Channel 4, Nat Geo Partner on ISIS Drama from Peter Kosminsky

WASHINGTON, D.C./LONDON: Channel 4 and National Geographic Channel are teaming up for the first time on a four-part drama from Wolf Hall‘s Peter Kosminsky.

The as-yet-untitled drama will tell a “fact-inspired” fictional story, rooted in extensive research and firsthand accounts, about four British men and women who leave their lives behind to join ISIS in Raqqah, Syria. Produced by Archery Pictures, the 4×1-hour series is set to premiere next year on Channel 4 in the U.K. and on National Geographic Channel in the rest of the world.

Kosminsky’s most recent drama, Wolf Hall, scored a slew of awards, including a Golden Globe for best TV series. His other credits include Britz, The Promise, The Government Inspector and Warriors.

Beth Willis, Channel 4’s head of drama, said: “After a year of extensive research, Peter has written a fascinating fictional story that sheds light on an unknown and unimaginable world. This is a deeply authentic drama through which we are able to question and confront an incredibly complex, divisive and urgent global issue. I’m delighted to be partnering with National Geographic and Archery Pictures to bring Peter’s brilliant work to audiences in the U.K. and worldwide.”

“National Geographic has always been on the forefront of covering the complexities of war in our documentary features and series,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive VP and head of global scripted development and production at Nat Geo. “Peter’s scripts take that same bold, unblinking approach to telling the fact-based stories of young ISIS recruits and offer an authentic and nuanced look inside one of the most serious global threats we face today.”