Seven renews ITV Studios first-look deal

Australia’s Network Seven has renewed its long-standing first-look programming deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVSGE).

The new agreement begins in July, and hands Seven at ITVSGE programming until “well into 2021”.

“In conjunction with our Australian programming, ITVS GE’s expansive portfolio of factual, drama and entertainment titles continue to play a key role in powering the channels of Seven,” said Angus Ross, director of network programming at Seven.

Recent ITVSGE shows that have aired on Seven include Endeavour, The Chase and Murdoch Mysteries, and Little Boy Blue, Hell’s Kitchen USA, Inside Kings Cross, Diana – A Love Affair and Billy Connolly and Me are upcoming.

ITV Studios Australia has also produced various shows for Seven such The Chase Australia, and is currently working up a local remake of Hell’s Kitchen.

The Seven-ITV partnership goes back more than two decades in total.

Meanwhile in Australia, Network Ten’s administrator has told local media there is confidence the ailing channel will be saved from receivership.

Bruce Gordon and Lachlan Murdoch, both of whom had initially refused to finance a new Ten loan triggering the administration, are said to be keen on taking over the business.