BBC America Sets ‘Doctor Who’ Spinoff ‘Class’ for 2016
“Doctor Who” spinoff series “Class” will air stateside in 2016 on BBC America, it was announced Friday at Television Critics Association in Pasadena, Calif.
The eight-part series is from young-adult author Patrick Ness, who is known for writing the “A Monster Calls” books. The series is exec produced by “Doctor Who’s” Steven Moffat and Brian Minchin and is a co-production between BBC America and BBC Cymru Wales. It is filmed in Cardiff in the U.K.
“I’m astounded and thrilled to be entering the Doctor Who universe, which is as vast as time and space itself,” said Ness. “I can’t wait for people to meet the heroes of ‘Class,’ to meet the all-new villains and aliens, to remember that the horrors of the darkest corners of existence are just about on par with having to pass your exams,” he joked.
“Class” was already set to air on BBC Three in the U.K.
BBC America also announced that it will air thriller “Prey” at 10 p.m. on Feb. 25.
Produced by Red Production Company, the BAFTA-nominated drama airs as two three-part stories and is created and written by TV newcomer Chris Lunt.
The first half is directed by Nick Murphy and stars John Simm as Detective Constable Marcus Farrow, a man on the run, who will do things he never thought possible to clear his name for the sake of his family. The second half is helmed by Lewis Arnold and stars Philip Glenister whose life spirals out of control when he receives an unexpected phone call threatening the life of his pregnant daughter. Rosie Cavaliero plays Detective Sergeant Susan Reinhardt, a recurring character tasked with catching both.
“Prey” is produced by Tom Sherry with Red Production company founder Nicola Shindler as executive producer.
“With each of these shows we aim to cut through the noise and provide the innovation and originality our fans have come to love and celebrate,” said Sarah Barnett, president of BBC America. “We’re excited about a fresh twist on the Doctor Who universe [and] an unconventional take on the crime drama that keeps you guessing at every turn.”
Other BBC America news out of TCA includes an announcement that it has given a series order to Max Landis’ adaptation of Douglas Adams’ novel series “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency” and that it will air “Adele: Live in London” on Valentine’s Day.
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