Leading European broadcasters board French-language drama following deals with Fremantle
Global producer and distributor Fremantle has secured deals with leading European broadcasters for The Last Wave, the supernatural French drama from Fremantle’s acclaimed scripted producers, Kwai. The 6-part thriller will launch on the BBC in the UK, Germany’s ZDF and Spain’s Atresmedia for both linear and SVOD.
Commissioned by France 2 and created by Raphaëlle Roudaut (Un fils, Match Day) and Alexis Le Sec, The Last Wave (6×60’) is set during a surfing competition in Biarritz when a huge ominous cloud takes over the sky. As the cloud and sea meet, a jaw-dropping 3km wave appears, engulfing all the participants. As the days pass, the mystery deepens when the surfers begin to return home dazed and confused, with no memory of where they have been or what happened to them.
One by one, the returning surfers discover that they have been changed by the event and each possess exceptional and inexplicable powers. With the town united in fear, waiting for another wave to strike, scientist Ben Lebon makes an amazing discovery concerning the mysterious cloud hovering over the ocean: a discovery that has far-reaching consequence for all of Brizan’s residents.
Jamie Lynn, EVP, Head of EMEA Distribution, International, Fremantle, said: “From the creative talent behind Baron Noir, The Last Wave is a unique, fast-paced and visually arresting drama which has already been a hit in France, especially with younger audiences. To be recognised by three of the most prestigious broadcasters in Europe is a stamp of quality for the series, and we’re excited to see the series launch with our esteemed partners BBC, ZDF and Atresmedia.”
The Last Wave (6×60’) premiered as #1 show of the day in France and averaged 3.9m viewers when it launched on France 2, beating the channels primetime average by +37% and more than doubling the primetime average audience for young adults aged 15-34.
