Channel 5 has commissioned a new Yorkshire-based drama from the makers of All Creatures Great and Small.
The Hardacre Saga is based on the novels by CL Skelton and chronicles the rags to riches story of a working class family in 1890s Yorkshire as they move from a “grimy fish dock” to a cast country estate.
The period series will be made by Playground (Wolf Hall, Howards End) in association with Screen Ireland, Red Berry Productions, and Newgrange Pictures. Global partners Banijay Rights will handle international distribution.
It’s been created for television by Amy Roberts and Loren McLaughlan (The Winter King, Call the Midwife) who will be both Lead Writers and Executive Producers.
Emma Reeves (The Worst Witch) will write episode 3, and Liz Lake (Waterloo Road) who will write episode 4. Rachel Carey (Deadly Cuts) is Lead Director and coproducers are Alex Jones (Witness Number 3, Penance) and Jackie Larkin (Strike, Mrs Wilson).
“We’re thrilled to be further extending our fantastic partnership with Channel 5 to bring CL Skelton’s glorious novels to the screen,” said David Stern, Executive Producer and Joint Managing Director of Playground.
“The Hardacres is a life affirming rags to riches story about a family overcoming all odds, but in their quest for financial success they rediscover that community, friendship and family are the most precious things in life. Amy and Loren have done a brilliant job adapting the novels into a television series filled with humour, poignancy and a timely spirit that will resonate greatly with today’s Channel 5 audience.”
The series has been commissioned by Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK, Sebastian Cardwell, alongside Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+.
“Playground have a stellar reputation for bringing wonderful stories to life on Channel 5 and we are sure that The Hardacres will continue that success. Our viewers will love being transported back to 1890s Yorkshire, for this gutsy, heartwarming tale following the family through stories of love, ambition and the quest for happiness,” added Sebastian Cardwell, Deputy Chief Content Officer, Paramount UK.
