C4, Nat Geo team for ISIS drama

Channel 4 and National Geographic Channel are joining forces to make a drama series about a group of young British citizens who leave the country to join the so-called ISIS in Syria.

Peter Kosminsky (Wolf Hall) has created the series, which will run to 4x60mins and be produced by Archery Pictures, the UK indie formed by Liza Marshall and Kris Thykier in 2014.

The as yet untitled series marks the first time Channel 4 and Nat Geo have worked together and the UK broadcaster will debut the show in 2017, before it goes out on Nat Geo’s channels throughout the rest of the world.

The show was commissioned for Channel 4 by former drama boss Piers Wenger, who is leaving the broadcaster for the BBC, and his replacement Beth Willis.

“After a year of extensive research, Peter has written a fascinating fictional story that sheds light on an unknown and unimaginable world,” said Willis.

“This is a deeply authentic drama through which we are able to question and confront an incredibly complex, divisive and urgent global issue.”

Carolyn Bernstein, executive VP and head of global scripted development and production at Nat Geo, added: “National Geographic has always been on the forefront of covering the complexities of war in our documentary features and series.

“Peter’s scripts take that same bold, unblinking approach to telling the fact-based stories of young ISIS recruits and offer an authentic and nuanced look inside one of the most serious global threats we face today.”