Hulu has snagged the rights to National Treasure, a popular British drama series that debuted earlier this year on Channel 4. Not to be confused with the Nic Cage Indiana Jones knockoff films, this National Treasure stars Robbie Coltrane (Harry Potter) as a beloved TV comedian — the “national treasure” of the title — whose legacy takes a dark turn when he’s hit with allegations of sexual misconduct.
National Treasure was written by BAFTA-winning writer Jack Thorne, whose resume includes work on the teen drama Skins, the supernatural series The Fades, and the This Is England miniseries. Coltrane stars as Paul Finchley, who, along with his partner Karl (Tim McInnery), makes up a legendary comedy duo. No one’s laughing, however, when Finchley is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl. Julie Waters co-stars as Finchley’s wife, and Andrea Riseborough plays his daughter.
National Treasure was a huge hit for the British network Channel 4, currently standing as their highest-rated drama. Check out a trailer below.
In Deadline’s original report, Sally Habbershaw, EVP, Sales & Co-productions USA for All3Media International, said of National Treasure:
This bold and poignant series — a compelling and thoroughly absorbing drama that explores the impact of historical assault charges on all sides of the courtroom — has received wide critical acclaim globally, and Hulu is the right partner to ensure its success in the USA. Through Jack Thorne and Marc Munden’s writing and directing craft respectively, as well as career defining performances from an hugely impressive star-studded cast, National Treasure is a standout, significant drama.
Coltrane is always amazing, and the concept is certainly fraught with potential. It definitely has echoes of Bill Cosby’s fall from grace, but National Treasure was actually inspired by a real-life British scandal. Beginning in October 2012, a police investigation known as “Operation Yewtree” led to the arrest and prosecution of several well-known British TV celebs.
National Treasure will debut on Hulu on March 1, 2017.
