Apple’s acclaimed comedy series, Trying, is set to reach a broader audience in the United Kingdom through a new partnership with the BBC. Originally premiering on Apple TV+ in May 2020, Trying has garnered a dedicated following for its heartfelt narrative and relatable characters. The series stars Rafe Spall and Esther Smith as a couple navigating the complexities of adoption and family life.
Details of the BBC Partnership
The BBC has acquired the rights to broadcast the first three seasons of Trying, with the inaugural season scheduled to debut on BBC iPlayer and the BBC’s linear channels on September 8. This move marks a significant step in making Apple TV+’s original content accessible to a wider UK audience. Notably, Apple TV+ is currently developing a fifth season of the series, underscoring its ongoing commitment to the show’s success.
Understanding Content Distribution Agreements
The availability of Apple Original series on other platforms is contingent upon the specific agreements made during their commissioning. Many of Apple’s series are produced by third-party studios under contract. Typically, Apple negotiates a five-year exclusivity period for all rights associated with a series. Once this exclusivity window expires, producers have the option to renew their agreement with Apple or seek alternative distribution channels.
As Apple TV+ has surpassed its five-year milestone, several of its original series are entering these non-exclusive phases. In the case of Trying, produced by BBC Studios, the secondary UK distribution rights have been sold to the BBC. Importantly, this arrangement does not affect the availability of the series on Apple TV+, ensuring that subscribers can continue to enjoy the show on the platform.
Precedents and Industry Trends
This strategy is not unprecedented. For instance, UK broadcaster ITV secured the rights to Suspicion, an Apple TV+ drama series. Although Apple canceled Suspicion after its first season due to low ratings, the move illustrates a broader industry trend where international producers seek to license content from platforms like Apple TV+. This approach is particularly appealing in markets where Apple TV+ has a relatively smaller subscriber base, allowing high-quality productions to be introduced as new content to these audiences at a more affordable licensing cost.
Implications for the Future
Such licensing agreements have also played a role in the continuation of popular series. Reports indicated that Apple was at risk of losing worldwide exclusivity for its hit series Ted Lasso, with rights potentially reverting to Warner Bros. However, Apple appears to have extended its contract as part of the renewal for a fourth season, highlighting the complexities and negotiations involved in content distribution in the streaming era.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Apple TV+ and the BBC for the broadcast of Trying exemplifies the evolving landscape of content distribution. By leveraging partnerships and strategic licensing agreements, streaming platforms can extend the reach of their original content, introducing beloved series to new audiences and markets.
