Global content creator, producer and distributor Endemol Shine Group today announces that Endemol Shine China will collaborate with licensee and producer Blue&White&Red Pictures, as well as partner Cloudwood to create a Mandarin language adaptation of the critically acclaimed, worldwide hit crime drama, Broadchurch.

This marks the second scripted adaptation deal for Endemol Shine China this year, following its partnership with production house Croton Media, Kudos and Matador to create a local language version of smash hit series Humans.

The original Broadchurch explores what happens to a small community when it suddenly becomes the focus of a police investigation, following the tragic and mysterious death of a child. Bloodied and dirty, a young boy has been found dead on an idyllic beach. Whilst his death remains unresolved, the picturesque town of Broadchurch finds itself at the heart of a major police investigation and national media frenzy. The Chinese series will be adapted in line with local regulations.

William Tan, Managing Director of Endemol Shine China says: “There is an ever growing appetite for high-end drama across China and we are delighted to partner with both Blue&White&Red Pictures and Cloudwood to continue leading the way with Broadchurch. We believe that the series will provide a hugely compelling and exciting offering for viewers alongside Humans China in 2019.”

Nicola Bamford, CEO of International Operations, Endemol Shine Group added: “Broadchurch has become a hugely successful phenomenon around the globe and we are confident that this addition to Endemol Shine China’s expanding scripted slate will have the same impact with local audiences.”

The Mandarin series is based on the UK version created and written by Chris Chibnall and produced by Kudos TV and Sister Pictures in association with Imaginary Friends. The first series of Broadchurch was the UK’s most successful new drama of the year in 2013 and achieved an average audience of 9.38 million viewers and a 31.4% market share, +29% above ITV’s slot average. The third and final series of Broadchurch was also the number one rated drama of the year in 2017, with the last episode being ITV’s most successful drama episode in over 5 years. All three English series are distributed by Endemol Shine International and have been sold to over 180 territories.

Broadchurch has also been adapted by Endemol Shine France and Endemol Shine North America becoming a hit in both markets. The French version, Malaterra, was +32% above the primetime average for France 2, while the U.S adaptation, Gracepoint, won an average audience of 5.50 million viewers for FOX.

Blue&White&Red Pictures is a burgeoning production company committed to investing, producing and distributing scripted content including film, television and online series in China. The film Operation Red Sea, produced and invested by Blue&White&Red Pictures, was released in early 2018 and achieved RMB 3.6 billion at the box office. Their latest TV series productions New Fortress Besieged and Stray Birds will be released in late 2018 and 2019, respectively. Zhou Yaping, founder of Blue&White&Red Pictures will be the series’ executive producer for Broadchurch China. Cloudwood is the most influential and professional IP trading platform with an aim to produce the best global stories in China and will serve in the production of Broadchurch China through this partnership.