BritBox’s Bold Move: Bringing UK Drama to America and Back

BritBox, the streaming service run by BBC Studios, has proven its worth with the crime series “Lynley.”
The show—starring Leo Suter as Detective Inspector Tommy Lynley and Sofia Barclay as Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers—first premiered on BritBox in the United States last September. Its strong performance earned a second season and a broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom beginning this January.

A Rare Success Story

BBC Studios’ direct‑to‑consumer chief, Robert Schildhouse, noted that the platform rarely commissions shows without a UK broadcaster attached. Yet “Lynley” broke that pattern and succeeded in both markets. Schildhouse’s recent promotion now places him in charge of BritBox, BBC Select, and all future North American streaming projects for the studio.

BritBox as a Cultural Ambassador

Schildhouse emphasized that BritBox is “the primary route to market for British television into the U. S. and North American marketplace.” The service’s identity is clear: it showcases British stories to an international audience.

Impact and Future Outlook

The success of “Lynley” demonstrates how a U.S.-focused platform can launch British content that resonates with domestic viewers. It also highlights the growing influence of specialized streaming services in bridging cultural gaps and expanding the reach of national television.