MIPCOM ’12: A+E, Leftfield prep “Pawn Stars UK”

October 8, 2012 by Adam Benzine

Brent Montgomery

A+E Networks in the U.S. and A+E Networks UK have greenlit a UK version of History’s hit series Pawn Stars, to be produced by Leftfield Pictures.

The original series has to date notched up 274 episodes for U.S. cable net History, and international History channels will be involved in funding the UK adaptation, which is tentatively titled Pawn Stars UK.

Brent Montgomery, owner of Leftfield Pictures and exec producer of Pawn Stars, said: “There is such depth and richness in English history, that we felt marrying it with Pawn Stars was a natural extension of the brand.

“We are confident that viewers – not just in the UK, but in the U.S. and internationally – will find a British iteration of the show to be fascinating and very entertaining.”

Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of this year on an 8 x 60-minutes run. The adaptation will contain “the same elements that have made Pawn Stars a success in the U.S., but will be uniquely adapted for an international audience,” producers promise.

Christian Murphy, senior VP of international programming and marketing for A+E Networks, said: “This commission establishes a new model whereby History channels around the world will own this phenomenal franchise extension.”

Adam MacDonald, VP of programming for A+E Networks UK, added: “Pawn Stars has developed a loyal audience and a huge fan base in the UK and internationally.

“The average audience has quadrupled since it first launched in the UK in January 2010. The producers are currently casting the UK version and we have high hopes that it will be equally as popular with our viewers.”

Tags: A+E Networks, A+E Networks UK, Adam MacDonald, Christian Murphy, History, Leftfield Pictures, Pawn Stars