Saturday night CGI-fest Primeval was axed earlier this year by broadcaster ITV after the channel reportedly decided to shift their focus (and budget) to post 9pm dramas. However, it appears that a new deal has been forged between ITV, UKTV, BBC America and Pro7 to co-fund two more series of the show – the 4th series to contain 7 episodes and the 5th to have 6.
ITV will have first dibs on the 4th series, whilst digital channel Watch will have the first broadcast rights to the 5th. Looks like Primeval fans will be bouncing between networks to get their fix.
“I am thrilled that ITV has agreed to this new deal, which will allow us to produce another 13 episodes of Primeval,” said Tim Haines, creative director of Impossible Pictures. “The confidence demonstrated in the programme’s continued success here and abroad will help us bring more big screen action and a whole host of new creatures roaring back into people’s living rooms.”
All of the main cast are expected to return, with the first new episodes airing in early 2011.