International Broadcasters Pre-bought Honey Thriller
A collection of global networks acquired the upcoming six-part Cold War drama series.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Television
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Stan, Sky New Zealand, Hot, and OSN+ have secured rights to the new thriller series Honey ahead of its wider release. The show was showcased to international buyers by distributor Fifth Season at the Mipcom market in Cannes.
Why it matters
The pre-sale reflects the ongoing demand for high-stakes international thriller content produced by major public broadcasters like the BBC and ZDF.Securing regional broadcast partners early is a key step in distributing European-produced dramas to a global audience.
The series consists of six episodes, each running for 60 minutes. It is a commissioned production from the BBC and ZDF.
The players
Fifth Season
This is a global media production and distribution studio that manages the rights and international sales for television projects.
Emma Moran
She is a writer and producer who serves as the lead writer and executive producer for the series Honey.
Ann Skelly
She is an actress who stars in the lead cast of the new thriller series.
Rory Kinnear
He is an established actor and performer who stars in the production.
BBC
This is a major British public service broadcaster that co-commissioned the thriller series.
The details
Produced as a Cold War drama, the show is set in East Berlin during 1982. The series, which features a cast including Ann Skelly and Rory Kinnear, was spearheaded by executive producer and lead writer Emma Moran.
Timeline
The story is set during the year 1982.
The series premiered at the Mipcom market on Monday evening, October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The reliance on international pre-buys aligns with the broader strategy of major production houses using global markets like Mipcom to offset costs. This shift highlights how streaming and satellite platforms are increasingly funding high-budget European thrillers to compete for subscribers.
Viewers in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, and other regions served by the purchasing networks can expect the series to arrive on their local platforms following post-production. The show will provide audiences with a 60-minute episodic format suitable for binge-watching.
The takeaway
The acquisition of Honey demonstrates the continued global appetite for historical thrillers set against the backdrop of the Cold War. Viewers should look for platform announcements from their local providers to track regional release schedules.
Further reading
For more information on industry trends, visit Television.
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