WildBrain Sends Malory Towers Around the World

WildBrain has concluded a wave of international sales for the first season of Malory Towers, a live-action series based on Enid Blyton’s popular book series.

Co-produced by WildBrain and the U.K.-based King Bert Productions for WildBrain Television’s Family Channel in Canada and CBBC in the U.K., the series has been picked up by such broadcasters and streamers as BYUtv in the U.S., CBC’s streaming service CBC Gem in Canada, ABC in Australia, ZDF in Germany, DR in Denmark, YLE in Finland, SVT in Sweden, NRK in Norway, Toonix and HBO in the Nordics and CEE, and Hot in Israel.

Malory Towers follows 12-year-old Darrell Rivers (Ella Bright), as she leaves home for the first time to attend an all-girls’ boarding school. Set in the 1940s on the cliffs of the Cornish coast, Malory Towers explores this nostalgic world of midnight feasts, lacrosse, pranks and friendships. In addition to Bright, the series stars Jennifer Wigmore (Anne with an E), Imali Perera (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Ashley McGuire.

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “Malory Towers set the template for popular British boarding school stories and it’s no surprise that so many territories have responded to this classic title. Darrell Rivers is a truly iconic character—sparky, independent and a fierce warrior against injustice. She shone a bright light on the potential of all girls at a time when expectations were very limited. The books have inspired generations of young readers and we’re delighted that so many young viewers are getting the chance to meet Darrell and her friends.”

Michael Dunn, managing director for BYUtv, said: “BYUtv’s mission is to share the very best programming out there for young people and their parents to watch together. Malory Towers checks all the boxes of what we’re looking for: vibrant, audacious, and inspiring. I’m certain our viewers will warmly embrace the timeless escapades of Darrell Rivers and her classmates.”

Marie McCann, senior director of children’s content for CBC Kids, said: “We’re excited to give Canadian families the chance to dive into the rich world of Malory Towers again and again on CBC Gem. With its double whammy of old-school charm meets girl power, Malory Towers will no doubt be the next great family must-watch series.”

Deirdre Brennan, executive VP of content partnerships at WildBrain, said: “The response to Malory Towers has been fantastic and we’re thrilled that so many leading platforms will share this series with families internationally.”

Jo Sargent, executive producer and King Bert Productions’ managing director, said: “The reaction to Malory Towers has been incredible so far, and it is wonderful that more audiences across the globe will now be able to engage with Enid Blyton’s iconic series through our adaptation.”