C4 Adds Comedy Dramas to 2011 Grid

LONDON: Channel 4 has commissioned Naked Apes for C4 and Beaver Falls for E4, taking its 2011 drama output beyond 200 hours.

"We’re proud of our commitment to supporting the best British talent, backing innovative, contemporary drama, and 2010 has been an exceptional year so far," said Camilla Campbell, Channel 4’s head of drama. “From Shane Meadows’ This Is England ’86, to eagerly awaited new pieces from Ronan Bennett and Peter Kosminsky, Channel 4 continues its tradition of delivering original, bold and entertaining British drama."

Campbell continued, "With money freed up from the cancellation of Big Brother we are delighted that we are able to follow This Is England ’86 with another new drama series for Channel 4, a further series for E4, and more to come throughout 2011. In terms of brand new originated drama, we’re on track to more than double our output next year. With over 200 hours slated, 2011 will be a resurgent year; audiences are going to feel a real increase in drama on Channel 4.”

The six-part Naked Apes focuses on a group of paramedics in Leeds. For E4, Beaver Falls follows three British university grads who bluff their way into jobs at an elite American summer camp. Both will air in summer 2011, joining a drama lineup that includes The Promise, Top Boy, and the returning Skins, Shameless, Misfits and Hollyoaks, among others.