Steven Moffat’s Doctor Who Creator Joins Forces with European Partner on New Series

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Steven Moffat’s Number 10 Secures Arte as European Co-Producer, Expanding Global Reach

The addition of Arte underscores the growing demand for Number 10, a political satire that delves into the inner workings of 10 Downing Street, and signals ITV Studios’ strategy to leverage its slate of high-profile dramas for global distribution.

The announcement comes as ITV Studios prepares to operate independently from the ITV network, with Number 10 positioned as one of its "cornerstone shows" at this year’s MIPCOM in Cannes, where Moffat and long-time producer Sue Vertue will be present.

Beyond Number 10, ITV Studios has secured multiple international pre-sales for its upcoming dramas. Adultery, a provocative love story produced by Poison Pen, has sold to the same buyers as Number 10—HBO Max Australia, TVNZ, YLE, DR, and NRK—while The Dark, another Poison Pen production, has been picked up by BritBox (Australia), BBC Studios (New Zealand), and Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland).

Additionally, Stan’s The Killings at Parrish Station has found buyers in the Czech Republic (Canal+) and among Scandinavian broadcasters.

The deals reflect ITV Studios’ broader push to monetize its content library, particularly after acquiring Hartswood Films, the producer behind Moffat’s record-breaking BBC series Sherlock, which is now also being distributed by ITV Studios. Tom Clark, ITV Studios’ Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Commercial Strategy, stated: *"We are thrilled to announce extensive international sales across our slate of top-tier dramas.

From the exciting upcoming dramas Number 10 and Adultery, to The Dark, The Killings at Parrish Station, and the global phenomenon Sherlock, these deals are a testament to the exceptional quality and global appeal of ITV Studios’ latest drama portfolio."*

While the announcement centers on entertainment, the broader implications for Malaysia’s media and streaming landscape are notable. As global content distributors like HBO Max, TVNZ, and Arte expand their reach, local platforms—including Astro, iflix, and Disney+ Hotstar—may face increased competition for high-budget international productions. The success of Number 10 and similar dramas could also influence Malaysian broadcasters’ strategies in acquiring or co-producing politically themed or prestige content, given the region’s growing appetite for Western-style storytelling.

For now, the focus remains on Number 10’s European launch, with Arte’s involvement ensuring its distribution across France and Germany, two of Europe’s largest media markets. The series’ blend of political intrigue and sharp satire aligns with Arte’s reputation for bold, high-quality programming, reinforcing its position as a key player in cross-border co-productions. With Moffat and Vertue set to discuss the project at MIPCOM, further international partnerships—particularly in Asia-Pacific—could emerge in the coming months.

The last substantive development in the story is ITV Studios’ confirmation of its expanded global sales strategy, with Number 10 leading a wave of new dramas poised for international distribution. The next steps will likely involve finalizing broadcast schedules with Arte and other buyers, as well as potential negotiations with additional markets, including Southeast Asia, where demand for premium Western content remains strong.