Fox Europe bags Abrams’ Hulu drama

Fox Networks Group Europe has acquired rights to J.J. Abrams thriller drama 11/22/63 from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution in 18 territories.

The deal gives Fox exclusive broadcast rights in Bulgaria, Flemish-speaking Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

The deal marks the first significant acquisition for FNGE since it rebranded from Fox International Channels Europe, as part of a wider Fox global rebrand.

22.63 – originally for Hulu in the US and from Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, writer Bridget Carpenter (The Red Road), author Stephen King (Under the Dome) and Warner Bros. Television – runs to nine hours, and counts Bryan Burk (Person of Interest) as an executive producer.

The show follows a teacher and an his ailing friend who travel back in time to 1960s Texas to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and explore the mysteries surrounding alleged killer Less Harvey Oswald.

“With its epic and suspenseful story complemented by an absolutely incredible array of talent, both behind and in front of the camera, we are confident our audiences will love what promises to be one of 2016’s hottest shows, first on Fox,” said Fox’s senior VP, global acquisitions, Jason Simms.

“The golden age of television is being driven by serialised drama,” added Caleb Weinstein, executive VP, distribution, Fox. “And in 2016 Fox channels across Europe are at the forefront: delivering on-demand access to the best content in the world, whenever and wherever our Pay TV subscribers want to watch.”