Acorn TV Lands Exclusive U.S. Premiere for Line of Duty Season Five

Acorn TV has secured the exclusive U.S. premiere rights for season five of Line of Duty from Kew Media Distribution.

Currently in production, season five will feature six episodes and make its exclusive U.S. premiere on Acorn TV in 2019, coinciding with its BBC One debut. Acorn TV currently has the first three seasons available to stream anytime and adds the fourth season on November 26.

The crime drama is written and created by Jed Mercurio, who also created the U.K. hit Bodyguard. Season four marked the first time Line of Duty aired on BBC One, where it attracted an average audience of 8.2 million viewers. It is produced by World Productions.

Don Klees, VP of programming for Acorn brands at RLJ Entertainment, said, “Acorn TV continues to rapidly grow and remains the go-to destination for the very best in British television as exemplified in our newest acquisition. Line of Duty has always been one of our favorite British thrillers as creator Jed Mercurio and World Productions continue to deliver nail-biting cliffhangers with every new season. Given season four’s huge success on BBC One as one of the top-rated U.K. programs of 2017, Acorn TV has secured a major coup in acquiring the exclusive U.S. premiere of season five from our friends at Kew Media Distribution. With the addition of season four on November 26, we’re excited for our subscribers to catch up on the latest season as we await new episodes in 2019.”

Jonathan Ford, executive VP of sales at Kew Media Distribution, commented, “We’re very pleased to announce that the highly anticipated new season of one of the U.K.’s finest thrillers will make its U.S. debut on Acorn TV, which is renowned for delivering the very best in international content to its viewers. Line of Duty’s gripping storylines packed with unexpected twists and intriguing characters have firmly established the drama as an audience favorite around the world and we’re delighted to see all seasons finding their perfect home in the U.S.”

Simon Heath, CEO and creative director of World Productions, added, “We’re delighted that Acorn TV will be the new home of Line of Duty in the States, and pleased that season five will transmit concurrently with the BBC. No spoilers!”