Why this has piqued our interest Coming from Howard Gordon one the producer's behind 24 and Homeland gives this show a level of expectation that it will be gritty and pull no punches. From the release below this certainly seems the way the team are heading. Add to that a interesting cast and a setting we have yet to explore in this way you have the makings of a must see TV series. We will be keeping you abreast of any more details as well as reviewing the show when it airs later this year. |
FOX International Channels UK has acquired the rights to FX drama Tyrant from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution. The 10 x 60 US series was created by Gideon Raff (Prisoners of War) and is executive produced by Howard Gordon (24, Homeland). The series is produced by Fox 21 and FX Productions. Tyrant will premiere in the UK this September on FOX.
The deal was brokered by Toby Etheridge, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FIC UK, and Jason Simms, SVP Global Acquisitions for FOX International Channels, with Steve Cornish, SVP & Managing Director, Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution
Tyrant is a tense, political and family drama, bringing a Godfather style plot to the Middle East. It tells the story of Bassam “Barry” Al-Fayeed (English actor Adam Rayner), who has escaped his past and now lives in California with his American wife Molly (Jennifer Finnigan) and two children Emma (Anne Winters) and Sammy (Noah Silver). Barry is the youngest son of Khaled Al-Fayeed (Nasser Faris), a war-torn country’s controversial dictator and authoritarian President.
After 20 years of a self-imposed exile, Barry returns to his homeland for his nephew’s wedding and is immediately thrown back into the familial and national politics of his youth. Barry’s concern intensifies when he sees the degeneration of his older brother Jamal (Ashraf Barhom), heir to the throne. Amidst a chain of tragedies, this all-American family find themselves embroiled in the geopolitical intrigue of a volatile and turbulent Middle Eastern nation that will forever change their lives.
Toby Etheridge, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FIC UK, commented: “Topical and relevant, Tyrant is an engrossing political series. At its heart a family drama, Tyrant is fascinating and well-made, and everything you would expect from the makers of Homeland and 24, and the broadcaster that brought us Fargo, Louie and American Horror Story. “
Cecilia Beacon, Director of Broadcasting & Marketing FIC UK added: “Tyrant is the perfect addition to our Autumn line up on FOX – with big subject matter and bold themes, we know this will appeal to our passionate audiences who come to FOX for the best in first run US drama series.’
Steve Cornish, SVP and Managing Director of Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution concluded: “Tyrant, which is set in a fictional nation in the Middle East is a thrilling and dramatic family saga on a grand scale. It is international TV at its very best. Lead by Brit Adam Rayner, it features an amazing cast from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the US.”