PAN AM lands on the BBC

The upcoming ABC airline series Pan Am has been bought by the BBC for transmission on BBC2.

The period drama, created by Jack Orman (ER), concerns the lives of the pilots and air hostesses working for the world-famous airline in 1963.

It stars Christina Ricci (The Addams Family), Mike Vogel (Cloverfield), Margot Robbie (Neighbours), Karine Vanasse, Michael Mosley (Scrubs) & Kelli Garner (The Aviator).


Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC2:

"Pan Am captures the excitement and optimism of travel in the 1960s, when being an air hostess was the most glamorous occupation you could possibly have. With a love story at its heart and a great unfolding plot that hints at the danger and mystery to come, viewers will be in for an exciting but turbulent ride."

Sue Deeks, Head of Programme Acquisition:

"Pan Am is a breath of fresh air—a fun, colourful and stylish drama set in a captivating era that changed the world."

Stuart Baxter, Senior Executive Vice President European Distribution:

"Pan Am is taking off around the globe and we're thrilled that the BBC will become its UK home. The BBC crowns a growing list of broadcasters who are the international destinations for this iconic, glamorous series."

I'm surprised by this acquisition, mainly because it was reported the BBC would be ditching US shows and focusing on homegrown content. But maybe Pan Am wasn't attracting the interest of any rivals, so the BBC stepped in? Or was it being offered at a price the BBC couldn't refuse? Whatever happened, I'm sure many people are glad another big US drama is going to be available to the majority of people in the UK.

PAN AM premieres 25 September on ABC. The BBC have yet to announce their UK premiere.