NBCU acquires Red Arrow’s Departure for Europe & Africa

NBCUniversal International Networks (NBCUIN) has acquired Archie Panjabi drama Departure from Red Arrow Studios International to air in Europe and Africa.

Departure is now set to premiere in the UK, Africa and Germany on Universal TV, and France, Spain and Poland on 13^thStreet from late 2019, following the world premiere in Canada on Corus’ Global Television.

The new conspiracy series is a Canada/UK treaty co-production produced by Shaftesbury (Canada) and Greenpoint Productions (UK) in association with Corus Entertainment and co-financed by Starlings Television.

Starlings Television is overseeing distribution worldwide, with Red Arrow Studios International handling international sales outside of the US.

It is directed by Canadian Screen Award winner T.J. Scott (Orphan Black) and created by Ransom’s Vincent Shiao.

The high-octane conspiracy series follows the mystery of Flight 716 – a passenger plane that vanishes over the Atlantic Ocean. Following the mysterious crash, recently widowed, aviation investigator Kendra Malley, played by Emmy Award-winner Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), is called in to investigate by her former boss and mentor Howard Lawson, played by Oscar winner Christopher Plummer (All the Money In The World).

“Departure’s gripping storyline – steeped in conspiracy, mystery and intriguing characters – is a great fit for our international channel brands and will have our viewers on the edge of their seats,” said Steve Patscheck, executive VP of global programming at NBCUniversal International Networks. “We look forward to bringing this thrilling series and its stellar award-winning cast to our fans around the world.”

Bo Stehmeier, president at Red Arrow Studios International, said:“We are delighted NBCUniversal International Networks has come on board as a pay-TV partner for Departure. Audiences across Europe and Africa will be captivated by the action-packed, suspenseful storyline and all-star cast.”