Streaming service Acorn buys Seven’s Aussie drama

Acorn TV has picked up US rights to A Place to Call Home, the Australian period drama that has just been recommissioned for a two more seasons.

The series tells the story of a mysterious woman returning to 1950s Australia to start a new life.

It was made by Seven Network’s in-house production unit and the free-to-air broadcaster aired the second season earlier this year. Seven then ditched the show, but pay TV platform Foxtel jumped in and confirmed an order for third and fourth runs of the show following a deal with Seven.

Acorn is part of RLJ Entertainment, the US distributor and content company that majority owns Agatha Christie Limited. It will show A Place to Call Home on its US streaming service, which is largely programmed with British scripted series, but has also carried Australian dramas including Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and Jack Irish.

RLJ picked up US rights from Endemol Worldwide Distribution, which handles international sales. It will launch the thirteen-episode first season on its on-demand service before handling the DVD release in North America and into syndication.

Mark Stevens, president for Acorn Brands at RLJ Entertainment, said: “Australian television continues to produce an increasing number of high-quality period dramas like A Place to Call Home. We’re excited to partner with Endemol Worldwide Distribution to bring this compelling romance-driven series to North American audiences.”