Primeval, the modern-day dinosaur show cancelled by ITV almost a quarter of a year ago, has been given an incredibly rare reprieve thanks to a new deal that sees BBC Worldwide become the largest investor in the series.
ITV announced that it would be sharing the next two seasons, of 13 episodes in total, with the UK channel Watch, reuniting the original cast and bringing back the original effects house, Framestore CFC. Impossible Pictures will produce the new episodes.
“I am thrilled that ITV has agreed to this new deal,” said Tim Haines, creative director of Impossible. “Which will allow Impossible Pictures to produce another 13 episodes of Primeval. The confidence demonstrated in the programme’s continued success here and abroad will help us bring more big-screen action and a whole host of new creatures roaring back into people’s living rooms.”
Paul Moreton, the Channel Head of Watch added: “We are really excited to be part of this truly innovative deal that guarantees the continuation of this fantastically entertaining series. I know Primeval is going to be a massive hit with Watch viewers and the perfect complement to other popular sci-fi dramas such as Doctor Who and Torchwood.”
ITV will premiere season four in early 2011, while Watch will air season five later that year. Primeval stars Hannah Spearritt, Andrew Lee Potts, and Jason Flemyng among others.
