Acorn TV Acquires Paul Abbott’s No Offence

Acorn TV has licensed the exclusive digital and home video rights in North America from FremantleMedia International for the first two seasons of the crime drama No Offence.

From award-winning screenwriter Paul Abbott (Shameless, State of Play), the eight-part first season of No Offence makes its exclusive North American debut on April 16. The police procedural is produced by AbbottVision for Channel 4 in the U.K. and is executive produced by Abbott and Martin Carr.

Additionally, from FremantleMedia International, Acorn TV acquired North American digital rights for several classic series, including the miniseries Reilly, Ace of Spies (12 episodes), the 1990s BBC sitcom Goodnight Sweetheart seasons one through six and the comedy After Henry season one through four.

Don Klees, the VP of programming for Acorn brands at RLJ Entertainment, said, “FremantleMedia International continues to be a valued partner for Acorn TV with the success of shows like Aussie medical dramedy The Heart Guy, so we’re thrilled to partner with them again for several more high-quality programs our subscribers are sure to enjoy. Acorn TV continues to lead the way in curating the very best in new and contemporary British dramas and No Offence is another high-caliber addition with its fresh take on police procedurals mixed with cutting-edge humor. Additionally, we love to provide our subscribers classic, hidden gems, so Reilly, Ace of Spies and the U.S. debut of Goodnight Sweetheart will make excellent additions to our constantly growing catalog.”

Caroline Kusser, the senior VP of sales and distribution for FremantleMedia International in North America, said, “Unconventional and captivating, No Offence’s unique mix of drama and comedy is not your typical police procedural. With an incredible script by Paul Abbott, fantastic cast and excellent critical acclaim in the U.K., I have no doubt that the series will be well received by U.S. audiences. We are happy to be partnering with Acorn TV once again to bring this world-class British series to America.”