Sky Buys Remastered ‘Homicide: Life On The Street’

Sky has taken all seven seasons of the remastered Homicide: Life on the Street.

The iconic cop show adapted from The Wire creator David Simon’s book was recently remastered in HD and UHD by NBC and Fremantle, launching on Peacock last year and comprising a major part of Fremantle’s MIPCOM catalog.

Sky, which is in the same stable as Peacock, has now swooped in to strike a major UK deal for its channels and NOW streaming service, coming a few days after the pay-TV giant bought Emmy-winner Hacks.

Starring Andre Braugher, Yaphet Kotto and Melissa Leo, Homicide ran for more than 100 episodes and seven seasons in the 1990s and is considered by many to be a precursor to Simon’s The Wire. Adapted from Simon’s Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets, the series from Oscar nominee Paul Attanasio followed fictional Baltimore detectives, some of whom turned to violence. It featured an ensemble cast that also included Ned Beatty and Richard Belzer, and made a star of the late, great Braugher. Guest stars included Chris Rock, Robin Williams and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Jamie Lynn, Fremantle’s EVP Co-Production & Distribution, EMEA, International said: “Homicide: Life on the Street was the first drama of its kind when it launched, and it truly set the template for the scripted television revolution that followed. There’s been endless anticipation from fans who can’t wait to have it back on British screens, so we’re excited to be working with our incredible partners at Sky.”

Last year, Fremantle international exec Bob McCourt revealed similar deals with Canada and Israel and teased a potential Homicide remake, telling us: “As it starts launching internationally, I’m sure there will be talk of a format reboot.” Fremantle has also remastered Baywatch and The Sweeney.

Homicide is distributed by NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution in the U.S. and by Fremantle internationally. The deal was brokered by Lynn and Facundo Bailez for Sky.