British Drama on American Primetime TV: A Comprehensive Guide
British drama series have been a staple on American primetime TV for years, with multiple networks consistently airing these high-quality productions. This guide will explore the current landscape of British drama on American networks, focusing on notable players and the occasional confusion surrounding the distinction between BBC broadcaster content and ITV fare.
Current Players in British Drama on American Primetime TV
The major players in the British drama scene on American networks include:
BBC America
Owned by a 49.99 stake by AMC and a 50.01 stake by BBC Studios, BBC America airing British dramas has been a consistent presence for years. CBS Corp. now owns AMC, further integrating American and British content on the same platform. BBC America primarily showcases BBC broadcaster content, with some contributions from ITV and Channel 4, acting as a bridge for British storytelling in the American market.
Masterpiece
One of the most recognizable brands in British drama on American TV, Masterpiece (formerly known as 'Masterpiece Theatre') has been a cornerstone of PBS programming for decades. The series includes sub-brands such as 'Masterpiece Classic,' 'Masterpiece Contemporary,' and 'Masterpiece Mystery!', all dedicated to airing quality British content. Masterpiece primarily features BBC broadcaster productions, with a slight inclusion of ITV and Channel 4 content.
The Role of ITV in British Drama on American Primetime TV
ITV, often overlooked in American circles, is a significant player in the British entertainment industry. Despite not matching the quality of BBC broadcaster and Masterpiece content, ITV consistently produces shows with high viewership. Unique to ITV is the fact that they often do not hold onto their content indefinitely, leading to more availability of their productions overseas. One notable example is the occasional distribution of ITV shows via DVD by the BBC broadcaster, causing confusion among viewers.
The Question of Content Distribution
The confusion extends not only from network to network but from format to format. DVD releases of ITV shows distributed by the BBC broadcaster in the US market have periodically caused confusion, as these shows are more widely available on US DVD racks than their television counterparts. The recent growth of ITV Studios, which now also distributes its own shows overseas with greater independence, should help reduce this confusion.
Masterpiece’s Current Showings
Currently, the last notable British drama series to air on Masterpiece was Victoria, a highly acclaimed production that received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. While other shows have been airing since then, these have been less prominent in the American media sphere.
Packs and Series
A follow-up to Poldark Season 2, Poldark remains one of the most recognized and beloved British dramas on US TV. However, it’s worth noting that it primarily airs on BBC America, making its reach in the US somewhat limited outside of that channel.
Conclusion
British dramas continue to be a significant and beloved part of American primetime television. Networks like BBC America and Masterpiece continue to bring high-quality productions to American screens, although occasional confusion surrounding content producers is inevitable. The role of ITV in this landscape, primarily through DVD distribution, adds another layer of complexity.