Hairy Bikers Gets U.S. Treatment

LONDON: An American version of the series Hairy Bikers is to be produced for the HISTORY channel by BBC Worldwide Productions.

Following a deal with the James Grant Group (JGG), which manages Hairy Bikers, the brand will be licensed and formatted internationally. HISTORY commissioned Los Angeles-based BBC Worldwide Productions to produce 12 half-hour episodes for broadcast later this year.

The U.S. Hairy Bikers—former White House chef Paul Patranella and his motorcycle mechanic and foodie friend, Bill Allen—will travel across the country uncovering America’s traditional dishes. The original Hairy Bikers, Dave Myers and Si King, first appeared on BBC Two in 2005 in The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook: Si and Dave do Portugal. The Hairy Bikers programs have been sold by BBC Worldwide to more than 160 territories around the world.

This is BBC Worldwide’s first deal for the Hairy Bikers brand after recently striking this innovative partnership. The structure also includes DVD, merchandise and live events rights globally.

Matt Paice, the executive VP of international production at BBC Worldwide, said: “The Hairy Bikers have really captured viewers’ attention in the U.K. and the introduction of their stateside doppelgangers is a really exciting development. We look forward to striking innovative new deals for Dave and Si and we will be looking for talent to replicate this success for broadcasters around the world.”

Holly Pye, the head of television at James Grant Group, added: “The HISTORY deal represents the first of its kind for the Bikers. We look forward to working in partnership (for our clients) with BBC Worldwide in the coming months and years. HISTORY has the ideal platform and audience from which to showcase the Bikers unique concept.”

Hairy Bikers Myers and King commented, “We are delighted to be working with BBC Worldwide. The company has a fantastic track record of building successful international brands and we are looking forward to seeing what tasty treats our American cousins will be cooking up across the pond!”