Hayu takes ‘The Circus’ on the road

The Circus

NBCUniversal-owned SVOD service Hayu has taken the rights to both seasons of reality series The Circus for the UK, Ireland, Benelux, Canada and Australia.

The series (20 x 30-minutes), which is distributed by Australia’s Fred Media and produced by Stripe Studios for NBCU NZ’s Bravo TV, follows the 10-strong Weber family who live, work, and play together under the backdrop of a circus big top.

The series provides a VIP backstage pass to a unique way of life and introduces viewers to a variety of performers, including clowns, stunt riders and trapeze artists.

The show was recently recommissioned for a third 10 x 30-minute season, which is due to be delivered in 2022.

In related news, Fred Media has appointed Karen Connell as interim senior sales manager for the next 12 months, covering distribution for the UK & Western Europe while Mem Bakar is on maternity leave.

London-based Connell previously served as head of sales at TCB Media Rights and VP of sales at Beyond Distribution, among roles at other compamnies. Most recently, she was the commercial manager Rights Tacker.

“The Circus has really captured the imagination of viewers in New Zealand, so we are delighted to see it starting to fly internationally,” said Roger Vanderspikken, Fred Media’s general manager.

“It’s an absorbing and truly entertaining reality series so Hayu, with its focus on the best of reality TV, will provide a perfect home in these territories.”