Hulu Acquires Netflix Spain’s Thriller Series ‘Innate’; 53 Degrees Promotes New MD

Hulu has secured the U.S. rights to the upcoming psychological thriller series Innate, originally commissioned by Netflix’s Spanish division. The series, created by Fran Carballal and Enrique Lojo, is produced by ITV Studios-owned Plano a Plano in collaboration with Dynamic Television, which holds international distribution rights. This acquisition marks a notable trend of American streaming platforms acquiring European content, a shift that signifies a growing openness to transatlantic programming.

Set to consist of eight episodes, Innate is described as a “gripping exploration of family, trauma and hidden truths.” The storyline revolves around Sara, portrayed by Elena Anaya, who is a psychologist grappling with her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer, Félix Garay, played by Imanol Arias. Sara’s seemingly perfect life with her husband Aitor and their son Sebas faces upheaval when her father is released from prison, coinciding with a series of new crimes reminiscent of his earlier murders. The directorial team includes Lino Escalera and Inma Torrente, with executive producers such as César Benítez and Carrie Stein. Stein, the President of Global Television at Dynamic, expressed confidence that the series will resonate with U.S. audiences, stating, “With Hulu showcasing the world-class talent and gripping narrative of the series, we are confident Innate will resonate strongly with U.S. audiences.”

Leadership Changes at 53 Degrees Global

In other industry developments, 53 Degrees Global has announced the promotion of Alex Coffey to Managing Director. In this role, Coffey will collaborate with CEO Nick Bullen to expand revenue streams into digital content creation, branded programming, and live events. Additionally, he will oversee the company’s television labels, including Love Monday TV and Penny Lane Entertainment.

Coffey has been instrumental in the company’s growth, particularly in its drama initiatives, such as securing a commission from the BBC for The Hairdresser Mysteries. He has also played a vital role in obtaining funding for significant projects and establishing the online content creator Joy Peddlers. Bullen remarked on Coffey’s contributions, emphasizing his integral role in the company’s development since its inception in 2023.

ZDF and Blue Ant Studios Collaborate on Historical Documentary

Meanwhile, ZDF in Germany and Blue Ant Studios in Canada have partnered to produce a historical documentary titled A Kingdom in Chaos. The series will be produced by One Tribe TV for the Franco-German channel Arte, with Blue Ant’s sales division responsible for international distribution. This documentary will explore significant events surrounding Charles I, including Oliver Cromwell’s conquest of Ireland and the brief establishment of the English Republic.

The documentary aims to provide insight into a crucial period of British history, examining the societal impacts of events such as the witch trials of the 1640s and the early stirrings of revolution in France. Peter Allenbacher, a senior editor at ZDF/Arte, highlighted the importance of this historical moment, stating, “A Kingdom in Chaos provides a brilliant insight into a pivotal moment of British history, as well as the development of political thought in Western European society.” The project is set to be produced and directed by Mimi Templar-Gay, with Owen Gay serving as the executive producer.

These recent developments reflect a dynamic landscape in the media industry, as streaming platforms and production companies continue to evolve and adapt to changing audience preferences and global market trends.