell T. Davies and co lost the plot on this one a bit. Starz has not even made a blip on my horizon in five years living in the US; difficult to imagine that they will bring more viewers than BBC America would have.
I hope thet are not going to make it like a glossy american drama, it’s roots are in Cardiff and thats where it should stay.
The yanks will destroy a brilliant and delightfully program, it should stay in Cardiff the actors, gave it a attitude of suspense and cardiff , the flavour a recie that shouldn’t be stuff around with. I’m a aussie and England has produced some totally brilliant series in the last 5-6 years,
I’m one ‘Yank’ who hopes Starz doesn’t Americanize the series. It was wonderful as it was produced by BBC Wales & based in Cardiff. Lots of Americans watched it as it was, & will continue to watch. I don’t think any changes are necessary to attract a larger audience; the show is great as it is. I’m thrilled to hear it’s returning next year; let’s hope for the best!
BTW, I think Starz is a good choice to join with BBC for this show; it’s the network that successfully produced the Stargate SG1 series for several years before it moved to the SciFi network.
i think the brits should be thankful starz stepped up or such a great show would have just been canceled then we all lose
I’m afraid that in this case it was better left alone. This series of eight episodes is too long, which results in it focusing on subjects which are quite minor to anything making it incredibly tedious to watch. It is quite awful and the sooner it fades into distant memory the better.
i hope its as good as children of earth and do you no ifr ianto jones is going to cum back to life played by gareth david lloyed xx
No matter how good TW was (and I for thought it was excellent), it was obvious that the BBC was stripping it back. The miniseries was simply making a good thing out of a bad situation (commission 5 episodes and not 10).
I don’t think BBC was going to commission another series fully, so RD had to look elsewhere. That’s why BBC America aren’t showing it. They need the dosh which Starz will provide, and BBC won’t.
Add this to the fact that RD is desparate to make it as a script writer in the US this is the perfect vehicle for him. Again making a good thing (for him) out of a back situation. RD owns TW – it’s his idea, and has said many times in the past that if he moved to US he would take it with him.
Whether it’s good for TW, is yet too be seen. Fingers Cross.
P.S. When oh when will the UK get this?
I’m sorry but TW should have stayed here in Cardiff. It was based in Cardiff and won’t be the same anywhere else.