Global Screen Scores Recipes for Love and Murder Deals

Global Screen has secured a second season of the South African mystery drama Recipes for Love and Murder and inked a deal with NHK Enterprises for the series to premiere in Japan.

The first season, which has now sold to 94 countries, will debut on the Japanese pay-TV channel Mystery Channel. The second season will begin filming in April 2024 and will consist of eight episodes.

The culinary murder mystery series centers on an accomplished recipe advice columnist for a small-town gazette. Maria Doyle Kennedy (Outlander, The Tudors) stars in the lead role.

Recipes for Love and Murder is a co-production between AMC Networks’ Acorn TV, MultiChoice and Both Worlds Pictures, in cooperation with Global Screen. It is produced by Thierry Cassuto (Puppet Nation, Rainbow Warrior), founder of Both Worlds Pictures, in collaboration with Paris-based Paradoxal.

Acorn TV holds distribution rights to the series for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, while Multichoice holds the rights for Africa. Global Screen handles distribution to the rest of the world.

“We know fans of the series have been asking and we are delighted that this series, which has such a global appeal, has been commissioned for a second season,” said Ulrike Schröder, co-head of international sales and acquisitions for TV at Global Screen. “The landscape of Africa, the acclaimed cast and the intriguing storylines uniquely combine to make this a must-have series for multiple broadcasters around the world.”

Catherine Mackin, managing director of Acorn Media Enterprises (Acorn TV), said, “We are delighted to welcome our audiences back to the beautiful region of Karoo, South Africa, and the exciting—but often dangerous—world of Tannie Maria, led by the incomparable Maria Doyle Kennedy. There are still many investigations with shocking twists and turns to uncover, and with Tannie Maria leading the charge, justice is surely a small discovery of detail away.”

“The MultiChoice Group is the leading video entertainment company that has been investing in and producing African stories and talent for over three decades,” commented Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice Group. “Recipes for Love and Murder has since its global distribution once again proven the appetite for our stories told through authenticity by Africa’s most-loved storytellers. We look forward to building on the success of this title through our international partnerships.”

Cassuto, managing director of Both Worlds Pictures, added, “We’re overjoyed to announce the renewal of our beloved Recipes for Love and Murder for another season. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and talent of our creative team. To our partners, your support has been invaluable. To our fans, your love for the show has been the ultimate reward. And to Maria, we can’t wait to have you back in South Africa and to cook up more magic together.”