Canal+, ABC visit BBC’s Happy Valley

French pay TV platform Canal+ and Australian pubcaster ABC are among buyers of the BBC’s acclaimed crime drama Happy Valley.

Sweden’s SVT, Norway’s NRK, Finland’s YLE and New Zealand’s TVNZ have also acquired the six-part series, which BBC Worldwide distributes internationally.

BBC director of television Danny Cohen recently singled the series out as a sign of continuing success in drama at UK pubcaster the BBC, comparing it on a par to high-end US fare. It scored the highest-ever audience AI measurement, the BBC has previously revealed.

The Red Production Company-created drama follows a policewoman living and working in a deadbeat Welsh town that believes a recently-released prisoner is responsible for her daughter’s death.

“Happy Valleyhas taken the UK by storm and really showcases the best of British drama,” said BBCWW’s director of scripted Liam Keelan. “We are very proud to be taking this popular series to audiences around the world to enjoy.”