A+E Networks Commissions Robbie Coltrane-Hosted Crime Series

LONDON: A+E Networks has ordered a factual crime series hosted by Robbie Coltrane that is due to premiere globally on Crime + Investigation.

The series, titled Robbie Coltrane’s Critical Evidence, explores forensic science and how the most puzzling murder cases are solved through evidence investigation. The documentary series also shows how these methods have come about. Filming has already begun, with broadcast scheduled in the U.K. on Crime + Investigation for late 2016. The 8×1-hour series will premiere on Crime + Investigation channels throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australasia. It will be produced by IWC Media, a Banijay UK company. A+E Networks is handling all distribution.

Coltrane is the son of a police surgeon and starred as the criminal psychologist Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald in Granada Television’s Cracker (1993 to 2006). For the new show, Coltrane will examine the evidence that turned each case from a mystery to a solid court case.

“This is a very exciting commission for Crime + Investigation because our audience is fascinated by the world of forensic science,” said Koulla Anastasi, the program director at Crime + Investigation UK, who also serves as A+E’s global brand lead for Crime + Investigation channels internationally. “Having a TV and film star, like Robbie, on board who has a relationship through his career and family to the subject matter makes commissioning a show like this a clear winner.”

“As the presence and footprint of Crime + Investigation grows around the world, we are seeking more opportunities for original multi-region commissions expressly for our CI channels,” added Laura Fleury, A+E Networks’s senior VP and head of programming for international and LMN.

Ross Harper, the executive producer for IWC Media, said: “Most murder victims knew their killers, but the hardest cases to solve are those without an obvious lead. These are the crimes that can only be solved by gathering and evaluating evidence and putting the jigsaw pieces together to connect the evidence with a suspect. These stories reveal the astonishing dedication of investigators determined to follow the trail until they catch the killer. With Robbie’s uniquely compelling style, we’re delighted to be applying the latest techniques to create a polished and contemporary series for CI that will make gripping viewing.”