Fourth Season for Murdoch Mysteries

LONDON: UKTV and ITV Studios Global Entertainment are co-funding a fourth season of Shaftesbury’s hit crime drama Murdoch Mysteries, to air on Alibi starting February 2011.

The 13×1-hour new season will premiere exclusively in the U.K. on UKTV’s Alibi. ITV Studios Global Entertainment will continue to distribute the show worldwide. The series is produced by Shaftesbury Films for Canada’s CityTV.

Shaftesbury Films’ chairman and CEO, Christina Jennings, commented, “It’s a pleasure to partner with Alibi on a fourth season of Murdoch Mysteries for U.K. audiences. Alibi has fully championed the series from day one, resulting in a significant following of loyal viewers in the U.K. that continues to grow each year.”

Alibi’s channel head, Steve Hornsey, added: “Murdoch Mysteries uses a smart funding model to deliver a high-quality, original and relevant crime drama to different broadcasters in several regions globally. As a co-producer, Alibi is proud to bring Murdoch Mysteries exclusively to the U.K. It has rapidly become the channel’s biggest series and I’m excited that when it returns for a fourth season in 2011 there will be more challenging plots and even more well-known British talent.”

UKTV’s acquisitions manager, Alexandra Finlay, continued: “UKTV is delighted to be extending its valued collaboration with Shaftesbury Films and ITV on a fourth season of Murdoch Mysteries. With exciting new story lines and guest stars, the new season will further establish Murdoch Mysteries—Alibi’s longest running originated show—as one of our core brands.”