ITV Sells ‘Ludwig,’ Brings Back ‘Malpractice’ and Finds a New Unscripted Partner in China – London TV Screenings/MIP London Briefs

ITV’s Big London TV Screenings

ITV Studios has announced a series of international sales for the hit detective comedy “Ludwig,” which will air in 85 markets worldwide. Produced by Big Talk Studios and co-produced with That Mitchell and Webb Company, the series was the BBC’s biggest new scripted show of 2024, attracting over 9.5 million viewers. The show has been acquired by major broadcasters, including ZDF in Germany, SVT in Sweden, and BBC First in Africa. In the Asia Pacific region, “Ludwig” will premiere in Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among other territories. Season one will debut in the U.S. and Canada on BritBox on March 20.

ITV Studios and Zhejiang Media Group have partnered to co-develop unscripted content for local and global markets. With Zhejiang’s expertise in high-end non-scripted shows and ITV’s global reach through hits like “The Voice” and “Hell’s Kitchen,” the collaboration aims to create fresh formats. The first project, “Go! Fishing!,” will be revealed in the coming months. Both companies aim to tap into global demand for new formats that reflect diverse cultures. The deal was facilitated by ITV’s Augustus Dulgaro and Zoe Tsui, with a 2025 launch expected for the co-developed concepts.

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ITV’s hit drama “Malpractice” returns for its highly anticipated second series in Spring 2025. The thriller, created by former NHS doctor Grace Ofori-Attah, sees the return of Helen Behan and Jordan Kouamé as Dr. Norma Callahan and Dr. George Adjei, who investigate a doctor accused of malpractice. Joining the cast are Tom Hughes, Selin Hizli and Zoë Telford. The show follows Dr. James Ford (Hughes), whose tragic mistake sparks an investigation by the Medical Investigation Unit. Produced by World Productions, “Malpractice” has sold to over 70 countries.

ITV1’s “TikTok: Murder Gone Viral” returns for a second season in 2025, following a successful 2024. The documentary explores tragic teenage murders that gained global attention, including the deaths of British footballer Charlie Cosser and American cheerleader Tristyn Bailey. The series delves into the emotional responses from victims’ families and social media users, highlighting the role TikTok played in these cases. Victim families are also featured, turning their grief into activism to prevent future tragedies.

“The Traitors” Goes Global

All3Media International has announced that “The Traitors” has been commissioned in 30 territories, with new deals in Ukraine and Mongolia. The psychological reality competition, originally developed by IDTV, has garnered over 35 local adaptations globally, including successful launches in Europe, North America, and Asia. In Ukraine, Sweet TV will produce the Ukrainian version, while Mongolia’s Hulegu Distribution will air the format on EduTV, Univision, and LookTv.

Since debuting in 2021, “The Traitors” has been broadcast in over 50 territories which aired episodes through tape sales. These include versions in the U.K., U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, “The Traitors” has gained multiple awards, including Emmy and BAFTA recognitions, and continues to expand its licensing program with games, books and live experiences.

BBC’s New Partnership

BBC Studios has partnered with China’s Orient International Holding Shanghai Foreign Trade Co., Ltd to co-produce and co-distribute “Asia: Wildlife at the Extremes” (working title), a 3D giant screen adaptation of the acclaimed “Asia” natural history series.

The original “Asia” series combined breathtaking footage of wildlife in the continent’s harshest environments, from the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean. The new adaptation will offer a 3D experience, showcasing Asia’s stunning landscapes and unique species, such as red pandas and sea bunnies. The film will be available in a 40-minute giant screen, IMAX and CINITY versions, as well as a 20-minute Dome version. BBC Studios will distribute the film globally through SK Films.

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