U.S. Network Pop Picks Up Clique, Swedish Dicks

The contemporary British thriller Clique has been licensed by all3media International to the U.S. channel Pop TV, which has also acquired the MTG original Swedish Dicks.

Clique is a co-production of BBC Studios and Balloon Entertainment for BBC Three in association with all3media International. The six-part youth-skewing thriller features two childhood best friends who are drawn into an elite clique of alpha girls.

Also headed to Pop TV is the comedy-drama Swedish Dicks, the first Nordic TV title to be distributed worldwide by Lionsgate. The network picked up both the first ten-episode season and the upcoming second season. It marks the first U.S. distribution deal for an MTG-produced TV series.

Bryan Elsley, executive producer and founder of Balloon Entertainment, said, “I am delighted that Balloon, BBC Studios and all3media International are going to team up with the exciting new team at Pop. We look forward to working with them and helping make Clique as big a success in the U.S. as it has been in the U.K.”

Sally Habbershaw, the executive VP of sales and co-productions for North America at all3media International, commented, “We’re delighted to announce this first international deal with Pop following Clique’s launch at MIPTV. Bryan’s established reputation for delivering hugely successful ratings-winning youth drama, combined with Clique’s fantastic win at the MIPDrama Screenings, ensured strong interest from our global clients. With its contemporary themes and gripping story line we’re expecting the series to resonate very well with international viewers and look forward to finalizing more deals soon.”

“Clique is a one-of-a-kind, mysterious drama that leaves you wanting more episode after episode,” said Justin Rosenblatt, the executive VP of original programming and development at Pop. “Under Jess and Bryan’s dexterous direction, the series brings unpredictable characters and gripping plot lines to life in a way that makes you feel like you’re in on a secret. This one truly stands out in a very crowded marketplace, and we cannot wait to launch the series on Pop.”

Christopher Aird, Clique‘s executive producer with BBC Studios Drama, added, “BBC Studios are thrilled to have such a supportive partner for Clique in the U.S.A.; it can only strengthen an already fantastic creative relationship with Jess, Bryan and the team at Balloon.”

Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, MTG’s president and CEO, commented of the Swedish Dicks deal: “This is the first time that we have produced a show, aired it on our own services in the Nordics, signed a global distribution deal, and then had a major U.S. network deal ensure that it reaches millions of U.S. households. It just goes to show what is possible with relevant entertaining storytelling and a great cast. We have a whole pipeline of new original shows either in development, being shot or in editing, so we look forward to even more success stories in the future.”

Brad Schwartz, the president of Pop, said: “Pop has broken through with clever, character-driven scripted comedies featuring acclaimed talent in front of, and behind, the camera. Now, fresh off their blockbuster work together in Lionsgate’s John Wick: Chapter 2, we get to bring the amazing Peter Stormare and Keanu Reeves to television in this quirky procedural comedy about the best failed detectives Los Angeles has ever seen.”

Jim Packer, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide television and digital distribution, said: “From the moment I first saw the show, I knew we’d find a great U.S. home for Swedish Dicks. Its blend of humor, drama and an A-list cast is premium storytelling at its best. Peter Stormare came up with the hilarious original idea, and the guest appearances by Keanu Reeves are the icing on the cake.”

Jakob Mejlhede, MTG’s executive VP and head of programming and content development, added: “The deal with Pop TV is a fantastic recognition of the whole team behind Swedish Dicks. This was our very first Viaplay original—so just imagine what’s coming next. MTG is on a journey to become the Nordic region’s leading producer of original content, and today we have over 50 amazing projects in the pipeline that will create unique experiences for our viewers.”