Damian Lewis to Front Factual Spy Series for A+E Networks

A+E Networks and A+E Networks UK have partnered on the factual co-production Damian Lewis: Spy Wars (working title).

Produced by Alaska TV in association with Lewis’s own recently launched Rookery Productions, the 8×1-hour series will reveal the true stories behind some of the most gripping and important international spy operations of the last 40 years. Shot on location in London, Moscow and Israel, the series will make use of highly stylized reconstructions.

Lewis, in his first docu-drama role, serves as a guide throughout each episode.

A+E Networks has global distribution rights and will introduce the new factual series to at MIPTV. The show will air in the U.K. on HISTORY.

Patrick Vien, executive managing director for international at A+E Networks, said: “Damian Lewis: Spy Wars (w/t) takes an unparalleled, wide-ranging approach to unraveling the fascinating world of global espionage, with an incredibly ambitious production that aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver premium content for a global audience. On the heels of the announcement of our first scripted co-production, Miss Scarlet and The Duke, we are especially pleased to be working with our colleagues at A+E Networks UK together with such top-tier talent as Damian Lewis and the extremely creative team at Alaska TV, to deliver a series worthy of the A+E Networks pedigree.”

Dan Korn, VP of programming at A+E Networks UK, said: “We’re thrilled to have Damian Lewis on HISTORY for his first foray into factual television and with the ramping up of intelligence activities on all sides, and renewed tensions between East and West, there can be no better time to explore some of the most iconic spy operations of recent years.”

Exec Producer Chris Fouracre said: “Working with Damian is fantastically exciting for Alaska TV, as well as firmly establishing us as producers of really creative docu-drama.”

Creative Director Ian Lamarra added: “This series continues Alaska TV’s track record of bringing the biggest names to unscripted television.”