UK channel goes Under the Dome with CBS

Channel 5 in the UK has acquired exclusive broadcast rights to the buzzy CBS miniseries Under the Dome.

The show, which comes from CBS Television Studios and Stephen Spielberg’s Amblin Television, will air on the UK terrestrial channel in the autumn.

Under the Dome follows events in a small down that is suddenly and inexplicably encased in a giant transparent dome. It’s based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, which was a number one bestseller on launch in 2009.

The closed miniseries format and sci-fi themes are a departure for CBS, which is better known for crime and legal procedural dramas such as NCIS and the CSI franchise.

“Under the Dome is a very unique and highly anticipated summer television event in the U.S.,” said Armando Nuñez, president and CEO, CBS Global Distribution. “We’re excited to be working with Channel 5 to bring this high quality CBS production to UK audiences.”

Since launching its new season slate to international buyers last month, CBSSI has closed scripted series deals with MTV3 in Finland, Russia’s Amedia and Australia’s Network Ten.