BBC First to launch with A1 Telekom Austria

BBC Studios has announced that its premium drama brand, BBC First, will launch for the first time in Croatia, Slovenia, and Macedonia from April onwards. BBC First will be available through the A1 Telekom Austria Group subsidiaries A1 Croatia, A1 Slovenia and one. Vip platforms and will extend the footprint of the channel in Central and Eastern Europe following its successful debut in Poland last October.

The channel will be available to subscribers of A1’s Pay TV service and Xplore TV OTT service with programming fully subtitled into Croatian, Slovenian, and Macedonian from launch.

Claiming to be the home of original, innovative and premium British drama, BBC First provides audiences with unforgettable stories that challenge, immerse and entertain, coupled with A-list and award-winning talent in front of and behind the camera.

Speaking about the launch, Salim Mukaddam, Vice President and General Manager CEE, BBC Studios said: “British drama has seen a surge in popularity in recent years owing to its original storytelling and outstanding talent on and off screen. BBC First is uniquely placed in the market as the destination for viewers seeking out this world-class, yet uniquely British drama series, all in one place. I am looking forward to bringing it to more homes across CEE.”

Gernot Rasch, Director Marketing & Operations, A1 Telekom Austria Group added: “We see content and entertainment as a critical element of our multi-screen customer experience and it`s in the core of transforming our offerings from connectivity into personal experiences. Thus we are particularly happy and proud to be the first one in our markets to offer our customers BBC First and its exquisite stories and plots.”

The channel will air series starring, directed and written by leading figures in the television industry. Andrew Davies’ landmark adaptation of Tolstoy’s War and Peace is a bold, refreshing and modern take on a thrilling, funny and heartbreaking story of love, war and family life. The ambitious six-part series stars Paul Dano (Love and Mercy), Lily James (Cinderella, Downtown Abbey) and James Norton (Happy Valley).

Award-winning crime drama Luther stars Golden Globe winner Idris Elba (The Wire, Thor) as the brilliant, yet troubled detective waging his own war on crime, whilst BAFTA award-winning Ripper Street explores the criminal heart of London in the 19th Century. Critically acclaimed series Silent Witness follows a team of forensic pathologists and scientists as they unlock the secrets of recent crimes, and Maigret stars Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) in the lead role as the fictional French detective based on the best-selling books by Georges Simenon.

Family skewed dramas include fantasy adventure series Atlantis which brings to life the vast store of Greek myths and legends re-imagined for a new generation and Doctor Who, the global hit series starring Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor.

For heart-warming drama, Call The Midwife, one of Britain’s most popular drama series following the nuns and nurses of Poplar as they provide the town’s expectant mothers with the best possible care.

BBC First is also available as a channel in Australia, Asia, South Africa, the Benelux, the Middle East, and Poland.