Ovation Picks Up Maigret, Amazing Hotels

U.S. arts network Ovation has acquired rights for two series from BBC Studios, including the drama Maigret.

Maigret stars Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean). Ovation picked up linear rights for two seasons of the crime drama.

The deal also includes two seasons of Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, which will be available on Ovation’s AVOD service Journy and will also air on Ovation’s linear channel and on-demand service Ovation NOW. In Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, writer Giles Coren and chef Monica Galetti travel the world, working alongside staff in the world’s most spectacular hotels.

Amazing Hotels will air on Ovation starting on April 18 and will be available on Journy starting in August. Episodes will also be available on Ovation NOW. Maigret will air in late 2019.

Scott Woodward, executive VP of programming and production at Ovation, said: “Amazing Hotels is the perfect title to add to our ever-expanding Journy library. This is a professional traveler’s inside look at some of the world’s most unique hotels. We’re also pleased to welcome Rowan Atkinson’s Detective Maigret to the network, carrying on our tradition of providing our audience with premium mystery programming like Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries and Midsomer Murders.”

Chris Cole, senior VP of TV co-productions and sales for factual at BBC Studios – Americas, said: “BBC Studios – Americas and valued partner Ovation TV share a passion for quality factual and drama programming. Amazing Hotels and Maigret are unique series, and we expect that their appeal will successfully cross the pond for audiences to enjoy on the Journy app.”