Amidst the frantic deal-making pace of MIP London and the London TV Screenings, Boat Rocker Studios offered international buyers a stylish «breather» on Monday evening to unveil its highly anticipated 2026 slate. The exclusive cocktail and screening event marked a significant milestone for the studio, serving as its first major market showcase since officially transitioning into a privately held entity.
Addressing a packed room of industry executives, Jon Rutherford, President Global Content Rights, and Mellany Welsh, SVP and Head of Global Distribution & Brands, outlined the strategic vision driving the company forward.
«Boat Rocker Studios is now operating as a newly private company,» Rutherford announced to the crowd. «That shift has allowed us to sharpen our focus, lean into our strengths, and double down on the premium content that you are used to seeing from us to really define our business.»
Delivering on the promise of a «short, concise, but meaningful» presentation, the executive team showcased a curated selection of upcoming scripted, factual, and kids’ programming designed for the international market.
Scripted: high-stakes international co-pros
A major focus of the evening was Boat Rocker’s push into ambitious, cross-border scripted co-productions that bridge distinct cultures and landscapes. The studio offered an exclusive first look at two standout dramas:
- Blood and Sweat: Billed as a distinctive, first-of-its-kind co-production, this international crime thriller spans two entirely different worlds. The series forces two detectives from vastly different cultures into a joint investigation of a mysterious serial murder case stretching from Finland to Japan. The project features a heavy-hitting roster of international partners, produced alongside Axon, Nippon TV, and WOWOW in Japan, as well as ICS and its Finnish broadcast partner.
- The Ridge: Commissioned by Sky New Zealand and BBC Scotland, this suspenseful, emotionally charged drama follows a Scottish doctor who travels to New Zealand for her estranged sister’s wedding—only to discover her sister has vanished. The series promises a tense, atmospheric mystery set against a breathtaking yet isolating landscape.
The presentation also featured updates on two of Boat Rocker‘s previously launched scripted series, signaling ongoing momentum for their returning properties.
Unscripted & Factual: expanding the scope
Company also unveiled a robust unscripted strategy, highlighting a range of premium factual series spanning sports, history, science, true crime, and lifestyle. These projects are produced in collaboration with major global partners, including Channel 4, Bell Media, Paramount, Dash Pictures, and Forte Entertainment.
Key highlights from the factual slate include:
- All Heart: A powerful portrait of elite sport and national pride that follows the Canadian women’s rugby team as they prepare to compete in the 2025 Rugby World Cup (in partnership with Rugby Canada and World Rugby).
- Why We Fight: An intimate and highly emotional documentary diving into the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
- Hidden Beneath the City and Abandoned Inventions: Two distinct series exploring extraordinary subterranean worlds and history’s forgotten, lost innovations.
- Great Estates from Above: A visually stunning showcase of Britain’s most magnificent homes and historic castles.
- My Nightmare Stalker: A gripping, tension-filled true crime investigation into a terrorized family.
Kids & Family franchises grow
Rounding out the showcase, Welsh and Rutherford treated buyers to an exclusive international sneak peek at the expansion of their Kids & Family division. The studio is set to launch two brand-new spin-off series later this year, building upon two of its most successful, globally recognized children’s franchises.
