Discovery buys Disney dramas for TLC UK

Discovery has bought several US scripted series for the soon-to-launch UK version of TLC.

It has picked up ABC Studios-produced US dramas Mistresses (pictured) and Devious Maids from Disney’s distribution arm.

Female-skewing TLC launches on BSkyB in the UK at the end of the month with a launch party in London tonight.

Discovery has also picked up classic comedy Golden Girls for the new network and will schedule it in a daytime comedy block.

Mistresses will go out on TLC from June, shortly after its airing on US network ABC. Devious Maids, from Desperate Housewives’ writer Marc Cherry, will launch next year.

In the US, it will be on TLC’s rival network Lifetime from the autumn.

The Disney deal was brokered by Brad Wood, programming manager, lifestyle and entertainment, Discovery Networks Western Europe and Tom Savage, manager, business & legal affairs, EMEA for Discovery and Cristina Brun, senior sales manager, UK & Ireland, Disney Media Distribution.

Susanna Dinnage, senior VP & general manager, Discovery Networks UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have acquired these new drama series from Disney UK and Ireland. It is a significant move for Discovery and shows our commitment both in terms of investment and ambition for our new entertainment channel TLC.”