BBC Studios Lands First Commission from PBS

BBC Studios is producing Royal Wedding Watch, a five-part nightly special leading up to the live broadcast of the royal wedding, for PBS in the U.S.

Royal Wedding Watch will be hosted by American news anchor Meredith Vieira and Countryfile and The One Show presenter Matt Baker, who will update viewers on the preparations for the wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle. The 5×1-hour special is being produced by BBC Studios’ Topical and Live Unit.

The royal wedding will take place on Saturday, May 19.

“Americans find the British royals incredibly fascinating, and Royal Wedding Watch is the ultimate backgrounder leading up to this historic moment when our American beauty marries her prince,” Vieira said.

Lisa Ausden, creative director for BBC Studios’ Topical and Live Unit, added: “BBC Studios is thrilled to be working with PBS in this unique collaboration, giving U.S. viewers a front-row seat in the build-up to the big day. We’ll capture all the excitement as Windsor becomes the focus of the world, and we’ll have unrivaled expertise in our central London studio to discuss the history and tradition of royal weddings, plus, of course, the romance which brought the Prince and his American bride together.”

Shawn Halford, PBS’s senior director of programming, commented: “From cakes to choristers, banquets to bouquets, gowns to crowns, viewers will get a fun and informative insider’s briefing on royal etiquette, an unprecedented look at the elaborate planning, secrecy and care that goes into this royal wedding that has captured the imagination of people around the world.”