Foreign drama scores for Channel 4 in UK


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Editor

| 23 January 2016




The UK’s fourth largest broadcaster is reporting quick success in its decision to tap into the country’s growing taste for non-English drama with its Walter Presents on-demand service.



Handpicked by curator Walter Iuzzolino, the dramas are exclusively available free and launched through a partnership between Global Series Network (GSN). The 11 titles currently available as parts of Walter Presents include Deutschland 83, Heartless, Spin, Pure Evil, Kabul Kitchen, The Lens, Cenk Batu, Mammon, Match Day, 10 and Resistance.

Led by the Cold War comedy/spy drama Deutschland 83, Channel 4’s claims that the Walter Presents offering has drawn to date more a million views on its All 4 digital service. Launched on 3 January 2016, the 11 titles from Walter Presents have already attracted coverage across Channel 4’s owned All 4 platforms, excluding the Sky and Virgin pay-TV platforms.

Channel 4 says that Deutschland 83 has become the highest rated foreign-language drama in UK TV history. After launching with 1.49 million viewers, the first episode consolidated with 2.5 million viewers, overtaking the launch of worldwide hit The Returned which previously held the record with 2.2 million. In addition to Deutschland 83, Walter has showcased Argentinian psychological thriller Pure Evil and award-winning French comedy Kabul Kitchen. Danish thriller Heartless and French political drama Spin have also proved popular.

“Walter Presents has captured viewers’ imaginations in the most wonderful way. It’s thrilling to see so many people finding the best of world drama on 4,” said Jay Hunt, chief creative officer at Channel 4.

All 4 is available on a range of second screen platforms including PC, Freesat Freetime, Sky, Virgin Media, BT TV, YouView, NOW TV/Roku boxes and through apps for iOS, Android, Windows 8, Windows Phone and Google Chromecast.