UKTV Takes On U.S. Version of Who Do You Think You Are?

LONDON: UKTV has picked up the U.S. version of Who Do You Think You Are? from Outright Distribution for its family entertainment channel Watch.

UKTV now holds the exclusive U.K. multichannel and non-linear broadcast rights for the show, which will premiere on Watch later this year. The U.S. version is an original idea from Wall to Wall Productions and a co-production between Shed Media US and Is or Isn’t Entertainment. The U.S. series feature celebrities such as Lisa Kudrow, who is also executive producer, as well as Sarah Jessica Parker, Brooke Shields and Spike Lee.

Paul Moreton, the Watch channel head, said: "I’m incredibly delighted that we’ve secured the U.S. version of Who Do You Think You Are? Getting such an invaluable insight into the lives of some of Hollywood’s biggest stars means this is real must-see family telly, perfect for Watch."

UKTV’s acquisitions executive Emma Sparks commented: “Watch is building a reputation as the home of great U.S. family shows and Who Do You Think You Are US is the perfect accompaniment to our U.S. output, which includes shows such as Dancing with the Stars and Total Wipeout USA.”

Tom McClelland, the director of sales at Outright, added: "Who Do You Think You Are? is of course one of our bestselling programs and we are very happy to conclude a deal with BBC and UKTV. Both have supported the U.K. program brand fantastically and we believe it will be a strong addition to their schedules."