ITV ACQUIRES PERIOD DRAMA PAN AM, ANIMATED COMEDY UNIVERSAL BASIC GUYS

ITV has acquired three series from Sony Pictures Television to stream on ITVX – acclaimed British legal thriller The Killing Kind starring Colin Morgan and Emma Appleton; 1960s-set period drama Pan Am set at the dawn of the jet age and starring Christina Ricci, Margot Robbie and Michael Mosely; and animated comedy Universal Basic Guys from Adam and Craig Malamut, acquired ahead of its worldwide premiere on Fox this September in the US.

Produced by SPT-backed Eleventh Hour Films (Magpie Murders, Alex Rider) and based on the acclaimed novel by Jane Casey, The Killing Kind follows the compelling past and present relationship between a high-flying defence barrister, Ingrid Lewis (played by Emma Appleton), and her client John Webster (Colin Morgan), a successful businessman. Ingrid represented Webster in court when he was accused of stalking his ex-girlfriend and won his case. Things turned personal as Ingrid was drawn to Webster.

When she wanted to end the relationship, he couldn’t let her go and consequently, Ingrid's world imploded. Just as Ingrid is rebuilding her life, the sudden death of her mentor and friend collides with the unexpected reappearance of Webster with a sensational claim. Locked in a game of cat and mouse and fuelled by an obsession to find out the truth, Ingrid's world threatens to unravel once more.

Pan Am transports us to 1963 and the dawn of the Jet Age. As a fast, new luxury airliner takes to the skies, the passengers and crew face a voyage whose landscape is shaped by romance, shifting societal values and even international espionage. Head stewardess Maggie (Christina Ricci) mentor’s rookie flight attendant Laura (Margot Robbie), while first officer Ted (Michael Mosley) turns on the charm. Excitement awaits every traveller on PAN AM.

Universal Basic Guys centres on two brothers, Mark and Hank Hoagies, who lose their jobs to automation and are given $3,000 a month in a new basic income program. Now, they’re using their free time and free money to find purpose in a world where they’re no longer needed.

The brand-new highly anticipated animated comedy series from creators Adam and Craig Malamut (Sports Friends, Game of Zones, The Champions) has its worldwide premiere in the US on Fox this September. In May of this year, the series was renewed for a second series by FOX, which will be co-produced by FOX Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television.

ITV’s Head of Content Acquisitions, Sasha Breslau said: “We can't wait to bring this selection of great series to ITVX over the coming months. From stellar casts to compelling storytelling and humour - The Killing Kind, Pan Am and Universal Basic Guys will continue to strengthen our range of programming on the streaming service.” 

Holly Comiskey, SVP, Distribution & Networks, UK & GSA, Sony Pictures Television says “These three titles could not be more different but encompass the breadth of storytelling we love at SPT. From the tense contemporary thriller of The Killing Kind to the soaring and stylish Sixties drama of Pan Am...

"Add to the mix the hilarious Universal Basic Guys, which got a fantastic reception when we unveiled it to the market at Sony’s LA Screenings event this year, and we are thrilled has already been renewed for a second series before it has even launched in the US. We are sure there is something here to enjoy for every ITVX viewer”.

Universal Basic Guys is set to launch on ITVX in 2025, Pan Am will be available to stream later this autumn, and The Killing Kind premieres on 12th September on ITVX and airs from 14th September on ITV1.