BBC, ZDF & France Télévisions Greenlight Tween Detective Series

BBC and ZDF have co-commissioned The Lady Grace Mysteries, an Elizabethan tween detective series from Cottonwood Media and Coolabi Productions, which has already presold to France Télévisions.

Based on the best-selling children’s book series of the same name, the show will follow Lady Grace Cavendish, the world’s first female teenage detective, as she works as a private spy for Queen Elizabeth I. Grace, who spent her youth outwitting palace guards, must navigate the dangerous waters of royal politics in an English court full of plots, threats and mystery while dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl.

Filming is scheduled to take place in a British castle in spring 2025.

Manon Ardisson, head of fiction at Cottonwood Media, and Alexander Jacob, managing director at Cottonwood, will oversee the production. Jacob will serve as lead director. The lead writer is Emmy Award-winning Anna McClerry (Free Rein, A Kind of Spark, Hollyoaks). ZDF Studios and Federation Kids & Family are handling worldwide sales.

“The Lady Grace Mysteries feels so fresh and gives our viewers the opportunity to spend time in a really exciting period of history, but in a modern and standout way, with a modern and standout lead,” said Sarah Muller, senior head of children’s commissioning for 7-plus at BBC. “Solving mysteries is such a favorite too, and with such a unique setting, it should be attractive to a much wider audience. We’re delighted to be on board with Cottonwood Media, Coolabi, ZDF, FTV and lead writer Anna McCleery.”

Nicole Keeb, head of international co-productions and acquisitions for children and youth programs at ZDF, commented, “We are delighted to be part of this wonderful new adventure. The Lady Grace Mysteries is about a girl who protects and saves Queen Elizabeth using her own resources and her teenage friends. That’s a very exciting plot. We are expecting a high-quality costume drama that will fit perfectly into our portfolio and can hardly wait to get it on air.”

“When Coolabi introduced the books to us, it was one of those precious moments when you can instantly picture a really cool TV show,” explained David Michel, Cécile Laurenson and Zoé Carrera Allaix, co-founders of Cottonwood Media. “Packed with intrigue, wit, adventure and humor, the response from the broadcasters involved was incredibly positive from the get-go. And we are delighted to be working with such amazing partners on something we feel will take tween viewers on an amazing, upbeat historical adventure, allowing them to tap into their own inner sleuth.”

Coolabi Productions’ Michael Dee, director, and Chris Snowdon, diirector of IP creation and managing director of working partners, commented, “Coolabi Productions are thrilled with the caliber of production and broadcast partners adapting our book series for television. There’s never been a better time to tell historical stories with a contemporary twist and relevant themes for today’s audiences. Intrigue and plotting have always existed in royal courts—and The Lady Grace Mysteries will provide a window into the dazzling court of Queen Elizabeth I, with its sumptuous fashions, all served up with slices of humor and irreverence. As a co-producer, we cannot wait to work with Cottonwood, the BBC, ZDF, Anna McCleery and the exceptional writing team.”

“Lady Grace captured our hearts from the first moment the show was presented to us,” noted Arne Lohmann, VP Junior at ZDF Studios. “I am sure that The Lady Grace Mysteries will be as much of a worldwide success as the previous series Find Me in Paris, Spellbound and Theodosia, which we co-produced with our friends at Cottonwood.”

Claire Heinrich, head of acquisitions for children’s and youth at France Télévisions, added, “We are delighted to continue a long-term partnership with Cottonwood Media on top-quality children’s fiction aimed at the older end of our audience. This project fits perfectly with our need for high-stakes adventure in the exciting setting of a royal court, with its many possibilities for intrigue. The historical background combined with a modern tone and the contemporary issues of a smart and inspiring teenager who navigates between boring duties and risky investigations, experiences strong friendships and harsh betrayals is a fine recipe for success. Add a zest of romance and you have all the ingredients for an exceptional show!”