Australian medical drama The F Ward is officially going global, with the locally produced series securing licensing deals across 100 key international territories and becoming the fastest-selling Australian drama ever pre-launch.
Commissioned by Stan and co-produced by Roadshow Rough Diamond and CBS Studios, the six-part series launched in Australia last month, introducing audiences to the chaotic halls of Sydney’s underfunded Pines Hospital and a group of young medical interns who have arrived there on what is essentially their final chance to complete their training.
Led by International Emmy Award winner Anna Friel, The F Ward has clearly struck a nerve beyond its home audience, with Paramount Global Content Distribution confirming an extensive slate of international broadcasters and streaming platforms have picked up the series.
Among them are Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, CBC and CBC Gem in English-speaking Canada, Quebecor Content in French-speaking Canada, JioHotstar in India, Sky NZ in New Zealand, RTÉ in Ireland and HBO Asia across Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
The series has also been acquired by SkyShowtime across more than 20 European territories, Claro video throughout much of Latin America, Streamz in Belgium, COSMOTE TV in Greece, Síminn in Iceland, AMedia Networks across several Central Asian territories, and MEGOGO and Kyivstar TV in Ukraine.
“Medical dramas have universal appeal, and the show’s underdog story and rising young cast gave it a real breakout energy,” said Don McGregor, President, Global Content Licensing, Paramount. He added that the speed at which international buyers moved to secure the show “speaks to the strength of this production.”
It’s an impressive international result for a series that has already been warmly received at home; we here at The AU Review praised the show as “funny, heartfelt, (and) sharply written.”
Co-creator and producer Dan Edwards said the response from Australian viewers had already exceeded expectations.
“The audience response in Australia has been truly remarkable. Anna Friel and this exceptional cast have captured the altruistic ambitions, humour and heart of so many within our health system, which has resonated far beyond our first hopes,” Edwards said.
“We’re delighted to learn the show has found so many significant partners around the world so quickly. Global audiences can now experience Australia’s greatest social service through the lens of a group of smart, young, almost broken intern doctors and their unconventional mentors.”
Alongside Friel, the series stars Ioane Sa’ula (Bump), Lola Bond (Last Days of the Space Age), Dan Wyllie (Love My Way), Alex Fitzalan (Prosper), Emily Barclay (Babyteeth), Annie Boyle (Colin From Accounts) and Rishab Kern.
The wider ensemble includes Arka Das (Sunny Nights), Paula Arundell (The Last Anniversary), Jeremy Sims (The Artful Dodger), Susie Porter (The Artful Dodger), Toby Schmitz (Boy Swallows Universe) and Alex Dimitriades (Strife).
Created by Edwards and Kelsey Munro, the series is written by Munro, Jessica Tuckwell, Shanti Gudgeon, Nick Coyle and Jack Yabsley, with Natalie Bailey (Down Cemetery Road) and Neil Sharma (Critical Incident) directing.
Produced by Roadshow Rough Diamond and CBS Studios, The F Ward received major production investment from Screen Australia and financing support through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW – TV Drama Fund. Paramount Global Content Distribution handles international distribution outside Australia.
The F Ward is now streaming on Stan Australia.
