ITV Commissions Adaptation of Chris Chibnall’s Debut Novel

ITV has commissioned a TV adaptation of Death at The White Hart, the debut novel of Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall.

The book, set to publish on March 27 in the U.K. and on June 10 in the U.S., takes place in the Dorset village of Fleetcombe, where the village pub’s landlord is found murdered. Detective Nicola Bridge must comb through a web of lies and rivalries to find the killer.

Chibnall will write the series adaptation, which is to be co-produced by Red Planet Pictures and Imaginary Friends. Red Planet Pictures’ Belinda Campbell will executive produce alongside Chibnall. Fremantle will handle international distribution of the series.

The novel is the first of a two-book deal in the U.K. and the U.S. for Chibnall. In addition to publishing in those two territories, Death at The White Hart has been sold for translation into Czech, Dutch, German, Greek, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese and Ukrainian.

“I am very excited to be working with Chris and Red Planet Pictures again and that ITV will be home to his wonderful debut novel, Death at The White Hart,” commented Polly Hill, director of drama at ITV. “I think it’s a perfect partnership, and I know the adaptation with Chris at the helm will make an unmissable drama. It’s all the more special for us that Chris returns to Dorset once again with this very British murder and wonderful new investigation team.”

“Polly’s dynamic vote of confidence in Death at The White Hart made it a no-brainer to bring the novel to the screen with ITV,” Chibnall said. “Within this cliffhanger-packed murder mystery sits a specifically British story about how people live their lives right now. There’s no better home for it than ITV.”

Red Planet Pictures’ Campbell noted, “Death at The White Hart is a finely crafted and epically executed story with a host of unforgettable characters and story twists that lends itself so well to a TV drama that audiences will relish. We are thrilled that Chris has chosen to work with us on bringing this brilliant book to the screen.”

“Death at The White Hart is already setting up to be one of the biggest new series of crime novels in years, and we’re over the moon to hear it will soon be appearing on screens too,” said Joel Richardson, editor at Penguin Michael Joseph, the book’s U.K. publisher. “Chris is one of the U.K.’s leading storytellers, and this is an irresistible story packed with dark secrets, unforgettable characters and a detective who is set to become iconic in the genre.”

Rebecca Dundon, senior VP and head of scripted commercial, global drama and Fremantle International at Fremantle, added, “With Chris Chibnall’s proven track record and ITV’s backing, we jumped at the chance to get on board with Death at The White Hart, a series that perfectly balances commercial appeal with rich, high-quality storytelling. Audiences everywhere are hungry for gripping mysteries with deep character intrigue, and this premium crime show will not disappoint.”