BBC Two Picks Up Crime Series Vienna Blood

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BBC Two has acquired the new crime drama Vienna Blood from Red Arrow Studios International.

Written by Steve Thompson (Sherlock, Deep State), the three-parter is based on the best-selling Liebermann novels by Frank Tallis. Vienna Blood is set in 1900s Vienna, a hotbed of philosophy, science and art, where a clash of cultures and ideas play out in the city’s grand cafes and opera houses.

Matthew Beard (The Imitation Game, And When Did You Last See Your Father?) and Juergen Maurer (Vorstadtweiber, Tatort) star.

The story follows Max Liebermann (Beard), a brilliant young English doctor studying under the famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. When Max comes into contact with Oskar Rheinhardt (Maurer), an Austrian detective inspector struggling with a strange case, he offers his assistance.

Vienna Blood is produced by Endor Productions. Red Arrow Studios International has led the co-financing of the series and is the international distributor. Germany’s ZDF and Austria’s ORF are co-production partners and will premiere the show in their respective territories. Other funding partners include Televisionfund Austria, TV-Filmfund Vienna and Niederoesterreich Kultur.

Sue Deeks, BBC’s head of program acquisition, said: “Vienna Blood is a unique, ambitious and compelling crime drama, set in glorious Vienna during an extraordinary period in its history. We are excited to be bringing it to BBC Two.”

Hilary Bevan Jones, managing director of Endor Productions, added: “We are delighted BBC Two has acquired Vienna Blood. We are proud to have brought Frank Tallis’ outstanding novels to life in the historic and beautiful city of Vienna. The chemistry between the lead actors Matthew Beard and Juergen Maurer creates a fresh and unique TV partnership which is wonderfully complemented by an exceptional international cast.

Bo Stehmeier, president of Red Arrow Studios International, said: “Vienna Blood is a great example of the kind of bold, ambitious drama we are passionate about at Red Arrow Studios International. With its combination of gripping storylines, compelling cast and talented creative team, I’m sure the series will be a hit with viewers in the U.K.”

Oliver Auspitz and Andreas Kamm, co-managing directors of MR Film, added: “Vienna Blood is no longer just a best-selling novel, it’s now a TV drama with global appeal. Produced in the heart of Austria as a U.K.-German-Austrian co-production, we are thrilled to be part of the story and looking forward to seeing the series make its debut on BBC Two.”