TVDRAMA
Fremantle has struck a deal with Sky to bring the coming-of-age drama Penelope, created by Mark Duplass (The Morning Show) and Mel Eslyn (Biosphere, Room 104), to the U.K. and Ireland.
Produced by Duplass Brothers Productions (Somebody Somewhere, Room 104), the 8×30-minute series follows a 16-year-old who feels out of place in modern society and is drawn into the unknown wilderness, where she begins to form a new life for herself. Megan Stott (Little Fires Everywhere, Yes Day, Aftermath) stars in the title role.
The cast also includes Austin Abrams (Euphoria, Dash & Lily, Do Revenge), Krisha Fairchild (Krisha, Channel Zero, Freeland) and Rhenzy Feliz (The Penguin, All Together Now, Encanto).
Penelope premiered in the U.S. on Netflix in September 2024, landing in the top ten TV shows on the platform in its first week. It is now set to launch on Sky and streaming service NOW in the U.K. and Ireland.
Duplass and Eslyn executive produce alongside Jay Duplass (Industry, The Chair) and Shuli Harel of Duplass Brothers Productions. Eslyn also directs and serves as showrunner. Fremantle handles global distribution.
“We’re in great company on Sky,” Eslyn and Mark Duplass said. “Penelope has had such an overwhelmingly positive response and sparked conversation all over the world. We can’t wait to take her story to audiences in the U.K. and Ireland.”
Jamie Lynn, executive VP of co-production and distribution for EMEA, International, at Fremantle, added, “Sky is renowned for bringing bold and distinctive storytelling to audiences, making Penelope a perfect fit for their lineup. Duplass Brothers Productions has a unique ability to craft deeply human, character-driven and timely stories. In an age where social media plays such a huge role in young people’s lives, it’s refreshing to see a lead like Penelope, one who defies expectations and forges her own path. We’re excited for viewers in the U.K. and Ireland to connect with her story and her quest of self-discovery.”
