Sky buys MacGyver reboot for the UK

Sky has acquired MacGyver and the reboot of the 1980s series will launch on the UK pay TV operator’s Sky 1 channel next month.

The show is distributed by CBS Studios International, which struck the Sky deal. It launched the reboot at last year’s LA Screenings and it has since travelled to broadcasters including Global in Canada and Fox in the Iberia region.

In the US it has proved popular in a Friday night slot on the CBS broadcast network.

Sky gets first window UK rights from CBS Studios International. The pay platform also picked up the latest season of America’s Next Top Model.

Adam Macdonald, director of Sky 1 and Sky Living said:  “We’re delighted that Sky Living audiences will be the first in the UK to see the latest instalment of the hugely popular ANTM.

“And Sky 1 audiences love an explosive action-adventure, making MacGyver the perfect addition to our February line-up.”

“MacGyver’s action-adventure storylines and ANTM’s iconic format are prime examples of CBS’ successful programming that appeals to a global audience,” added Stephen Tague, senior VP, Europe, CBS Studios International.

Speaking to TBI about the show at last year’s Screenings, CBSSI boss Armando Nunez said: “It was and is a very recognisable franchise around the world; one of the only shows from the 1980s that actually travelled well [globally] on the limited number of channels back then. ‘MacGyver’ has even become a verb in the Oxford English Dictionary.”