PBS Distribution to represent All3Media detective drama "Ridley" in North America

All3Media International announces that PBS Distribution boards West Road Pictures’ "Ridley" detective drama as the distribution partner in North America. Presales for the new series, which stars Adrian Dunbar ("Line of Duty"), have also been signed in Europe, China, Australia and New Zealand.

Sally Habbershaw, EVP Amercias at All3Media International, commented, “We’re delighted to welcome PBS Distribution on board as our US partner on 'Ridley', and to also announce a host of further deals with these early presales. With its top-notch cast and crew, engaging stories, and flexible duration options – two-hour dramas are always in particularly strong demand internationally – 'Ridley' promises to be an exciting new original primetime drama for global audiences. West Road Pictures has assembled a superb line-up of talent whose credits include some of the most successful detective dramas on TV in recent years, so we can’t wait to see Adrian Dunbar and Bronagh Waugh bring these compelling characters and investigations to life.”

Currently filming across Northern England, the drama will premiere on ITV in the UK. Produced in association with All3Media International, "Ridley" introduces viewers to the charismatic Detective Inspector Alex Ridley (Dunbar), who has retired from the police after 20 years of dedicated service. Now working in a consultancy role, Ridley resumes his partnership with his former protégée, DI Carol Farman ("Bronagh Waugh"), when she turns to him for help on a complex murder investigation.

"Ridley" has attracted a number of international presales. In Europe NPO is set to air the drama in the Netherlands, and VRT will air in Flemish Belgium. BritBox has secured exclusive rights in Australia, Pumpkin TV has signed VOD rights for China, and RLJ Entertainment has secured DVD/Video rights for Australia and New Zealand.

"Ridley" is written and created by Paul Matthew Thompson ("Vera"). It is co-created by Jonathan Fisher ("Blood"), managing director of West Road Pictures, an All3Media company, and former executive producer of Midsomer Murders. The drama is a West Road Pictures Production for ITV in co-production with PBS in association with All3Media International. Inspired by real-life retired detectives re-joining police forces in a consultancy role given increasingly over-stretched resources, "Ridley" will explore thought-provoking crime stories in an original and distinctive way.