‘Rivers Of London’ Series Moves Forward; Sky Boards Pure Fiction’s TV Adaptation Of Ben Aaronovitch’s Urban Fantasy Novel

EXCLUSIVE: Sky Studios has boarded the TV adaptation of Ben Aaronovitch’s ‘Rivers of London’ and is developing it with Tom Winchester’s drama indie Pure Fiction. With Sky Studios attached, the series will bow on Sky in the U.K. Deadline understands there is U.S. buyer interest although no confirmed deal yet.

Pure Fiction and Sky Studios are working up the series, which is an adaptation of the first book in Ben Aaronovitch’s urban fantasy series. Slow Horses prodco See Saw is an investor in Pure Fiction, which Winchester, who was formerly President of Heyday Television, set up in 2022. See Saw is also a production partner on the Rivers of London series.

‘Rivers of London’ is known as ‘Midnight Riot’ in the U.S. and follows a young officer in London’s Met Police, Peter Grant. After working on a murder case with a witness who happens to be a ghost, he is signed up to a unit on the force dedicated to magic and the supernatural. Subsequent cases take in gods and goddesses, magic and many forms of supernatural activity.

Aaronovitch, who was a writer on Doctor Who, is an Executive Producer through his own Unnecessary Logo banner. His books, novellas and graphic novels have sold more that 8M worldwide.

Several writers and playwrights were assembled for the U.S.-style writers room including John Jackson, whose credits include The Gentleman, as the lead writer. Tobi King Bakare, whose on-screen credits include I May Destroy You, also took part, as did Kara Smith (Lockwood & Co), Joshua St Johnson (Grantchester), Tolula Dada (Gangs of London), and Robin French (Sanditon).

The ‘Rivers of London’ book was released in 2011 and has spawned a series that has regularly featured on bestseller lists and also takes in novellas, comics and graphic novels. With a UK deal secured, attention is turning to the U.S., with the series project out in the market and attracting interest.