Network 10 & Channel 5 to Co-Fund Breathless

Australia’s Network 10 and the U.K.’s Channel 5 are joining forces to fund the four-part miniseries Breathless, marking their first joint prime-time content initiative since the completion of the ViacomCBS merger that brings the free-to-air networks together under common ownership.

Breathless, which will be produced by Fremantle, features former EastEnders star Charlie Brooks and Australian actor Brett Tucker (The Americans, Station 19, Mistresses). The story centers on a British woman and her husband seeking a fresh start in Australia after infidelity rocks their marriage—that’s the plan until they hire a young local nanny who isn’t as innocent as she appears and there are deadly consequences.

The series will begin production in early 2020, with the series’ creator, Jason Herbison, executive producing for Fremantle and Greg Barnett acting as commissioning editor for Channel 5. Breathless will be directed by Scott Major (Neighbours, Playing For Keeps).

Network 10’s chief content officer, Beverley McGarvey, said: “Having worked with Channel 5 on a number of projects previously, we’re really excited to be working with them once again to bring this captivating new drama to Australian audiences, this time as a sister company. It’s a great example of the opportunities the ViacomCBS merger can bring to markets around the world.”

Ben Frow, director of Programs for ViacomCBS’s U.K. networks, including Channel 5, commented: “First and foremost, Breathless promises to be a really compelling addition to our expanding line-up of quality drama that is proving popular with British audiences across both our TV networks and streaming services. At the same time, it’s a great way of extending our partnership with Network 10—with a shared language and such strong cultural connections between the U.K. and Australia, there is obvious potential to explore further opportunities for content sharing now Channel 5 and Network 10 are part of the same family.”

Chris Oliver-Taylor, Fremantle CEO for the Asia Pacific, said: “Fremantle Australia is thrilled to be producing Breathless for Channel 5 and Network 10. Jason Herbison has created a fantastic world of deceit, thrills, twists and turns that will keep the audiences in both the U.K. and Australia guessing. Jason, Jo Porter and I are delighted to be cementing the incredible long-standing relationship that Fremantle has had with ViacomCBS over many years by bringing this new exciting series to a truly global audience.”