Paramount Secures Middle East Package with beIN Media, Hulu Acquires ‘Critical Incident’ at MIPCOM Deals

A flurry of agreements emerging from MIPCOM Cannes this week signals a vibrant global TV market. Paramount Global Content Distribution recently sealed a multi-year deal with beIN Media Group, granting exclusive rights to Paramount’s content library for premium Pay TV channels and TOD streaming platform across the Middle East and North Africa. This includes popular series like "Yellowstone" and "Billions," as well as feature films such as the "Transformers" and "Mission: Impossible" franchises. The deal extends to territories like Belgium, Africa, and India.

Meanwhile, Hulu, under Disney ownership, secured U.S. streaming rights for "Critical Incident," an Australian psychological crime thriller. Inspired by creator Sarah Bassiuoni’s experiences, the series follows a police officer whose routine patrol takes a tragic turn. Hulu plans to launch the series globally later this year.

In the UK, the BBC acquired "The One That Got Away," a crime drama set in Wales, for broadcast on BBC Wales, BBC Four, and BBC iPlayer. The series, produced by BlackLight TV, delves into a murder investigation in a coastal Welsh town, led by DI Ffion Lloyd and DS Rick Walters.

Fremantle’s "Nightsleeper," a gripping drama centered on a sleeper train hijacking, has garnered global attention post its successful UK premiere. The series, set to launch in 147 territories, stars Joe Cole and Alexandra Roach and has secured distribution deals with broadcasters worldwide.

BBC Studios announced significant content deals across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, with Arte.TV acquiring VOD rights to period dramas like "War & Peace" and "Les Misérables." Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform added titles like "Sherlock" and "Luther," while SABC secured BBC natural history series for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Additionally, "The Couple Next Door," a popular Channel 4/Starz series, has seen extensive global sales, with agreements in over 55 territories. Starring Sam Heughan, Eleanor Tomlinson, Jessica De Gouw, and Alfred Enoch, the drama explores suburban themes and dark desires.

The evolving landscape of international TV deals showcases the continued demand for diverse and engaging content across various platforms and regions, highlighting the industry’s adaptability and resilience in meeting audience preferences.