Hat Trick International (HTI) has closed a string of international sales for ITV’s "D.I. Ray", the latest thriller to come out of Jed Mercurio’s HTM Television. The show has already been renewed for a further 6 episodes and will deliver later this year.
The crime series, created and written by former "Line of Duty" actress Maya Sondhi, have been acquired by PBS Distribution in a multi-rights deal that will see the 10 x 60 mins series broadcast across PBS’s 330-plus member stations in the US and streaming on PBS Passport, the PBS Video App and the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel.
Sarah Tong, Director of Sales at Hat Trick International, said: “While 'D.I. Ray' tells a very British story, the questions it raises about racism, identity and belonging are universal — as is demonstrated by these sales to territories as diverse as Israel and Greece. The fact that Maya’s brilliant, thought-provoking drama will now, thanks to PBS, be accessible to viewers across the US is a source of particular pride. In a few short months, D.I. Rachita Ray has come a long way from Birmingham — and, judging by all the interest, I’m confident she’ll be going a lot further still.”
"D.I. Ray", which was picked up by SBS Australia, VRT Belgium and NPO Netherlands ahead of its debut in 2022, was also acquired by BritBox International, where it has already rolled out across multiple territories, including South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden and will go to a 2nd window in Australia. Sales have also been closed with RTP in Portugal, Cosmote TV in Greece, Virgin Media in Ireland, Yes TV in Israel and NHK in Japan, where it will air on AXN Mystery. In addition, Acorn Media has taken the DVD rights for the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as the premiere rights for its SVOD platform in New Zealand.
Germaine Sweet, Managing Director of Content Acquisitions, PBS Distribution stated: “We are thrilled to bring this thoughtful and modern crime series to our US audience. It’s a well-crafted narrative that delivers a fresh perspective on police drama.”
"D.I. Ray" debuted as a 4 x 60 series on ITV, delivering strong ratings and above slot average for the UK commercial broadcaster, hence the second series order of 6 x 60. The action is set in Birmingham — Sondhi’s home town — and centres on Rachita Ray, a Leicester-born police officer who takes on a case that forces her to confront a lifelong personal conflict between her British identity and her South Asian heritage.
While 'D.I. Ray' tells a very British story, the questions it raises about racism, identity and belonging are universal — as is demonstrated by these sales to territories as diverse as Israel and Greece.” Sarah Tong Director of Sales at Hat Trick International
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