Starz On Board New Torchwood Installment

LOS ANGELES: The hit BBC series Torchwood is returning for a new season, with Starz scooping up the U.S. television rights for a summer 2011 premiere.

The new season will be a co-production between Starz, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide, with BBC Worldwide distributing the series outside of the U.S. Stars of the previous versions, including John Barrowman and Eve Myles, will return. Additional key cast will be announced soon. Created by Russell T Davies, Torchwood previously ran in the U.S. on BBC America.

With the fourth season, the show, primarily set in Cardiff, Wales, will offer up a more global story. Starz and BBC One will premiere the series in the summer of 2011. Davies and BBC Worldwide Productions’ senior VP of scripted, Julie Gardner, return as executive producers, with Davies also serving as show-runner.

Chris Albrecht, president and CEO of Starz, noted: "We’re committed to programming exceptional television that is entertaining, imaginative and provides a premium TV experience, and by any measure the new concept for Torchwood fits that mandate. I’ve been part of successful partnerships with Jane Tranter and the BBC previously, and I’m very much looking forward to working with them again." 

"Torchwood has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the UK and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans, but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive installment yet," added Jane Tranter, executive VP of BBC Worldwide Productions. "Chris Albrecht and his team are committed to delivering quality premium programming to their subscribers, also a core attribute of the BBC, and we are excited to be working with them as the Torchwood adventure continues."