Warner Bros Discovery Acquires European Streaming Rights for Olivier Marchal’s ‘The Crimson Rivers’ Drama

Warner Bros Discovery has made a significant move in the acquisitions market by securing the rights to the European drama series The Crimson Rivers. The licensing deal with ZDF Studios covers all four seasons of the show, totaling 32 episodes, for French-speaking territories and Belgium. The series is set to debut on Max in France and HBO Max in Belgium on June 11, following the rollout of the Max brand in Europe by WBD on May 21.

The Crimson Rivers delves into a dark world of gruesome criminal cases, sadistic killers, eerie rituals, and mysterious events. The story follows Detective Pierre Niémans and his new partner, Camille Delauney, as they delve into a series of bizarre crimes in remote areas of France. These cases, marked by shocking brutality and intertwined with regional myths and forgotten customs, surpass the capabilities of local law enforcement.

Olivier Marchal, a former police officer and the mind behind French crime drama Braquo, takes on the role of Niémans in the series, while Erika Sainte portrays Delauney. The show is based on the best-selling novel by Jean-Christophe Grangé, who also wrote the Crimson River feature film adaptations. Jean-Christophe Grangé, Alin Michel, and David Neiss are credited as the writers of the series.

Produced by Storia Television in collaboration with Maze Pictures for France Télévisions and German broadcaster ZDF, with the support of ZDF Studios, The Crimson Rivers has garnered attention from various international networks since its premiere in 2017. NBC Universal, TV3 in Russia, Radio-Canada, SBS, and GSN, the parent company of Walter Presents, are among the platforms that have acquired the show.

Mirela Nastase, Director of Drama at ZDF Studios, praised the series, stating, “The Crimson Rivers is an exceptional thriller with its mystical touch. I’m thrilled that Warner Bros. Discovery viewers will have the opportunity to experience this captivating drama that delves into French history and beliefs rooted in local culture.”

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